Birmingham state herald., 1896-05-28

Presbyterian general assembly opened with sharp parliamentary debate. Modera tor Pro Tenn Norman tried very hard to keep the assembly out of a tam gle and succeeded.
 Dr. Birds Idea. Dr. Bird had the floor and attempted to offer a resolution that would settle the seminary matter
 The moderator said that debate had been closed and unless the resolution was accepted unanimously it was out of or der.
 Dr. Bird succeeded In incorporating the idea in his resolution in his speech. It was to the effect that the way in which Dr. Mitchell was elected (nominated) was irregular, but that his theological views should not be bar, and that the Sala- ries of the present professors should not be diminished to pay his salary. Dr. Harris raised the point that it was understood that after the debate was closed that amendments could be offered He added that his compromise had been agreed on.
 The moderator said the report adopted could be amended.
 At one point an apeal was taken from the decision of the chair, but this was withdrawn.
 pr. Bird continued his speech in advo- cacy of the minority report, which favor ed Dr. Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell. he said, had agreed not to take the professorship if there were no funds to pay his salary. The question at issue was seminary con- trol. We believe the seminary is ours. The adoption of the minority report will not be concession to the idea that the trustees can meet without the faculty. But there are difficulties back of the June meeting. These differences are theologi- cal and have been in the church for years. Not to confirm Dr. Mitchell would be unusual-no such thing ever occurred before. Dr. Burney's ideas do no harm. Dr. Harris. who opposes these views thinks 1t wise to have a man on the faculty who represents them. Dr. Burney Not Under Discussion. The moderator interposed to say that the views of Dr. Burney were not under discussion.
 pr. Bird said he would speak, then, of the views of Dr. Mitchell. These views had led him into the light Cardinal Newman had been led into the light through the Catholic church. These views don't lessen our respect for the Confession of Faith. The church has a right to prescribe what shall be taught in the seminary. Don't shut out the mi nority. We are not all young men. In other states there are men who think with us and support the seminary. In Pennsylvania there are five prominent ministers who thus think. The moderator again interrupted pr. Bird, who said with some warmth that these Interruptions were reflection on his intelligence. He said $7000 had come to the seminary from Pennsylvania. Don't shut us out-shuttlng out has a freezing tendency. It is said that 1t is not good plan to elect a man to repre- sent a faction. You have five on the faculty, and the minority should have one. The assembly should not be in tolerant. Dr. Mitchell will only teach what the board and faculty advise.
 MT. McDavid said a member of the fac- ulty had just requested him to say that he had never announced his views.
 Blessed Be the Tie.''
 The assembly sang Blessed be the Tie That Binds''
 pr. Ferguson, chairman of the commit tee, then arose and read the majority re- port. He said that it had been hinted that there would be trouble if the ma jorty report were adopted. No such statement has come from the majority. Who will cause trouble? It had been charged that his report had a theological aspect, when there was nothing theologi- cal about it. Burneyism does not come into the matter. Seminary control is the thing. The rights of this assembly have been trampled upon. This professor was elected to represent faction. There Is respectable minority that believe In holiness, and they may come up and de- mand man on the faculty. As to the question of law, "the faculty may be present" This is the grant of right. Every granted right carries with 1t the exercise of that right. The compact has been changed.
 pr. Stainback asked: What body has the right to elect a professor?'
 pr. Ferguson replied the board of trus- tees, after conference with the faculty, but the faculty can't vote.
 The moderator said the assembly was ready to vote and the vote would be on the minority report as a substitute for the majority report.
 Minority Report Voted Down.
 The minority report was voted down by a vote of 97 to 50.
 Dr. Harris offered to amend the ma jority report as follows:
 Resolved, That the way in which pr. Mitchell was - nominated was ir- regular, but it is legal, and we recommend shatrit be not now con- firmed that his theological opinions are no barrier; whenever funds are adequate for his support and whenever funds are provided he shall enter upon his duties
 pr. Harris said his resolution was postponement of the confirmation. The opposition now had nothing to stand on but theological grounds. Every other consideration had been supplied.
 A warm debate of lew minutes LOOK place. Dr. Harris amendment was then voted down by 81 to 67.
 The Majority Report Carr1ed.
 The report of the committee known as the majority report was adopted by 93 to 53.
 One brother entered his protest in writ ing. - ..,....s...'-,,,s.. -
 Thus ended the most important and most exciting debate that the assembly has had. The result is that the assembly has declared that the nomination by the board of trustees of Dr. Mitchell was ir- regular and ill-advised, and that he is debarred from taking the chair in the theological seminary for the reason above stated and for the additional reason that there is no money to pay his salary, and not because of his theological views.
 Judge Green said something had been said against the president of the board of trustees, and he e-sd desired to protest against it, and proceeded to eulogize him. { It was announced that Dr. Tyler would deliver his lecture at the church Friday night free. fsnz z Dr. Dewitt made an effort to have the place of next meeting selected; but the association adjourned to o'clock this