Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-05-26
LyyCHING ~ CONDEMNED.
A Adherence for the Crime Which
Causes It--A Pastoral Letter.

Inc afternoon session WAS ocCupltu
with the further consideration OF the re-
port Of the Committee ON Overtures. The
assembly refused TO concur in the recon-
mendation that the reports on statistics
and systematic benefcence should en-
brace the same amounts.
The recommendation that in view or
former delivcrances on the subject the
assembly should not issue q pastoral on
the subject of dancing. card-playing,
ana theatre-going. and the growth Of un-
godlincss, was met with an amendment
proposed by Mr.. Aud, Of Florida. lie
cited cases where "tuin and trouble had
come as a result of dancing. and he urged
the assembly to issue new address on
the subject. in answer TO the overture
Of Fayetteville Presbytcry.
DR. Stephenson contended that there
was a marked difference between de-
Iiverance and a pastoral letter. Such
letter at this time would be timely, he
said, the number Of amusements had
greatly increased, and there was little
difference existing to-day between the
men and women Of the Church and those
outside.
4 FALSE IMPRESSION ABROAD.
Mr.. Venable agreed with the substitute.
The idea had gone abroad. he said. that
the Presbyterian Church did not object
TO dancing. card-playing. and theatre
going, because they were INDUCED in to
such an extent by church-members. Such
letter as that asked for was greatly
needed.
Rev. ]. G. Patton, of Georgia, read
from the minutes Of the proceedings Of
the assembly OF 1877 a resolution framed
at that time and suggested that il might
be read from the pupits where 1t was
found 10 be necessary.
Or. Green. the chairman OF the com
mittee said his own experiences were
that there was not any growth in world
illness. Pastoral work would correct 1t
II it were found TO be on the increase
in other communities than the one in
which he lived. The various deliver
ances Of the assembly on worldly amuse-
ments had been collected. and published
in tract form; these tracts could be Sc
cured from the Committee on Publication,
and could be distributed where necessary.
Mr.. Milne said a pastoral letter was
needed in Florida.
Mr.. Mclain said people were laughing
at the efforts Of ministers TO control this
thing, and it was generally asserted that
the Presbyterian Church was not opposed
TO dancing.
Mr.. Price, missionary to China, advo-
Gated the issue OF a pastoral letter. He
had visited over $50 churches since his re-
turn from China, and he had heard pas
tors complain on all sides that these d.
versions were on the increase. He sug-
gested that the letter might also include
such growing abuses as neglect Of private
prayer. neglect Of public worship, the pa
trOnage Of the Sunday newspaper.
The pending question was called, and
Mr.. Auld's substitute was adopted a fur
- L nj ont
accordance with the suggestions Of Mr..
Price so as TO include structures upon
the neglect Of private prayer, and public
worship and the patronage of the Sunday
| newspaper but this was declared TO be
| out Of order by the moderator.
Or. KERR'S LYNCHING RESOLUTION
The rules were suspended at this point
by common consent in order to take up
the resolution offered by DR.. Kerr at the
money session in regard to lynching. 1t
was moved TO adopt this resolution by a
rising vote.
DR.. Stephenson said he was opposed TO
the resolution. lie regretted that II had
been brought up in the body.
Dr.. Kerr said perhaps the resolution
needed explanation. "There Is undoubt-
eddy a rapidly diminishing respect for con-
etituted authority" he argued. 1--WE
a tremendous speed. 1t is grand thing
when regulated by the fear of God"
DIR. Kerr was interrupted at this point
| bv a motion TO adjourn, but motion TO
| extend the time fifteen minutes was
adopted.
THE AIM OF THE RESOLUTION.
every one present" continued DR..
| Kerr. knows what this thing is aimed
! at 1t is necessary that the great South
| ern presbyte rian Church should put IT.
| self on record as striving 10 uphold the
| law Of God. We are endeavoring TO evan
| gelize a certain race; some are trying to
persuade those people that we are not
| their friends l deplore the increase oil
| the crime North as well as South"
Mr.. Aud contended that the document
was incomplete. There had been great
outcry against lynchings in the South. II
was not confined to the South, and iur-
| Their than this. nothing was said Of the
| cause of these lynchings. If the paper
! will 20 further and condemn the cause
| and call upon the leaders OF the race 10
! nut down that hdeOus crime, the speaker
said, he would support It,
| Or. Stephenson said he was persuaded
| that ii would be wise for the assembly
not TO touch the subject. Mr.. Nenable
said he was heavily in sympathy with Inc
resolution. The protest did not rest sore
| ly upon the law OF the land, but upon Inc
| law OF God.
EVANGELIzE THE COLORED RAGE
DR.. Rennic said TIE only good to be ue
rived from the passing of the Resolution
would be to let The world know where TN
| PRESBYTERIAN Church stands No on
doubts in his heart that the Presbyterian
| ministry is opposed TO lynching. ne sdiu
but he did not think any resolution I'M
| assembly might pass would have any el
feet toward diminishing the crime. We
| must 90 down to the root Of the matter
ne said. "an6 evangelize the race whicl
gives the cause for the offence
Mr.. VIM said the resolution shoui'
certainly contain a reference to the nor
rible crime which brought the lynchlng
about.
THE RESOLUTION AMENDED.
Dr Kerr said he would willingly adj
to the resolution the following words
while expressing our adherence OF tn
crimes which have led TO these irregu
larities" This, he thought. would NEE
the views Of all the commissioners
The General Assembly unanimously con
gented To the addition of these words.
Mr.. Winn suggested that 1t might D
made stronger and DR.. Kerr replied
make 1t as strong as you like
The previous question having been cal
! ed no further amendment could be pei
mitted. and the resolution was adopted
Ave members only voting against it.
DR.. Kerr made an allusion TO the deaf
of Dr. Hoge. and announced that boo
containing the history Of his pastorate
The Second church would be given to eac
commissioner.
Tbe assembly then adjourned until ST