Birmingham age-herald., 1895-06-17
STATE CAPITAL NEWS. A Sensation at St. Johns EpiS-
 copaI Church. MURDER IN AGAME OF CRAPS Rabbi Davidson Leaves-His Congregation Ex- press Their Rcgrets-Church Services
 We'll Attended General News.

Montgomery, June 16.-(Special)-A St. Johns Episcopal church this morn ing a sensation of some importance was sprung. the result of which may be the resignation of Rev. William D. Powers, the beloved rector. It was all brought about over the annual picnic of the Sun day school Last year. and from time im- memorial in fact, the custom has been to allow the Sunday school scholars to in vite two friends to the annual Sunday school picnic. At the last outing it seems that there was some disorder The guests were charged with that breach of order. pr. Powers thought the Sunday school scholars were just as much in- volved in making the trouble as the guests, and SD stated today in his re- marks. In order to avoid repetition of the behavior Dr. Powers, several days ago, decided that 1t would be best to extend no invitations, nor allow the Sun day school children to do so this year. For this he was very severely cenSured by some members of the church. He heard of the harsh criticisms and today made few remarks, explaining why he had acted in the way he did and how much he had appreciated and felt the censnre administered to him. He said he thought he had the general organization and regu- lation of and supervision over the Sun day school and claimed that such mat terS as pertained to the Sunday school came in his province as rector of the church, hence his action. In conclusion he stated that this was the first time any criticism had been directed to him for doing what he conceived to be his duty, and that he felt he had been shown little consideration in this matter by some. In view of this he thought he was in the wrong place and he would call meeting of the vestry tomorrow morning, which he has done, to consider his reSig nation. This announcement was received with looks of general surprise and dissatisfac- tion by his congregation. It struck as suddenly as an exploded bomb in a camp. It has been the main topic in the church circles here today. The picnic has been declared off as a consequence.
 At a late hour last night out at O'Con- ners brick yard, near the exposition grounds, negro named Sid French was shot and instantly killed by another negro named Sol Baber. Several negroes were engaged In playing a game of craps in one of the dry kilns when French accused Baber of cheating him out of his money, whereupon Baber pull ed his gun and avenged the deadly in- suit by shooting the instgator through the left breast. Baber escaped, and all efforts of the police to capture him have so far proved futie Both of the ne- groes have served terms in the peni- tentiary. the dead negro having been released only three weeks ago.
 Interesting services were preached at all the churches in Montgomery today, and considering the warmness of the day the attendance was excellent. Mont gomery is inhabited by church-loving and church-going people. Dr. Eager returned Saturday night from his trip with the Girls Industrial school com mittee and occupied his pulpit today. He leaves tomorrow for Wetumpka, where he will meet the other gentlemen of the committee and proceed on their trip.
 Rabbi and Mrs. Davidson left today for New York city, where Dr. Davidson goes; to take charge of one of the leading Jewish pulpits of the city. For several years he has been the beloved rabbi of Congregation Kahl of Montgomery anl the officers of the congregation have passed the following resolutions, which will be heartily concurred ia by the members of the various churches in the city:
 Vestry Rooms Kahl Montgomery,
 Montgomery Ala, May 26, 1895.
 With inexpressible regret are we called upon to take into consideration the mo- tice of the retirement of our beloved minister. Rev Dr. David Davidson, from our pulpit. in order to cast his future and fortune with the Congregation Ahavath Chesed of the city pf New York.
 We recognize the fact that his new lot is not matter of his own selection, but prompted by that great word, duty to which he always nobly and readily re- sponded. We are also cogniZant that with his ambition for and answering fealty to a great and sublime cause. he could yield more good to a greater num- Der of our people.
 We further find and recognize that to him his exalted station is one of the great instruments wherewith he labors to elevate our race to higher cvilza- tion
 To this end his energies as a true rabbi are and ever will be bent, and the noble faculties of his mind and heart spur him on to never ceaSing efforts, and we hope that his short. but successful career in our midst will leave the inn prints of his teachings in such state that his lofty ideas and conception of our holy mission shall be disseminated and pro- pagated by us, his flock, who promise to keep unfurled the banner of light, of reason and of tolerant religion.
 Having thus expressed the pure and upright thoughts of our hearts and minds, it Is but meet that we.
 Resolve, That the congregation Kahl Montgomery feels it's loss keenly, but prompted are we like he, by duty as Israelites. and recreant would we be as a people of liberty and justice were we to hamper the departure of the man whom we all love and admire. Be 1t further
 Resolved, That we express to Rabbi Davidson our sincerest wishes for his happiness in his new field of labor, and earnestly ask the blessing from on high for himself and dear helpmate, and may the sweet recollections of the past be but link that bind together in thought the ardent teacher and scholar and con gregation Kahl Montgomery, and we now say Ego in peace thou servant of God and noble man in Israel"
 M. MOHR,
 M. KAHN.
 A. WE'LL,
 B. WOLFF,
 E. H. JACOBI,
 Committee.
 R. Fl. Pearson of Birmingham is al the