The Saint Paul globe., 1897-05-29

tee. The committee suggested that the
general assembly memoralize the pres1-
dent and congress for the appointment
of committee for the thorough in
vestigation Of the liquor traffic and
urged the assembly to express it's un-
qualified disapprobation of the use Of
Intoxicating beverages at college BAN
quets.
After a lively debate the resolutions
were adopted and also a memorial to
congress asking for official investiga-
ton of the liquor traffic.
Then came sharper debate than be-
fore on the report as to the use Of
wine at the alumni banquet at the an
niversary of Princeton university. The
committee recommended that as the
institution was not under the control
Of the general assembly no action be
taken on four overtures received from
certain presbyteries. An amend
ment was offered In the shape Of
preamble expressing regret that intox-
icating liquors had been furnished. The
discussion waxed hot and points Of Or
der became numerous. Presently the
assembly got into the worst parliamen-
tary tangle that IT has experienced.
when a commissioner moved the pre-
vious question. A vote was taken to
determine whether the question should
be put, and the chorus Of yeas and
nays was so evenly divided that di-
vision was called for. Even on ris-
ing vote the moderator could not de-
eide. Then came storm Of questions
and speeches. The moderator forgot the
state Of business, and the decision OF
the previous question was left hang
ing, though the original mover tried
to withdraw his motion.
The confused discussion lasted until
within few moments Of adjournment,
when the whole matter was disposed OF
by motion to lay 1t on the table,
which was adopted by an overwhem-
ing vote, and the assembly then adj
journed until evening.
The first interest in the evening ses-
sion was aroused by objection to the
approval of the records Of the synod Of
New York, because it had elected an
elder to its moderatorship last October.
The elder so elected was Gen. Ralph
E. Prime, Of Yonkers. Rev. P. d.
Young, of California, objected to the
action Of the synod and moved it's dis
approval on account of irregularity.
After a brief debate and an amend
ment, the whole matter was tabled.
The race question in the South came
UP unexpectedly on a petition to allow
a colored church in Texas to join a
presbytery in Arkansas. The discus
sion was long and covered many
points, but the petition was finally de-
C10eQ In Ln6 negative lie lSdooiA
given was an unwillingness to recog-
nize color distinctions in the denomina-
ton.
An elaborate report was presented as
to the qualification Of voters at church
elections, the right being granted to
commandments and contributors in the
case Of pastors and limited to COM
municants in the election Of elders and
deacons. -;}
The final report Of the treasurer of
the quarter-century anniversary re-
union fund was presented in printed
fcrm 1t showed total receipts of $685.
146 A report was presented showing
that the Sunday school membership or
the denomination was 1,046,678, an in
crease Of 80, 9,287 The total membership
of the churches was $50, 1876. being an
increase of 56,8O4 by confession of faith
and 37,745 by certificates.
After the routine business, which
marks the close of each assembly the
roll call and votes of thanks to all
who had contributed to the success
and convenience of the body, the as
sembly adjourned sine die at 1850
o'clock.