New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-24
Conflicting Rumors Pre-
cede Committees Report;
Agreement Expected.
MERGE COLLEGE AND
EDUCATION BOARDS
Lively Tilt Precedes Action
Opposition Feared Loss of
Requests by Move.
BY the Rev. c. w. WEIGH.

Atlantic City, May pa report oil
the executive commission recommend.
ing the consolidation OF the Presbyte-
rian boards of colleges and education
to-day precipitated tho General As.
sembly of that denomination into the
liveliest tilt which has characterized
the present sessions here. The debate
consumed practically the whole day
and resulted in the report being adopt
ed by a large vote. This affects the
college board, with headquarters in
New York, and the board Of education
with headquarters in Philadelphia. The
fight on the merger OF these two board:
was led by the Revs. Robert Watson
and Edgar Whitaker Work, Of New
York, who said there were great lega
difficulties in the way Of the recon-
mended consolidation, that the fund,
which had been bequeathed TO these
boards would possibly open the way 70
long and expensive litigation. and thai
the heirs and legatees Of those making
these requests would use the merger
to divert the funds from channels fol-
which they had been intended.
n. Y. Presbytery Decision To-day.
Sponsors Of the recommendation
were led by the Rev. j. Ross Stevenson
formerly pastor of the Fifth Avenu,
Church, New York, who said that, al
though there were doubts as TO the
legal aspects Of the case, he favored the
merger because it insured greater eff
ficiency, economy and service.
The attitude of the assembly TOWARD
the Presbytery of New York will likely
be learned tomorrow morning, wher
the committee on bills and overtures
which has been considering the matter
is scheduled 10 report its recommends
tions at the morning session. Many be
lieve there will be no fight on the floor
as it is reported that the opponents
and friends of that. presbytery have
reached an understanding. Rumors alsC
are heard that there will be the hotties
contest over the matter ever witnessed
in the assembly.
Three Bids for Next Assembly.
Late tonight great excitement wa
caused by a report that the Aubur,
Theological Seminary, Auburn, y. Y.
would declare its independence of tn
General Assembly tomorrow. This
however, was denied by the presiden
of that seminary, the Rev. George B
Stewart. He added, however, that tn
seminary had decided 10 accept the &C
tion of the General Assembly a
Rochester last year declaring that tn
compact of 1870 entered into by tn
theological seminaries Of the Presby
terrain Church and the assembly wa
not binding.
This compact said that the trustee
Of these institutions held their prop
erty subject to the wishes Of the Gen
eral Assembly, and provided for th'
assembly TO accept or reject elections
to the faculties and to review theii
work.
Lane Seminary, Cincinnati. through
its president, the Rev William Nc
Kibbin. has protested against the as
sembly's action last year. Auburn
Seminary accepts the assembly action
but will continue to send reports e
the assembly for information and re
view.
Cities which have asked for the as
sembly meeting next year are Seattle
st. Louis and Dallas. It seems tina
the latter has the best Of the contest