Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-05-23
So Far at Least as the General Assem-.
bly, Can Settle II.
THE MAJORITY REPORT ADOPTED.
It Provides for the General Assem-
bly, Passing Upon Directors and
Professors and Asks the Semi
nary Directors to Declare a
Trust in Favor of the Presby-
terian Church Which May be
Enforced in the Civil Courts
The Vote Was 437 to 115.

votional service at the opening OF the
Presbyterian General Assembly was de-
voted to the subject Of home missions.
The Committee on Bills and 0vertures
presented a partial report. An over
ture has been received from the Pres
bytery Of New Albany, asking the Gen
sral Assembly to memorialize Congress
to enact such regulations with reference
to the personal life of their members as
will prevent the presence in the na-
tional councils of men Of immoral and
dissolute habits. The recommendation
that no action be taken upon the sub
ject was adopted by small vote. but
without opposition.
The Presoytery Of Rochester had
overturned the assembly, saying that II
''views with apprehension the attempt
of the general assembly to make new
definitions of dogma, by deliverance and
By judicial decision, and expressing the
view that "no doctrinal statement which
is not explicitly contained in the con-
fession OF faith and catechisms OF the
church is binding on our Office bearers"
In reply the following action was
taken: THE general assembly has
never undertaken to make new defni-
tions Of dogma, either by deiiveranee or
iudidial decision, and we hope that this
declaration of former assemblies, re-
peated by this general assembly, Will
allay the apprehensions OF eur worthy
brethren of this presbytery."
la the brief time left before the con-
sideration of home missions, DR.. Lowrie,
chairman OF the committee on confes-
sion, on the proof texts, got the floor,
but he was unable to accomplish the
adoption OF his recommendation on ac-
count OF difference OF opinion as TO
the best printed text Of the English
bible" The committee desired either
the best English edition or the best
edition OF the American Bible Society.
An impetuous member wished to have
the American revision of 1sSl-6 adopted,
and the discussion which followed
caused the whole matter to go over as
unfinished business. DR.. Brown, OF
Portland, chairman OF committee on
nome IUlSSlOQS, buCu PICbOhhOO a 10 ECi y
on that subject. The audience was large
and appreciative and the galleries full.
He spoke with emphasis and spirit, pay
ing a special compliment to the work
of the women of the church. Conclud-
ing he said that the church must raise
81, ,23S,341. 40 during the coming year in
order to pay the present Indebtedness
| OF the board and TO enable 1t to prose-
cute it's work for the twelve months.
During the year S9O6, 900 have been re-
ceived, while a debt of nearly S25S, 900
is reported, due to falling of in lega-
cies. The women's missionary societies
have contributed s26s,00 Under COM
mission from the board are 1921 minis
! ters and 26s teachers. The speech OF
the secretary representing the board
was made by DR.. Duncan j. MCMILLAN,
of New York Discussion OF the mem
bers of the assembly continued during
most Of the remainder of the session.
Opposition to the projected new build
ing for the home and foreign mission
boards which is to be erected In New
York at cost OF nearly 81, 500, 600, was
made by Elder McDougall, Of Ctncln-
natl The subject was specially con-
sidered by the General Assembly at 10
o'clock Saturday.
The question OF theological seminary
control so far as the General Assembly
of the Presbyterian Church is concerned
was settled this afternoon, and by a
vote of almost to l TO the report oil
the majority of the committee that con-
sidered the matter was adopted. The
report provides for gaining the
power and right to approve the
| appointments OF professors Oand
asks the directors Of the semina-
ries to declare trust In favor OF the
Presbyterian Church which the General
Assembly may enforce in the civil
courts. At the same time CON mittee
is provided which shall confer and ad'
wise with tha semiparies, and seek tc
gain their consent to the proposed plan.
The report was put through the AS
semoly in spite of urgent requests
| for delay, and in the face oi
protests from those who desired
that the Church and the institution:
affected might be consulted. The ex'
Moderator DR.. Craig acd the Chairman
of the committee, DR.. Young, were or
the platform and Mr.. McDougal, the
legal adviser OF the committee, was di
rectly In front of the Moderator watch
ing the progress OF the debate very
keenly. By the intervention OF mo
ton to adjourn yesterday there had
been no time set for taking the vote
thus leaving the time OF speakers unlin
tied. Not till late In the afternoon wa
an hour set for this purpose, and thet
only after a special suggestion from th'
nlatform. Earnest advocates OF th'
majority report volunteered suggestions
to the assembly as to what 1t should d.
TO accomplish given purpose
without the formality OF addressing
the Moderator. At one point the Mod
orator protested that his wa
q difficult post with twenty OF you fel
lows calling to me at once" A speak
er. said, in closing, that he gave notic
of a protest against the action OF the as
sembly. A voice from the floor ealiet
'.out OF order. No action has been tax
en-" The Moderator remarked:
He'll be in order presently" and ex
planned afterward that he meant tha
the speaker would have taken his sea
and would be In order. The fact wa
elected tha. - board Of directors 0
the seminar5 at Prlnceton an'
Allegheny had expressed the deslr
that no relatidns be made. Inls ie
upon unwilling ears and had sma
effect upon the Vote. Mccormick Sem
nary at Chicasoiand Danville Seminar
are already mn the proposed basis
4