Jiir..:k_ .. torrit4ti 77..''...rtc.4)i.b-I)lJecizni
New Series, Vol. IN JoriTlVeir
almnitau, grtzbOtrialt.
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1867
EDITORIAL NOTES ON THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY. 11.
For the first time in five years, the Assem
bly has been called upon to issue an appeal.
It was a case of no special magnitude, yet
it occupied full one-sixth of the entire ses
sion, consuming one whole day and parts of
three others. A strong effort was made to
throw it out of the house on the ground of
informality, but the Assembly good-humor
edly waited until the informality could be
remedied by telegraph, and then deliberately
heard the dry details of the case, gave the
parties opportunity to be heard, called upon
the lawyers in the body to illuminate the
subject with their views, and then decided
with great unanimity not to sustain the ap
peal.
Doubtless the possibility of Re-union has
in one or two instances told unfavorably
upon the distinct work of our Church in
this Assembly. This was the effective argu
ment with which Dr. Cuyler procured the
indefinite postponement of the Standing
Committee's proposal to have the Publica
tion Committee commence upon a Hymn
and Tune Book for public worship. He did,
indeed, mention his friend, Dr. Robinson's
" Songs for the Sanctuary," as a book wor
thy of general adoption, but the possibility
of Re-union and the hope that the whole
Church might then undertake the work with
better prospect of entire success had most
weight with the body. The same sort of
argument was used in reference to the pro
posal to inaugurate the work of Foreign Mis
sions on a denominational basis. In like
manner Dr. Adams succeeded in deferring
action upon a separate Secretaryship for
the work among the Freedmen, arguing
the inexpediency of commencing sopa ,
rate action at this state of negotiations
for union with a body thoroughly organized
for that work. These cases illustrate the
evident tendency of such negotiations
,to dampen our ardour in that work of
development, which has been so successfully
carried forward in our Church during the
past fifteen years, and for which there is
still not a little room in more than ono di
rection. Whether the union is consumma
ted or not, it is the dictate of wisdom and
the demand of duty, in our opinion, to go on
lengthening the cords and strengthening
the stakes of our own Zion. It is because
we have puritued this policy so diligently
and so effectually under the blessing of
God, that we are a body with whom it is
worth any other body's while to unite. It
was when we began in earnest to take care
of ourselves, that others began to care for
us.
The report on the Freedmen, which con
templated the immediate appointment of an
Associate Secretary, under the control of
the Permanent Committee of Home Mis
sions, from the pen of Herrick Johnson, was
a brilliant paper, and was powerfully vindi
cated by its author on the floor of the As:
sembly. Nevertheless, it was finally thrown
out by a reference of the subject to the Per
manent Committee with entire power to act
or not as they saw fit. Although this was
done in deference to the wishes of Secretary
Kendall, and of Dr. Hatfield, chairman of
the Permanent Committee, it is, in our judg
ment, no act of kindness to the already se
verely burdened Secretary. There will be
some pretty decided disposition to find fault,
if he comes up to the Assembly next year,
after the third or fourth attempt of the
kind on the part of the Assembly, discour
aged by himself, with no greater progress in
the direction of distinctive effort on this'
field, or without more powerful and compre
hensive reasons against such effort on the
part of our body than he has yet given. In
either case, he will have more to do, than
ought be laid upon the shoulders of mortal
man. There is no doubt that our branch of
the Church is losing—nay has lost prestige
by her extraordinary inactivity a denom
ination in this matter, and very many of our
Churches are and have long been dissatis
fied, that they are obliged to work through
irresponsible channels, or to do nothing at
all for the freedmen. We believe the cause
of the freedmen would be better off by ten
thousand dollars, over and above expenses,
the first year that a separate bureau or Sec-
18j uly67
retaryship was established by our own body.
And if it had not been for the haste in
which the matter was disposed of, on the
last day, of the session, we doubt whether it
would have met with the discouraging fate
which actually - betel it.
In general, oar Assemblies, and this
among theta, show a haste to close business
and get away at an early date. On Mon
day morning we doubt whether a sergeant
at-arms could have gathered from all parts
of Rochester more than 120, or at most 150,
of the 233 enrolled members. One hundred
Commissioners had probably left the city at
that time. The count at a vote in Cincin
nati about the same time, showed over 200
members present in the Assembly of the
other branch, a body but little more numer
ous than our own. There are some very
good reasons for the brevity and despatch of
our highest ecclesiastical court. We are har
monious and homogeneous. Leading ques
tions of policy have all been satisfactorily
settled and are out of the way. The time
for discussion is passed. We are cleared for
action now. There seldom arises need for
long speeches, and the body, with its strong,
practical bent, is quickly disgusted at such
rare attempts in this line as are made by
the inconsiderate.
This, however, is only one side of the case.
It is well worth inquiry whether this ex
treme business-like view is not pushed too
far; whether really there is not and will not
always be a call for the highest deliberative
wisdom incompatible with haste; whether
there are not new forms and channels of de
nominational activity and liberality incum
bent upon us to disclose, organize and com
mend to the regard of the Church; whether
our Assembly does not lose some of the
most valuable elements of dignity, influence,
usefulness, and public interest by the strong
prejudice of the majority against a session
of more than nine or ten days, whatever
may be the amount of business on hand.
Thus in the , present session, such important
matters as the Freedmen's Mission and the
Sustentation Fund were crowded into the
closing hours of the last day, when all de
bate was limited to three minute speeches
Eesid%s these important subjects, final action
was had on the last day, also, on Home Mis
sions, Foreign Missions, Education, the ap
peal of Silas Miller, the question in church
polity of the exact status of a church mem
ber who has taken a certificate of dismission
and carries it in his pocket; and I do not
know how many other less impoi:tant things.
In the report on Foreign Missions, ~the
case of Rev. R. G. Wilder came up, on ap
plication of the two Michigan Presbyteries
of MOnroe and Detroit that the Assembly
take charge of the Kolapoor Mission. Mr.
Wilder's labors were handsomely recognized
in the report on Foreign Missions adopted
by the Assembly, but there . was 'a decided
unwillingness to inaugurate a new policy in
Foreign Missions by taking charge of the
work at Kolapoor. The report on Educa
tion, also adopted, gives leave of absence
unsolicited to the Secretary, Dr. Mills, for
bne year, with salary continued. This is - a
kind and judicious act on the part of the
Assembly, as Dr. Mills is in impaired health
and needs rest. The Publication Commit
tee, notwithstanding the opposition of Dr.
Robinson, was entrusted with the entire con
trol of the Presbyterian Monthly, but at the
same time, was saddled with.the entire ex
pense, which heretofore has been shared
among the differentcommittees represented
in its pages. As it will hereafter, by direc
tion of the Assembly, be devoted mainly to
Home Missions, its columns will doubtless
show a great increase of interest and value,
and it is hoped that a position nearer if not
quite attaining, self-support will be given to
it by the churches. On Church Erection, the
most encouraging feature was the zeal with
which the cause was urged on the floor of
the Assembly by Dr. Adams, of the Madi
son Square Church, New York. He pledged
his earnest efforts among his own people in
its behalf, and said they would, he hoped, go
beyond the liberal contribution of the year
before. This cause, going hand in hand
with Home Missions, will guarantee, at least
to a considerable extent, a house over the
head of the missionary and his infant con
gregation, and save him from the terrible
and crushing burden which hitherto has
been laid upon him,.in addition to the sore
trials incident to his position as a pioneer
in the work of extending the kingdom of
Christ. .
PHILADELPHIA, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1867.
The 0. S. Presbyterian of this city has at
length accorded us an answer to our queries
in regard to its soundness, liberality (sit venia
verbo,) and comprehensiveness in the matter
of reunion.
"I. Does the Presbyterian subscribe to the
language. of the answer to the 16th question
of the Shorter Catechism—JSinned in him
and fell with him,' taken in its literal im
port?
' 11. Does the Presbyterian believe that
subscription to the doctrine of .4 limited
atonement is necessary to good, standing in
the Presbyterian Church; or,..inother words,
does it regard the belief that Christ died for
all, one of the New SchoOl - peculiarities
whidh must be ruled out of -the re-nnited
Church?"
In reply the Preskyterian. Jane Ist.says:—
"To the first question we answer, that
having subscribed to the laeguage of the
answer to the Ifith question tnany years ago,
we still accept it, and believe that as Adam
was our federal head and representative, so
we 'sinned in him and fell w,ith him! in his
first transgression.
To the second question, we-answer that we
hope all 'New School peculiarities' will dis
appear in the 're-united CharCh,' and that
all will join in proclaiming; as Old School
men do now, 'the sufficiency of the atonement
for all, and its efficiency for those who were
Given to Christ by the Fat4er. Upou the
subscription of the Aniericafi - Presbyterian to
such sound and wholesome doctrines, we
propose that it be admitted4o.'p;ood stand
ing in the Presbyterian Church.
Our readers will • see how indirect and
evasive are these answers. They are not
the replies of one who is anxious for a per
fectly clear and open understanding on
mooted points, but of one who has a policy
to pursue and an end to gain, which can
prosper best under non-committal phrases.
The Presbyterian hopes all New School pe
culiarities will disappear in the re-united
Church. We have no doubt the respected
proprietor of The Presbyterian, and the sixty
two others who ,with him, f;kiriried. the mi-•
nority in the General Assembly at 'Cincin
nati on Re-union, cherish this hope, but as
they were outvoted two to one in that body,
it would seem that the great majority did
not share their views. We shall see.
We can think of no other term, which so
well as the above reverent one, properly
characterizes the most important act of the
last session of our State Legislature. Near
the close of the last month, like a thunder
clap from a clear sky, there fell upon the
keepers of taverns, saloons and drinking
shops generally, the intelligence that a bill
for the suppression of some of the worst but
most gainful parts of their soul-traffic, had
quietly passed all the forms of legislation,
and to the surprise of all, friends and foes
alike, had become a perfected law of the
State of Pennsylvania. Though bearing the
not very alarming title of "An Act to ena
ble police officers to enforce order in licensed
houses, and to exterminate the unlicensed
traffic," it turns out in detail to be the best
law Olk the subject, short of an absolutely
prohibitory one, which has emanated from
any legislature. The orderly portion of our
people accept it with delight.; the bar-room
constituency with howls of indignation. '
. .
The Act consists of ten sections. The first
contains some general and not new direc
tions respecting the suppression, by police
.force, of disorderly conduct in or around 'li
censed taverns or eating houses. Keepers
are required to call for such force when oc
casion arises, and if necessary,the police are
to close up the place until quiet is restored.
The second section forbids any person from
selling, giving or disposing of any strong or
spirituous liquors, wines, ale, beer, or any
intoxicating drink, to any apprentice, or any
person under twenty-one years of age, without
the written consent of the father, moth
er, guardian, master or mistress, as the
case may be, of such person. The third sec
tion forbids the disposing of intoxicating
liquors to any habitual driinkard, or any
person then under the influence of such li
quors,. under the penalty of a forfeiture of
license. The fourth section forbids' the
selling, giving away, or disposing of such
liquors to any person, when requested not to
do.so by the husband, wife, parent or child
of such person, under. penalty of forfeiture
of license. The filth requires the entire closing
of bars and places of . sale . on the Sabbath, the
time extending from twelve o'clock Satur- .
day night until sun-rise Monday morning;
OUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
Oar queries of April 25th•were:—
PROVIDENTIAL LEGISLATION.
and also the closing of them every night from
twelve o'clock until sun-rise. Persons trav
elling without violation of law may, howev
er, be received and lodged. The sixth pro
vides that any conviction for the violation
of any provision of the act shall work a for
feiture and annulling of license. The seventh
requires sheriffs, constables, police officers,
&c., to act, either upon their own observa
tion, or information from any respectable
citizen, in compelling the observance of the
law and bringing offenders before the mag
istrates. It also requires magistrates to en
tertain complaints made under oath by any
citizen of the vicinity for any violation of it.
The eighth requires the sheriff, constable or
any member of the police who finds any per
son intoxicated in the street, highway or
drinking shop, to arrest such person and de
tain him or her until sufficiently sobered to
testify, and then compel his or her testimony
as to the place where the liquor, which caus
ed the intoxication, was obtained, and the
person who furnished it. The ninth renders
any dealer who shall sell intoxicating drinks
to any person in violation of any of the above
provisions, liable for all damages which may
be sustained in consequence of such sale.
Suit may be brought either by the injured
party or his or her next friend. The tenth
grades any violation of any provision of the
act as a misdemeanor, punishable with a fine
of not more than twenty dollars, or, in de
fault of the payment thereof, with imprison
ment of not more than five days. This is
in addition to the special liabilities above
named.
Such is the law. The history of its enact
ment, were it not for the gravity of the sub
ject, would be the rarest legislative joke of
many years. In its passage through the
Senate, where it originated, there was noth
ing particularly, remarkable except the ab
sence of any signs of alarm on the part of
the liquor interest which supposed itself well
guarded by watchful agents, at the capital.
The vote on its final passage by that body
, was taken by yeas and nays.. We do not
remember the figures, but the majority was
a large one. Of the Philadelphia Senators,
one voted in the affirmative, two in the neg
ative, and one was absent. The liquor deal
ers of this .city, so far as they knew anything
about the matter, had somehow obtained
the impression that the lower house would
kill the whole thing, or at least amend it
by excepting Philadelphia from its opera
tion. With the selfishness so instinctive in
their craft, they had no money to support a
lobby effort for the protection of their breth
ren outside of the city limits, so long as they
felt themselves secure They knew the Phil
adelphia representatives—with an exception
or two, to be legislators of their own making
—and they expected to, be taken care of.
They had all faith in the power of the no
torious . fact that, for years past, with the
exception of one or two assembly districts,
the real primary meetings for nominations
are the Sunday and other gatherings at -I
their'saloons; that from thence names are
sent up and men forced upon the nominating
conventions, and that all the following for
malities' are but simple ratifications of the
will of the pot house politicians. Thus re
presented in the lower house,•why should
they be alarmed?
Next came the tidings that the Governor
bad affixed his name to a new liquor law.
What law ? Where is it ? A few days
brought along the copy. Almost sponta
neously the Philadelphia dealerOassembled
in a meeting. and formally organized. This
time the term indignation meeting was no
misnomer ; indeed, it was an indignation
and consternation meeting. Who voted for
this law ? was the cry. There had been no
call for the yeas and nays, and so far as
could be learned, no one had voted against
it. Here was fresh wrath. The city repre
sentatives—our men—where were they? In
quiries were put on foot, and adjournments
had to await the result. The report came
in that no Philadelphia representative was
to be found who knew anything 'of the mat
ter. No one heard of any such bill in the
House, or knew of its passage until, after the
adjournment of the Legislature, it came to
light in the newspapers. Little by little the
mystery was it length solved. It appears
that the bill went from the Senate to the
House, late in the session, (April 5,) when
the table of the latter body was piled with
unfinished business, and legislation became
more rapid than- thorough. Instead of be
ing sent to committee, (the usual course) it
Genesee Evangelist, No, 1099.
was laid on the table. On the 9th the House
passed or otherwise disposed of one hundred
and fifty-six bills. Almost all of these were
read only by their titles! and members has
tened to vote for them and get them out of
the way, without any knowledge of their
contents. They were mostly what are cal
led private bills, but among the heap lay
this, "Act to enable police officers to enforce
order in licensed houses, and to exterminate
the unlicensed traffic." Amid a bill-passing
frolic, it was read by its title and passed
nem. con. Ori the 17th, after the adjourn
ment, the Governor, we presume with delib
erate and cordial hand, affixed his signature
of approval.
Thus, without any tactics or strategy or
special effort on the part of the friends of
morality and order, God has given us this
good law—we mean good as far as it goes.
The providence is none the less real, because
it comes through the overruling of a reck
less legislation for a great good. We are
indebted to an exasperated company of soul
traders for an expose of the manner of the
passage of this act, and we shall hereafter
no doubt, be indebted to them for a persis
tent and unscrupulous series of efforts to re
sist its execution, to neutralize its efficiency,
and to secure its repeal at the first possible
moment. For the latter result their hope
lies in the vigorous hold of the bar-room
power over nominating conventions. If
the vantage ground which this providential
interposition has opened to the friends of
order, shall stimulate us to a radical reform
on the subject of primary elections, it will
make the law a blessing even above what
was first hoped from it.
The following summary of the admirable
financial statement made by the Treasurer
of the Permanent Committee, Edward A.
Lambert, Esq., was handed to us by that
gentlemans—
amount received (of
which from Legacies, $lO,-
944 15,) $129,076 52
920 churches contributed, Mem
bers,
625 churches non-contributing
—Members,
Amount, per member of entire
Church,
Increase over previous year,
Largest amount contributed
by any one church—"liadi
son Square," N. Y.,
Largest amount per member—
" Church of the Covenant,"
N. Y.,
Synod contributing the largest
amount per member, "Synod
of Missouri,"
Presbytery contributing the
largest amount per member,
" Pitts burgh,"
DR. BRECKINRIDGE, in the debate on the
majority and minority reports on Reunion, in
the Assembly at Cincinnati, took ground
against either and against Reunion itself. In
one of his speeches, he is reported to have
said that the Constitution of the Presbyterian
Church, makes no provision for receiving
ministers and churches in a lump. Very
true. But does it make any provision for
turning out "ministers and Presbyteries in
a lump" without hearing or trial? And it
constitutional scruples may be set aside to
do a wrong, may they not be set aside to
right that wrong?
ERRATIIM.--In giving .the list of 63 votes
cast in the Cincinnati Assembly against
laying the minority report on reunion on
the table, the types made the sixty-three in
one place, "the majority." As, however,
we had previously, in the same article,
spoken of them as the minority, we hope
few, if any, of oar readers were mislead.
THE NARRATIVE of our General Assembly
will be found in full, with Obituary list,
the third page. It is the result of much
conscientious labor, and is perhaps need
lessly minute; but we rarely have, in these
documents, so complete a photograph of the
condition of the Church as here given. We
trust it will be generally read.
SUBSCRIBERS who fail to receive their pa
pers in due season, are earnestly requested
to give us prompt notice of the fact, as the
Post Office Department is faithfully en
deavoring to remedy all defects in this line
of their business.
HOME MISSIONS.
731 cents
18 per cent
110,100
40,000
86,937 39