Newspaper Page Text
Old Series —Vol. &5, No. I^2.
Terms of Subscription.
Daily, one year *lO oo
" b months 600
“ 3 months 250
Ti i-Weekly. one year 6 oo
“ 6 months 260
Weekly, one y<iar 2 oo
“ f. inontlis 1 0o
Single copies, 5 cents, lo news dealers, 2%
cents.
On and after this dale (April 21, 1375) all
editions of the Constitutionalist will be sent
free of postage. Subscriptions must in all
cases be paid in advance. The paper will be
discontinued at the expiration of the time paid
for.
Advertisements must be paid for when hand
ed in, unless otherwise stipulated.
Cirresporulence invited from all sources,
amt valuable special news paid for if used.
Rejects l communications will not be return
ed, and no notice taken of anonymous commu
nications, or articles written on both sides.
Money mag be remitted at our risk bg Ex-
Pfcssw^ostadjjrder^^
THE CONSTITUTIONALIST
TUESDAY, May 25, 1875.
We publish this morning our first,
letter from the great Presbyterian As
sembly, now in session at St. Louis. It
will be followed by others until the
close.
The Second report of the Colored
Missionary Baptist Convention appears
this morning. Our faithful reporter
gives the proceedings in full.
The Augusta Constitutionalist has ac
complished a journalistic feat which
challenges competition with the Metro
politan papers of the North, and re
ilects honor upon the press of Georgia.
The Met klenburg centennial took
place on the 20th instant, and though
distant two hundred miles from Au
gusta, the next monYmg the entire
proceedings in extenso up to 12 p. m.,
embracing seventeen columns, was
spread before its readers. —Macon Tele
graph and Messenger.
An article upon “G. Hopper,” al
ledging that the march and devasta
tions of the grasshopper in the West are
because the people out there have kill
ed all the wild turkeys and prairie
chickens, recalls a scrap of French his
tory. In the life time of Cuvier, the
people in one of the Departments of
that country took up a foolish notion
that their birds destroyed their crops,
and exterminated them. The next year
the insects destroyed their crops.—
Cuvier was sent by the King to inves
t’gate the matter and at once saw the
cause was the destruction of the birds.
The iuvading army of grasshoppers
lias reached Kansas City, Missouri.
They threaten the most frightful
calamity that ever happened in the
United States.
The Philadelphia Centennial Com
mission has chosen L. Q. C. Lamab and
Chas. Francis Adams as Chief Orators,
and Gen. Jos. E. Johnston, as Master
of Ceremonies. When it is remembered
that Col. Lamar was one of the ring
leaders of the “rebellion,” aud that Gen.
Jo3. E. Johnston commanded the Con
federate forces at the first battle of
Manassas aud the great left centre
during most of the war, these appoint
ments receive their proper apprecia
tion. It is now nearly certain that the
few lingering animosities engendered
by that struggle between the North
and the South, will be forever buried
by the Philadelphia Centennial. Let
them go—they are nothing but re
venges, condemned ami specially de
nounced by heaven.
FROM NEW YORK.
Rescue of Castaways from a Wrecked
Vessel.
New York, May 24.—The schooner
Agnes I. Grace, at this port from Ha
vana, reports, on the 21st instant, lati
tude 34 degrees 35 minutes, longitude
75 degrees 47 minutes, fell in with the
top of a vessel’s cabin with two men on
it, anti rescued them. They proved to
be Captain Hurst, of the schooner
Mary aud Eliza, from Savannah for
Dainariscotta, and William Griffin, a
seaman. Captain Hurst reports on
May IC, during a heavy gale, his vessel
sprung a leak and capsized. The rest
•of the crew were capsized in a small
iboat. Captain Hurst aud Griffin were
•on the house ninety-one hours without
f*>d or water.
The Uncorking of a Bottle of Sour
Porter.
Extract from Porter’s speech : “This
impudent cuckold,” said the speaker,
turning to Tilton, “ who comes into
court flourishing a pair of antlers
which are not his own, and which he
asks you to tip with gold.”
Minor Telegrams.
Lowell, May 24.—The mule spinners
have returned to work. They will join
no union which intends to control
wages or hours.
Columbia, S. C., May 24.—Edward
Hope, an old merchant and respected
citizen, was found dead in his room,
to-day. of hemorrhage.
Memphis, May 24.—Business is gen
erally suspended lieie —Dei oration Day.
The Grasshopper Raid.
Kansas City, May 23.—The grasshop
pers have penetrated the heart of the
city, moving in a vast army going
North. Trenches are being dug and
millions are slaughtered, but nothing
can stop the red-legged pests in their
march. Many drive them from their
grouuds with water from hydrants.
Their depredations are becoming very
serious. Lawns are being stripped of
grass and garden truck destroyed.
Nothing can be raised except in green
houses.
Breckinuidge’s Escape— The escape of
Breckinridge after the surrender of
Lee was quite romantic. Accompanied
A>y Colonel Wilson, of his staff, he made
yiis way to Florida, where the two ref
ugees were joined by Colonel Taylor
Wood, the brother in law of Jefferson
Davis. Securing a small skiff, thev
boldly embarked, near Key West, for
Cuba, and succeeded in reaching the
port of Cardenas, near Havana, in safe
ty. From thence General Breckinridge
proceeded to Europe, and finally took
up his residence in Canada. The last
years of his life were quietly spent in
Kentucky. General Breckinridge leaves
one son who bears bis name, and an
other, who, curiously enough, was
christened “Owen County,” in honor of
the county which secured the election
of his father to Congress in 1853, in the
.contest with Governor Letcher.
Itje Jails (Eonstitutumaligt
FROM WASHINGTON.
Decoration of Confederate Graves Al
lowed—Decisions of the Court of
Claims—“ There’s Millions in It.”
Washington, May 24. —The Secretary
of War lias given formal permission to
the Southern Memorial Association to
decorate the graves of the Confederate
dead at Arlington, June Ist.
Jno. Gofortli has resigned as Assist
ant Attorney General.
The Court of Claims to-day con
firmed the report of Special Commis
sioner Eveletb, with several amend
ments. They cover a number of claims,
involving large amounts of cotton.
The first fund, consisting of Vicksburg
and Natchez cotton, which was so in
termingled as to destroy its iden
tity, was ordered to stand at the
sum of $948,300. Iu addition to
the above, judgment was rendered in
about thirty-eight separate cases, cov
ering 5,510 bales of cotton, which, at
the sum fixed by the Court, gives a
total of nearly $1,000,000. Col. Robert
M. and Stephen A. Douglas, sons of
the late Stephen A. Douglas, of Illi
nois, receive an award for one 1,457
bales of cotton, or about $250,000,
seized iu the State of Mississippi on
the maternal plantation.
The new Attorney General, Pierre
pont, on the Ist of June will inaugurate
the following bureaux: Supreme Court,
Court of Claims, Legal llnvestigations,
Official Correspondance aud Chief Clerk
of Criminal Law. The chief of each
bureau will be designated.
The Court of Claims to-day gave
judgment for $480,000 in gold, iu fa
vor of the State National Bank of Bos
ton, which brought suit to recover
that sum from the United States. This
amount was paid into the Sub-Treasury
at Boston to cover the defalcation of
Haverwell, the cashier therein in 1867.
The bank contending that the United
States having secured the money,
through Haverwell’s knowledge and
participation in the fraud, could not
hold the money.
No opinion was, as expected, deliver
ed in the case of the Union Pacific Rail
road transportation cases. The amount
claimed is about $500,000. It may be
delivered next Monday, at which time
the court will adjourn for the summer.
There is authoiity for stating that no
intimation whatever has been given by
the judges as to which way they will
decide the question, therefore all state
ments heretofore published on the sub
ject as to the character of the opinion
are mere conjectures.
The Elgee cotton clnim was discuss
ed on the motion of the Government for
anew trial. The Assistant Attorney
General claimed that the cotton for
which a large award had been made
bad been sold to the Confederate Gov
ernment and several affidavits in sup
poit of this position were presented.
Counsel for Elgee referred to affidavits
and private information iu order to
show that the claim was justly allowed,
but that impedirneuta were now thrown
in the way of the payment of the award
by persons endeavoring to extort black
mail. If the court should re-opeu the
case it could not be tried before the
Fall term.
The Y. M. C. A.
TheY. M. C. A., of this city, held its
annual meeting in Lincoln Hall. The
annual report shows 240 new members
during the year; total membership,B2o;
receipts for the year, $8,496 ; disburse
ments, $7,831. The Association has
made arrangements to attend the Con
venlion in Richmond on Thursday. A
special train will leave here at 6 o’clock
in the morning and return the next
morning.
FROM WIIEELING-
Consecration of a Bishop—The New
Capital of West-Virginia.
Wheeling, West-Virginia, May 24.
The consecration of Rev. J. J. Kaiu,
as Bishop of the Roman Catholic
diocese of Wheeling, took place yes
terday in St. James’ Cathedral, which
was filled to its utmost capacity. A
large number of delegates from this
and adjoining States were in attend
ance. The ceremonies were the most
imposing ever seen here. Tne proces
siou included iu its train twenty-four
diocesan priests, thirty eminent cler
gymen from other dioceses, Bishop
liosecrans, of Ohio, Bishops O’Hara,
Shanahan and Dominee, of Pennsylva
nia, Bishop Gibbous, of Richmond, Va.,
as assistant senior bishop, and Bishop
Becker, of Delaware, as. junior assist
ant, and Archbishop Bailey as conse
crator.
The Governor and other executive
officers arrived yesterday by steamer
from Chaileston. The archives and
other State property remain at the late
capital for the present.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
The British Association of Virginia.
Celebrate Queen Victoria’s Birth
day, *1
Richmond, May 24.—The British As
sociation, of Virginia, is celebrating
Queen Victoria’s birthday with great
success. In Richmond the annual ser
mon was preached by Rev. Dr. Wall, in
Monumental Church, yesterday, to a
crowded congregation. Eight Episco
pal clergymen, fully robeJ, took part iu
the services. At the auuual business
meeting now in session, Major Gen.
Barton, late of the British army pre
sided. Banquet this eveuiug. It will
be attended by Gov. Kemper, Mayor
Keiley, of Richmond, and other dis
tinguished citizens. To-morrow night
a grand concert and ball will close the
festivities. Fraternal messages have
been exchanged with Englishmen in
Georgia and elsewhere celebrating the
occ ision.
FROM ATLANTA.
The Air-Line Railroad Case —Grant
Remains in Possession—Laying the
Corner-Stone of a Synagogue.
Atlanta, May 25.—Judge Bradley, of
the United .States Court, to-day, iu the
Air-Line Railroad case, John H. Fisher
against L. P. Grant, receiver appointed
by Judge Hopkins, of the Fulton Su
perior Court, decided not to interfere as
Grant was in possession.
The corner-stone of the Jewish syna
gogue was laid by the Masons to-day
with imposing ceremonies. Remarks
were made by Grand Master Butler,
Past Grand Lawrence and Rabbi Henry
Gersoni. The synagogue will cost
sl.B, o°°.
FROM PENNSYLVANIA.
An Oil-Tank Struck by Lightning—
The Forest Fires Subdued.
Pittsburg, May 24. —The lightning
fired a 20,000 barrel oil tank at Earns
City. Efforts were made to draw the
oil out, but it was feared the tank
would explode.
Scranton, Pa., May 24,—The drench
ing rain subdued the forest fires in
this section, saving a half-dozen towns.
FOREIGN NEWS.
Compromising in Spain—A Religious
Riot iu Belgium—Another French
Crisis—Dreadful Accident to Catho
lic Pilgrims.
Madrid May 23.—An important po
litical meeting has been held here. It
was .attended by nearly 600 gentlemen
who have held seats in the Cortes,
either as Senators or Deputies.
A resolution was unanimously adopt
ed that, on the opening of the next
Cortes, a constitution shall be sub
mitted, formed on the basis of a com
promise of all monarchal and liberal
parties.
Brussels, May 23.—As a religious
procession was passing through the
streets to-day it was assailed by the
populace and its rauks broken up. The
police, with drawn swords, charged on
the rioters, ten of whom were arrested.
The members of the procession took
refuge in the neighboring houses, and
subsequently dispersed.
London, May 24. —A special dispatch
to the Times , from Vienna, says a
dreadful accident has occurred on the
river Mur, at the town of Indenburg,
province of Tyrol. A ferry-boat, hav
ing on board a number of Catholic pil
giitns en route to visit shrines on the
other side of Mur from ludeuburg,
sunk in the middle of the stream.
Fifty-uine pilgrims are known to have
been saved, but seventy-six are miss
ing, all of whom are believed to bo
drowned.
The recent decision of the Paris Left
Centre to vote in favor of the retention
of the present system, by which Depu
ties to the Assembly are elected by the
vote of a whole Department, instead of
adopting Minister Buffet’s plan for the
separate election of a Deputy by each
arrondissment, will lead to disruption
of the Ministry and a ministerial crisis
in the present session of the Assembly.
If the Left Centre adheres to its reso
lution, there will be a strong majority
against the Government, and President
MacMahon will be obliged to form a
coalition with the Legitimists and
Bouapartists for a ministry.
Disraeli States That England Keeps
the Peace Between France and Ger
many,
In the House of Commons to-day
Disraeli, replying to a question put by
the Marquis of Hartington, said it was
true that the Government had advised
the Queen, to make representation to
Germany respecting relations between
that power and FiaDce. These repre
sentations had been made and were of
such a nature as to correct miscon
ceptions and ensure peace. England
had received a satisfactory reply, but
it would not lie to the public conven
ience to lay a copy of the correspon
dence on the table of the House. It is
understood Disraeli will give notice to
morrow that there will be no sessiou of
Parliament on Wednesday next, Derby
day. ' r
Mexico in a Revolutionary Ferment.
It is reported that the revolutionary
bands in the State of Michoacan have
been defeated. Disastrous effects if
war are felt in most of the States. The
Federal troops aro reported to have
suffered a reverse at the hands of the
insurgents in Sau Louis Potosi, their
loss being forty killed. The Govern
ment is taking measures to inaugurate
a severe campaign against revolution
ists. Geu. Escobedo will assume com
mand of an expeditionary corps. The
Indians on the northern frontier con
tinue to make destructive incursions
and the country is generally unsettled.
The relations between Mexico and
Guatemala are becoming delicate on
the question of a boundary line be
tween the two countries. A rumor is
in circulation that Gen. Uraga has been
appointed to the command of the
Guatemala forces and is engaged in or
ganizing a corps of 10,000 men, in
tended to operate against Mexico.
THE DEMON OF FLAMES.
The Pennsylvania, New York and
Delaware Fires Broken Out Again.
Lackawana, May 24.—The fires ra
ging in the counties of Pike, Wayne,
Monroe and Luzene, Pennsylvania,
Sullwan, Delaware, and Orange, New
York, checked by Friday’s raiu, are
gaming strength.
Lexington, Ky„ May 24.—A fire origi
nated in Davis & Adams’ livery sta
bles. The block was burned and spread
to adjoining squares ; but ouo engine
and the bucket brigade saved the
town. Loss SIOO,OOO.
Twenty-five buildings destroyed, lu
cludiug Adams & Davis’ stable with
eleven horses, aud the St. James’ Ho
tel.
PHILADELPHIA CENTENNIAL.
Meeting of the Centennial Commission
—Hon. L. Q. C. Lamar to be One of
the Orators, and Gen. Jos. E. John
ston Master of Ceremonies, July 4.
1876.
Philadelphia, May 21.—The United
States Centennial Commission met this
forenoon and elected the following of
ficers :
President, Gen. Jos. R. Hawleo, Con
necticut.
First Vice-President, Orestes Cleve
land, New Jvrsey ; second Vice-Presi
deut, John I). Creigh, California ; third
Vice-President, Robert Lowry, lowa
fourth Vice-President, Thomas H.
Coldwejl, Tennessee ; fifth Vice-Presi
dent, John McNeil. Missouri ; sizth
Vice-President, William Gourney, Dis -
trict Columbia.
Jno. L. Campbell, Secretary; Jno. H
Shoemaker, Counsellor and Commis
sioner.
Executive Committee —Dan’l J. Mor
rel, Pa.; Alfred T. Goshorn, O.;N. M.
Beckwith, Alex. R. Boteler, W. Ya.:
Richard G. McCormick, Arizona; Jno.
Lynch, Louisiana; Chas. P. Kirnbal,
Me.; Sam’l F. Phillips, N. C.; Frederick
L. Matthews, Ills.; Win. Phipps Blake,
Conn.; Jas. E. Dexter, District of Co
lumbia; J. T. Bernard, Fla, Geo. B. Lo
ring, Mass.
'the chairman of the Committee on
the Opening Ceremonies recommended
appropriate ceremonies ou the opening
aud closing of tho exhibition, aud on
the Fourth of July. A partial pro
gramme was agreed upon, as fol
lows; President of the Day, the
President of the United States, Chap
lain—the Chaplain of the United States
Senate. Orators—Chas. Francis Adams,
of Massachusetts,aud Lucius Q. C. La
mar, of Mississippi. Poet—Henry W.
Longfellow, of Massachusetts. Read
er of the Declaration of Independence,
Ralph Waldo Emerson, of Massachu
setts; Grand Marshal, W. T. Sherman;
Master of Ceremonies, Gen. Joseph Eu
Johnston, of Georgia,,
The Commission adjourned until to
mojrow, when it will adjourn finally.
The Executive Committee organized
to-night by the election of D. J. Mor
rell as Chairman. A. T. Goshorn was
elected Director-General, and Meyer
Arch, Secretary,
•A.XTG-TJBTA, GA.. TUESDAY MORNING. MAY 35, :L875.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
The Presbyterian Conclave at St.
Louis —A Graphic and Interesting-
Report of the Proceedings.
[Special Correspondence Constitutionalist.]
The place of meeting of the Assem
bly was the Pine Street Church, which
became so renowned at the close of the
war, the Northern Assembly having
through their Republican friends here
claimed the property. The trouble
created by the then excited state of
feeliug in St. Louis so oppressed the
pastor (the late Dr. McPheters) as to
result in his lamented death. He was
one of the very best of our Southern
Presbyterian divines, and the persecu
tions to which he was subjected broke
down both his body and his mind, so
that ho died a martyr’s death. The
church is a plain, substantial building,
without a gallery, and fitted to acom
modate little over half the congrega
tion attending the Presbyterian Church
of Augusta.
The retiring moderator (the Rev. Dr.
Gerardeau, of Charleston, S. C.) preach
ed the opening sermon.
At 11 a. m., sharp, Dr. Gerardeau,
accompanied by the stated Clerk, took
his place in the pulpit, while the mem
bers of the Assembly and the worship
pers from the city kept crowding in
until the church was doubly packed.
After a voluntary on the orgau and
choir, or rather a c-haunt of the Hun
dredth Psalm, in prose, the moderator
announced the ?.19th Hymn :
“All hail the power of Jesus’ name,
Let angels prostrate fall,” &c., &c,
which was sung to “Coronation,” the
whole congregation uuiting in this ser
vice of song. After the Clerk had read
a few verses and offered prayer, the
moderator announced the 150th Hymn,
“How precious is the Book Divine,
By inspiration given,” &c., Ac.,
After singing which, lie read as his
text Matthew xxvii and xx : “Teaching
them to observe all things whatsover I
have commanded you.” He said these
words contained two fundamental
truths. The one is positive—the other
negative—the duty of the church to
teach all things, and to teach nothing
which Christ has not taught. The
theme was
The Discretionary Pow er of the
Church,
in doctrine government and worship. The
Scriptures are thf> supreme rule of
faith and practice. No power iu the
church or out of it has a right to
substitute any rule as co-ordinate or
supplementary to the Scriptures. They
are sufficient and all-sufficient, as a
rule of faith and morals. God has put
the word aud the spirit together as the
only rule of conscience, and what God
has joined together let no man put
asunder. Has the church any discre
tionary power?
He defined the church as possessing
supernatural authority and guidance,
and thus she differs from all human
organizations. Her members are, or
ought to be, regenerated men, and
therefore are under the guidance of a
divine spirit.
Hence the church’s duty to teach all
that Christ has revealed and she has no
power to teach anything else.
Hence thochureh must always be the
learner and expounder of what Christ
has taught. She can form no law of
her own. Her whole duty lies in be
lieving and obeying.
He laid down the principle that where
the Scripture is silent the Church may
speak. Her province is to develop and
interpret the written word.
He dwelt on the objective and subjec
tive development or doctrine by the
Church in several particulars. He
showed that the grand fundamental
doctrines of justification and sanctifi
cation are fully developed iu the
epistle to the Romans, and the doctrine
of Christ’s priesthood is developed in
the Book of Hebrews.
He showed the relations, and yet the
discrepancies, of the claims of Roman
ism and Rationalism. He met all the
claims to discretionary power, as im
plied in the theory of Romanism and
Rationalism, by the simple but iufalli
ble principle that the Bible is sufficient.
He combated with great power the
growing tendency of the age to set
aside the old formularies of faith. In
this part of his discourse he rose step
by step iu impassioned eloquence, until
the entire audience become electrified.
He then proceeded to consider Lite
discretionary power of the church as
viewed iu relation to
Government.
Some hold that Christ has laid down
no rule of government iu the Church.
But he held that the government of the
Church was as clearly laid down in the
Bible, as auy doctrine bearing ou the
salvation of the sinner.
If Christ has given any form of gov
ment in his Church, it must surely be
of some specific form. There must be
officers and courts. That form is clearly
distinguished from Prelacy on the one
hand, and
Congregationalism on the Other.
It lies between the autocracy of Pre
late aud the democracy of the Repub
lican.
The written word authorizes the
right of the people to choose their own
office-bearers. It also provides the
righu of appeal from inferior to supe
rior Courts. He then discussed the
form of worship as laid down iu the
Scriptures. Here he made a powerful
appeal to the members of the Assem
bly, based upon the allusion of Paul to
the building of tho grand foundation,
which is Christ Jesus and Him crucified.
Iu regard to worship,he quoted from the
Westminister standards and incorpo
rated Dr. Thornwell’s exposition of the
limits of the Church’s discretionary
power iu regard to forms of worship.
He laid dowu three postulates, touch
ing the forms of worship, and showed
that a liturgy was inconsistent with
each of the three.
He condemned in the very strongest
language the use of instrumental music
as essential to the public worship of
God.
His peroration bearing on the com
ing apostacy aud doom of the present
dispensation was eloquent and telling.
The sermon occupied one hour and
forty-four minutes iu delivery, and was
heard throughout with rapt atten
tion. The Moderator then constituted
the Assembly with prayer; when Dr.
Brown, Recording Clerk, read the roll
of the members of Assembly.
Nominations for Moderator.
Dr. Lei’evre and Dr. Hoge were nom
inated.
Dr. LeFevre requested his name to
be withdrawn.
His name was withdrawn, when Dr.
Hoge was elected by acclamation.
Dr. Hoge took the Chair and ad
dressed the house in very touching and
appropriate terms.
The Rev. Dr. Junkin, of Kentucky
was elected as temporary clerk.
It was moved that the house take
recess till 3:30 p. m.
It was moved as an amendment that
the house adjourn till to-morrow at 9
a. m.
Dr. Palmer, of New Orleans, moved
before the amendment be put, that the
hours of each session be now fixed and
announced.
It was accordingly announced that
the sessions of this week shall be held
from 9 a. in. till 2 p. in., with devotional
exercises from 12 till 12:30 each day.
St. Louis, Mo., j
Friday Morning, May A, 9 A. M. j
The Assembly met aud was constitu
ted with prayer by Rev. Dr. Hoge, Mod
erator. The minutes were read by Rev.
Dr. Brown, Recording Clerk, and con
firmed.
The stated Clerk moved, as the first
order of the day, that the report on For
eign Missions and the second report on
Sustentatiou. Motion carried.
The Recording Clerk read the names
of the committees which had been ap
pointed by tho Moderator.
Dr. J. L. Wilson read the Annual Re
port of the Committee on Foreign Mis
sions, except some $15,000 ot debt on
the scheme. Iu all other respects the
state of this branch of the Church’s
work is most encouraging. We have
several missions in Brazil, two in Mexi
co, two in Italy, two in Greece, two in
Cbiua, and then we have several in the
Indian territory; iu all, 27 ordained
men, 27 assistants and 16 native help
ers, or 70 laborers and over 400 people
attending our schools.
The Sum Needed
for the ensuing year is $75,000, and the
report hopes that such sum may be
reasonably expected.
There are fifty-eight
Ladles Associations
iu our Church, aud the sums raised by •
them amount during the year to over
$4,000; fifteen churches, and over SIOOO
converts have been enrolled in eight
yeais by this Church. Our missionaries
are already preaching Christ in nine
languages. It was ruled that the re
port read be put mto the hands of the
Committee on Foreign Missions.
Dr. R. Mcllwaine read the ninth an
nual report on Sustentation. Collections
were received during the year from
850 churches, and 458 have contributed
to the evangelistic work. For susten
tation, $21,851 have been contributed
during the year; paid out $17,000 to
different Presbyteries ; Evangelistic
fund has tho balance. The colored
Evangelistic fund is very low and little
has been doue during the year.
The increase this year over last in
contributions to the sustentation fund
is about 16 per cent. There has also
been an increase iu the aid rendered to
weak churches.
Fifty-three Presbyteries have report
ed on their Evangelistic labors, and the
work has been progressing hopefully.
Several Evangelists have teen employ
ed and with good effect, by the major
ity of Presbyteries—but in some cases
tho field has been so well worked as to
require no Evangelists.
The Moderator ordered that the re
port be put into the hands of the Com
mittee on Sustentation. This report
was very able and greatly admired by
the Assembly.
Dr. B. M. Palmer, of New Orleans,
read a report of the Conference held
with tho Reformed Church, at New
York, last Winter. The object of this
Conference was to devise means for
mutual co-operation in publication in
Home Missions among the colored and
white population. The Reformed
Church will aid ours by friends in this
work. In Foreign Missions they shall
not interfere with each other in select
ing ministers and missionaries from
among their respective Presbyteries
for home and foreign fields.
Having read his report, the Mod
erator requested Dr. Palmer to
add a few explanatory remarks, in
which he spoke iu warm terms of
the Christian co-operation of the
brethren of the Reformed Church.
The Recording Clerk read the re
port of the Committee of Correspon
dence with the Northern Church. All
our members were present, and four
clerical members from the Northern
Church. The committee mot and con
ducted all the correspondence in
writiug. There were no measures
adopted which are likely to lead to a
Reunion
but in all their. interviews there was
great harmony and good will among
the members of the committee who
met at Baltimore.
The Louisville Muddle.
Dr. Wilson, formerly of Augusta,
said he had in his hand a protest aud
memorial from some members of the
first congregation of Louisville Ivy.
He also stated that the records of the
Louisville Presbytery wereiu court and
could be read iu connection with tiiis
protest of Cook and others, aud lie
moved it be referred to the J udicial Com
mittee.
Dr. Palmer, of New Orleans, said he
wished to know whether this protest
had come through the Synod. Dr.
Palmer said that the Judicial Commit
tee shall determine whether the pro
test conies up in the constitutional
way, that is—through the Synod. On
this point Dr. Stuart Robertson and
others spoke.
Mr. Webb, an elder, seconded Dr.
Palmer’s motion.
A memorial from the presbytery of
Roanoke on the question of systematic
beneficence was referred to the corn
tee on that subject.
The stated Clerk read several over
tures.
One was an overture from the pres
bytery of Chesapeake requesting the
removal of the Committees of Sustena
tion and Foreign Missions to Balti
more. Another was from the presby
tery of Louisville iu reference to the
Pan-Presbyterian Council. Another
from Macon presbytery asking the As
sembly to appoint biennial instead of
annual meetings of Synods and Assem
blies.
At P2:30 o’clock the Assembly spent
thirty minutes in devotional exercises.
The Moderator read a hymn ; and
after reading Isaiah, the thirty-fifth
chapter, Dr. W. S. Plumer, of Columbia,
and Dr. Stuart Robertson engaged in
prayer, and the Assembly took a recess
for five minutes.
After Recess.
The Chairman of the Committee
on Devotional Exercises read his report,
and seemed somewhat partial in select
ing tho men who were to fill the vari
ous pulpits on next Lord’s day, as he
omitted a goodly number and gave
double duty to others. The committee
gave only one service to each of those
selected. To Dr. Irvine, of Augusta,
Ga., they gave two, viz: At 10:30
a.m.he was appointed to preach in Cen
tral Church and at 8 p. m. in Dr. Nich
ols’ Church on 17th, and Locust street.
This is the largest Presbyterian Church
in the city, and Northern withal.
Augusta.
A maple sugar factory in Vermont,
the largest in tho State, auuually taps
3,350 trees.
COLORED BAPTISTS.
Georgia State Convention of the
Missionary Baptists (Colored)—Mass
Meeting on Thursday Evening at 8
O’clock.
[Special Correspondence of the Constitu
tionalist.]
Springfield Church, j
Washington, Ga., May 23, 1875. |
Unfortunately I was unable to at
tend any of these meetings. I was ex
tremely anxious to do so, for I had
never before heard of a “religious
mass meeting,” nor of a “mass meeting
of a convention,” as these meetings
are,.called by our colored friends. From
what I could learn they seem to be
meetings of the convention for the free
discussion of some specified subject of
interest to the church. No business is
transacted at them, and no other topic
save the one agreed upon and previ
ously announced is introduced,
Ou Thursday evening the subject be
fore the body was “Missions.” The
meeting was opened by the inevitable
hymn, which, ou this occasion, I learned
from the elefk’s minutes was the 921st,
and was followed by prayer by the
Rev. Jefferson Milner.
Remarks were made, and the discus
sion of the subject was entered into
and cariied on by the following rev
erend colored brethren : Frank Quarles,
J. A. James, J. C. Bryan, William Styles,
Sylvanus Green McArthey,
David Hines, Lawrence Solomon, Geo.
H. D welle, Jasper Strong and Jerry M.
Jones.
We learn, also from the minutes of
the clerk, that the greatest amount of
zeal and enthusiasism was manifested
in the meeting and much interest ex
hibited on the subject of missions, and
that the members were nerved up for
better work next year.
Second Day’s Proceedings.
Friday Morning, May 21st, 1875.
The Convention was opened by sing
ing, followed by prayer by the Rev. F.
Beal.
Minutes of Thursday’s afternoon ses
sion read and approved. The report
of the Executive Board was read, and,
after discussion by a number of the
members, the report was recommitted.
The report of the Treasurer, Rev.
Wm, J. White, was read and referred
to a committee of live, consisting of
the Reverends J. C. Bryan, J. M.
Jones, Henry Jackson, James T. Tal
bot and Alexander Harris.
At this point in the proceedings,
Capt. Jno. T. Wingfield, a prominent
and very highly respected citizen of
Washington, was introduced to the
Covention, and invited to a seat on the
floor.
The following reverend members
were appointed a Committee on Nomi
nations : J. C. Bryan, Henry Williams,
W. J. Campbell, Alexander Harris and
Jerry M. Jones.
On motion, it was resolved to read
the report of the Board of Trustees,
after which the following committees
were appointed:
On Printing Return Tickets—Revs.
Lewis Williams, Janies Gibson and J.
H. DeLamotta.
On Deceased Ministers—Revs. F.
Beai, R. Grant, D. G. Fanniu, Jasper
Strong, Henry Way, Handy Fuller,
Arnold Howell, Seaborn Black, Samuel
Burns, Enoch Hightower aud Madison
Carter.
On Sabbath Schools—Revs. T. M.
Allen, Gad S. Johnson, J. H. DeLa
motta, William Styles, W. J. White,
liobt. Epps, J. T. Solomon.
There being no further business be
foro the Convention at the time, aud
pending the return of the committee,
with their report on the Treasurer’s
report, the President stated that dur
ing the time there was no business on
hand, he would be glad if some of the
members would say something for the
good of the brethren and for their edi
fication.
The Rev. Henry Woodsmall, (white)
of the America i Bible Publication So
ciety, was called on to talk to the
meeting. He arose and said that he
would talk to them a little while. He
did not wish to say much, and only
wished to occupy the time iu which
there was no business before the Con
vention, aud asked to be uotofled as
soon as there was any. He said that he
desired to say something to the mem
bers of the Convention on the import
ant subject of education.
His remarks were well timed and sen
sible, aud his views in the main correct
and his advice excellent, aud your cor
respondent approved of and agreed
with him in every thing except in one
particular. He displayed, I think, a
little narrowness, and bad taste in some
of his remarks concerning denomina
tional schools, aud referred to tho State
University, and to their being more
members of one denomination in the
professor’s chairs in that institution
than of any other, iu a mauner, which
was not, to say the least, in the best
taste nor in the best spirit. He evi
dently coincides with Governor Brown,
aud thinks that tho State University, a
public school, should have its profes
sors appointed by denominations, and
that the chairs should be divided out
amongst tho religious sects, according
to their numbers iu the State of Geor
gia, instead of taking the liberal,
broad and catholic view, that, in the
appointment of professors to the uni
versity, no religious test whatever
should be made, and that the religion
of i:o sect should be taught there. I
will not consumo your valuable space,
however, in replying to the remarks of
Mr. Woodsmall ou this point. There
is but a very small number of intelli
gent men in this or any other State, in
the present enlightened a>?e, who agree
with Mr. W. or with Governor Brown ;
and the result of religious, or rather
denominational or sectarian, interfer
ence in the State University, even to
the slight extent to which it has, as
yet, been carried, is a conclusive argu
ment against such policy. The school
has been blighted by this narrow-mind
ed, bigoted policy, aud has been put
back at least half a century in its pro
gress. Denominational schools are all
well enough amongst the denomina
tions, and it is natural and right that
they should be established aud encour
aged ; but we ask Mr. Woodsmall to
keep all his denominational strife out
of our State University and out of all
public institutions of learning, and
especially do we ask him not to
instil any such views into the minds of
the ignorant blacks, who have already
too much sectarian jealousy and preju
dice amongst them. As was said above,
your correspondent agreed with Mr.
Woodsmall in every word he uttered
with the exception given. It was my
intention to give your readers a synop
sis of his address, for his “talk” really
amounted to a very neat extemporan
eous address, but I find it will con
sume too much space. Besides, while
his remarks were very sensible, well
limed and delivered in a reuiaikably
pleasant style and manner, there was
nothing new or particularly striking
in them. Mr. Woodsmall is a North-
ern man, who is traveling through
this country for the purpose of
organizing Sunday Schools among
the negroes, and of looking after
• heir educational interests, and our
chief desire to give a synopsis
of his address, was to show to our
people that there is at least one North
ern man who is traveling through the
South and going amongst that race,
who has far different objects in
view than many who have gone
before him had. He comes amongst
them as a Christian gentleman,
desirous of doing good and of
performing the duty assigned him
faithfully. He is striving to teach
them true religion, and is not drilling
them in the politics cf a party, and
poisoning their minds with bad advice
against those amongst whom they
must Jive and upon whom they are ab
solutely dependent. He has nothing to
do with politics or politicians, but is
evidently working for the spiritual
good of those amongst whom he is
sent, and, like the trus missionary, is
so zealous in the performance of his
mission, {hat he has no time and no
thought for politics and sectional ani
mosity. He sees in the negroes a race
needing spiritual enlightenment and
education, and ho is doing all in his
power to aid them in obtaining both
Aud while he has notb .ng to say con
cerning polities, he lets no opportunity
pass without advising and urging the
blacks to cultivate the most friendly
relations towards th-a white people
here amongst whom they live. Instead
of embittering them against the South
ern whites he teaches them to love
them, aud instructs them to go to them
more than they have done for advice
and assistance in their spiritual educa
tional affairs. If all the men who have
come down from the North and gone
amongst the colored people of the
South since the war had been such as
Mr. Woodsmall, this section would to
day be infinitely better off in every
way. There would have been no
strife amongst us, no bitter
ness between the races, there would
have been no riots and no bloodshed.
Our country would be prosperous and
wealthy, and our people, of all races
and colors, would have been happy,
contented and rapidly growing in
wealth and increasing in numbers, and
nearly all the scars of the war would
be effaced by this time. He was a
guest of Capt. John T. Wingfield while
in our town, and we commend him to the
kindest consideration and most liberal
hospitality of the people of the South
wherever and whenever he may travel
amongst them.
At the conclusion of Mr. Woodsmall’s
remarks, the Rev. Prank Quarles.
President of the Convention, addressed
the body on the s tme subject. His re
marks. were extremely practical, and
characterized, not only by the very
forcible manner in which they werede*-
livered, and by the very decided evi
dence they gave of a good education
and a considerable amount of informa
tion, but also, and especially, by tbe
good.sound, hard common sense they
contained. He agreed fully with Mr.
Woodsmall as to the great importance
of education, and realized fully the need
there was for education amongst the col
ored people. He was very much pleased
with the remarks of Mr. Woodsmall
aud was glad he had spoken to them
and had said what he had, but he was
sorry, very sorry that he had not told
them something more. He regretted ex
ceedingly that he had not told them
how they could obtain educational ad
vantages, that he had not pointed out
some plan by which they could get the
means to educate their young men. He
said there was great need of educa
tional advantages of the proper kind in
the colored Baptist churches. It is
true there is a school at Columbia and
one at Augusta, but they did not seem
to answer the purposes or offer the
proper facilities for their young men
who were trying to obtain education
for tire ministry. He cited the instance
of two most premising young men of
his church who were at the school in
Columbia this session, but were both
going to leave there and go directly
through Augusta, passing right by the
school there, and were goiug next ses
sion to enter the University at Atlanta,
which is in the hands of another de
nomination. He greatly feared the
Baptist Church would lose these two
young men; aud if she did it was only
the beginning, and she would lose a
great many more. They desired to go
to a Baptist school, but they could not
find one which offered sufficient in
ducements—one where they could get
just what they wished iu the way of an
education. He wished someone iu
that Convention would suggest some
plan, which was feasible, by which they
could offer educational advantages to
their young men, aud also to the girls.
The girls stood in as. much need of ed
ucation as the young men, and it was
just as important that they should be
educated. They were of as much use
as the men. He wanted to have less
talking and hear of some plan to edu
cate their children.
Mr. Woodsmall stated that it was
impossible to do all that was desired
immediately ; t hat they were poor and
the whole country is poor, and it takes
money to educate people. He would
suggest a plan, however, by which much
might be accomplished at no expense
whatever, and referred to the report of
a committee in the Southern Baptist
Convention at Charleston. This com
mittee recommended that ministers’
institutes be established at convenient
points in the different S ates under the
direction aud by tho appointment of
our Home Missions Board. These insti
tutes are to be established for the pur
pose of giving instruction to colored
brethren and other colored men who
desire it, “on the doctrines of the
Gospel, and in the faith and practice
of tho primitive church.” The minis
ters are to give this instruction gratu
itously. All the brethren aud ministers
of the white church are willing to aid
iu this work all they can by giving
their time and labor to instructing
such as ueed aud desire to receive in
struction. He highly commended the
“ institute ” plan. Although it did not,
by any means, meet all the wants and
necessities of the people for education,
still it was something, and, if properly
and systematically carried out, would,
he thought, result in much good, and
afford the opportunity for many a
young man to acquire a good educa
tion, aud to become thoroughly ac
quainted with the doctrines and teach
ings of the church to which they be
long, at no cost whatever.
The committee appointed to exam
ine aud make a report of the Treasury
entered the building and put an end to
this very interesting discussion.
It seems that the Treasurer,Rev. Win.
J. White, bad deposited the funds of
the convention, amounting to some
twelve hundred dollars, in the Augusta
branch of tho Freedmen’s Saving
Bank, and in consequence could re
port no cash on hand in making out
his balance sheet this year. This
amount of money was a large sum to
New Series—Vol. 3. No. 102
a body of freedmen, and they did not
like the idea of giving It up and never
seeing a dollar of the whole amount.
This committee therefore brought in a
report in which it was suggested to
the convention that they investigate
the matter and see if the bondsmen of
the Treasurer could not be held re
sponsible for this money, and made to
reimburse the convention. Upon read
ing the roport of the committee, the
Rev. Win. J. White, Treasurer, rose in
his place and informed the assembly
that Wm. J. White had not run away
yet, that it would be time enough
to talk about William J. White’s
bondsmen when William J. White
had run away. That William J
White was there, and that William J
White was responsible himself for Wil
liam J. White’s obligations. That Wil
iiara J. White had property enough
himself to pay the whole amount, and
that Convention needn’t talk about
William J.. \\ bite’s bondsmen no more.
That William J. White was willing to
pay every dollar that William J. White
was legally bound for. A number of
the brethren rose excitedly, and as they
delivered themselves of the thoughts
that were in them, it became very evi
dent that if the question was left to
that Convention, with its members in
the frame of mind they were iu, Wil
liam J. W’hite would have to pay that
twelve hundred dollars to' that
Convention, or falsify hi.s word,
and let his sureties pay it up. Fortu
nately, for the honor aud good name of
the Convention, better and wiser coun
sels prevailed.
The Rev. Mr. Woodsmall and Cap
tain John T. Wingfield came to the re
lief of William J. White. It. was ex
tremely difficult to convince a large
cumber of the members that William
J. White or his bondsmen ought not to
be made to restore that money. They
all admitted that tin* money vvas lost
through no mismanagement or fault of
his, but they thought that any man to
whom money was entrusted was re
sponsible for the return of that money
under any and all circumstances. And
then, what are bondsmen for if they arc
not to pay back the money which is
lost when the principal cannot ?
One of the brethren tried to stop all
the discussion by stating that: “Brother
White done say hegwine pay de money,
what’s use talkin’ ’bout it any more?
What’s use talkin’, don’t boudsmeu
pay it ? Aint Brother White done say
dey shant, dat he got de money and he
gwine settle? Don’t fuss ’bout it.”
Brother White, however, very soon set
that brother right by stating very em
phatically that he said William J.
White would be responsible for legal
obligations on the part of William J.
White, and when anybody undertook
to state what William J. White said, he
wauted them to say what William J.
White did say and not what William J.
White did not say.
W hile the discussion was going on
the hour for adjournment arrived, and
the Convention, after benediction by
Rev. H. WoodsmaU, adjourned to 3
o’clock p. in. Rev. J. White havim? the
floor.
\ rtfriimm Sensluu,
The Convention assembled at 3
o’clock, P. M. Opened by singing the
811 st hymn, followed by prayer by Rev.
H. W’oodsmali.
After discussing the Treasurer's re
port the report of the committee was
amended so as to relievo the Treasurer
and his bondsmen from all responsibil
ity, and It was received and adopted.
Two members of the African M. E.
Church were introduced and invited to
seats on the floor.
Report on deceased ministers read
and adopted. The report stated that
none of the ministers of the Conven
tion had died during the year just
past, and recommended “ that a short
time be spent in prayer and thanks
giving to God for His great mercies to
us.”
Reports of Committees on Missions
and Temperance read and adopted.
It was resolved to hear the report of
the Committee on Sabbath Schools on
Saturday morning, immediately after
the reading of the minutes.
Adjourned, with benediction, to Sat
urday morning.
There was a mass meeting again on
Friday night. The subject was “ Edu
cation.” Addresses were delivered by
Revs. Fiank Quarles and Lewis Wil
liams, colored, and by Rev. H Wood
small and Capt. J. Wingfield, white.
The minutes state that it was one of
the moat “stirring” meetings ever
held.
The College War—Raid by the Prince
ton Students.
On Wednesday night about twenty
Princeton students, with three wagons,
went to Rutgers College, New Bruns
wick, to secure some trophy as an off
set to their lost cannon. Aftei some
skirmishing they entered, at three
o’clock Thursday morning, one of the
Rutgers buildings aud carried away
twenty muskets, with accoutrements,
which were taken to Princeton and
hidden. The Princeton men say they
pranced around New Brunswick three
hours, and made a great deal of noise,
but were not molested. Prof. Duffieid,
of Princeton, went to New Brunswick
Thursday morning, and had an all-day
session with the Rutgers faculty. The
agreement that was made by the com
mittees from the faculties was submit
ted to the faculty of each college, and
was agreed to by both parties. The
agreement between the faculties stipu
lated that the cannon taken from the
Princetou campus should be returned.
The other terms agreed upon have not
been made known. Dr. McCosh, Pres
ident of Princeton, says the small can
non will be restored to that college at
once.
The Princeton students fear that the
agreement contemplates the exchange
of the large cannon for the small one,
an arrangement which they will do all
in their power to oppose. There was
much excitement in Princeton over tho
capture of the muskets, and on Thurs
day night the college campus was ful
of students, who engaged in singing
songs of triumph and heartily cheering
their comrades who were iu the raiding
party. Several New Brunswick men
who were in Princeton were closely
watched by the students. Patrols have
been organized to guard the big cannon
aud prevent its removal. President
McCosh says that Professor Duffieid
has visited Rutgers since the capture
of the muskets was made known to the
faculties, and that that raid will make
no difference in the programme agreed
on. The musket raid is deprecated by
Princeton faculty. President MoCosii
is just as determined that the muskets
shall be returned as he is that the can
non shall be returned to Princeton.—
The students and town folk are pre
paring to give the returning cannon a
grand ovation to-morrow.
Lucy Stone says it’s wicked to wear
corsets, as Eve didn’t have any. Eve
didn’t have any clothes, an 1 therefore
it’s wicked for Lucy Stone to wear them,
—Detroit Free Preen.