Indiana State Sentinel, Volume 23, Number 35, Indianapolis, Marion County, 31 March 1874 — Page 2

THE INDIANA STATE' SENTINEL, TUESDAY, MAECH 31; 1874,.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31.

The House committee on war claims have adopted Judge Lawrence's report on the same subitantially, and it is to be submitted thus to tho House for action. The conclusion is that the government is not legally bound to make compensation for rropc.-ty used, occupied, damaged or destroyed in the late war by the United States force i, but it adds that whatever is done is to bo considered as an act of grace and mercy. How many there are who will "beg for mercy." . This workTis all a fleeting show made principally for conventions. The last one talked o! is to bo in the interest of cremation. Some New York people really intend to hire a hall and have a big talk on the subjcci of burning their friends after they have no farther use for them. Ferhaps the experiment will bo tried at the convention it anybody can ba caught and made a victim. Rich people with impscunious heirs expectant had better lock themselves within doors darin; the session ot the creuiationists. In portions of Missouri, life ha been very uncertain, owing to the presence of a band of desperadoes who defy the officers of the law, and send daylight through pursuing detectives. The Gad's Hill train robbery is fresh to the minds of all, and this '"ate of facts has at last evoked a message fiom Gov. "Woodson urging that the legislature give him some power to act as he now is powerless. A bill has been introduced which gives to the governor the power to organize and call into service such a force of men as he may need for arresting such bands as evade tbe ordinary law. Suoh excesses would seem to demand that the statutes of any state should give the governor some provisional power to call out the milit.a. In his last message to congress the president devoted some observations to the presont contused and indefinite laws of our country relating to expatriation ani the selection of nationality by citizens. After receiving tho written opinion of the cabinet officers on tho subject, and after long and mature deliberation, the House committee -on foreign affairs have come to a conclusion on the various questions involved, and at its last meeting tho bill of Mr. E. K. Hoar, concerning "domicile" and citizenship" of Americans abroad, was brought forward. The absolute necessity for something doänite on this matter, was felt in tbe late Dr. Howard case in Cuba. This is a point which should not de permitted to drop. From tho drift oi the women's discussion esterday, the Sentinel gathers that they mean to try the visitation business. If the Sentinel has any weight with the earnest wives and mothers who have entered this touching mission of redemption, it desires them to listen to the voico of a friend and co-worker, and give up this purpose. You have done and are doing a beneficent work. You have directed all minds to the dreadful and encroaching evil of the time. You have allied the ranks of decency and morality in an unmistakable sentiment ol resistence to the fatal tide of intemperance, which has beset our young people. You have aroused thought where there was no thought before. You have inspired strength where there was only weakness before. You have aroused resistance where there was timidity; you have inspired hope where there was despair; you have incited courage, determination and success where there have been before indifference, delusion and infirmity of purpose. Do not jeopardize such conquests as these by the temporary expedient of public demonstrations. You can not gain the ear of the liquor dealer any more readily by invading his place of business than you can by appealing to the countless social influences, which tre the main spring in moulding men. Remember first and always that men who sell liquor are not.the culpable ones in the demoraliza-1 tion of intemperance. The real culprits are those who encourage the incessant habit at home and in the daily walks of life. The true touchstone of temperance is the fireside. Begin there. If you have love and loyalty to your kind, shower it upon thoso that providence has put in your keeping over whose destinies you are called te preside. You are not called upon to take scrip and staff and go in the highways and byways until the home or tho temple refuse an ear, and if they do refuse, depesd upon it, you cannot shake the sin of Fublicanism, or Phariseeism from your own garments. Keep on in the way you have been going, but g) no farther. There is a law of prudence which may not be passed in safety. It is everything to keep the sympathy of the moderate and hopeful and pure of mind with you and this can only be dona by adhering to that innate instinct ot womanliness which teaches all true women, that the public street is not the place for her ministration. If yoa fervently de3 ire to make your mission as permanent as it may be beneficient, withdraw 4he youag feet that are just tripping over the portals of sin withhold the young men from pastimes that are not profitable, from practices which lead to the end of intemperance. Draw a line of kindliness about the erring; encourage them to relinquish a cup that kills, but in return give them a rational alternative. Men do not suddenly turn anchorites and ascetics, because the usta' 4oor to . demoralization is closed. Make It a social law that certain practices are degrading, and depend on it there will be little need of restrictive laws or prohibitory statutes. Let the chap who reels around the room at a private party with maudlin brain understand that social ostracism is tbe penalty, and thoe who are not to be dissuaded otherwise are apt to consider. The real encouragement of the vices of the time is in the Indifference oi fathers and mothers. Society is always infested by men whose ways are not ways of purity, and whose sins and excesses are perfectly underStood by the majority of their neighbors. Debar such men as these from

the society, of brothers, sons and daughters and you may depend on it, sin of all sorts will be apt to lore some of its allurements. Fireside reform is what this day and generation needs and you may depend on it, mothers who weep and bisters who mourn if you let the victim pass from under the roof tree, you are not likely to regain Lim out of the gutter.

There is a timely admonition to those who will receive it in th-j collapse and exposure of the National Life Insurance Company ol Chicago. This institution was practically the swindle of one man, Mr. Benjamin Lombard, who once had a name and standing for capacity and business integrity. The charitable class still believe that in the beginning Mr. Lombard was sincere in the beliet that his plan of co-operative insurance was a valuable discovery. In other words, that it was based on true principles. But everybody now knows that if such was the case, he was soon undeceived and crowded onward with his subterfuges and tricks with a deliberate purpose to swindle the public. The inc: edible success of this method ot socalled insurance was promoted by two things. First, the development of the life insurance idea among the masses by extraordinary efforts of sound insurance companies during the past fifteen years.and, second, by satisfying the disposition to insure with marvellously low rates. It was,amazing how the gullible public swallowed Mr. Lombard's tempting bait of co-operative insurance, and how they still contrive to patronize similar fallacies which will land them at last where policy holders of the National are now. The history ot the National and Mr. Lombard's unscrupulous operations occupies a page or two in nonpareil of the Chicago Times, and; reads like a large class of literature in which Jay Cooke, Captain Hurtt, Sanborn, and heroes of that stripe figure to advantage. It explains the methods in detail by which books can be manipulated, balances forced, and reports made which all look sound and square, while at the same time the real cash which goes in slips out of fright into somebody's trousers, and is heard ot no more. Mr. Lombard made money. His agents made money. But the contributors lose theirs, and the game la up. The materials are accumulating for more histories of the same sort, when the spurious concerns somewhat more carefully managed than the National have run their race. Co-operation is one thing, insuranc9 is another, but a vast number fail to understand the distinction. But co-operation may lie honestly managed, which was not the cae with Mr. Lombard's experiment, and therein lies tbe crime. That obstinate modesty which Impelled congress to hold back on the investigation ot the District of Columbia, is now explained. Kilbourn who was called to the stand Tuesday made the point quite plain. He was ready enough to answer such question as involved only vague responses, but asked whether any congressmen or senators were in the ring whicn has been fattening on the city and the government, he refused point blank to make known that tbe ring was run by Henry D. Cooke, General Grant's Governor and that Jay Cooke & Co. ad vanced money to the ring pooL That a vast fund was extracted from the cUy and this was shared by the conspirators Cooke. Kilbourn, Shepherd and others whom the committee are trying to uncover. The question was asked the witness quite directly, whether any member of the last cr present congress was concerned in this business. He wouldn't. answer. This implies that General Butler and Senator Stewart have secured themselves from exposure, and perhaps other congressmen equally as guilty. The witness was further asked it any military officers were involved in this disgraceful work. This again he refused to make answer to, and thereby saved the president's friends, Bibcock, Porter and the military clique, who have made fortunes in a few years at the capital. This admission, by implication the reformers re gard as a tnumpn and they are pressing the scheme with renewed vigor. A new memorial has been sent in, showing further illegal expenditures on the part of the ring. Squandering of the congress appropriation, and a general state of corruption hardly exceeded by the Tweed enormities. The ring organs are groaning in spirit, because of the "injury" that the developments are likely to do the city, and the party organs deplore such scandalous " sensationalism." It is conceded, though the least possible is said about it, that Chicago has outgrown herself in some directions. She has too much for grandeur and too little for use. It is a characteristic vice ot tbe ambitious city. In the first place she has the finest school houses in the nation, but cannot furnish seats for much more than half her children. Tbe money to build with is used up on costly structures. Next, it is stated that the new trade palaces erected since the fire do not find tenants. They are too grand and expensive. Merchants who would do a modest business cannot pay the rent, nor, if they could do that, could they carry the stocks to fill such houses. Rents ol medium dimensions are scarce, while the gorgeous rooms stand empty and idle. Again, tbe hotels are too great and too grand for the compensa tions of business. They are overdone in plan and costliness. . In short, Chicago has a whole menagerie of elephants on her hands that will be an awkward burden for some time to come. It will be hard to carry and will encumber her progress for a time. Bv and by the volume of business will rise to the anticipated mark and make the immense investments remun erative. But the mistake is plain enough to be avoided by this and other cities. Medium dwellings should be in excess, it anything; Vast business structures should come slower Indianapolis is not subject to criticism on the point of overbuilding for business. Certain branches of her trade are notable in lack of pretensions. For instance.her grocery trade is comparatively modest and limited. Smaller towns of the state excel this. But it is an error on tbe safe side to wait for business to come to the builders. On the other band, rooms for the people, houses for families should be plenty and cheap.

CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL.

PLYMOUTH UNWILLING. THE CHURCH .CONVENES BEECH ER TAKES PART THK INVITATION t REFUSED WITH THANKS A PROTEST. New York March 25. The lecture room of Plymouth church Brooklyn, was rilled to-day by the members of the congregation who assembled pursuant to the adjournmeut of Friday night, to be ready fc take any action made necessary by the proceedings of the Congregational council now in session. Moderator F. M. Edgarton called the meeting to order, and the Rev. Edward Beecher offered prayer. A committee fiom the council was announced in waiting and tho gentlemen were invited to take seats on the platform. After a resolution was adopted to receive any communication they might have to make, Professors Egbert aud Smith of the committee said that they brought a message from the council which they hoped would be read with tender and brotherly affection. Tho council was animated wir.h a feeling of respect and love for the pastor and members ol his church. It was desired that all the transactions ot the council might be in the day and light, and with such light as could come from the pastor and members of Plymouth church, which would place Plymouth church in the same position as the other churches for a full discussion in the council. A resolution of tbe councilinviting Plymouth church to attend the council and present its views was read, and on the motion of the Rev. H. W. Beecher, the thanks of his church were voted to the bearers of the message and a committee was appointed to make a fitting response, ot which, Mr. Beecher was one. While the committee were deliberating on the reply, the clerk of Plymouth church read to the congregation the charges of arraignment. In a short time tbe committee returned and stated that an address had been agreed upon, which was read. It was a protest against any action whatever by the present council upon any issue relating to Plymouth church, asserting that the council is ex parte; that the charges are based upon reported speeches of its pastor, and that the church will be judged only by its own acts aud declarations. The address was also a protest against any attempt to formulate the usages of the churches Into a code of ecclesiastical law, and declared that it was binding upon the consciences ef tbe churches. A declaration of the principles was also read, and the following resolution was adopted; "We are constrained to de cline the invitation, lest by our acceptance we should seem to renounce our conscientious convictions and to withdraw our solemn testimony against the vistations of christian liberty, courtesy and equity, which has characterized the calling of this council and the steps which led to it. and lest we should establish a precedent fall of danger to smaller churches as encouraging irregular and unwarranted proceedings on the part of strong churches, wnicn tbe weaker might afterward, by the force of our example, be compelled to condemn. We are not respon sible for errors wnica have been committed in the treatment of the church and in the calling of this council, and we are XiOt willing to cover them with our consent." The addresses and resolutions were adopted and a committee was appointed to con vey the answer to the council. The meeting then adjourned till next Friday a wees. THE PROTEST. THE COUNCIL NO RIGHT TO EXIST THE DIF FICULTY PURELY LOCAL NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PASTOR. New York, March 25. The protest of Plymouth church is mado for the following reasons: This is an ex parte council, con vened without any regular and sufficient steps to obtain a mutual council, called to consider our affairs for the sole instruction of two other churches, and carefully fettered so as to make it impossible by the terms of its call tor the council to alter itself into a mutual council. If it is claimed that one or more cnurcnes acting on tbe pretext that they are not in a controversy with a sister church, and desire instruction only for themselves, may call a council to instruct them as to their relations with that church, free from the rules governing the call for an ordinary ex parte council, this claim appears tobe subversive of the whole system of mutual councils. If this council has been regularly called, and is competent to advise tbe cnurcnes calling it as to their duty towards us, then our pastor can call a council without consulting us to advise him nubliclv what is his duty towards our church. We have inquired in vain for a precedent of this kind. This council is summoned to advise nreeiselv as we were oricinallv sum moned to take advice, under a distinct menace and a moral coercion. Just as Plvmonth church was in one breath re quested to explain factsand informed that it must be cutoff unless the facts bad been misrenorted.so this council is called upon to ad vise whether the action of Plymouth church has been conformable to Congregational usages, and is at the same moment informed that iisuch is indeed uongregationai usage the two churches cannot sustain their posi tion, in so far as this council is called to consider the points or connict between riy mouth church and the neighboring churches. The whole frame of the council in its widespread constituency- and national character, so aonronriate and admirable, if called only to deal with large and general questions, is directly in opposition to tbe genius or i;ongregati'onal polity, one great aim ot which is to confine local troubles to their own locality, and to settle them in the neighborhood bv the aid of the neighboring churches, without spreading the tale of local dissensions over the whoie'land. The charges hronffht asrainst this cnurcn are partly based upon reported speeches of its pastor, althouzh it is well known that Plymouth church, with the hearty concurrence of its pastor has, rrom me uegiuning oi iw mswry, declared that no man, however beloved and revered, may usurp the RIGHTS or BROTHERHOOD, and has always insisted, and does now in sist, that by Its own acts and declarations, and by these only, it will be judged, and the maintenance of this rule with respect to all churches we hold to be an essential part of the Congregational polity. We have never denied the right of churches to offer advice'.to each other in a christian spirit, nor the duty orchurcnes to receive sucn an oner in the spirit of brotherhood. We have asserted the right of every church, acting in a like spirit of Iraternai love while receiving, to decline advice and to judge lor itself, when according to the laws ot Christ, An occa sion has arisen ior exercising mis ngui.. TTatrtnfT rwah'Ad an offer of advice which seemed to ua to be tendered in a spirit not according to the spirit of Christ, we did de cisively exercise our rignt Dy aecnnmg to listen to advice conoeiveu m buuu a epirit. Nor can we ever assent to any doctrine of church fellowship which shall be destructive of the liberty of the local church, or which shall convert that which the Lord or dained as a safeguard and an instrument of sympathy into an irritating espionage and an instrument of oppression. In asserting that this church was not responsible for the 'doctrine, order or discipline of other churches, we never for a moment intended to cut ourselves off from relationship to tham. There Is a certain vague and rreneral sense in which all christians are re sponsible for one another: but this is not the sense in Which the word is generally used. The responsibility of the members of the same church lor one another, is the mildest

form in which the word is commonly understood, and it was just that degree ot responsibility between churches which .we meant and still mean to deny. Tbe members of a church can pot each other on trial before the church. " e deny the right of any church to put another church upon trial before any ecclesiastic J body whatever. A declaration of principles appended, of which the following paragraph gives a sufficient explanation: While we are ready at all times to receive auitable inquiry ad to give to sister churches every reasonable explanation concerning cur action in eases of public interest we bold that it is our right aud may be our duty to avoid evils incident to public explanation or a public trial, and that such an exercise of our discreiiou furnishes no good ground for the interterence of other churches, provided we neither retain within our lellowship nor dismiss by letter, as in regular standing, persons who bring open dishonor upon the christian name. The resolutions of Plymouth church refusing to appear on thelioor of the council, and the protest, were adopted without a dissenting voice in a vote of 5S0. THE COUNCIL AT WORK., BUSINESS TRANSACTED THE'REPLY RECEIVED -SPEECHES BY DM. STORKS AND BUDDING TON PURITY IN OCR PULPITS. New York, March 25. The Congregational council opened Jthis morning with only a few delegates pressnt. Many ladies were among the auditors. After singing and prayer by the Key. Dr. Buddington, in which he asked that the Lord would guide the Plymoth church to answer the invitation extended to its pastor in a truly chris

tian spirit, the time lor holding sessions of tne council was agreed upon. Dr. Dexter 's resolution offered last evening in regard to the name of tbe council, was then taken up and was tbe subject of a long discussion. The Doctor holding that this was an advisory and has an ex-par le council. The Rev. Dr. Post, of St. Louis, participated in the discussion. Judge Walker spoke on the subject ol the jurisdiction, which ho deemed an essential preliminary question, and it was, he said, Of exceeding importance that the tribunal should decide the question of its power. It this is an advisory council, what is its power, its limit? We are asked to say whether Plymouth church has conducted itself properly, and whether the two churches that have called us have conducted themselves properly toward Plymouth church. If Plymouth church refuses to accept the invitation, we may proceed with an ex parte council. Mr. Barnes f aid that it was very proper that they should hear the. parties", and so moved that the resolution now pending be laid upon the table. It was laid upon tbe table. The beare-s of the message to Mr. Beecher's church reported the performance of their duty, and were followed by a committee of tbat cburcn. wbo read aud submitted tbe official reply amid breathless silence. After thanking the council for tbe courtesies extended, the committee of Plymouth church retired. In a short time the council took a recess. AFTER THE RECESS the committee on credentials presented a report, which was received and entered on the minutes. The Rev. Dr. Storrs, of the Church of the Pilgrims, presented a statement. He began by stating that both be and Dr. Buddington were friends of Mr. Beecher when the latter came to the city, and it was with profound regret that they observed they could not stand upon the same platform with him now. Congregationalism, he argued, was founded on the word of Ood. This council was to determine if a member ot the church can cease to be a member the moment he places his loot outside tbe door. The speaker read extracts from the Plymouth church manual as to charges against members and of their connection with the church. No such case had ever occurred in his church, and under the rules no auch case could occur. It was the duty of tbe church members to investigate the charges against their pastor. He blamed Plymouth church for dropping a member from the rolls without first bavins an investigation of the charges by a committee, and its pas tor for not denying the truth of tbe articles which were published about him. In the course ot his remarks he stated that if any man should intimate that this council was packed, that man told a deliberate falsehood. It had been said that the speaker and Dr. Buddington were animated by a spirit ot hostility to Mr. Beecher. This was not so. Were they jealous of Mr. Beecher 's church? If so, they were jealous of other churches. People had said that they wished to investigate the charges against members of Plymoth church. This matter had been hushed up long ago and the speaker bad no desire to open it again. In what they were doing they were not filled with malice and hatred against any member of any church. Con gregationalism was founded on the word of God, and they could Interpret what were the rules and customs of the church and tbe law, and not what they ought to be. When a church member was guilty of dereliction of duty. Ills declaration should be sought. But if innocent of charges brought against him his honor should be cleared and he be vindicated in the eyes ef the world. But if he were guitlysend him forth with the brand upon him. In tbe speaker's church.no time would be lost in laying the charges before an examing committee and if proved true tbe parties would be expelled from the church. The first- thing done with the member of Plymouth church, against whom the charges were preferred, was to drop his name from the roll without an investigation by a committee. Under the circumstances, it seemed to warrant interference on the part ot their church, One " thing noticeable throughout these attacks of the press on Mr. Bucher was the loyalty of the church to its pastor. Tbe speaker honored them lor it, for there were among that congregation many friends of his own ot thirty years standing. But perhaps it will be said that the church vindicated its pastor. It would have Leen a great deal better had the pastor been vindicated by judicial council, and then no shafts of malice or aspersions could be cast at bim afterward. One ducstlon with tbe council was: were his friends right or justified in remonstrating against and action like this Involving principles like these. The sneaker described at some length tbe representatives which were published in the Dioers deroeators of Mr. Beecher and con cluded his remarks amid a hearty burst of aDDlause. . . Tne Rev. Dr. Buddington then made his statement of the casd. He dwelt upon tbe responsibility of Plymouth church. .The Plymouth manual showed for its principles that it was opposed to Congregationalism The speaker read' extracts at some length from letters which passed between the committees ef the respective ' churches, and concluded by saying that In these days of corruption in our government ana lu tne halls of legislation, if we were not to have purity in our pulpits, what was to become of our boasted civilization? The council theo adjourned until to-morrow morning. STORY OF THE STRIFE. POINTS AT ISSUE HISTORY OP THE CASE WHAT DANGERS ARE DREADED. TatHnc into account what the ecclesiasti cal council, now in Bession in New York, may lead to by its official action, the event is of the gravest importance. It is by no means certain that the deliberations will

stop witL" answering the important church questions now distinctly proposed. These are concisei'v epitomized in the special tohe

Chicago Trib.nne, as follows: Can a member of a Congregational church end his connection by simply Absenting himself? If, while thus absenting himself, he is accused of grossly unchristia n conduct, is it In accordance with Congregational usage to withhold the charge and drop' bis name from the rolls without any reflection on bim ? Was the aetirn of Plymouth church in this regard according to usige, or does it warrant reprehension on the part of the other churches? What is the duty of otbtr churches in view of this action of Plymouth, in regard to continuing their fellowship with it? In regard to the resolution of independence declared by Plymouth on December 5, 1873, what action should other churches take to release themselves from the mutually responsible connection they have had wit: it? Have the churches calling this ccunci acted according to the principles of Congregationalism, or have they erred; and if the latter, how? If the decision of these general questions of policy ends the investigation, though it may produce Important results to the Plymouth church, and to the Congregational polity in general, the clouds may be dispelled without serious disaster. But in the course of the discussions, the connections are followed back to the root of the difficulty and the specific causes out of which the controversy has sprung, it is not easy to predict where the end will be. The question whether Mr. Tilton, or anybody else, may leave a church while under charges, without a trial is secondary to the more important one of his guilt or innocence, and his vindication from the particular delinquencies with which he is charged. The history and origin of this case is familiar to most readers. Omitting the published rumors of trouble between Mr. Beecher and Mr. Tilton, serious business begins in October, 1873, when William F. West, ot Plymouth church, preferred charges against Theodore Tilton, that he had "circulated and protpoted scandals derogatory to the christian character of our pastor and injurious to the reputation of this church." Without reproducing the documents published at the time, it is sufficient to state that Mr. Tilto disclaimed membership in Mr. Beecher's church, and declined to hold himself amenable in any manner to their discipline. At a special meeting October 21, Plymouth church conceded his view to be correct, and decided simply to erase his nam from the records. But this ear, WAY OF ESCAPE from an Investigation was not free from ot strnction. Plymouth church was foun to hold relations to other churcher and all Congregationalism assumed the right to ask questions as to her methods of discipline. The Church of the Pilgrims, on the Stn of November, and also the Clinton avenue church, put in remonstrances against what they regarded as a policy subversive of all true christian discipline in general, and of the Congregational churches in particular. These remonstrances were couched in gentle and affectionate terms,and offered with the utmost delicacy of demeanor, yet necessarily implying aright to call the sister church to account. The letter suggested in the mildest manner a committee-of conference from Plymouth church to meet this joint committee and consider the whole tubject. The suggestion was backed by cited authorities that gave it, as was supposed, additional force. Plymouth flatly declined to have anything to do with, or hold itselt answerable in any way to these outsiders. A second appeal was met in essentially the same spirit by Mr. Beecher church which in a reply affirmed its position as an "independent ecclesiastical body, and jn matters of doctrine, order, and discipline amenable to no other body.' This brought out on December 15, another letter from the joint committees setting forth the points to be considered by a council, to which Plymouth replied claiming to represent the true polity of the Congregational system in all that it had done. So matters stood up to the ninth day of March, when the two churches before named issued a "missive letter" to leading Congregational churches throughout the states asking the convention of an ADVISORY COUNCIL. which is the body now assembled to consider this case, anoÜn effect, to define the law of discipline in this church. It is a body of less dignity than the national councils which have been held repeatedly, the last in 1S6S at Oberlln, Ohio, and a previous one at Boston in 1S00. v The points at issue are clearly defined and without question raise a square issue between the parties. While the doctrine of Mr. Beecher has been unmistakably defined by himself that any person may sever his church membership voluntarily and be permitted to do so without being followed by an'investigation and possible condemnatioi by tbe church, it is as certain that the couu cil will sustain a different view and answe their first question m tbe negative. It ii difficult to see how a complete separation c the Plymouth church from ecclesiastic fel lowship with other Congregational chnrchc is to be avoided. But as belore said, if this is all, the end will be fortunate. The solicitude of many looks to other complications which being fully developed may not precipitate calamities' that have already cost great exertions to avoid. PLYMOUTH CHURCH. CONG REG ATION ALISTS IN COUNCIL. THIRD SESSION ADDRESS BY DR. STORRS SECRET DELIBERATIONS. New York, March 20. The third session of the Congregational council opened this morning half an hour earlier than usual. As a consequence, there was tut a small atten dance. The moderator gave out the hymn, which was sung by all standing, and the Reverend Mr. Webb led the meeting in prayer, Brief prayers were also made by other mem bers of the council. The minutes of yester dav's meeting were read and approved. -The Reverend Doctor Buddington said that during the nineteen years of his . . t 1 1 A I , . ministry in tms cnurcn mere nad never been anyining approximating to the case of Plymoutn cnurcn. ne nad often asked the members to meet him fairly and honestly. ' The council bad asked them for fart and had received as little in reply as he Hirt. Thev'had presented their case to the council and asked: Give us your sense of tbe action which bas led to the calling 'of this council. All we want to know is, were the principles on which we acted the same as you would have accepted." The Rev. Dr. Storrs then rose to speak, buf was interrupted by a member who wished to ask some questions. A discussion took place as to whether it would be better to hear Dr. Storrs first or allow him to answer the questions. Dr. Storrs suggested that all the questions which members of council desired to ask should be given to him before opening his remarks, as he might be able to cover them in that case. Ho then began some remarks touching a personal conference with Mr. 1 Beecher. He said he had none with him concerning this subject. A member here nopeu mat ur. sstorrs would not enter into this subject any further. According to Scripture, Dr. Storrs

should have gone to his brother and told bim he erred. The Moderator ruled that they were not here to investigate the personal relations of

wi.oLurra iauir ueecber, but merely the correspondence which passed between the lnT.ted churches. wDrVStors then resumed. He said that Mr. ROecher was a bishop in his own chnrch. I he council might observe vesterdayin the address that he addressed the pastors Of the council as "Reverend and DEAR FATHERS , , in God." Now this form was used ODly among bishop In the Episcopal church. The speaker described tbe manner cf calling meetings of his cburch. They were called after prayer meeting, but the meetings cf the riymonth chnreh was held at praver meetings, when tbev would appoint delegates to any council. When we tert the letter to Plymouth church, whv was it not read? Because it was not madepnMic. it was lnteaded to be Kept private. Therefore it was not read iu the church meeting. If it had been published bv us in its full text, it would not have been a letter to Plvmonth church, bv a challenge to it before the whole world. This letter was approved and signed by a com mitt ee from the church aud wmt on its mission. Tbe authorities of Hymoutb church had the letter three weeks or more before they read it. If we had made any mistake we corrected it in tbe letter we sent alter it. Why did not we send a note? Brethren, Plymouth church was a powerful church, and a ote would seem as an autumn leal dropped in the brook. It would be a letter long enough to bring about the desired result. We did the. best we could in the fear of God and in the hope that our churches should have tbe burden removed from them by a counsel of the wisest men we could get. This letter was kept by them for three weeks and was then read and an answer adopted. It was then read in our church . meeting and unanimously approved. A church may err by appointing deaconesses but when it attempts to trench upon the doctrines of tbe faith w hold it a right to interpose. It was not light matter they. bad to consider here. It was a disorganizing power let loose in th church. It was for this council to subdue It. It was a corporate principle iu Ply mouth church which was dangerous. Wc wished that church every success but th doctrines ol that cburch we could not hold nor, be in fellowship with it. If our neighbor insists on keeping bombs and grenades in his cellar and persists In firing one off now and then, we insist that he must strenghten the walls between us. Draw tbe line, brothers, and tell us where the rule of fellowship begins. We were on the place where the two seas met. But give us practical advice, we tarn to 3 ou. Here are two churches that could not be matched with Plymouth church for standing and wealth, but, nevertheless, as old and doiug the same good work. They have done no dishonor to the Father's name. They have taken their lot in this city, given ol their time, money and power, that they might BLESS AND BUILD up this city. But do not think you can cover the cases of these churches by abstract propositions. President Chapin, of Beloit college, asked two questions, substantially as follows: Whether the charges against the member of Plymouth church, who had been dropped from the roll, bad been Urged with the assistance of other churches? and whether, before the first action of Plymouth church had been made public, bad there been any correspondence between the pastor ol Plymouth church and the pastors of the inviting churches? Dr. Storrs said the charge that the inviting churches had caused a disturbance in Plymoth church was absolutely false. In regard to the second question Dr. Storrs said he personally had felt that he had no right to have intercourse alter what had occurred, with the pastor of Plymouth church. In replying to Mr. Rankin's question concerning the ISth chapter of Matthew, Dr. Storrs made along address seeking to Bhow that the precept there laid down could not be utilized. He spoke of the question tefore the council as the next important one that had excited Congregational churches since Dr. Charming preached his Baltimore sermon. Dr. Storrs stated that the standing committee in his church had no power, because such a committee did not officially exist, but there was an examining committee. The committee that drew up the letter was a special one, whose mission was ended when the business for which it was appointed was concluded. Ocaof the examining committee stated that they were all united on the subject, and were perfectly agreed with the Rev. Drs. Storrs and Buddington in all that they had said. The moderator stated that it was the rule of ecclesiastical councils that their deliberations would be in private, shutting out both the press and the public. Tbe question ot going into private session was then put to vote and carried, and the council retired to a private room to deliberate. EVENING SESSION. The council remained, in secret session until C o'clock, when a recess was taken until 8 o'clock. A sub-committee was appointed consisting of Leonard Bacon, Charles Russell, Professor W. A. Stearns, and Professor Calvin Day, to dratt a statement of a basis of advice for the council. It was generally thought that they would sustain the action of both churches. The council resumed Its session in the evening again, shortly after 8 o'clock. The committee appointed at a previous session re ported their statement, and, On motion.i 1 was laid on the table. After mature consideration, it was decided that the conn cil was an advisory and not an ex parte one by vote. The council then took rp an? diss cussed, seriatum and adjourned at oboui eleven o'clock to meet again to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. It is believed that they will conclude their session about noon. , Some of the Greenland glaciers attain a vast size. Dr. Kane reports the great Humboldt glacier as sixty miles wide at its termination. Its seaward face rifes abruptly from the level of tbe crater to a height of 300 feet, but it is not known how deep ft may extend under the sea. Another important ice-stream is the glacier of Eisblink, on the northwest part of the island. It projects seaward so as to form a promontory thirteen miles In length. It comes from an unknown distance In the interior, and plunges deeply into the sea. Popular Science Monthly for April. . - Sombody has said that in 'spring the mind turns to thoughts of love, and the following stanza on the days of tbe week may help in the selection of the day: Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health. Wednesday the best day of all; Thursday for crosses, Friday tor losses, Saturday no luck a; all. What proved tobe a large fire broke out in Elmira, Tuesday morning in the Klmira House, on Water street. Tbe flames, aided bva prevailing gale, spread rapidly down both sides of ater street, destroying Union block and nine other business places. Loss estimated at 1200,000. The fire departments from neighboring cities responded to . tele grams for aid. The storage rooms of Duponts paper mill, in Louisville, was burned early Wednesday : t (iniwi.: - J