Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-05-27

WASHINGTON, d. c., May 26.-By a
vote of 400 TO las, the Presbyterian
General Assembly this afternoon decid-
ed to entertain the appeal In the case or
DIR. Briggs, and the Assembly will pro-
ceed with his trial tomorrow morning.
The roA call on the resolution OF the
JudiclaI Committee that the appeal be
entertained Iegan at AIS p. N. IL was
taken amidst an almost painful silence,
during which the defendant watched
with feverish anxiety the progress OF
the vote by the tally kept by bis friend,
Prof. Brown, who sat at his elbow. All
over the house and in the galleries the
vote was followed on the call Of mem
bers by interested ones, who could not
walt for the official announcement OF
the result.
While the roll was being called, Mod
orator Craig
YIELDED THE CHAIR
10 ex-Moderator VIM. c. Roberts,D. D.,
and himself voted aye"
When the clerk had finished the call
of the Synod Of New York and Prof.
Briggs found that his position, In favor
OF sending the appeal to that Synod,
had been approved by majority OF It's
commissioners outside OF his own local
Presbytery, the commissioners from
which did not vote, he seemed relieved
and rose from his half leaning position
over Prof. Brown to the upright pose
he had maintained throughout the try
Ing ordeal.
Through the long hours Of the morn
ing DIR. Briggs sat almost motionless,
following the words Of the speakers
with the utmost attention. There were
many evidences of feeling, and several
of the speakers took advantage OF the
opportunity presented by their position
10 arraign the defendant, to shake their
fingers sternly at him, and otherwise to
express their condemnation.
AS one brother expressed 1t, they
forgot for the time being they were
msmbers of the Court OF Jesus Christ. "
It was an interesting spectacle. 1t
was 4 scene and a gathering never to
be forgotten.
THE MORNING SESSION.
Ats q. m. the Assembly again con-
yeped. The largest attendance so far
IN the history OF the Tenth General
Assembly was present at the prayer
meeting with which the days proceed
ings we're ushered in.
Rev, Mr. Allen, OF Chattanooga, pre-
sided. Upon formal motion to approve
the minutes Of yesterday after the open
ing of the Assembly for business, the
furry OF last night over the form OF
question 20 be voted on at the close Of
the four hours debate by the judiciatory
was renewed. The Moderator, &C
length, reviewed the proceedings Of
last night upon this matter, and stated
At the close OF the debate he would en-
tertain the motion 10 amend the form OF
motion 20 be voted on without further
debate. This was satisfactory to all
parties.
DIR. Kueeland R. Ketchum, OF New
Jersey. was recognized by the MOdera-
tor on the question: "Shall the appeal
be entertained?n De favored sending
the case Of Prof. Briggs back to the
SYNOD OF New York, and said be would
offer a resolution TO that effect. He had
not one particle OF sympathy with his
friend DR.. Briggs. tie wanted it un-
5erstood that he believed in the old
fashioned doctrine, the strict interpre-
tation OF the Bible without rising
above the mysteries In II; but he be-
Ueved DR.. Briggs had certain rights
which should be respected. Here DR.,
Ketchum's time expired.
The Moderator announced that he
would next recognize Elder Hinckley,
OF Philadelphia, who had requested to
be heard, but Elder McDOugall, OF Gin
cinnati, stated that by arrangement with
the Chairman OF the JudiciaryCommittee
he was charged with the duty OF open
ing in support Of the motion
TO ENTERTAIN AN APPEAL.
This was accepted by the Moderator
and Mr.. Dougall took the platform.
Thereupon a storm Of protest arose
against this by DR.. Herrick johnson
and Elders johnson and Griffin. The
Moderator explained the rule.
After explanations and discussion
! AElder Hinckley, OF Philadelphia, was
Qiven the floor. He said that the Pres
bytery Of New York had evaded the
main issue. The trial should have been
fair and square on the question OF the
soundress OF DR.. Briggs views, and not
on side issue raised by himself. Mr..
Hinckley proceeded to discuss the views
held by DIR. Briggs, and to denounce
them.
Rev, Thomas c. Hall, Of Chicago,
made an earneStappeal in behalf Of his
friend DR.. Briggs. He said that the
continued persecution Of the defendant
by the prosecution would breed rebel
lion in. the hearts Of those who sympa-
thized with the defendant. There was
a peaceful way out Of the difficulty and
in the interests OF harmony, and that
was to send the case 70 the Synod. DR..
Briggs had a constitutional right TO be
tried by the Synod.
SOMETHING OF SENSATION
was created by the next speaker, Mr..
McDougall, OF Cincinnati, who made an
attack on DR.. Briggs. He referred 60
certain remarks which the Doctor had
made in his speech In his own defence,
and said that he had offered II the case
was sent back to the Synod to waive a
institutional right.
asNo," said DR.. Briggs, interFupting.
"Ahl thought So" said Mr.. Nc
, Oongal. "YOn will get the case back
10 the Synod and then ylu will insist
uDon al the constitutional rights that
3ou can rhinkl0f,f
The kioag poRtln far strain