The Washington herald., 1909-02-02

IF we had attempted 10 call a roll every
time il was demanded, we should never
have made any progress.
When the opposition realized its demand
for q roll call was hopeless. il deserted
the church The three cOUncilmen led the
way. Many followed IN their steps re-
luctantly. One aged member Of Tire
church arose 10 state his position.
7 have been a member Of this church
for many years, he began I have
been a good friend Of DR.. Butler. and
have supported the church in all its trials
have loved this church. and II gTieves
me greatly 10 have 10 part from IL But
having seen what I have seen tonight
something which 7 could not have be-
lieved possible before, there IS no other
course oDen TO ne"
Divided in Controversy.
There were many efforts TO stay those
who were leaving the meeting. Women.
who were in the majority on both sides
rushed hurriedlv into the corridors TO
argue, expostulate. plead. and cajoIe.
Many relatives and friends were divided
in the controversy. In one case father
and son were banded together in the op-
position 10 Dr. Butler, but the son could
not persuade the father 10 depart in his
first flush Of wrath. Finally. the elder
man came slowly forward, gave his hand
TO DR.. Butler. and then wheeled about
swiftly and made for the door
One Of those in the smaller faction
served notice on the congregation that
the action Of Dr. Butler. in denying a
roll call would be tested in the courts
An right snapped the pastor. and
gave 1t no further thought The meeting
broke into hand-clapping.
The veiled charges Of Dr.. Buffers enc
mics. that 2 heavy debt hangs over the
church. were blocked by a Letter. read By
T. ". ShOwalter. who was secretary Of
the meeting. He had written 10 Assessor
Richards. inquiring about the tax records
II the church.
In response 10 your recent inquiry. -
replied Mr. Richards. in reference 10
taxes assessed against church propertv.
where more than twenty years have ex-
pired since such taxes became due. I have
10 inform you that, following the custom
OF many years. the District Of Columbia
has not attempted to collect taxes Of anv
character when twenty years have
elapsed since the taxes in question be-
came due
Message Is AppIauded.
Prolonged applause greeted this mes
cage.
These are a part OF the charges with
which you have divided this congrega-
ton. said Mr. Showalter. Upon the
strength Of them you have tried 10 make
ne desert my dear old pastor and 10 have
this congregation against him You have
failed, and 7 am glad have done my
share toward establishing confidence in
this church"
The old church IS not going TO tumble
down" said L. 2. Randolph. ct Is not
going TO crumble into dust, even after
such night as this. We have been put
in z peculiar financial position. and I
urge the new council 10 become active as
soon as possible IN looking into the
finances Of the congregation.
You have been trying TO get up
row" cried Dr. J. Scott. who was tenn
porary chairman while DR.. Butler rested.
I know the persons who are response
bic have done my best TO preserve
peace"
Next Thursday evening a meeting Of
the council wiz be held for the reading
u the minutes and for considering future
action The new members OF the council
wiz be installed at the Sunday morning
service. following the custom Of the
church