The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-11
ORDINATION OF DIR. BRIGGS.
ANOTHER STRONG PROTEST FOR
WARDED TO BISHOP POTTER.
The Bishop Refuses to Talk to RE-
nortcrs-Dr. De Costa Has En-
tered Formal Charge.

! New York, May 10--Another formal pro-
test, representing the views of large
number of Protestant clergmen against
the proposed ordination of Rev. DR. Briggs,
has been forwarded to Bishop Potter. The
protest was the outcome OF largely at
tended meeting of the New York Catholic
club held at st, Ignacious church and
was unanimously adopted. 1t was decided
by the members of the club not to give
out the protest for publication until after
1t has reached Bishop Potter's hands. It
| Is understood however, that the protest
calls attention TO the religious principles
OF Or. Briggs as evidenced by his writings
and his sermons; points out that the doubt
as 10 MS eligibility has been raised in
many quarters; notes that strong de-
mand for an Investigation as to his stand
ing and regularity has been made; sug-
sests the improperly OF secret ordina-
ton and asks for the appointment of a
committee to investigate the case. Other
wise. 1t is declared, the danger OF further
and serious dlssension in the church will
be very great and an open rupture may
follow.
Bishop Potter still maintains his silence
IN the matter and no sign whatever has
come from him as to his intention ana
purpose, When asked II he had anything
10 say about the case he replied: Nothing
Whatever have been trying for several
years to get reporters to understand thII
90 not talk about my affairs through the
newspapers, but you all seem to be unable
&rasn 80
tons"
while bishop Potter will not Indicate
IN any way his purpose, the growing opin-
lon tnrouhout the Protestant Eplscopnl
ehuroh Is that the ordination Of DR. Briggs
VIII be postponed. The clergymen who
give th.s out 90 their opinion are careful
20 staSe that 1t is nothing other than opln-
ION one OF thece is Rev. DR.. De Costa
VINO mas written to Bishop Potter, stating
tnat he ia prepared to bring a specl6e
charge against DR. Briggs.
nave not heard from Bishop Potter
IN reply TO my letter." said Or. De Costa
nor do expect to hear from him. But
leei that tho matter is effeotually settled
Tor the present and that there viii be no
ordination. My opinion Is that the blshon
VIII simply not say anything AZ All hrt
viii let the matter drop. Il shonld nv Nv
recalled that Or Briggs year is moi ont
until May27 and that May IA, the original
GATE o. the ordination, was fixed simply |
70 allow him TO sail on Nav 20. There h |
therefore no reason why there shonld hs |
any great hurry In the matter OF ordina-
tion. N'U'""-
However apart from all that, think
my letter is legal stopper--an Injunction
as II were--ard that any proceeding now
on the part Of Bishop Potter would be I'M. |
eanonieal. When saw how the situation
was developing made up my mind NOT 10
v wait Tor q half dozen men TO formulate
platform. but to go ahead on my own re.
sponsihility and nut an effectual sion n
The whole proceedings"
ON the other hard Or Briggs friends
10 not share in the belief that there viii
he any postponement OF the ordination. In
eneet. they hint that the hishon has msds
NJ his arrangements 20 60 on with ,hs
,rdlpation services and has assured them
hist he Will carry out those ARRANGEMENTS
Bishop Doaae OF Albany. who is IN tba
'sty said that he aid not care 10 tam or
he matter. He said that hs had been