The record-union., 1897-10-29

tically convicted by Miss Overman's
letters is too puerile for consideration
a case where my word was staked
against that of a confessed perjurer
and liar
DR.. Brown protested that the final
charge-that of threatening conduct to-
ward a young lady of the congregation
was not brought to light until after
the finding of the council AS for pun
ishment he argued, had he not been
sufficiently punished by the councils 5
censure? Nothing more than censure
had been intended by the councils find
ing-y ct, the Bay Conference had pre-
sumed to suspend him on the councils
evidence. The Bay Conference repre-
sentatives have claimed that the coun-
cil's findings were full of specific
charges-yet where, on reading the
findings, could they be found?
Dr. Mclean objected, and said he
would like to introduce new evidence.
The privilege was granted, such evil
dence to be brought up after DR..
Browns speech, and the speaker con-
tinued.
He remarked that he would proceed
to clear away the cloud which his enc
mics said rested upon him after the
findings of the council Suspicion, he
argued, was not evidence. Conviction
would have been necessary to leave any
such cloud behind.
The speaker then went into a review
of his side of the case. He explained
indirectly direct explanation being
ruled out of order-that he had paid
hush money to Mrs. Davidson, not be-
cause he was guilty, but because he
realized the consequences the scandal
would bring upon any prominent man.
He dismissed as being puerile the
charge OF being unable to explain sat
isfactorily Matte Overman's letter. IT
was urged that the San Francisco coun-
ell had held that the evidence was not
sufficient to convict him of the charge
brought against him.
ut is said that I connived at the
absence of Mrs Tunnell," he shouted
Il deny it."
DR. Brown then declared at length
that public sentiment in San Francisco
was not against him sufficiently to
make his removal from the ministry
imperative.
Twice he pointed his finger at the
three men opposing him before the
conference, accused them of double
dealing and of fostering unjust sus-
piciOns. I'D rather you'd have shot
me-" he said in terrible tones, than
do what you did to me-" There was a
sneer in his voice as he added: "And
now you are trying to salve your con-
sciences by sweet platitudes"
Dr. Mclean jumped to his feet, and
there was a passage alarms.
Dr. Brown resumed shortly It was
not long before he was in the midst
of a dramatic prayer.
20, thou Nazarene," he said. pointing
his right hand above him, uplifting his
face and speaking in voice of deep
est eanestness, whose feet have trod
the thorny paths. I beseech Thee to
smite from the minds of this council
that suspicion always arises from some
cause
At last he led up to his peroration by
telling the story of DR.. Barrows' case
in California, where similar charges
drove the man accused into a maniacs
grave. The speakers voice filled as
he was relating this narrative.
After his DEATH he said. raising his
voice until it rang loudly. when it was
'Oo ldtc 1Ot IepdfdCAOIL, the general as
sociation said, It's a liel''
There was a moment of complete g
silence. He resumed impressively: Il
want you to declare that of me before
I am in my grave"
Waiting minute for these words to
take effect, he turned and pointed at
his wife. who had been a silent listener
I want you to think of my wife" he
said in a choked voice, 'that little wo-
man has been an example of fidelity
through all of this. Think how she
must feel"
Mrs. Brown, the only woman in the
room, bowed her head and wept.
DR.. Little, the moderator, broke in.
He reminded DR.. Brown that he was
going outside the rules of procedure.
Il have DONE" said the latter. 81 am
sorry if I have transgressed, but that is
all L have to say"
DR.. Little explained why he inter-
rupted.
Rev. c. r. Brown, representing the
Bay Conference said a few words on
the other side and then a recess was
taken and the deliberations resumed.