The San Francisco call., 1896-01-21

not come before the committee next Fri
day, prepared to be examined, the in
vestigation VIII not be longer DELAYED.
Dr. Williams was asked whether his
remark was not to be construed IN this
Way ana his answer was: II wouldn't
state 1t In that way. 1t would be unkind
to DR.. Brown, for we believe that If he is
able he Will be present next week"
In further conversation, DR.. Williams
stated that the strict secrecy which was
pelng maintained regarding the proceed
lngs OF the committee was not the result
OF any mutual pledge or vote taken by the
committee, but was due to the individual
desire of the members to refrain from
even appearing to prejudice the case OF
DIR. Brown.
This matter also was part of the general
discussion during the meeting, and
brought forth the complaint from one OF
the members that ever since he had been
appointed on the committee he was beset
DAY and night by the newspaper reporters
1t is not improbable that at the next meet
Ing vote will be forced, with the idea OF
holding the sessions with omen doors.
DR.. Williams, like DR.. Pond, is OF the
opinion that the conviction or acquittal Of
Mrs. Davidson on the charge OF extortlon
is a matter of altogether minor Importance
compared with ascertaining the truth or
falsity of the charges made against
the pastor of a Congregational church.
He did not believe that there should be
any delay on the part of the committee in
hearing testimony in the Brown case
owing to the bearing it might have on the
Davidson case, nor did he consider there
was any need of secrecy on the part of the
committee, so far as any effect the pro-
ceedings might have on the Davidson case.
He added: 1--WE are not concerned in
+l
interest in the outcome of the case against
her, nor in whether she is sent to the peni-
tentiarv or not. | am speaking of the
committee as body. We are not trying
the charge of extortion."
DR.. Williams, when asked if the letters
now known as the Overman letters were
to be taken up as part of the investigation
a direct reply, but finally made the state
ment that they were to form an import
ant part of the examination.
Deacon Dexter was asked regarding the
report that he had been appointed a COM
mittee of one to endeavor to have the
Davidson case advanced on the calen-
dar so as TO have it out
of DR.. Brown was begun, but he denied
that he was acting in that matter, and his
statement is borne out by the evident de-
termination of the committee to go on
with the matter on Friday next, irrespect-
i've of anything that may or may not
transpire.
DR.. w. c. Pond was again absent from
the meeting, duty having called him to
Santa Cruz. He has not sent his resigna-
ton to the committee, nor has the COM
mittee been formally notified of his inten-
ton not to serve
The members of the First Congreca-
tional Church have not yet decided what
action they will take concerning
the pending investigation into the
alleged conduct of DR.. Brown.
The report that a petition had been pre-
pared and signed by half the congregation,
requesting that DR.. Brown take vaca-
ton, is said to be without foundation. 1t
is contended, however. by those who
claim TO be in q position to know that
such sentiment exists.
DR.. Pond declares that he is not in sym.
pathy with the secrecy so far exercised by
the investigating committee, and it is
given out that unless, differ
ent method is pursued he will
decline to serve. Rev. Mr.. Nikoff
is not likely to appear prominently in the
investigation, so that of the original Bay
Association committee only DR.. Williams
remains. DR.. Mclean and Dr. Mooar,
prominent members of the association and
Bay Conference, have been added to the
committee at the request of DR.. Brown.
The action of DR.. Brown in continuing
to shield Miss Overman is creating much
adverse criticism. Mrs. Gum a memb Der
OF the standing committee, but who has
declined to serve in the present case. saws
that Miss OVerman is woman much to
be pitied.
Between the enemies of Mrs. Davidson
and DR.. Brown she said, 1.-The very lif e
is being crushed ont of this young woman.
Whether she is guilty or not, the real burden
of this unfortunate affair must fall on her.
Concerning DR.. Browns position, / have
nothing to say. l have always held him
in very high esteem, and am very 10th to
believe him guilty of any actual wrong
doing. The committee, l trust, will get at
the bottom of the affair and until then
would not like to give an opinion for the
public"