New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-11
OPPOSED TO DIR. BRIGGS.
MAJORITY OF THE STANDING COMMIT
TEE DIsAPPROvEs THE ORDINATION.

BE PREPARED TO OBJECT IL THERE II AN
ATTEMPT TO HOLD THE ORDINATION
1t was learned last evening that majority
OF the members Of the Standing Committee Of
the Diocese Of New-York are opposed to the Or
dination OF DR.. Briggs. This committee Is the
Bishops advisory council. and 10 the represen-
tative body of the diocese, being chosen by tho
annual diocesan convention. and being made up
Of both priests and laymen. so that 1t repre-
sents the clergy and the parishes The present
members are the Rev. DR.. Morgan Dix. rector
OF Trinity Church, president; the Rev. DR..
Thomas r. Harris. secretary OF the diocese; the
Rev DR.. o. Apologize, rector OF st. Georges.
Newburg; the Rev. DR.. J. 8. shpmsn, rector OF
Christ Church. Boulevard and Seventy-hrst-st.;
George Maccollough Miller s. Nicholson Kane,
Herman c. Won Post and George Zabriske.
The Tribune was informed last night that all
excent one OF the clerical members Of the Stand
ing Committee and all of the lay members are
opposed to the proposed ordination OF DR..
Briggs. 1t is true that they passed his papers,
but 1t is said that they regarded their authority
in that matter to be limited to ascertaining
whether the papers were in proper form and
duly attested and that their act was simply to
see that the canonical formalities had been COM
nled with and to certify that fact to the
Bishop. They felt then and feel now that they
have no Jurisdiction In the matter OF Dr.
Briggs's doctrinal fitness for ordination unless
they are called upon by the Bishop to act with
him as his canonical advisers. Then their au-
thority in the will be clear.
II Is pointed out that DR.. Briggs's doctrinal
soundness was certified to the Standing COM
mttee by the examining chaplains. and that
the committee was bound TO accept their verdict
In the absence of any protest or allegation to
the contrary, and that at that time those who
regarded DIR. Briggs as unsound had nothing
upon which TO base a protest except what DR..
Briggs had written while Presbyterian. Thus
the case stood when the Standing Committee
went through the formality Of approving the
papers of DR.. Briggs--the various testimonials
and certificates required by the canons.
II was Just after this that the new and prac-
ticaly rewritten edition Of DR.. Brfggss hook
came out, and the clergy had barely secared
copies OF 1t when the announcement OF the pro-
posed ordination was made by the Bishop. and
Dr. Clendenn entered the protest which started
the controversy.
THE CATHOLIC CLUB PROTESTS.
Bishop Potter, not having replied to either
OF the Rev. Dr. De Costa's two letters OF protest
against the proposed ordination OF the Rev. Dr.
Briggs, received another and perhaps a more
weighty objection yesterday. This consisted OF
the following resolution passed by the New.
York Catholic Club on Tuesday,
Resolved. That in view Of the published state
ments with regard to the teachings OF the Kew
Dr. Briggs concerning Holy Scripture, the New
York Catholic Glib respectfully and earnestly
requests the Bishop Of NewYork to defer the
ordination of DR.. Briggs to the priesthood.
The Catholic Club is a body OF High Church
priests of which the Rev. P. A. H. Brown. vicar
OF st. Johns Chapel, In Varick-st. is president
and Father Richie Of st. Ignatius's Cnurch'
secretary. Other well-krown members are the
Rev DR.. George NJ. Christian, rector OF the
Church Of st. Mary the Virgin; the Rev. DR..
George c. Houghto1. rector OF the Church OF the
Transformation and Professor Randall G. Hall.
OF the General Theological Seminary. ..t
The club, besides sending copy Of It's reao-
luton to Bishop Potter. sent another copy TO
the Rev DR. CIendenin. who raised the first
cutlery against the ordination of DR.. Briggs. as
a token that their sympathy is with him.
ANNOUNCEMENT EXPECTED TO-DAY.
Father Richie would not say yesterday what
action he expected the Bishop to take on the
clubs protest, but it's action strengthens the
prevailing feeling that Or. Briggs Will not be
admitted into the priesthood before the date
ed that II the Bishop intends to go on with the
ordination in spite of all the opposition that
has been developed. he will make public an
rouncemsnt Of that intention tomorrow. at the
same time giving the name OF the church and
the hour for the ceremony.
II he does this, it is reported that some dra-
matte scenes may follow. and that the leaders
of the opposition will be there in person to raise
their protest. It is thought. however. that the
Bishop will not carry the matter so far.
BISHOP NICHOLsON'S VIEWS
No man of weight in Church councils could b
found yesterday who was willing to discuss the
published report that Bishop Nicholson of Mil
waukee had declared that II Dr. Briggs were
ordained in the face OF these protests Bishop
Potter might have to answer to the House OF
Bishops for It, Bishop Nicholson is quoted as
saying:
have heard Dr. Briggs preach and have
read many OF his works, and cannot say that
is an nterloper and vainglor1ous. His works show
he is a man who has no business to be teaching in
deacon and II Will be WAS si greater great
ordain him to the priesthood. sincerely n0 ucs
crdain him He has been far too enient and liberal
with Briggs. and hope he will not now = give We
does and ordains him. he can be held responsible
and suppose he will have TO answer to the House
of Bishops for ordainng the man.
Bishop Potter himself, being asked yesterday
for some inklng Of his purpose. declined to say
a word.
The friends Of Dr. Briggs still keep up cheer,
full front, and declare that the ordination WIZ
surely take place before May Is.
Their confident attitude caused renewed reler'
ences TO the almost secret ordination OF Dr.
Briggs as a deacon Few knew OF that ceremony
till after 1t was over, 1t was said.
EX-PRESIDENT HARRISON ENTERTAINED.
THE GUEST OF SENATOR EI.YINs AT DINNER At