TEE SPJfDAY OKEQOKIAN, POETLAOTJ, MAT 13, 1000.
FIRST CIVIL COMMUNITY
3IBETIKG OF OREGOXIAXS FIFTY
SEVEN YEARS AGO.
Observance of AnnIverBrr at Cham-
pocs Mar 2 Those "Who
Were Present.
CHAMPOEG. May 2. Special corre
spondence.) This day 57 years ago 102
residents of Oregon, known as the "Wil
lamette settlement," aasemb.ed by pre
vious agreement at this place Cham
poolck, according to the early spelling
to organize themselves into a civil com
munity. It is not possible at this- time
to give a complete list of the names of
those who had a part in this Important
gathering, but such as have been obtained
are here given, and it Is believed to be
substantially correct:
UnsIlBh-speakine settlers, mostly Americans
Jtobert ShortebS
George Oay
John Howard
William II. Urar
J L. liabcock
Hev. Gustavus Hlncs
Bev. Harvey Clark
Hex. J. S Griffln
L. H. Judson
V." H. Wllron
C'v-geW. Ebberts
Robert Moore
T. J. Hubbard
Dougherty
John Foi d
"William McCarty
Charles Campo
Amos Cook
Caleb Wllklns
Da .-id Hill
Medorem Crawford
George Abernethy
F W Pettygrove
J L. Morrison
reucb-Canadlans
Xnvier Laileroute
Antolne Uonanfant
Andre La Chapelle
Pierre Papln
Jean Du Charme
Loul Jl. Vandallo
Fablen Maloln
Luc Vasnon
J3tlenne Gregoire
Amablc Arcouette
Pierre Do Lord
Louis B. Vandalle
John Sanders
Pierre Pariseau
Charles Ilondeau
David Douplerre
Andre Du liois
Pierre Depot
Moyse Lor
Pierre Le Course
Pierre Belaqup
Augustin Kemon
Joseph Matte
Francis Bernler
Robert Newell
Sidney Smith '
Joseph L. Ueek
G. IV. Le Breton
Joseph Hoi man
Rev. David Leslie
Rev. J. L. ParrisU
A. T. Smith
Alacson Beers
A E. "Wilson
Hugh Burns
James A O'NcIl
Larison
Reuben Lewis
J. a Bridg-s
C. McKay
Rev. W. W. Kon
Francis Fletcher
'William Johnson
Joseph Galo
L. W. Hastings
Peter H. Hatch
Iiamabj-
Rev. A F. Waller
Joseph Bernabo
Baptiste Deguiro
Adolph Chamberlain
Jean Lingras
Jean Sen-as
Alexia Aubtchon
Michelle Laferte
Jean B. Dalcourso
Louis Osant
Jean B. Aubichon
Antolne Fellf.e
Miciiael Laframbolso
Joseph Gervals
Jran B. Paujiln
Olivier Briscbols
Thomas Roa
Louis Bolvers
Andre Langtaln
Etlcnne Lucler
Alexis Lapratte
Gedereau Sencallo
Thomas Molson
Pierre Gauthler
F. X. Matthieu
The French names and several of the
English names were given by Mr. F. X.
Matthieu.
The William Johnson named above
was an Englishman by birth, and In
early life served In the English navy.
About 110 he came to the United States
on a British frigate, deserted and became
a citizen of the United States by naturali
sation. In 1S12 he enlisted in tho United
States Navy and was one of the crew of
the Constitution old "Ironsides" when
she won Imperishable renown in capturing
the Guerricre. A number of years later
he entered the employ of the Hudson's
Bay Company and finally came to the
Pad tic Coast and in the late '00s located
at what is now Portland, building a :og
cab'n In the southern part of the city.
According to Mr. W. L. Higglns. -who camo
to Oregon early in lfc43. the location of this
cabin would be on the block bounded by
Macadam and Hood, Whitaker and Curry
streets. Mr. Hlgglns had a personal ac
quaintance with Johnson, and was at his
cabin u number of times.
The transactions of the day, as given
in the "Oregon Archives," prepared by
Hon. La Fayette Grover in 1S3, pursu
ant to his appointment as a commission
er for the purpose, is here given In full
in the language of that time.
"Pnbllc aieetin-c at Cliaxnpoolclc,
May II, 1S43.
"At a public meeting of the Inhabitants
of the Willamette settlements, held lr
accordance with the call of the commit
tee, choien at a former meeting for the
purpose of taking, steps to organize them
f ves Into a civil community, and pro
vide themselves with the protection se
cured by the enforcement of law and
oiJer, Dr. J. L. Babcock was chosen
halrman, and Messrs. Gray, Le Breton
and Wilson secretaries.
The committee made their report,
which was read, and a motion was made
ihat it be accepted, which was lost ""Con
siderable confusion existing In conse
quence, it was moved by Mr. Le Breton,
and seconded by Mr. Gray, that the meet
irg divide, preparatory to being counted;
those in favor of the objects of this meet
ing taking the right, and those of a con
trary mind taking the left, which being
carried by acclamation, and a great ma
jirity belnp found In favor of organiza
tion, the greater part of the dissenters
withdrew.
"It was then moved and carried that the
cpint of the committee be taken up and
d rposed of article by article.
A motion was made and carried that a
Supreme Judge, with probate powers, be
chosen to officiate in this community!
"Moved and carried that a Clerk of the
Court, or Recorder, be choeen.
Moved and carried that a Sheriff be
chosen.
"Moved and carried that three Magis
trates bo chosen.
"Moved and carried that three Consta
bles be chosen.
Moved and carried that a committee of
nine persons be chosen, for the purpose
or drafting a code of laws, for the govern
ment of th.s community, to bo presented
to a public meeting: to be hereafter called
by them, on July 5 next, for their accept
or '"O. ,
"A motion was made and carried that a
Treasurer be chwen.
"Moved and carried that a Major and
three Captains be chosen.
"Moved and carried that we now pro
ceed to choose the persons to fill the va
rious oHivs -by ballot.
"A. E. Wilson was chosen to act as Su
preme Judge, with probate powers.
'G. W. Le Breton wao chosen to act as
Clerk of Court, or Recorder.
"J. L. Meek was chosen to fill tho office
of Sheriff.
"W H. Wilson was chosen Treasurer.
"Moved and carried that the remainder
cf the officers be chosen bj- hand ballot,
and nominations from tho floor.
"Messrs. Hli:, Shortest. Newell, Beers,
Huiard. Gray, O'Nell, Moore and
lKv?herty were chosen to act as the leg
islat ve committee.
"Maerf. Burnt Judson and A. T. Smith
wei- chrvon to act at Mapistraitep.
"Measrs. Elbert. Bridges and Lewis were
chosen to act as Constables.
'Mr. John Howard was chosen Mayor
(Mtjor).
"Messrs. William McCarty, C. McRay
anu S. Smith were chosen Captains.
"Moved and carried that tho legislative
committee make its report on the 5th day
of uJly next, at Champoolck.
"Moved and carried that the services
of the legislative committee be paid for
at $1 25 per day, and that the money be
raised by subscription.
"Moved and carried that the Mayor
(Major) and Curtains be instructed to en
list men and- four companies of mounted
riflemen.
"Moved and carried that an additional
Magistrate and Constable be chosen.
"Mr Campo was chosen as an additional
Magistrate, and Mr. Matthew (Matthieu)
was choacn as an additional Constable.
"Moved and carried that the legislative
committee fihall not sit over six days.
"Th meeting was then adjourned.
"The question having artesn with regard
to what time the newly appointed officers
shall commence their duties, the meeting
was again called to order, when It was
moved and carried that the old officers
remain in office till the laws are made
and accepted, or until the next nubile
meeting.
"Attest: G. TV. LE BRETON.
"Secretary-"
Believiss: that the public will be inter-
ested In knowing the result of the meet
ing of July 5. 1813, referred to in the fore
going record, the proceedings of that day
are here given. The legislative commit
tee held six meetings meanwhile, and sub
mitted its report to the
"Public Meetlnjr Held on Cth July.
1S-13.
"The inhabitants of Oregon Territory
met, pursuant to adjournment, to hear
the report of the legislative committee,
and to do such other business as might
come before them.
"The chairman of the meeting being r.b
sent, the meeting -was called to order by
G. W. Le Breton.
"On motion. Rev. G. Hines was called
to the chair.
"Mr. Moore, chairman of the legisla
tive committee, presented his report,
which was read and accepted.
"Moved, by L. H. Judson, "the reiort
upon ways and means be accepted. Car
ried. "Moved, by J. McLoro-i3. that tho
first article of the judiciary report be
adopted. Carried.
"Moved, by L. H. Judson. second arti
cle be adopted. Carried.
"Moved, by C. McReoy, hat the third
article be adopted. Carried.
"Moved, by J. Ilolman. that the fourth
article be adopted. Carried.
"Section second, organic laws.
"The first, second, .third and fourth arti
cles adopted.
"The fifth article, amended as record
ed, adopted.
"The sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth,
and eleventh articles adopted.
"The twelfth article, amended as re
corded, adopted.
"The thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth
and sixteenth articles, adopted.
"The seventeenth article, amended, by
Inserting the word 'one' for 'three, adopt
ed. "The eighteenth article aStd nineteenth
resolution adopted.
"Moved and carried, that the commit
tee for carrying into effect tho nineteenth
resolution be chosen, by nomination, from
the floor. Messrs. Lee. limes and Walk
er (Waller) were chosen.
"Moved and carried, that the members
of the executive committee be now cho
sen, by ballot.
"Moved and carried, that the highest
number of votes decide the choice.
"Moved and carried that the votes be
taken to the table to be counted. Messrs.
Hill, Beers and Gala were chosen to be
members of the executive committee.
"Moved and carried, that we proceed
to elect a Justice of the Peace, in vloce
of Mr. Burns, resigned. Robort Mo are
was chosen Justice of the Peao.
"Moved and carried, o adopt the re-
malndcr of the Judiciary report, vis., to :
adopt the laws of Iowa, as recorded, by
amending them so far as to retain the
fees of New York, for jurors and wit- i
nesses. Instead of those of Oregon Ter- I
rltory.
"Movefl and carried, to adopt tho mill-
lary jaws. Amended, so as to continue
the officers in command during good be
havior. "Moved and carried, to adopt the report,
districting committee.
"Moved and carcied. that no person bo
allowed to speak more than twice to one
resolutfon.
"Moved and carried, to proceed to ap
point a Justice of the Peace or Yamhill
district. On motion, James O'Ncll was
chosen. On motion. A. Cook was nnto!nt-
ed Constable.
"On motion, Joel Turnham was chosen
for Champoolck district. In place of Mr.
Bridges, left the country.
"The report of the committco unon wav
and means was adopted as amended and 1
recorded. ' I
"Tho report of the committee upon land
claims was adopted, with the proviso, as
recorded.
"Moved and carried, to purchase several
lawbooks of James O'Neil, to be the prop
erty of this community.
"Moved and carried, to adopt the re
port of the legislative committee, a-, a
whole.
"Moved and carried, to excus the leg
islative committee from further services.
"Moved and carried, that the commit'
tee cnosen to carry Into effect the nine-
teenth resolution have access to all pub- I
it,. r-nr.c , .. ,..." "iir..
lie records, and also to hav
ve authonty ,
lor mforma-
heir Irsuuc-
to call upon any individual
t'on. necessary to carry out
tions.
"Resolved, that tho chairman of this
meeting, assisted by Revs. Messrs. Lee,
Clark and Leslie, be a committee to draft
and administer an oath of orfico to the
civil officers elected on the 2d of May,
1843; and that said officers be required to
subscribe to the same, ind administer
the oath to the Supreme Judge, who shall
hereafter qualify all civil and military
officers to be elected by the people.
"Moved and carried, that the commit-
OLD
tee to qualify officers proceed to their
duty, as far as practicable, this evening.
"On motion, adjourned.
"A true copy, from original papers.
"Attest: G. W. LE BRETON.
"Recorder."
Thus was launched the frail bark of
state called Oregon, without any assist
ance or suggestion whatever from the
Governmont of the United States. It was
an independent republic until 1S49, when
it was taken under the wing of the Na
tion and given territorial privileges.
At the annual meeting of the Oregon
Historical Society, held December 16 last,
the subject of erecting monuments at his
toric points was discussed at some length,
whereupon Governor T. T. Geer was ap
pointed a committee of one to lntervie.v
Mr. F. X. Matthieu. the sole survivor of
the 102 persons who took part In the
meeting of May 2. 1S13L pad with his as
sistance locate the spot upon which that
notable meeting was held. Last week
Governor Geer appointed today the 5Tth
anniversary as the time to perform the
duty assigned, and courteously Invited
the assistant secretary of the society to
GiBlF : '' i?i SM0 "
accompany him. Accordingly, accompa
nied by Mr. Matthieu and James H. Cat
on, photographer, we repaired to this
place, and under Mr. Matthieu's direction
located the spot and planted a stake there
on, so that the rightful locality may be
known when the fulness of times arrives
for the erection of a monument.
As mr.y be "well understood, the mode
of conveyance to Champoolck in 1S13 were
j many C&S1Q ou 1 wltJl n
rope In the anlmare mouth for a bridle;
others in canoes, and still others on foot. J
Now the whtetle of the steamboat and lo
comotive echo in this region many times
dally; and Governor Geer, In his desire to
depend upon himself, and to have needful
exercise, made the Journey from Salem.
20 miles. In three hours, by wheel, and
returned the next day In the same time.
The description of the photographic
views is as follows:
No. 1 The spot where the famous vote
of May 2. 1S12. was taken, which decided
affirmatively by a majority of two that a
provisional government shou:d be organ-
ized, The stake was driven by Mr. Mat-
thleu. Governor Geer and Mr. HImes. each
giving an equal number of blow, the ag-
gregate being the number of states In the
Union In lSt3, followed by the reading of
the proceedings of the meeting of May 2,
1SI3, from the "Oregon Archives."
No. 2 This view is look ag down stream,
and shows the nearest point possible fo
the location of the building where the
meeting was held, which was immediately j
.........O ..0 .- , -...w. ...... ..... -..J
to the right of the oak trees. The pro-
ceedings of the meeting of July 5. 1S43.
were being read to Governor Geer
and
Mr. Matthieu at tho time the view was
taken. Most of the buildings In Cham-
poeg were washed away in December, 1S61. 1
No. 3 View up stream, showing the old
landing, that being Indicated by the three
figures. The high water of 1KO came up
to the shingles of the building on the
left.
No. -t Looking from Champoeg as it is
now westward towards the river, and
the site of the old town, taking In the
Yamhill County hills in the distance. The
principal figure In the foreground is that
' of Governor Geer, making a speech wita
. out words, descanting upon the beautiful
surroundings of Champoeg and Its historl
j cal relation to Oregon.
I No. 5 This house stands in the suburb-"
I of Champoeg, and was built in the '5(Vs
by Dr. Robert Newell, a pioneer of 18.0.
, who brought the first wagon, or "cultan
, canlm" horse canoe to the Walla Walla
I Valley. Scores of settlers found refuge
from the flood of 1BC1 In this house. It be-
! ing a few feet above high water.
GEORGE H. HIMES,
Assistant Secretary Oregon Historical So
ciety. WHY CATTLE STAMPEDE.
Sudden Chnngen of Atmosphere Make
Tliezn RestleifK.
Cattlemen on the plains fear a stampede
of a herd more than any danger that con
fronts them. They can stand cold and
rain, dust storms and thirst and hard
ships that would Tie the d-spa r of men
not Inured to the life, but when a bunch
of cattle grows restless and plunges off
Into the night they know that It mean3
the loss of a season's profits,. If not a H
greater calamity. The rush of a herd of 1
terrorized plains cattle is more appalling
than the greatest cavalry charge in the 1
history of war. Nothing can wl hstar.d
it; everything before it goes down and
is trampled to death. Many a cowboy. 3
unable to ride It out. has been ground
to pieces by thousands of sharp hoofs ,
that havo trampled him as the herd swept
by to Its own destruction in Its frenzy of
wild, unreasoning terror.
iso cattleman nas been ab.e to say
definitely why these cattle stampedos oc- '
cur. They start apparently without rea- 1
son. All will be quiet at night, the cattle I
lying close together, chewing their cuds
and the guards riding around them sing- !
inn- wm ,. rihn cnn, .ninn. . I
Inclination. Suddenly a movement of a
Part r the herd Is noticed and this soon
.nc n.i tt, ..i. i... t..nii.. .
? J ,m ' "K j
to the r feet and begin "milling -that
is. moving around in a circle. If this is
not checked and the cattle quieted a stam
pede Is likely to occur.
An old cattleman told the New York
Herald recently that the reason cattle be
come restless and worry themselves into
a frenzy Is a sudden change ln the atmos
phere. When the cattle are rounded up
for the night, he said, a close watch is
kept on the sky. When the air is heavy
the stars seem closer, but when there oc
curs a change in the temperature and the
air grows thinner the stars are seen more
LANDING AT CHAMPOOICK.
sharply and appear to be further away.
When the foreman of the "cow camp
turns ln for the night he tells the first
guard to look for the constellation Cassl
opea and the seven stars around it and re
port to him any change In their appear-
ance. If the night be heavy few stars
are "out," As the barometer nses a new
. -- I
star Is seen and the cowboy on guard
wakes the foreman and says, "Another
star-out, sir." The foreman answers, "All
right; double the guard, and wake me if
the cows get to milling." The guard is
doubled, and soon the cattle grow restless.
The cowboys shout and sing, and ln most
cases the "cows" He down again, their
fears calmed by the sound of the human
voices.
"Wronj? Connection.
Hotel Man (who thjnks he Is calling
down his butcher) Say, I am shy a heart
and a liver, eight ribs and a shoulder.
Now I want 'em right away.
Railroad Office (which has been, con
nected by mistake) Sorry, sir. but the
wreck has been Cleared up. Baltimore
American
NO HERESY THIS -TIME
DISSErfTERS ' FROM CAIATXISH
VOLUNTARILY WITHDRAWN.
Sltnatlon of tlie Presbyterian Church,
on Eve of the General Assem
bly to Meet In St. Louis.
ST. LOUIS. May 12. Hilis, McGlffart.
Warszawlak, Birch, a new creed, missions
and temperance these are some of the
' and temperance these are some of
I names and terras which are becoming fa- and a revision was ordered. An able com
i miliar to the larire PrMbvt.rfnn rOmmu. ' I?,"ee ? chosen, representing al.l dl-
-i(v. , ,.. ,. .. " . .
..vj u n:io UO OS 1UU IIIUU Ul-lWil bt'Ur
, lur l"e meeuns ot tne uenerai AssemDiy
In the Washington and Compton-Avenuo
Church, tl is true that HIllls, Beacheris
successor In New York, and McGlffert. cf
, Unton Seminary. In the same city, have
b droppe1 at thelr own reques one
,v" : ? . .5 w. requesit ne
' : '72 , m Z. tl ' VOt0 ?f a" tne Pyterles being neces- quested permission to withdraw from the
oater bj the Presbytery of New York, but sary in order to change the constitution presbytery and his request was granted,
the casea for which they stood have not j of the church. In no single instance did This practically ends the case, although
ceased to attract attention. The "Little the vote approximate the required two- , Dr. Birch may Insist upon having h.'s ap
Jew." like Tennyson's brook, seems pcron- i tnlrcs H" out of 220. The highest figure t peal recognized. In order to Gave himself
nial. and the recent missions conference i n "iJS, V" ' ?Lm Censure f0r havlnff atarted a heresy
, XT. "Vl, o..-l ,.! I J, -
f" "" "" """ ihmwcu w.e
work of the boards of the church who
.XA-
saw-
&
"V V r5". '
are engaged In mission work at home and
abroad.
Tho assembly win be called to order on
Thursday, May 15. at 11 A. M.. by the
ev' Dr. Robert F. Sample of New York,,
the Totlrlnc moderator. He will de Iver
"?e PenInS sermon and then give way to
"," Xi r iCmM, tw .
the disposal of the areembly this jear
thos Tor moderator and p erraan: St 'clerk
The f r m ,, , annuaUj. ani
nover ,-eleced. tho latter rcmfllns ln 0f-
and
never re-elected; the latter remains ln of
fice during his life, unless he chooses to
resign. The Rev. Dr. William E. Moore,
of Columbus, O., was permanent clerk for
15 years; he died shortly after the adjourn
ment of the assembly last year. There
1 are the usual number of candidates for
the moderatorshlp, and several men are
allowing their friends to suggest them as
worthy applicants for Dr. Moore's deslc
Pennsylvania has two sons headed toward
tho moderator's chair, and one seeking
the clerkship, and Ohio has two willing
to serve the church, one for each vacancy,
while New York. Missouri and other states
have excellent clerical umber.
A man who can comprehend quickly and
write fairly and read distinctly will ba
able to do Dr. Moore's work, so far as
. ... .... I
ine clerical uuues go: out mere are rew j
n?en ln the country In any branch of the !
cnurcn who can flu the vacancy caused '
. ? j .'- """ tj5-- " .mmm A -"& ' - "v J -1
by his death. His life was as beautiful J Scripture as Interpreted by the Presby
as his work was efficient; higher praise ' terlan church and by evangelical Chris
could not be given. The qualifications tendoro. And the assembly stamps with
for a successful presiding officer ara 1 Its'emDhatlc disaDnroval all utterances in
many voice, tact, modcrc tlon, firmness.
faithful work in tho ministry, and. not
least of all. a greater number of votes
than any other candidate: many able men
have retired from the contest, though pos
sessing every one of the five. While nom
inally doing nothing to secure even a nom
ination, much less working for the'r elec- 1 itself with intense zeal and no waste of
tion, the minutes of the General Assembly j energy to its great pressing and practical
will be searched In vain for the speech of I work of caving the souto of men: The
any man declaring that he would not stand 1 assembly, therefore. In the spirit of kind
if nominated. Governor Roosevelt did not ' r.ess, no loss than, ln devotion to the truth,
get the Idea of declining the Vice-Pxesi- ! counsels Dr. McGlffert to reconsider the
dency nomination from Presbyterian min- I questionable views set forth In his book,
isters. Dr. Charles A. Dickey, of Phi'a- j and if he cannot conform his Ideas to the
delphla; Dr. William L. McEwan, of Pitts- J 6tandards of our church, then peaceably
fers SKEffi'S
moderatorshlp. For permanent clerk, the
j names of Dr. George W. F. Birch, of New
York; Dr. C. S. McClelland, ol Pittsburg;
Dr. Edward T. Swlggctt. of Cincinnati.
and Dr- JonR H- Miliar, cf Nevada. Mi.,
iin; uqjeu oy xaeir irienus.
Eleven years ago the Presbyterian
church decided that some of Its doctrines
were too severe, especially those relating
to election and preteritlon, the choosing
by the Almighty of a part of the human
race called "the elect." and the passing
by of the rest, and this without regard
1 to their merit, but solely according to his
Hivasurt: tijiu ior ais nonor ana glory.
For many months the controversy waged
not ln the presbyteries and assemblies.
visions of the church those who were sat-
isflAfl Trftl tIA UAtmlnHA. .tnmlAwli. mo
, rhey are. those who wished a morttfle.i
, confession, and those who would be sat-
Isfied with nothing less than a new creed,
Th!s committee labored assiduously and
Pfsented a report which was adopted by
, " assembly and sent down to the pres-
' byterlcs for their approval, a two-thirds
.. i ...v. ......w v. JIUOUJISUM .!.
approved, the amended section touching!
election, the doctrine so abhorrent to Dr.
HOUSE OF DR. ROBERT NEWELL.
Hlllls and to many others, who wish to
have the love of Christ rather than the
sovereignty of God as the groundwork ot
the creed; the heart of the church ln 1S93
was so intensely Calvlnlstlc that the re
vised confession fell to the ground, and
no complaint has been heard of the de
crees as formulated by the Westminster
divines until the famous sermon In the
Plymouth Rock pulpit started the pres
ent agitation. Dr. Hlllls Is no longer a
Presbyterian, but the stone that he set
in motion has been rolllnc; for two months,
gathering momentum each week as suc
cessive presbyteries have held their Spring
meetings. It Is probable that the over
tures requesting a new creed or revised
doctrinal statement will lead to the ap
pointment of another representative com
mittee to consider the whole questloNi.
What threatened to be another heresy
trial has happily been averted by the
withdrawal from the Presbyterian min
istry of the offending- member of the New
York Presbytery.
Higher Crltlcltm Continues. ,
The centennial assembly, ln session in
Philadelphia in 1SSS. condemned higher
criticism and deprecated Its teaching In
the theological seminaries under the care
of the Presbyterian church. This warn- '
Ing was directed especially against Unicn
Semlnan-, but It had little effect upon the
Instruction of the faculty, and five yc?rs
Jater the assembly In Washington suspend- I
ed one -of tho TTninn n?nfa.-r. rH h-J
since united with the Episcopal church, (
" K.ilUH.1 f
although his ordination to the priesthood
in that communion did not take place ' ular t'me allotted for the report of there
without strong opposition from many ot committees varies from one and a half
the rectors In the New York diocese; scv- to two and a half hours, but this time Is
eral of the leading directors, however, ' often, modified by exciting topics ln tl'o
have come 'out strongly in defenes of ' assembly or In the reports of certain coni
Dr. BrljTg. j mittces. In tho days of here-y trials, a
Professor A. C. McGlffert. one of Dr. j fw years ago. the smaller boards -were
Brtggs' associates In Union Seminary, j plad to havo half an hour each. The srv
pub'ished a book on "Christianity In' th eral boards are taken up a follows: Sat
Apostoilc Age." three years ago, which , urday. 10 A. M.. ministerial rel'ef: Mon
called forth a memorial to the assembly day. 10 A. M.. freedmen; 3 P. M.. educa
from the Presbytery of Pittsburg. In part t!on: TucrJpy. 10 A. M.. home mtra'ons:
as follows: I 3 P M.. and for colleges and academic!
"As the said volume by Dr. McGlffert j Wednday, 10 A. M.,- foripn mfsslcns:
is a flagrant and ominous scandal, as it 3 P. M.. publ'cation and Sabbath school
treats with open contempt the obligations work: Thursday. S P. M.. church erection:
by which the author and ail other Prc-5- ' 7:C0 F. M.. bcrxvolcncc: Friday. 3 P. M
byterian ministers have bound themselves, I temperance.
as it is the most daring and thorough- In addition to these b-'slT-cv? m-elngs,
going atack on the New Testament that there are several so-ca'Jcd popular met
has ever been made by an accredited iss held ln the evening. wcn no bus'
teachcr cf the Presbyterian church In i r.ess 13 transacted, and where attendance
America, as it has already attained sig- ! by the commlslone-B Is v'untary. They
nal notoriety throughout the entire En?- are: Friday, board of pub'Icatlon and
llsh-spcaklng world, and as It threatens Sabbath rchool work, anl the Saba'h
th highest Interests of the church at ' school Interests of the church: Saturday,
large, the Presbytery of Pittsburg, mind- board of aid for coilg and academic;
ful that the church of the Uvlnjr Gel Sunday afternoon, woman's executive
Is the pillar and ground of truth, humbly j committee of home missions; evening,
petlt'ons the General Assembly of this . young people's work for home and for-
year to take Into solemn consideration
the grave crisis which the publication of
the said volume has created, and, ln its
wisdom, to adopt such measures as shall
be conducive to the church's purity, peace
and honor, and to the maintenance of
the authority of the words of God. which
have been committed to the church's
trust."
After a long and animated discussion.
this action was taken at the following J
meeting of the assembly: 1
"The General Assembly deplores the ro
newal cf controversy occasioned by the
publication of this book at a time when
our recent divisions are scarcely healed.
. . ... .
it sympatnizes witn tne widespread be-1
lief that the utterances of Dr. McGlffert !
are inconsistent with the teaching of the
the book called to Its attention by the
Presbytery of Pittsburg-, not in accord
with the standards of our church.
But the church needs peace, the union I
of all Its forces, the co-operation of all J ear upon tne suggestion of a 20th cen
its members, a splr.t of brotherhood and I tury celebration. Two or three overtures
mutual confidence so that It may address and papers upon this subject were con
jys" ItOD "- p"""rt"'
Considerable, pressure was broueht to
bear upon Dr. McGlffert to get him either
to make a statement in answer to the
action of the aseembly or to withdraw
from the Presbyterian v church. He was
willing to grasp neither horn of the dilem
ma, but kept a dignified silence until the
last meeting of the assembly, when he
sent a letter repudiating the Interpreta
tions placed upon his book, avowed his
loyalty to the Presbyterian church and
declined to withdraw from its ministry.
The assembly was not satisfied, how
ever, with this denial, and referred the
case to the New York Presbytery for
"such disposition as In its judgment tho
peace of the church and the purity of doc
trine may require."
The presbytery declined to place Dr. Mc
Glffert on trial, and the Rev. Dr. G. W.
F. Birch, the stated clerk of the presby
tery, who was the chairman of the pros
pension of Dr Brrs formulated charges
against Dr. "McGlffert. The presbytery
then refused to try tho profesejor, and
; against this Judgment Dr. Birch appealed
, to the coming assembly. Aes soon as the
apnea! was nrepared. Dr. McGlffert re-
ecuting committee which caused the sua-
Ullil.
While the assembly will begin May 13.
there is to be a conference of missions for
two days preceding the regular meeting.
To this conference are Invited all fore'gn
missionaries and candidates; all synod
Ical and prcebyterlal chairmen or members
of foreign mission committees who may
be comrctesloners to the assembly. The
several women's boards and women's sjti
odlcal and presbyterial societies are espe
cially asked to send representatives. For
eign mission meetings and also meetings
in the Interest of home missions will be
held during the sessions of the assembly,
and to many people they are more Inter
esting than tho formal business sessions
of the assembly.
The order of business at the aseembly
Is as follows : On Thursday, at 11 A. M..
the moderator will preach. After the ser
mon, the formal constitution of the as
sembly takes place. At 3. P. M. the roll
Is called and the new moderator elected.
In the evening the communion service Is
held, and the moderator and clerks pre
pare the list of standing committees.
On Friday mornlnjr the 4 special com
mittees, a legacy from the last assembly,
begin to report. Usually th report is
read, and If action can be taken without
debate, the matter Is d'sposcd of th:
I otherwise, the subject is made a spec'al or-
. flxr frU hnilr t nr thrw dav ah.-ad
Reports, overtures, memorials rind other
papers from ejynods, presbyteries or lndl-
viduals are first handed to the stated
clerk and then distributed to the proper
con;jI3Utees-
Outline of Dmlacw.
The boards of the church submit rc-
portrv which arc banded to the c-tandlng
I -- tf A q lTirYlltft trv f'rtcf ovist
m,n itnM VnoniMin Th rV
elrn missions: Monday, missions amonc
the freedmen: Tuesday, home mission
work; Friday, temperance.
The temperance question, both on the
floor cf the aem-bly and in the popular
meeting. Is at all times a live question.
Mauy of the commireloners are out-and-out
prohibitionists, while others favor
personal liberty for the individual and
ohnritv fnr nil mpn. "nfn.-APTi thpea tTtn
extremes, the majority of the members
- ., ,.., Kt?T,- t,o -nrrt., t.
of the church stand: the Western Pres-
nilM,in than those in th- -.nt n ,
there are many presbyteries, which, if al
lUltCU 1U DVlkit 111C kCiA&kfCTAAmitr IIUtTALlUH
lowed to settle the temperance question.
,,, wIne. thp -hnrrh intn th mih!
urfanIr:
tlon line. Already the assembly has said
that unfermented wine will answer at the
communion service as well as fermented.
This is a long step away from the ridicule
which formerly attached to the suggestion
that the sacrament could be observed
without the use of fermented wine.
A special committee of six. ministers
and five elders has been at work for a.
sidered by tne last assembly, but no de
cision was reached beyond the fact that
something should be done. Recognition
I was made of the fact that "the century
now drawing to a close has been one of
signal blessing to the cause of Christ and
to our Presbyterian church a time when
the power of the Holy Spirit has been
clearly manifest In extendtng and deepen-
ing- the life of the church." and that "tha
century soon to open presents to oar
church unparalleled opportunities of serv
ice for the Master"; the assembly further
desired to express: "in some fitting man
ner our gratitude for the mercies of the
past and our consecration to the opportu
nities of the future," and therefore ap
pointed the committee of eleven, with
Dr. Sample, Its moderator, as tho chair
man. The fact that the assembly meets so far
South as this city will undoubtedly em
phasize the feeling- that steps should bo
taken looking toward, closer union with
the Southern Presbyterian church. Near
ly 60 presbyteries last year sent overtures
m these terms, making a request for euca
a movement:
"Believing that the Church of the Lord
Jesus Christ should rejoice and thank
God that a desire for disarmament and
the mutual welfare or all has appeared
among the nations of the earth, and more
especially that a happy unity In national
life and in the defense of the principles
of humanity Is manifest in all parts ot
our country; and believing that we, as
Presbyterians, should recognize in this
era of good feeling, not only a favorable
opportunity, but also a call of God to se
cure the long-desired unity of the severed
parts of our beloved church, and believing
that the day of union is made the more
imperative by the great work which God
has set before his servants, not only in
our home land, but also In the new fields
which his providence has opened to us.
and tn the continued call for help from
the nations in darkness;
"Therefore, the presbytery respectfully
overtures the General Assembly to tako
such action as will again express our en
tire confidence in the Christian character
and orthodoxy of our brethren tn tho
Southern church, and our sincere desire
that their General Assembly will recog
nize with us the Indications of the d vino
will, and reciprocating our d-slre for a
closer fellowship, and a mere effectlvo
union rn the work of the Lord, will Join
with us In restoring the breaches of Zlon
and enlarging the temple of our God."
To these overtures the fo lowing answer
was returned: "Whl e reiterating our
confidence In the crthodcxy and Chris
tian character of our Southern brethren,
and our fraternal feeling and desires for
a closer fellowship and a more effectlvo
union with them, we do not deem It wisa
to take any further action in the matter
proposed." This action has quieted for
the time tho growing denlre that the "split
P's" should begin to get together again
rso that there will be a new meaning to tho
grand marching hymn of the church:
We are not divided.
All one body we;
One in faith and doctrine.
On in rurity.
The Presbytery of Puget Sound over
tured the last assembly to meet In San
Francisco In 1901. and this suggestion will
be presented this year: It Is honed by
I the Eastern people that an "irritation will
I be aent by the Stn Francisco people as
we:i. it one pnoui 1 ccm aacKea nnan
clally as the Portland invitation was in
1SS1, it 13 probable that It will be ac-ept-ed.
The memory of the ascerribly of IS92.
held in the First Presbyterian Church of
Portland. Is still delightful to the 600 com
missioners to that assembly, and to tha
much larger number "cf fTi-nds who ac
companied them.
OVERAWED TEE STRIKERS.
Employer Sliovrcd IZc "Was a Dead,
Shot and Violence Ceased.
"Whenever I read of strike riots," said
a civil engineer to a reporter of the New
York Sun. "I recaH a small one that I
witnessed years ago v.hlch was an object
lesson. ThI strike was ordered In a big
lesson. This strike w;s ordered in a big
coal yard oa the lower west side of town,
which was owned bj a friend of mine
whom I may cal" Tho-npson. Thompson
was net a bic man, but he was an expert
revolver shot. It wos his pet fad and ho
sjpent a lot ot time and burned much
powder to perfect himself In It. Ho
could hit coins thrown n the air and do
all the .well-known tricks with a revolver.
In his coal yard were employed 23 o- 30
huskv coal handlers, and whtn they ware
I ordered on strike they started ln to mako
trouble at once.
"Thompson engaged a nsw gang of man
and sent them round to his yaid. but
they were beaten off by the strikers. Sev
eral very serious an.uIts oui-red thero
on the first day of the trouble, and
Thompson was warned to stay away If he
valued his life. He sent b--ck word that
they might expect him e trl - the next
morning, and that he wrnted to see al of
the sTlkers in his yard to talk tq them.
The gang assumed that this meaat ca i u
latlon on his part, and they ce ebrated ac
cordingly. Thompson invited me to fo to
the yard with him next morning and see
the fun. We fsund fhe strikers there to
a man. They loo..(! so :f -Itnt. Tiomp'on
told the men to stard at one 3lde of tho
yard. They obeyed. wn-Ier'ng what he
proposed to do. He s ,efl over to the
side of a b e shod and v. 1th a pier of
chalk drew roughly the ou l'n-r o a man.
Walk'r-g back abcrt t0 fc.t he ra.d to tho
strikers:
"I understand thct. you l-ve hand'ed
some men pr t rovjcMy It th s nIgvbor
hood and you threatened to do me up if
I didn't ylc'd. Now, Ia-n not that sort of
a man. You fe'lows have nale a m'sa 'e.
I came here th's nor-lnr to settle this
matter, and I am solng to Co it without
the aid of the ro'ice. In an hour's t'me
I expect a new fang of men here,
and I will see -to it th:-. jo.: don't inter
fere with them.'
'The Ptrikeri wer rg'y at this unex
pected statement, but b for th y co Id
advance Thompson pulled his revolver and
fired five shots as fast as he could pull
the trlrger. Every fht w-n Ino the
head of the man drawn w th cha k. He
loaded his revolver a?.u put next five
shots luto the chest of the chalk man.
Then reload.ng his revolver he turned to
the s'rlkers and said:
" 'Now. your ioaf n. gt ou of here. I
don't want to rave to i'noot ycu. b"t I
will do it If you mak3 a break at me or
at any of my new men. Clear out, now,
quickly.'
"They did clear out and when the new
men arrived Thomprcn ra: on the wa k
to meet them. Not one of the strikers
dared to Interfere. Some of the strikers
came back later, but none of them evsr
offered any vlo'ence to Thompson. Ho
had made his point."
CADSE FOR SUSPICION.
Matron Comforts yonnjr "Wife Who
Fears She's Xegflected.
Wnen the matron called upon the brldo
of three months she discovered her in
tears, says the Detroit Free Fress.
"Why, my dear, what Is the matter?"
she cried.
"I want to die! I want to dlel" sebbed
the bride.
"There, dear, there; what is the mat
ter?" "It's It's Harry," sobbed the girl, wildly.
"Has he been abusing you?"
"No-0-0; but oh, dear, what shall I do1
"What on earth is the matter, dear?"
"He he oh, I can't tell you!"
'You must. Has he been staying out
late nizhts?"
"No-0-0."
"Has he been drinking?"
"No-0-0."
"Then what is the matter?"
"He he doesn't love me any more!"
"Tell me all about It, dear; I am sura
It Is nothing serious."
"But It Is,"sobbed the Dride. "I know I
shall die."
The matron drew the sobbing girl to her
side.
"When when he c-came home last night
he didn't k-k-klss me!" she sobbed
"My deaT," said the matron, "you'll get
over that. Whenmy husband came homo
last night he did kiss me, and I have been
wondering- ever since what ho has been up
to."