The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-07-23
PREACHERS ON THE PRESS,
Presbyterian Ministers Pro-
posed to Meet With
Closed Doors.
MIR. BRADFoRD's SUGGESTION
The Congregational Monday Club
VIII Not ASK for Coneerva-
tive" Reports.

The Presbyterian Ministerial Union had
an executive session yesterday morning
The weighty matter that came before the
body for discussion with closed doors was
whether representatives OF the press
should be admitted to its deliberations
The discussion WAS a heated one. A
minority represented by Dr. J. b. Scott,
DR.. Alexander, Rev. II. n. Bevier and
Rev J. NJ. Woodwork spoke and voted in
favor Of the presence Of reporters. Rev. j..
Hanson Irwin and Rev. f. y. Farrand led
the opposition. Mr. Irwin said he did not
want the reports. which he conceded were
correct, to be the basis OF criticisms by
ministers Of their own and other denomi-
nations. Rev. Mr. Farrand complained
that the points Of most spiritual siRnih-
canoe are overlooked by the press and such
remarks az SAVIOR Of the sensational appear
in glaring head lines I'VE can get along
withoutthe newspapers" he declared.
DR.. Alexander was OF the opinion
that the members Of the body said
nothing they are ashamed Of, and he
would 20 on record for the freedom OF the
press. The other leaders Of the ''minor-
itv" expressed the same sentiments. The
vote stood in favor and against the ex-
clusion Of the scribes.
Rev. H. n. Bevier, who has recently re-
turned from the Presbyterian General AS
sembly NJ Pittsburg, gave his impressions
Of the Smoky City.
one of the most important addresses in
his estimation, was that OF Rev. Mr.. Nc
Donpall on Assembly Control OF Semi
nnries " and Or. Patton's lecture on "The
Fundamental Doctrines Of the Presby te
rian Church" was a mastery address.
Mr. Bevier said the sentiment of the as
scmbly was largely favorable TO the fedora
ton of all the reformed churches. over
100 OF the delegates favored it, but there
being some opposition the resolution was
laid on the table. The general impression
j. that the federation Will be accom- llshed
by the next assembly. The question OF re-
union Of the North aud South branches of
the Presbyterian church was discussed,
but sectional feeling on the part OF some of
the Southern members prevented its con-
summation. Those members feared the
possible loss Of autonomy which might re-
suit from such reunion. Another lmpor-
tant action was the boycott of the Union
Presbyterian Seminary Of Or. Briggs fame.
A resolution was passed disCouraging the
admission to the presbytery OF graduates
OF that institution.
Elder Mcdonnell also gave some remi-
niscences OF the assembly
Rev. j. w. Davis, II missionary VINO had
spent twenty two years in China, and who
IS returning TO the Orient after vacation
OF six months, spoke Of the outlook for
missionaries IN Japan and China. He re-
CARDS the war between Japan and China
rs an indirect means OF christlanlzlng both
nations The treaties between Japan on
one side and Great Britain and the United
States on the other, the terms of which
hold good for five years, will he OF incalcu-
liable good in opening field for missionary
effort. During his long residence in China
the number OF missionaries has increased
from 400 TO 500 and the number Of converts
from 5000 to 10000.
DR.. Mipton, professor of practical
theology at the San Ansemo Seminary,
has returned from the East, where ne
spent his six weeks vacation, and will
address the union on Monday.