Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-09-28
Press Well Represented.

siding officer only was on the platform
and at its side was a small table.
Press Well Represented.
The seats assigned to the representa-
tives of the press are well occupied. In ad-
dition to the daily papers in this city and
elsewhere and the Associated Press, the
religious papers have sent representatives.
In some cases the editors of the papers are
present and in addition to being cores
pondents are serving as delegates.
Among the representatives of the relig-
ious papers are:
Rev. ]. A. Macdonald, the Westminster,
Toronto. Canada; F. Bartlett Converse,
Christian Observer Louisville, Ky; Rev.
Chas. A. Stoddard. New York Observer,
Interim, and w. S. Reed Of the Presby-
terrain Record Dallas, Tex.
DR.. Lang. the president, wore his usual
clerical garb, the features of which are a
long black coat and high-cut vest, showing
only white tie beneath the reddish beard,
which is slightly sprinkled with gray. DIR.
Lang conducted the devotional exercises
by which the session was opened. He gave
out psalm, which some one in the audi
ence started to a familiar tune. and the
assemblage Joined in singing with great
heartiness. He then read selection from
the Scriptures and led in prayer. closing
with the Lords prayer, in which the au-
dience joined. He then called upon dele
gates from the eastern and western sec
lions to lead in prayer, and one from each
section responded in turn.
Another psalm was sung, and then the
presiding officer called for the minutes of
the session of yesterday, which were read
by Rev. DR.. Roberts, the American secre-
tary, and were approved.
Reception of Reports.
The chairman Of the business commit
tee, Rev. DR.. Kerr of Richmond Va,
made a report in regard to various matters
of routine interest, and the report was
adopted. A popularity in the methods of
the presiding officer, at least from the
American point of view. was his calling
for the ayes and then declaring the ques-
ton carried without calling for the noes.
However, this was evidently a device for
expediting business as there would prob
ably have been no dissenting voices If they
had been called for. and later on the chair
man adopted the formula of saying after
the call for the ayes. There being no noes
the question Is carried"
Reports on various subjects prepared nv
the general secretary, Rev. DIR. Mathews
and printed in a pamphlet bound in blue
paper covers-for that reason designated as
the blue book''-were referred to in gen
cral terms by DIR. Mathews, but were not
read.
The first paper of the session was read
by Rev. DR.. Mathews on the work of the
alliance. He stated that it was the intep.
ton to have the late DR.. Blackie prepare
such paper. The reading was followed
with great interest by the delegates as the
paper treated in an able way of the objects
and purposes of the alliance. DIR. Mathews
explained that an organic union of the
various churches in the alliance was not
possible. owing to the varied conditions
The belief of the churches he said showed
various shades of the orthodox blue. Theil
polity was varied as well as their church
forms.
Greeted With Appliance.
He spoke of the means adopted by the