The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-05-27
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
LELAND STANFORD UNIVERSITY,
80

PALo Afro, Gal, May 20, 1895.
Reu. c. o. BrOun, d. d. san Francisco, Col
discussion OF Professor HerrOn's teachings. I
thought at first that you we've little too severe
in your objection to MIN, but l have been
forced to the conclusion that he is not q
fanatic, but a rank humbug.
DAVID S. JORDAN, President.
1t no sooner appeared in type than the
indignation of John NJ. Reynolds of the
Fabian Club was stirred up. Mr.. Rey-
nolds' state of mind was accentuated, too,
by DR.. Browns criticism of Mr.. Reynolds
society-an organization that has been
quietly studying "Quintessence of Social
ism" and Drummond's ascent of Man."
but which DR.. Brown, in a published in
teryiew, clinched by a subsequent re-
affirmation, described as being composed
partly of men who wish to create dissen-
sion in Congregational church If they
could
81 think DIR. Brown went far out of his
way to have that note published, said Mr..
Reynolds yesterday evening. at GER
tainly does not strengthen his position in
the least; it weakens it considerably in
my opinion, and think in the opinion of
any fair-minded man. Calling names is
not argument, and abuse, denunciation
and vituperation are poor substitutes for
logic.
which / have prepared and which L be-
lieve fully sets forth the position OF the
Fabian Club. At any rate L shall submit
it at the meeting and l have no doubt that
it will be Endorsed. Here it is:
To the Public : The Fabian Club will probably
desist fronLa pub discussion of a question Of
veracity with the Rev. c. o. Brown. In an in
terview, published May %, he claimed that our
resolutions of May 20 contained misstate-
ments. Others who are more deeply interested
in the welfare of his church have already
answered his accusations, and we will leave
ms IN he of 10 I1uh fc nd
the future.
We must however, protest against the un-
dignitied, and to seemingly foolish, publi-
cation of President David s. Jordans little note
to DR.. Brown, in which man is styled ga rank
humbug" without any attempt whatever to
show a basis for such Judgment. Such are the
methods of the ignorant, the bigot, the dema-
gogue and the privileged class. ANY one max
ing use OF denunciation without stating some
foundation for 1t Is presuming too much If he
assumes that in such way he can influence a
reasoning public.
DR.. Browns or President Jordans opinions OF
popular men are only to be respected when
! they offer sensible basis for their opinions.
| 1t seems unjustifable and unworthy of their
| reputation and standing that they should con-
| spire TO denounce any one as ga rank humbug"
| without some explanation accompanying the
| abuse.
| The Fabian Club will undertake to answer
any argument against the principles held by
Professor Heron, but when it comes down to
! personal abuse, unsupported by facts or logic,
we prefer to leave that field to DR.. Brown and
| President Jordan.
This, at least, is our answer to the note which
| was published. We ask the public to candidly
judge as to its character unless, we state, it
clusions.
President Jordan's authority on bugs and
| nShes may be all night, but when We are con-
| sidering Christianity and its proper influence
| upon mems conduct we wish him to give rea-
| sons rather than abuse.
| DR.. Brown has skiIlfully drawn President
| Jordan into what may be discussion profit
able to the public. The friends OF Professor
| Heron stand ready to defend the principles
| he has preached We believe in that social
! democracy wherein Christ's teachings shall
| be more generally recognized and adhered 10.
| We maintain that existing conditions wherein
| wealth and plutocracy expressing the
| masses) are wrong and contrary TO true Chris
| tlanlty. With a firm conviction that we are
| right, with sincere love for our fellow-men,
and an adherence OF the injustice that is now
| prevailing against the producing class, we
| deem it our duty to use our utmost efforts to
| correct this wrong.
| The methods which we claim will secure
| the desired results are: For the Hebrews,
| more perfect observance OF the laws of Moses
| tor Christians, the observance of Christs COM
| mands, and for the citizen, the Government
| ownership OF the means OF production and dis
| tr1butlon
"That, any rate" said Mr.. Reynolds,
| explains my views in the matter. Our
club is composed of men who have the in
! terests of society at heart, and are not, as
| DR.. Brown represents US, anxious to stir
up dissension.
| "Our aim is to spread such teachings as
may have the ultimate effect of bringing
about more equitable system. Such, too,
seems to be the work of Professor Heron,
| and L do not see any good reason for men
| In the position of DR.. Brown and Professor
Jordan taking the stand they do. Neither
of them is SO infallible that he has nothing
left to learn, and when they express their
opinions about men in the way they have
done it is quite natural that they should
| be asked to SuDDOrt them bV some good
| anarchist the other "a rank humbug.'
Do they presume that the public is content
| to let them do its thinking for it?-that
| their epithets are to be given the authority
OF tiats?''