The San Francisco call., 1896-01-18

the standing committee of the church and the
committee appointed by the Bay Association.
DR.. Brown was present at the opening OF the
meeting against the urgent advice of mis-
physician, but Ill as to be obliged 10
leave before the meeting was called TO order.
On this account informal discussion was
held, and the meeting adjourned TO meet again
at its convenience.
This, according to the written report made
to the press representatives by Deacon Bar
nard, was the total result of the star-cham-
Der meeting held in DIR. Browns study.
but which proved sufficiently interesting
to those on the inside to keep them in
informal discussion" for about three
hours
The protraCted session, during which so
much was accomplished in the way of ''in-
formal discussion" was possibly due to the
fact that the proceedings were not, as ex-
pressed by one of the deacons, "as pleasant
as they might have BEEN"
DR.. Brown was on hand; in fact he was
the first to reach the church. As early as
O'Clock the committee began to drop in.
first singly and then in pairs. The pastors
study, or, as he prefers to nave it now
known, his Office, is on the second floor.
and at the head of the winding stairs. DR..
Brown welcomed the arriving committed
men who are to investigate him. When
four or five had arrived the pastor re-
treated to the office and was seen no more
that evening by the eXpectant press rep
resentatives. While the informal dis
cussiOn" was in progress Solly Waters. the
artist, dropped in lust to look at things >"
He only stayed for few moments. how
ever. DR.. Brown Informed him, so Mr.
Waters SAYS, that he was 'OntO his game "
About 7:45 P. N. Miss Martha Overman
foated In from tn e rain, escorted by Val
entlne Brown, the ever good-natured son
of the pastor. She gllded lightly up the
stairs, Knocked with the confidence of one
OF The elect on the pastors office door; but
she was evidently not IN possession of the
''open sesame" for her retreat was
prompt. and soon she had disappeared in
the storm and darkness OF the outer night.
The mem bers OF the Joint committee
present included Dr. Mooar, DR.. Mclean.
DR.. Pond, d. Gilbert Dexter, DR.. Williams,
John T. Merrill, T. H. Hatch, A. J. Dew
ing, Deacon Barnard and George d. West
gate.
Shortly after o'clock the patient vigil
of the newspaper reporters in the hallway
leading TO the Sunday-schooi room was in
terrupted by the entrance OF one of Cap
tain Lees detectives, who inquired if his
chief was present. Having no positive
Knowledge on the subject the scrlbes re-
ferred him to the pastors stu-otfice; but
according to the detectives report on his
return Captain Lees was not participant
in the ''informal discussion"
Nor so far as could be learned was Mrs.
Davidson on hand to give her full state
ment regarding the charges she has made
against the First Church's pastor Nor
was there any indication of the presence
of Attorney Walter Gallagher, who, it was
presumed from the remarks OF Pastor
brown on Wednesday night, would be an
attendant at the investigation to gather
information for the construction OF a
false defense for his client.
Mrs. Stockton, too, failed to appear and
give her version of the $500 kiss she
claims TO have disposed of 10 the pastor
and as for Mrs. Tunnel, the coniidante OF
Matte Overman, her absence was not un-
expected in view of her discreet policy OF
seeking TO avoid notoriety by fitting from
her home between two days.
Nor did any one express surprise at the
failure OF Mrs. Jane Elizabeth Baddln to
come forward and volunteer her story.
In strict accord with his promise OF
Wednesday night of seh-abnegation DR..
Brown made no effort, as far as could be