Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-07-25

Matter Referred to the Presby-
terry.
The commission appointed by the
Presbytery to investigate the trouble
existing in the United Presbyterian
Church concluded their work at the
conclusion of yesterdays session, and
the result of their inquiry leaves the
situation unchanged for the present.
A number of witnesses were examined,
the questioning for the prosecution of
the measures against retaining Mr..
Littell as pastor being conducted by
Mr.. w. ]. W. Cowden, and for the de-
Tense by Mr.. T. M Garvin. Before the
examination was begun great deal
of routine business concerning the case
was transacted. At the conclusion of
the executive business the witnesses
summoned were sworn by the clerk
and the investigation proceeded.
Prof. A. NJ. Stevenson was the first
witness called. He was on the stand
for an hour or so, up until the COM
mission adjourned at 1890 o'clock for
dinner. The Professor gave history
of the whole trouble from the begin
ming, relating the part he had taken
in the matter with view of ascertain
ing and settling the trouble. On
examination by Mr.. Littell, a GER
TAIN paper alleged to have been pre-
pared and circulated among the con-
gregation last week for signatures, was
demanded of the witness. The paper
is said to have been an agreement by
those opposed to Mr.. Littells pastorate
to continue until the end of the year
or to pay Mr.. Littell his salary in full
to the end of the year and let him go
now. Mr. Littell asked where the
paper was. The witness stated that he
did not know. Mr.. Cowden said he
could produce it. After some little ar
gument, on order of the commission
the paper was given in as evidence
Prof. Stevenson was questioned as to
whether or not he had not advised DR..
Mcclure before his death to resign so
that worthy successor could be ap-
pointed, giving as his reason that some
man of inferior ability might be ap-
pointed as cO-pastor, who might be re-
tanned as pastor. Mr.. Stevenson an
swered that at the time he had not
had any particular person in mind but
thought it would be the best plan.
The commission then recessed for
dinner.
At half past one the examination of
witnesses was again taken up. DR.. J.
L. Dickey was first called Dr. Dickey
was up until a short time ago a mem
Der of the session. He testified in re-
lation to the action of the session in
regard to it's requesting Mr.. Littells
resignation. He took up the action of
Mr.. Little as moderator of the session
and his continually calling attention
to the minutes of the meetings written
by Prof. Stevenson as being more on
the order of essays than resume of
the business transacted. His testi-
mony continued along this same strain
to show Mr.. Littell's action aggravated
the situation and that such aggrava-
Rro IN cfrifo
Mr.. Andrew S. Hare was the next
witness.
when did you first know of the
trouble breaking out in the congrega-
tion?" asked Mr.. Cowden.
my first knowledge was when l had
heard that member of the session
had invited a certain member of the
congregation to his Office and request
the different members of the congrega-
tion against the interests of Mr.. Lit
tell" was the answer.
Did Mr.. Littell have anything to do
with the preparation of the resolution
requesting my resignation from the
session." asked Mr. Cowden.
Not to my knowledge" answered
Mr.. Hare.
Miss Mary Vance was next called.
The witness was asked of a conversa-
ton she had with Mr.. Littell, in which
he called the session to task and spoke
derrogatively of their ability. Her
answer was to the effect that Mr.. Lit
tell spoke very bitterly of the session.
On cross-examination it developed that
the conversation had occurred FIVE
years ago, and as the church law is to
the effect that no testimony dating
back more than two years can be ad-
mitted. 1t was stricken out
Mr.. Henry Ross was questioned in
relation to certain resolution he had
had in his possession on the night of
the congregational meeting, which for
some reason or other he did not get be-
fore the meeting 1t developed that it
was resolution requesting the resig-
nation of another member of the SEES
sion besides Mr.. Cowden. The resolu-
ton was handed to him by another
member of the congregation.