New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-12
PROF. SHIELDS'S RESIGNATION
IT IS ACCEPTED BY THE PRESBYTERY OF
NEw-BRUNswICK AFTER a LONG
DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION.

Princeton, y. j.. Nov. il (SpecaD.--The resgna-
ton from the Presbyterian Church OF Dr. Charles
Woodruff Shields accepted by the New-Bruns-
wick Presbytery. which met here this morning
The meeting was called solely for the purpose OF
acting upon the resignation. which was made pub
lie a few days ago
The Presbytery met In the First Presbyterian
Church of Princeton, and called 20 order at
Il o'clock by the Moderator. the Rev DR.. W. W.
Knox, OF New Brunswick. DIR. Shields. who was
present, rose at once. and In few words stated
his decision 10 leave the Church lie spoke only in
the k,ndest terms of his ministerial associates and
said that he greatly regretted the action. though
his personal dignity would permit no other
course. DR.. Shields greatly affected while
speaking, and left the room Immediately Before
going he gave the secretary formal letter
Of resignation, which was read TO the assemblage.
There was motion at once TO accept the resigna-
tion but some OF the members proposed that a
committee be appointed TO wait on DR.. Shields and
if he would not reconsider his decision Pres-
dent Patton. If Princeton University dspelled ali
doubt on the matter at this juncture by stating
tina, he could authoritatvely say that Dr. Shields :
decision was final. An attempt was then made to
have vote the original motion At this mo-
ment the opposition forces showed their hands.
While all members of the Presbytery were willing
20 accept the resignation. some of them wanted
the session to produce positive assertions In regard
10 their attitude on the license question. and thus
let the Church and public at large know the par
ticulars of this The other side maintained
that the acceptance or non-accept4nce or Dr
Shields's resignation was the sole point at issue
A debate OF more than two hours brought no re-
suit. and finally. on the motion OF DR.. RoSan, the
session appointed q committee OF five 10 settle the
matter
After recess this committee delivered rs dcci-
sion. The committee. consisting of DR.. John / Dui-
field of Princeton University; DR.. Purycs, Of the
Princeton seminary Or Rogan. Elder Hamilton i,
and Judge Lanning of Trenton, announced mat
the following resolutions were the result OF the
committees conference:
Whereas DR.. Charles w. Shields having IN
formed the Preshytery that he wiihdraWs from from
their jurisdiction. and having informed me lTts,
bytcry that he requests that his name be dropped
from the roll of the Prcshytery: .
Resolved. That his request be granted ana mat
the stated clerk remove his name from the ron.
"ReSOlVed That TO prevent msapprehonsion or
the action Of the Prosbytery the Preshyicry deems
Il advisable 70 call the attention OF our mlnSi, rs.
elders ana mc.hers TO the dcliveranccS of the Gen
eral Assembly in 1871 and 1877 in regard to the
signing of petitions for the sale OF intoxicating
liquors as beverage.
These resolutions were accepted by the PTesoy-
terry after some discussion
The dcvcranccs of the General Assembly in 1871
and 1871 referred read as follows: THAT we re
gard the signing of petitions for license as repre-
hensible completely in the sale of intoxicating
liouOrs'