New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-11-22
GOT UNFAIR DEAL,
DIR. HILLS SAYS
Welcomed Back by Con-
gregation, He Complains
of Newspapers.
PLYMOUTH PRESENTS
VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
Pledges Undying Loyalty, Col.
Beecher ASSerts-PastOT to
Get $4,000 Testimonial.

Beecher Asserts-PastOT TO
Get $4,000 Testimonial.
Dr.. Newell Dwight Hills, acknowl-
edging receipt Of an illuminated copy
of resolutions Of confidence presented
TO him yesterday after his sermon at
Plymouth Congregational Church,
Brooklyn, declared that he had not re-
ceived square deal from the news
papers.
an these last six months, when one
has gone forth TO destroy my good
name" Dr. Hills told his congrega-
ton, which frequently broke into ap-
plauso az he defended his part il The
controversy with Frank L. Ferguson.
his former business adviser, you have
food round about me for defence as
mountains about Jerusalem for protec-
ton and safety. | know that, with all
my mistakes and with all my unwor-
thy ministry, still have the 10 of
my church You have always been
kindly In your judgments, loyal In
your support, generous in your praise.
I trust that we will go on to the end,
one solid disciple band.
"Of late. realize the. nave but a
few years TO live. There was q time
when had an ambition TO be a great
scholar That is gone. There was a
time when had an ambition for Office
and honor. That ia gone. Now an
ambitious for but one thing. TO find
out the will of God and TO do that
will.
Speaks of Strokes Of Enmity.
~ suppose you don't know what 1t
has cost me to read the descriptions
Of myself and my dealings in the
newspapers. | am going to the end Of
my life under :heir strokes of enmity,
of hate and of Misunderstanding.
Il only ask to carry away with ne
the love Of few friends. to be true
shepherd, and at last to be able to say
to the Master Of us all: Behold, these
are the sheen Thou hast given m and
not one Of them is lost"
Dr. Hills later refused to common:
on his assertion that he had been un-
fairly treated by the newspapers, ex-
cept to say:
"They printed everything Ferguson
gave out--all his misstatements and
bitter attacks"
"But they credited them 20 Mr.. Fer
guson, didn't they" he was asked.
Eyes, they did that much" DR.. Hills
admitted
Colonel William c. Beccher, son Of
Henry Ward Beecher, who occupied the
Plymouth Church pulpit for years.
thought Or. Hillis's complaint was JUS
titled
"The papers were very much biased"
he said, "but lately, I think. they are
giving US fairer hearing. Some of
their early accounts were entirely too
sensational. Now they are coming
around 20 our side"
Eager to Welcome Pastor.
Plymouth Church was packed yester-
day by q congregation anxious 10 well
come the pastor upon his return from
the West, where he was called TO the
OeafhDpQ OF MS JdlncT-lU-ldW Two
weeks ago. After the service Colonel
Beecher presented the copy Of the reso-
lutions. which were adopted just be-
fore Dr. Hills went West.
"Dr Hills: You have been passing
through an experience which. while
most unpleasant in its transit. Is re-
sulting most benefcially 20 YOU and
Plymouth Church." he said. 1--WE were
becoming sluggish and indolent in the
enjoyment of your quiet Christian ad-
ministration. We needed something 10
arcu7e US
"This stimulus has been given us, not
Willingly or willingly, but none the
less effectively.
"There have been threats Of driving
YOU out of Prooklvn and from Plymouth
pulpit. To these Plymouth Church re-
plies that the man or men do not exist
who can drive you from her pulpit.
ave have taken up the pauntiet, and
we pledge to you and proclaim TO the
world our mistaken confidence and
trust and our undying LOYALTY. Though
enemies may clamor and threaten, you
need not fear them, sir. You need not
fear the arrows of spite. poisoned with
hate and malice. We know YOU and
trust yo and we shall stand fearlessly
around vou.'
A $1,000 testimonial. Colonel peecher
said, will be presented to DR. Hills by
members of his church within the next
few days. About $4,000 o. this had
been subscribed or paid in yesterday.