The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-06-30
The Rev. DR.. r. H. McKim
and DR.. Harrison Trust
ed Him.
WILL TELL PUBLIC
STORY OF TROUBLE
Gilbert F. Williams Rents Masonic
Hall for Meeting Thursday
Morning at 10 O'clock.

Letters were made public today by
Gilbert I. Williams, who was ten years
ago deposed as a minister Of the EpiscO-
pal Church on charges of immortality, as
evidence that many OF the most promi-
nent clergymen in this and other do
ceses believe him innocent beyond a
question OF doubt.
Three of these letters, one from DIR.
Randolph II. McKirn, the most promi-
nent Episcopal clergyman OF Washing
ton today, and the other two from the
late Rev. DR.. Hall Harrison. who was
at one time the greatest authority in
the church on questions OF ecclesiastical
Jurisprudence, and on canon law, are
printed herewith Mr.. Williams publicly
announced today that he viii give all
the facts in the case first hand in a
meeting in Masonic Temple Thursday
morning at 10 O'Clock. Mr.. Williams has
rented the big hall for the purpose
Ten years ago, at a time when ne
was a prominent Protestant Episcopal
clergyman IN the city, Alr. Williams,
then archdeacon and head Of the church,
resigned his rectorship on account of
i'll health But a short time Jhereaf- -er
he was charged with immoral conduct,
and. aghast, ne hurried back to Wash
ingJon 10 defend his good name The
specific charge was that he was the
fathe, OF child born 10 girl named
Denham, who Is living quietly ID Wash
.ng.On today.
Peers Find Him Guilty.
The ecclesiastical court found against
him and recommended his deposition.
On this recommendation Bishop Satter-
L.
took the case 70 the civil courts. The
late Judge Bradley decided in favor OF
AIr- Williams, giving a sweeping deei-
sion, but this was later reversed on an
appeal Of Bishop Satterlee. Since that
time the case has been at q standstilI.
The Rev Dr. Harrison wrote Mr..
Williams expressing most emphaticaliy
his views on the trial His letter is.
"Eilicott CITY. Nd. Sept S, 1895.
My Dear Mr. Williams;
4 am much obliged 70 you for sending
me the papers and the documents,
which I received this morning, and have
read very carefully. 1t is a very ais
tressing case from beginning 70 END;
anC you have my warm sympathy
Plainly there has been a grievOus
miscarriage OF justice, as in the Drey-
fus case, which IS exciting the lnuig-
nation of the world.
why d1d not the members or the
court give their names and show their
votes? Were they afraid? This is un-
heard Of. In Bishop B. I. OnderdOnk s
case every bishop published his vote
and his reasons. IN the WiCdemar case
an Philadelphia (Of which copy Is be
fore mel the votes are al given, pro
and con, and all the testimony and
speeches on both sides are printed. The
conduct Of the Washington court (which
IL seems the bishop approved is con-
trary TO all precedent, and, as be
Neve with Dr. McKin, 10 all justice.
Thinks Them Poor Judges
Il entirely agree with Bishop Ker-
foot that clergymen are speaking gen
craIly) united by natural temperament
and education, and. the prejUdices OF
their environment, to judge charges OF
morality, etc. Many cleTgymen and
bishops think that if a brother clergy
ran is charged with moral crime, he
must be guilty; ard they think that
their business, as members of q court
or jury, Is to find the accused guilty
some how or other.
In a celebrated case in Maryland
(some forty years ago-and we had
only one ecclesiastical trial sincs), after
the innocence Of the accused had been
proved and admitted by the church ad-
vocate CHugh Davy Evans), the presi-
dent of the court. one of the most saint
y ClerEymeE of the diocese. a man who
would not have injured a fly OF a worm.
exclaimed:
Z" Wen, but can't we find him guilty
of something, Have we come here to
sit several days all for nothing?
'',rhis is incredible. but I know il 10
be fact having heard It from a member
of the ecclesiastical court.
Hoping that justice may be done you,
remain very truly,
HALL HARRISON.
-'P- S--As Dr. McKim truly says, the
rights of all clergymen are concerned
IN seeing justice done.
1.-The fair fame Of the diocese Of
Continued on Eighth Page)