Richmond planet., 1901-08-10

Briggs ruled that Brother Mitchell
could not argue his case. He must say
whether he was guilty and produce wit.
nesSes and then take his seat.
Brother Mitchell produced the follow
ing notice TO prove that he had a right
to discuss the question and argue his
case, showing why the right hand of
fellowship should not Zoe withdrawn:
NOTICE TO APPEAR,
RICHMOND, Va, July Is, 1901.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH;
To John Mitchell, .Jr.,
Dear Brother:
You are hereby summoned to
our next church meeting, the first Mon
DAY night IN August. 1901, TO show cause
why the hand OF fellowship should not
be withdrawn from you, upon the fol-
lowing charges:
Brother John Mitchell, Jr. is hereby
charged with publishing the private let
ter of Rev. Johnson to the church, and
the business of the church in disregard
OF the church pohty and the authority
OF the Baptist Church, same appearing
IN the PLANET of July 9th, 1901.
NELSON WILLIAMS. JR."
Done by order of the church July 10,
1901
Rev. T. H. BRIaGs, Chairman;
b. p. VANDERvn.L, Church Clerk.
APPEAL FOR ORDER.
Brother Mitchell thereupon appealed
to the chair not TO interrupt him.
He called for his accusers. Brother
Nelson Williams, Jr., who forged the
names to the application for the meeting
and who had published the proceedings
of the same church meeting in his paper
of July 1st, 1901, stated that he was not
the accuser, the church was the accus-
er. Brother Mitchell had been adjudg-
ed guilty at the last meeting. This Gre
ated whirl of excitement.
Brother III. +. Jonathan demanded to
know whether Brother Williams, who
forged the names to the application for
the meeting, had taken the first steps as
set forth in the 18th chapter of Mat.
thew and the church polity [Hiscock's
New Directory for Baptist Churchesl l.
DIDN'T WANT LAW READ.
He sent the book up to the clerk and
asked him to read Page 1S5, Section !
and 2.
Moderator Thomas H. Briggs de-
clined to permit the clerk to read this
Brother Nelson Williams, Jr., who
forged the names to the application foI
a meeting would not answer.
He was also asked as to what eyi
denoe he had that Brother Mitchell had
written the article. He had none ex.
cept that it was in the PLANET.
Brother Mitchell should state whether
he did it or not. He would not answer
questions so the chair called for the 9TH
er accusers. No one responded.
Brother Jonathan, Brother chair
man, here is Brother William Henry
Davis, who said he was going to exclude
Brother Mitchell tonight. Let him tell
all he knows.
KNEW NOTHING.
Brother Davis stated he knew nothing
but that Brother Mitchell had published
the church proceedings in the PLANET.
He was asked to produce the paper,
but he did not have copy, neither did
Brother Nelson Williams, Jr., who fore-
ed the names to the application.
THE PLANET READ.
Finally, brother in the back part of
church brought forward a copy of the
PLANET and 1T was decided to read a re-
port of the proceedings. It was read.
consuming much time, it being after 12
o'clock when the clerk completed the
task.
BROTHER CARTER MAKES A DISCOVERY.
Bro. Henry g. Garter, who wore a pair
of big leg white breeches and shad-bel-
ly coat called attention to the fact that a
reporter was at the window. Brother
Russell was detailed by the Moderator
to go out and order the reporter from
premises.
Chairman Briggsl. Brother Mitchell
will now come forward and say wheth-
er ne published that article.
Brother Mitchell stated that it was
the first time that he had ever known
that it was the business of the accused
to prove his innocence.
MUST PROVE GUILT.
1t was required Of his accusers to