Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-05-23
Declares Issues Are for
Ecclesiastical Tribu-
nal to Settle.
FIRST STEP TAKEN
Cumberland Church Adopts Re-
port of Committee Favor
ing Move.

Decatur, May 23.-The application
for an injunction to restrain the union
of the Presbyterian churches was re-
fused today by Judge Johns. He says
the case has no parallel in the jurisdic-
ton Of the United States. He rated
the church as voluntary organization,
the acts of whose highest tribunal are
binding on all members, and will not
be interfered with by courts if the acts
are fair and honest. He held the courts
of equity will not decide doctrinal mat
tiers, decisions OF ecclesiastical judi
ciaries being binding on civil courts as
to matters of faith.
Question Not for Courts.
The decision sets forth the various
acts of the Cumberland general assem-
bly,, and says: These acts must be
held to be a determination of its right
and power" and as to doctrine the
court held that whether the doctrines
of the Cumberland Presbyterian church
are widely variant from that of the
Presbyterian church is an eccles:asti-
cal question solely upon which having
been decided by the ecclesiastical judi
ciary, the civil court is powerless to
inquire"
Adopt Report for Union.
The judges opinion was read in the
assembly DR.. Steel introduced reso-
luton that in entering the union, the
Cumberland Presbyterians do not sur
render any integral part of their doc
trine. Adopted, 162 to LOG.
DR.. W. H. Black, president of the
Missouri Valley college, chairman. read
the report of the committee on union.
The report YVES adopted, 163 to 81. The
anti-unionfsts filed protest.
Satisfaction at Des Moines.
Des Moines, May 23.-The announce
ment of the dissolution of the injunc-
tion proceedings against the union with
the Cumberland Presbyterians caused
much enthusiasm among those attend
ing the general assembly here. There
is general confidence that the union
will be consummated.
Greetings Exchanged.
Des Moines, Iowa, May 23.-Tele-
grams of greeting were exchanged be-
tween the Presbyterian general as
sembly in session here and the Cum
berland Presbyterian assembly at De-,
SeHIlHenIS eApIeSSSu III Tie
dispatches indicate that before the ad-
journment of the assembly union of
the two churches will be effected.
Rap mt POIygamy.
The assembly today adopted resolu-
tions counselling all members of the
church to exert their influence to Sc
cure the ratification of the proposed
amendment to the constitution of the
United States prohibiting polygamy
and polygamous cohabitation. The res
olution offered yesterday memorable
ing congress against appropriations of
public money for sectarian purposes
was turned down by small majority.
Deeply Stirred.
Des Moines, Iowa, May 23-The
much talked about debate upon the
adoption of he "book of forms and
services recommended by the special
committee OF the Presbyterian general
assembly, TaterialiZed late yesterday
afternoon Not in many years has an
assembly been SO stirred as it was
yesterday over this issue. The argu-
ment became heated from its very be-
ginning.
Issue Not Settled.
Although two hours of time were
consumed in the debate, no conclusion
was reached last evening and the reso-
luton offered on the subject and fur
ther discussion are to be made a spc-
cial order at some later session of
the assembly. The most intense feel
ing was evident in the debate, at times
bordering on discourtesy, despite the
exhortations of some of the most dig
EtfieG commissioners that the matter
be approached and debated in an atti-
tude of prayer
A request was made by the moder-
ator that all applause be discontinued.
but when, with dramatic talk, the dark
haired Dr. Johnston, Scotchman
from Montreal, stretching himself to
his full six feet four, and waving his
hand frantically, declared it smelled of
priestcraft, applause broke out in a
tremendous roar.
offered Resolutions.
William F. McCauley of Cincinnati,
offered resolutions excusing the COM
mittee from further recommendation
on the matter; and that in case of edi-
tions of the book of common worship