The San Francisco call., 1896-02-26
WOULD LIE OR STEAL" 4"
Rev. John Ray of Sonoma Also
Comes to the Rescue of the
Pastor.
MRS. DAVIS GRAVE CHARGES.
The Story of the Now Famous Turkish
Tea Is Related in Minute
Detail.

DR.. Brown had an inning before the
ecclesiastical council, which, after a four
days rest, met in the assemblyroom OF
the First Congregational Church yester-
day. The pastor sprang surprise in the
person of Rev. John Ray, formerly his
associate, but now located at Sonoma, and
followed this up by introducing Deacon d.
Gilbert Dexter.
The testimony of the two witnesses was
in rebuttal in a limited way to the state
ment of Mrs. Stockton, and they succeeded
in throwing many side lights on the win
some widows Oft-repeated story.
As early as o'clock the entrance to the
lecture-room was besieged by hundreds OF
people, mostly ladies. When the doors
were finally opened there was a wild rush
for seats. which soon resulted in bringing
about a "standing-room only" state OF
things. Men and women were content to
group themselves along the wall, deter
mined evidently not to miss anything
worth seeing or hearing.
Mrs Brown, Miss Overman and young
Valentine Brown came early, securing
seats in the front row and Immediately op-
posite the moderator. Across the aisle,
one seat back, sat Mrs. Cooper, her daugh-
ter, Miss Hattie, and Mrs. Lena Blanchard
the lady who INDUCED in fit Of mysteries
on the occasion of her last appearance in
the council chamber. Mrs. Stockton was
not present.
There were many new but well-known
faces among the thrcng anxious to wit
ness the proceedings. Many had come
Just TO get a glimpse of Miss Overman and
DR.. Brown, while others had been drawn
to the sacred edifce under the impression
that Mrs. Davidson would be placed on the
stand.
Ex-Supervisor Burling was conspicuous
in the midst of those who found them
selves without chairs after the first great
rush for seats was over. Archie McMil-
lin, whose name has been mentioned in
connection with that of Mrs. Stockton,
was also present.
At ten minutes after 2 the council filed
into the lecture-room and, after fervent
prayer by Rev. Mr.. Tenney and the reading
OF the minutes, proceeded directly to the
matter in hand. Rev. John Rea was the
first witness called, and it was plainly evil
dent that he was somewhat of a surprise
to the prosecution.
Though his testimony was not particu-
larly strong, yet it was helpful to the pas
tors cause In showing that he as assistant
TO DR.. Brown had never seen Mrs. Stock
ton in conversation with the latter or
knew of her visits to the office. AS he was
at the church during the busy hours of the
day Mr.. Rea did not think it likely that
Mrs. Stockton could have been a constant
visitor without at some time coming under
his observation.
"It seems TO me, he said, that all the
sorrow and suffering OF San Francisco wa:
resting on the shoulders of DR.. Brown al
that time. Every one who had trouble
seemed to come to hirs for advice anG
assistance. The amount of work he did
was nothing short of wonderful. 1t would
have killed me in two weeks time"
Deacon D. Gilbert Dexter was next
placed on the stand. He told a short
concise story of a visit Mrs. Stockton paic
him three or four weeks ago.
"She told me" said Mr.. Dexter, 'tha
she would be willing to lie for DR.. Brown
yes, steal for him, if he would but keeI
still. l gathered from her conversation
that she actually knew nothing agains
him, but had been forced INTO her present
position"
Deacon Dexter said he had told all thi:
to DR.. Brown, who replied that he hac
nothing to conceal, but, to the contrary
insisted on the fullest inquiry. The wit
ness had heard of the Turkish tea Incl
dent, but was not then aware that Mrs
Stockton was a member of the church.
During the afternoon session DR.. Brown
made formal request that Mrs. Stockton
be recalled for crOss-eXamination. That
LADY has, however declared her intention
not to again appear before the council.
Mrs. May Davis in the course of her tes
timony declared that Mrs. Stockton salc
she had used all her arts on the pastor, bu
without success. She intended to ruin DR.
Brown, however, because he would not re
fuse the church to Mrs. French for The
Turkish tea.
Mrs. Davis also swore that Minnie Fall
had declared to her Mrs. Stockton's at
tempt to blackmail Governor Perkins, Dr.
Brown and others, and Mrs. Stockton haC
also threatened Mrs. French, and at one
time endeavored to attract the latter:
husband.
Mrs. French told all about the Turkish
tea and a quarrel she had with the pastor
in which both had said good many harsh
things. When Mrs. French had completed
her testimony DIR. Brown made the some.
what peculiar Acknowledgement that the
moment ne and Mrs. Stockton left the
house of the witness he became convinced
that the widow had designs upon him.
Judge Advocate Wadhams announce
that Mrs. Davidson will be the first wit
ness placed on the stand to-day. Her ex
animation will probably consume the en-
tire afternoon.
After the council adjourned last night
an informal meeting was held. A com
mlttee of three, consisting of Rev. Mr.
RAIDER, E. G. Williams and Rev. Mr.. Ten
ney, were appointed to visit Mrs Eaton il
Oakland and receive her statement
Mrs Eaton has refused to appear befor
the council, but is willing to tell what sh
knows under the conditions above named
DR.: Brown will accompany the committee
1he council will meet to-day at O'Clock