New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-10-04
TRANSTAAL CRISIS DISCUSSED.
LIVELY DEBATE OVER AN ARBITRATION
RESOLUTION N THE PAN-PRESBY-
TERRAIN COUNCIL.


TERRAIN COUNCIL
Washington, Oct. 3.-The Transvaal situation
caused an animated discussion in the council OF the
Pan Presbyterian Alliance to-day. The contro-
versy arose over a resolution introduced by DR..
Cyrus Cort OF Sabillasville Md. urging arbitration
the Governments Of Great Britain and the Trans
vaal in connection with the present crisis. The
resolution follows:
That in the name Of the Prince OF Peace Him
self earnestly deplore and deprecate any re-
sort TO the terrible arbitrament OF war in the
settlement OF the pending difficulties between the
Governments OF Great Britain and the Transvaal
Republic. and impore both parties to seek more
Tares "a soon OF he
so recently recognized and commended by repre-
sentatves Of all civilized Governments on the face
OF the earth.
Dr. Cort the author Of the resolution. moved
that It he sent 10 the business Committee. but the
motion met with vigorous opposition from mem
bers who objected to giving 1t any recognition
a substitute offered postponng the whole
subject until Thursday. when the general ques-
ton Of arbitration Will be under consideration.
The discussion OF the two roions was brief. but
spirited and brought out reports from the two
countries interested DIR. Lang Of Glasgow. and
Dr. Matthews. Of London. represented Great
Britain. and Or. p. j. o Mlering. OF Johannes
burg. the Transvaal.
DR.. Lang promptly his feet to object to
the consideration OF the resolution. He thought II
reference to the present crisis however well it might
be 10 take position on the general subject Of
arbitration.
DR.. Beattie Of Louisville KY. thought that as
the resolution dealt with politics ii had no place In
the proceedings Of the council
Dir. Meiring seconded the motion to refer to the
Business Committee. and made a brief speech. He
declared that the resolution was misconstruod. as
1t was believed 10 be political in nature. It was
not intended 10 enter that sphere the resolution
did not go into the merits OF the issue between
Great Britain and the Transvaal. The only effect
OF adopting 1t would he in the line of Inc former
action Of the council in urging arbitration between
the United States and Great Britain. Both coun-
tries entreated alike to exhaust all possible
means to find a peaceable solution OF their dif-
ferences. Certainly there could be reasonable
objection to such course. What was the use Of
general declarations II no application could be made
DR.. Merings address received with warm
applause. and he was Immediately followed by DR..
declared that the political question to be found
in the very heart of the resolution. as was cyl
denced by the treatment OF Great Britain and the
Transvaa as two nations, whereas the controversy
was as between nation and part Of that nation;
number of people In the rear Of the church rose
and loudly declared that the Transvaal was an in
The vote on the two motions resulted in tie,
eighty votes being cast each side The Chair
then cast the deciding vote for postponernent until
Thursday.
The Alliance received standing letter from Pres
ident Mckinleys private secretary IN reply TO me
letter Of the Alliance TO the President. saying that
he was authorized ny MI Mckinney 10 assure the
Alliance Of his sincere appreciation Of the senti-
ments expressed therein"
The report OF the Business Committee recon-
mended that no formal action be taken on Samuel
Smiths resolution condemning the growth Of
sacerdOtasm in the Anglican Church the
ground that it was not the custom OF the council
interfere in the affairs OF other churches. The re-
port adopted without debate
A recommendation OF the Business Committee 10
the effect that greeting should be sent TO Queen
Whelmina of Holland upon her ascension to the
throne as the only Presbyterian sovereign and as
the representative Of long line Of Protestants was
also adopted.
The Business Committee also recommended the
election OF the Rev. DR.. William Gaven. principal
OF Knox College, Toronto, Canada. as president OF
the Alliance. and the recommendation prevailed
unanimously.