New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-06-19
BLOWS AT A CHURCH MEETING.
EXCITING CLOSE OF A CONFERENCE OF ST.
AIMS PARISHIONERs TO CONSIDER
THE PROPOSED UNION WITH
ST MATTHEW'S

The bitter feeling which has manifested Itscir
In some quarters over the proposed consolida-
ton of ST. AIMS and st. Matthew's Protestant
Episcopal churches reached an acute stage last
night when n meeting OF st. AIMS people 10
consider further the terms OF consolidation
ended In q fist fight. The participants were one
of the deaf-nute parishioners OF st. AIMS and
a young man whose Identity could not he as
certained. The fight took place In the parish
house OF the Church Of ST, John the Evangelist
West Eleventh-st. where the meeting was held.
Some three-score young men and women
twenty-five OF whom were deaf-mutes, ATTENDED
the meeting. which was presided over py the
Rev. Edward II. Krans. rector or ST. Ann H. Oh
the platform with him was the Rev. Dr. Tnomas
Gallaudet rector emeritus Of st. AIMS. VINO mas
always exercised the greatest influence over MS
deaf-nute parishioners and is an expert IN the
sign language.
After the meeting had been called to order a
resolution to approve the agreement or con-
solidation proposed by st. Matthew's was reac py
Dr. Krans and interpreted by Dr. Gallaudet Tor
the deaf-mutes.
A long debate. In which the deaf-mutes look
part by means OF the sign language followed
John Fl. Conner who opposed the consohdatoh
on the ground that ST. AIMS. ard more particu-
larly tnc dedf-muteS. were TOY fecei'nS P''PN'
recognition under the terms Of the proposed con-
solidaticn, moved that the resolution be referred
to It's authors with Instructions that the rights
Of the deaf-mutes in St. AIMS be more specin-
cally defined in the terms OF consolidation. TO this
Drs Gallaudet and Krans replied that they were
sure the deaf mutes would receive proper
recognition. and both advised that the resolution
be adopted.
again Mr.. Conner rose and offered amend
. bin m rsD
luton back TO the vestries OF the two cnurcheS
Upon a vote being taken the amendment WaS
defeated. The original resolution was once Hioie
taken up. and after further parey between the
opposing factions was adopted by large ma
jority
Some one moved to adjourn. and the motion
was carried. Just then Mr.. Conner VINO 10 io'
a deat-mute. mounted the platform ana shouleu
"All those opposed 10 the robbery or -. Ann
Church will please remain and organize ahothei
meeting" ,
Meantime the assistant sexton or 81 Jonn >,
who had entered the room, was eXtingulshins
the lights in the gas brackets along the wall
This seemed to enrage Of the mutes, an OPP
ponent Of consolidation. and he proceedeu 10
make a vigorous assault upon the sexton. nc
assault was witnessed by q stocky young ieilo",
who was neither deaf nor dumb, and ne cIncheu
with the sections assailant
In q moment the place was IN an uproar:
which was queed after some five minutes OF
excitement by the rectors ana the cooiei heau'
among the laymen.
The Conner faction had to leave the room, ana
thov gathered on the sidewalk OUTSIDE the
church. where they discussed the situation, some
nv gesticulation and others by speech ana az
length finally dispersed