Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1894-05-20

Topics.
SARATOGA. n. Y, May 1o.-The sub
iect OF the proposed closer relations be-
tween the General Assembly and the
various Presbyterian theological sem
inaries, with power Of absolute con-
troll over them on the part OF the Gen
eral Assembly, which was sprung upon
the commissioners near the close OF yes
terdsy afternoons session, has been the
sGbject Of conversation and conference
ever since. When it was proposed TO
make the discussion 4 special order for
this afternoon a member of the Board Of
Directors OF Mccormick Seminary at
Chicago objected very vigorously, say
ing that such an arrangement would
cut of many from taking part in the
debate, since they had been appointed
TO preach in out-of-town pulpits. The
fnal arrangement provided for deierrlng
to-day's regular order for 10 o'clock,
substituting the two reports Of the COM
mlttee, which has been considering
these important subjects for two years
The adoption OF the minority report
simply would leave things where they
are, while the outcome OF the majority
report would be a renewed battle be-
tween the seminarieS and the aSse bly,.
Some OF these Institutions are already
upon the proposed basis, while others
are not The success or the matter o
the long run must dspend upon the
grit OF the trustees and their readiness
TO fight for their independent corporate
existence.
WHEN TIE ASSEMBLY MET TO-DAY
it was with the prospect Of a hot and
perhaps acrimonious debate. After the
devotional services led by the Moderator,
miscellaneous business was considered
for half an hour. A report came from
the committee on bills ana overturcS
on reunion with the Southern Presby-
srian church. Without discussion a
resolution Was adopted by 4 rising vote
and with Applause, providing for the
BDDOiutmeul iOf q committee OF nine 10
take into ca cabsideratiOn the whole ques-
ton q OrEfhic union with tha5 church
or Vhe bSssf OF the common standards
OF doctrine held bv both bodies.
The subject OF theological Seminaries
was opened by DR.. WIN. G. Young,
chairman Of the committee. He began
by speaking of the import Of the Ques-
tion, suggesting that the agitation OF
the past two or three years had been
providential and was intended 10 lead
70 a careful examination OF the methods
heretofore In vogue and the substitu-
tion of a better system. The speaker
then went on 20 review the work OF the
committee and 90 explain the provisions
of the majority report, claiming 20 have
given the widest liberties 20 the semi
naries aud 10 have still secured the
right to the Assembly to direct and con-
troll them, with full power 40 enforce
any rights that may be obtained. The
principles OF the report were declared
To 10 reasonable and moderate.
TIL LEGAL QUESTIONS INVOLVED
ir the ew proposals OF the committee
we're discussed by lawyer Thomas Nc
DoucaU, OF CinCinH.u He took for his
text the first recommendation OF the
committees: THAT each aud all Of the
seminaries OF this church be required TO
secure the earliest moment practicable
Such changes in their charters, or
amendments thereto, as will provide for
the Assembly's control that is desired
TO be secureC%S,
Seminaries- =. McDougal said, are
civil corporal = which come TO the
Presbyterian ch rch, saying that they
wish the patronage, approval and busl-
ness OF the church in educating minis
.yters. There is, therefore, no reason
why the church may not prescribe the
terms upon which they may be received.
DR.. William r. Moore, permanent
clerk OF the Assembly, followed, eE-
planning the report of the minority.
The original appointment Of the COM
mittee had nothing 20 do with the
property Of the semiDarjeS, but only
the regulation OF the teaching forces.
Previous decisions Of the Assembly had
been from the beginning iu line quite
the opposite az that now proposed.
Synods and PresbyterieS have the
POWER TO ESTABLISH sENuNARIEs,
and the Presbyteries have the right Of
original jurisdiction over its members
and professors. Ia the Assembly there
is power CT visitation and the right TO
remove for cause. The Assembly has
slssO mower of review and control
uDon sufficient Information, aud may
Tins also remove abuses. The minority
does not wish TO bring In the civil
power when It's oWn power IS sufficient
TO meet the requirements of the case
Further consideration OF the subject
was postD~ ed till Monday at 10 a. m.
After at Nng the recommendations
of the cor tee on Ministerial reief,k \
the asser <3s, adjourned until 9 o'cloc 4
on Nonf A report from the judici;l
commit psS which bad the Smith case .
its hanC3shad been set for half pas
Twelve to-day, but az the last mOmen
il was deferred Jill next week.