The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-05-24
THE ELMORE CONTROVERSY
 CONSIDERED IN CAUCUS

moved that as the first recommenda- tions in both reports were similar, those recommendations be adopted.
 Dr. Dictey claimed that under the rules of the Assembly, he and Dr. Mo- Kibben were entitled to speak on their reports before any motions were pre- scented.
 pr. Niccolls said he made the. motion in the interest of fairness. The main issue, he said, was the appointment of a committee whose instructions were to come later, and he believed that by adopting the first recommen- dation, the Assembly would have the whole report in better shape for con-
 Rev. John Dewitt of Princeton sprang to his feet and. addressing Dr. Niccolls, said: How do you know we want to appoint a committee. Suppose we want to dismiss the matter?
 Dr. MoffAtt moved a substitute mo- ton to adopt the whole of the majority report. Several amendments were of fered. but there was so much confus- ion that Dr. Niccolls withdrew his mo- ton. Dr. Moffatt then moved to adopt the majority report.
 An amendment was offered to sub- stitute the minority report.
 Dr. George D. Baker of Philadelphia offered the following:
 To Discuss Subject.
 Whereas, The vote of the Presby- teries on Creedal Revision indicates an utter lack of unanimity as to what should be done in the matter; and.
 "wherAas, This lack of unanimfty means a protracted period of contro- versy and unrest in case the movement of revision be persisted in. and
 "whereas, The disturbance of the confession of faith would be in the way of union or reunion with other church es now holding this symbol unirn- and prayed for, therefore,
 Resolved, That this General As- sembly deems 1t inexpedient to pro- ceed further in the matter of revision at this time, and 1t hereby dismisses the whole matter"
 The reading of the resolution brought forth considerable applause. Loud calls for pr. Dickey to speak on the resolu- ton followed.
 Before he got started on his subject. however, a point of order was raised indefinitely postpone.
 To expedite matters, Dr. Baker changed the wording of his resolution as originally written by striking out the word. Indefinitely postpone" and submitted the word dismissed"
 Dr. Dickey Speaks.
 This gave pr. Dickey his chance to speak. He presented brief history of the work of the committee, and said he would anticipate some objections to be made to the majority report. He heard there was unfairness shown on the part of some. He denied the as- sertion, and said he had never been inn posed with a more serious duty than that which the last assembly Ilated upon him. In appointing the commit tee he thought he did what was best for peace, progress and prosperity of the church. Dr. Dickey said he pleaded with several ministers to be- come members of the committee. When he referred to the declination If pr. John Dewitt, of Princeton Semi- nary, the latter interjected: And you pleaded most eloQuently."
 On speaking on the question of dis misal, he said: Now is the accepted time to settle the matter"
 Dr. Dickey made an eloquent appeal to the Assembly to settle the matter finally. He was fololwed by pr. Me- Kibben, in behalf of the minority re- port. At the conclusion of the la.ter's address the Assembly at 1920 ?. m. took a recess until 2:30 o'clock.