The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, February 2, 1896, Page 14

14 THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1896. BROWN DECIDES NOT 70 PREACH. Undesirous of Creating Dis- sensions Among the Church Members. MRS. BROWN EXPLAINS. She States That Mattie Overman Is Under Her Particular Protection. LETTERS TO MRS. COOPER. Expressions of Commendation and Sym- pathy—The Author of the Stock- ton Charges. Two persons, most prominent in the First Church trouble, had a complete change of heart yesterday. Dr. Brown, almost at the last moment, decided that he would not occupy the pulpit to-day, and Mrs. Sarah B. Cooper found that she could not conscientiously again hear him preach, and therefore de- ‘vided that she would not attend the ser- vices if the accused pastor occupied the pulpit. Her change of purpose was caused by the receipt of two startling letters within the past few days. In view of the many aspersions that have been made on the retention -of Miss Overman under the roof of the pastor who has been accused jointly with her, Mrs. C. O. Brown yesterday made a brief state- ament to the public explaining the situ- ‘ation. Among the significant developments of the day was the visit of the deacons and trustees to Dr. Brown with a petition re- questing the pastor not 1o occupy the @pulpit of the First Church, but to which jpetition the pastor refused to make any reply till he had prayed over the matter ‘and consulted his attorney. Letters of commendation and sympathy continue to pour in upon Mrs. Cooper from all parts of the State, as well as from resi- dents of this City. Interesting excerpts from a number of these are given else- where. They serve to indicate the wide- spread interest that prevails in the matter ¥in and out of church circles. Negotiations are pending between Mrs, #Davidson and Carroll Cook, and there are strong indications that the accused woman twill be defended by this well-known crim- ’inal attorney. Dr. Brown had a consultation with J. J. Valentine yesterday concerning the fraud- ‘ulent “Valentine” letter, and was made glad by obtaining. the opinion of Mr. ‘Vazlentine that the forzed communication was not written by the same hand that ipenned an authenticated letter written by ithe pastor. It also developed yesterday that Mr. {Warren’s name is appended to the charges Miled with the standing committee against | Mrs. Stockton. e KT A BROWN NOT TO PREACH. But the Pastor Is Determlned to Preserve All His Legal Rights In the Church. .¢Dr. Brown has decided to refrain from lappearing in the pulpit of his church to- !day. This action was taken, so it is iclaimed, from a desire to prevent any dis- isensions among the members of the church, But Mr. Brown does not intend to relin- |quish any of his legal :ights as pastor of |the Kirst Church, nor does he propose to iplace himself under any obligation to the Lchurch authorities, He will select the **supply” and will defray any extra ex- ipenses incurred by his failure to fill the |duties of his position. His action was the result of deep deélib- leration, and was not due, it is alleged, to 'cny pressure brought to .bear on him either by the deacons, the standing com- lamittee or the trustees, though it is known ing committee, who are deacons, visited Dr. Brown.at his home on Geary street and for over two hours argued and then ple‘;ded with him not to attempt to preach to-day. It was pointed out to him that the con- gregation was already seriously divided and that if he continued his defiant atti- tude it would wean certain people from his standard who were already hovering near the other side. 3 5 The reverend gentleman listened pa- tiently and courteously to all that was said and then in firm but polite tones told the visitors that he would follow his orig- inal programme. He explained that it was absolutely necessary to do this in order to protect his legal rights. s Judge f,ouderbnck had put the sitnation very plainly before him, and he could not do “other than follow the advice of his counsel. Then the visitors tried another tack. They pleaded with the reverend gentle- man to forego a little of the wisdom of his attorney and accede to the wishes of the dissenting members of his church, who, in spite of their opposition, were still a part of nis flook. Regardless of all that had gone before and what was probably yet to coice, it was richt that the pastor for harmony’s sake alone should forget a few of his legal rights. This sort of argnment seemed to make some slight impression on Dr. Brown though he was careful not to commit him- ‘self either way. He told the visitors that he would carefully consider all that had been said, though he would not undertake to give an answer before to-day. “This was as far as Dr. Brown could go,” said one of the visitors, “and, as he expressed it himself, his conscience would not allow him 'to take such a step until he had prayed-over the matter, and again consulted bis attorney.” > Deacon Dexter, when asked yesterday if Dr. Brown would preach t y, said : “I really do not know positively, though I understand that he will. He has not consulted me about it, and so I know ab- solutely nothing.” The standing commitiee has not as yet consent, but I am willing to give yous few extracts from scme of them.” Finding that this was ths .most that would be permitted the reporter selected few extracts from scores of others of simi- lar import. a 2 ¢ A well-known leader in social, literary and phildnthropic work in Oakland says: ‘“A word to the strong may not be amiss if only it be one of nb‘proval and courage.” The president of a large literary society in Oakland writes: I read in this morning’s CALL the brave stand you took for truth and justice at the Brown meeting yesterday. Ihave known vou long, but never dreamed that you held beneath that gentle exterior such magnificent sirength of character. Any one can face an applauding audience, but to stand forth amid hisses to uj hold even God’s own' truth when that truth unpopular—oh, that is what tests the soul! Itis an easy thing to driit with popular feel- ing, but so hard to battle alone for the right. * ¥ % To uphold therightas God has given us to see the right despite the-frowns or hisses of the multitude—oh, thisisgrand! * * * T have admired you elways, but now I love you for the Christ that is in you. From a leading clergyman and his wife of another denomination came the fol- lowinz: SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 1896. My Dear ‘Mrs. Cooper: 1 do 5o want to ex- press to you my gratffication at the noble stand you have taken on the side of righteous- ness, purity and truth in the sad case now be- fore not only your own church but the whole community. I have felt very strong sympathy with you, and have hoped and prayed that you migh?, be strengthened and upheld in your course. When I said to my husband this morning that I had been praying for .you, in this case he was so much in sympathy with me that he said: ‘‘Let us pray right now for her.” So we kneeled right down and asked for strength and every neeaed help for you. As my husband is endeavoring to comply with the Tequest for & ‘“suspension of judg- ment.” he is careful not to éxpress a positive opinion as to the main pointin the case, vet he does not hesitate to discuss—with me—the steps leading to the final issue, and he said to me, a{ter reading the account of the meeting last night: “Mrs. Cooper in this matter stands | &s the Tepresentative of true and pure woman- hood. She is & tower of strength.for the cause of justice and truth, and she had but a faint idea wiile speaking as she did in that meeting of Miss Overman back into his own favor and his household to be his one chance of salva- tion; God pity the poor wife in it all. 80 again, Mrs. Cooper, let me wish_you suc- cess in your search for the truth. Itis theun- spoken Wish of many of the *great unwashed, of which I am one; in other words, not churen member, but, I hope, a Christian, The following is from one high in official Position in the denomination which claims the writer as a heroic, noble worker. She is the child .of one who was among the most highly honorea pastors of the Con- gregational church, but who is now enjoy- | ing the eternal rest of heaven: . . Jan. 31, '96. Dear Mrs. Cooper: We realize in some degres the great trial through which Jou axe passiog ;’xhé:':y 8$ been brought about by & noble sense If father were living he wonld have pursued the same course, just as he did, etc. * * * That affeir, I really think, cost him his life. We are with.you, and our prayers will be with you next Wednesday nighE A clergyman of another denomination writes this: I see by tho evening .paper Dr. Brown has dodged behind a h.w_ver‘sg: n! And the “abso- lute” expianation non est inveritus. ‘“Legal’” advice? Well, it savors more of law than of gospel (John xi:39), and if the pasior’s reputa- tion does come forth in newness of life after four days, or four-months, it will be little sbort of a miracle.. And if it should appear, after all, that he is innocent from the great transgression, I hope his own bitter and sore experience will tend to purge him ‘of thie ruf- fianly brutelity that he evinced toward Pro- fessor Herron. * * % Well, truth is mighty and *the eternal years of God'are hers."” A gentleman who stands very fiigh in public esteem, both in the church and out of it, writes: May God help my dear friend! You have done nobly in the cause of truth, virtue and the cause of Christ and the church. Ithank God Iwas spared the painand dis- grace and humiliation of your insult by the church you so greatly honor by your member- ship. 1n its present degraded condition I am by no means proud of my connection with the First Congregational Church, but as a member I offer you an humble apology for conduct that would disgrace a Buckley primary. 1have said during all this disgraceful and 7 oy F £~} @\. LA m‘é“ ‘/‘s‘m—;‘ FAC-SIMILE OF MRS. BROWN’S iSRXIEF NOTE. been officially notified of the desire of a member of the church to have Mrs. Stack- many years ccnnected with the Congrega- tional missions, is the author of the re- the matter to be tabled, as was a similar demand on the part of Dr. Brown some months ago. The demand for an investigation was handed to Deacon Barnard with the re- quest that it be given to the chairman of the board. and if Deacons Dexter and Barnard are correct there is every probability of its never reaching that body in an official way. mand for an investigation of Mrs. Stock- ton,” said Deacon Barnard last night, “and we had a long talk about it. was finally agreed to leave il to the wis- dom of the standing committee as to whether it aould be wise to institute an inquiry of that kind a this time or wait until—well, until after Mrs, Davidson has been heard. *The committee will not meet until ‘Wednesday night, and the matter will be suggested to the members at that time. If 1t is their wisdom to go ahead, then Dr. ‘Warren’s written protest will pecome an official document. Personally I do not think the matter of sufficient importance at this time to authorize a special meeting, and that is why I have not turned it over to the secretary or chairman. Iam of the opinion that the matter will be tabled.” Dr. Warren’s friends resent the imputa- tion that he will allow the standing com- mittee to convince him that it is wise to postpone the investigation into Mrs. Stockton’s alleged falling from grace, and ithat all but a few of the gentlemen referred !to joined in a strong petition to the pastor esking him not to preach to-dn{. The unfortunate minister will, however, lattend the services with his family. . i Professor R. R. Lloyd will occupy the ;nnlpn of the First Church to-day. | —_———— {AS TO MATTIE OVERMAN. !MFs. Brown Says the Woman Is Un= der Her Protection and Will Be 1 Till No Longer Needed. | 74t was made public to the several news- Fflper offices last evening, that Mrs. C. 0. rown had a statement to be given out fhrough them to the public. In response, a'CALL reporter rang the door-bell at 1703 eary street, a little later. The house was dark save for a little rim of light around the blind of a room on the upper floor. Presently there was a thin, small, muffled voice from behind the unopened door, that jwhen it could be understood, inquired: 1*Who's there?” ‘The answer being given the door opened {warily, just enough to admit of an en- velope being slipped through. ““This is the statement,” said the voice. {“It is contained in this. That is all." The man on theé outside touched but did not take away the letter. ‘“Tell me,” he said, “if Dr. Brown is to preach to- morrow?” ““Take this,” said the muffied feminine wvoice. “I can teli you nothing more.” The letter was about to drop on the out- side. The door closed and the voice still talking became unintelligible. The statement was from Mrs. Brown. ' It was very brief. It is as follows: I wish the public to understand that Miss Overman is in my home under my protyction, by my own invitation, and she will remain un. til all proceedings reéquiring her presence are over, Mgs. C. 0. BROWN. Dr. Williams says Dr. Brown made the reason of Miss Overman’s stay at his house perfectiy clear to him. ‘‘He told me,” said the pastor of Ply- mouth Church, “that M.ss Overman was detained by order of court, as she was an important witness in the Davidson case,” 4 cail at the District Attorney’s office brought forth information which will doubtless be a surprise to-Dr..Williams himself. Tt was stated thut as Miss Over- man did not np{;eu at the preliminary hearing she could not possibly he held by an order of the court to appear at.the trial proper. 5 AL VISIT THE PASTOR. Deacons Endeavor to Persuade Him Not to Preach—Dr. Warren’s Position. Neither the deacons, trustees nor stand- ing committee seem to be sure of the line Dr. Brown will follow to-day—that is, as far as concerns his appearance in the pul- pit of the First Congregational Church. ! dr‘g:y several members of the stand- incidentally blackmailing Dr. Brown. -He proposes to see that they take it up at once, and any delay on their part will sub- ject them to no little troubse. The prayer meeting next Wednesday night promises to be fully attended, and if indications are to be believed, replete with dramatic incidents. Dr. Brown has given it out that he intends to officiate on that occasion, whether it pleases certain mem- bers or not. These “certain ' members’’ are equally determined that he shall not lead. - This uéapomian movement is led by many of the most prominent women of the church, and now that Mrs, Cooper has taken such a determined stand they propose to up-- hold hef. One lady stated yesterday that a set of resolutions strongly condemning Dr. Brown would be presented at the meet- ing and a vote by roll-call demanded. These tesolutions have not yet been drafted, but a committee will be at work on them to-morrow. This movement is in direct opposition to that headed by Deacon Barnard. It will be remembered that at the last meeting this gentleman offered a set of resolutions expressing confidence in - the pastor and indorsing the policy he had pursued. ARt APPROVE MRS. COOPER. _An Extraordinarlly Strong Line of Letters Indorsing the Kinder- garten Teacher. Mrs. Cooper came to the determination yesterddy that she would aiter all not at- teud the First Church to-day if Dr. Brown preached.:. Her change of neart was by the receipt of two letters—one coming yes- terday and the other the day before. In speaking of the matter Mrs. Cooper said: “These two letters bave strongly affected ‘me and bave made me feel that it would be better not to go. I could not con- scientiously hear him preacn.” In con- clusion she stated that she would take her ususl Bible class, however, and would at- tend every business meeting. One of the strongest stimuiants. to Mrs. Barah B. Cooper in her present trying position is found in the large number of letters she receives daily commerding her for her stand for “truth,” *‘Christianity,” ‘“‘justice,” “the church,” ‘“‘womanhood,” and, in fact, all that goes to make up in- tegrity in, character of man or woman. Each epistle received is promptly an- swered, whenever name and address is given, . She was found yesterday busily at work answering a very large mail that had come to hand connining’fixrflxer words of cheer and encouragement. ““Would you have any objections fo giv- ing a few of these messages to the press?” was asked. “‘Private letters are very sacred to me,” replied Mrs. Cooper, “‘and I cannot reveal the names of the writers without their | las ton’s record investigated. Dr. Warren, for | quest, and it is not his purpose to allow | So far this has not been done, | “Dr. Warren handed me his written de- | It} of the influence for righteousness she was ex- | erting not only in her own church but | | throughout the City,and the entire State and | all over the land.” We know your position is4 trying one, and | that you need the help which God_alone can | give. Be firm, be courageous, and you may ve sure that you will be blessed. Yours in the glorious hope that Tighteous- ness, goodness and truth may prevail, A strong admirer of Mrs. Cooper writes as follows: January 30, 1896. 3y Dear Mrs. Cooper: 1. have, unbounded confidence in your judgment. Should you falter or be persuaded by that man to be con- vinced of ‘his innocence I would almost lose | confidence in “‘Christianity.” | 1 only pray that God In his great mercy will | be with you heart and soul in all the relations | | of this great, overpowering “ordeal,” | Your very life of purity and him you are no one to trifie wit | May you always bear the esteem of your | fellow-creatures ~with the same Christian | meekness and resignation is the prayer of one of your deepest-loving admirers. A MOTHER. ““This letter,” said Mre. Coopen, *‘is from a4 man whose name is the synonym for | integrity and' uprichtness in this com- munity and throughout the Pacific Coast. 1 wish I could feel that it would be right to use the name, but I must not without his consent, and I cannot reach him to- day. He is the pillar of one of the leading churches of Oakland.” She then produced the following: Dear Mrs. Cooper: 1 have been greatly pained that you should feel it necessary to assume a prominent position in this unfortunate Dr. Brown scandal, as you should have been spared any such trouble. But I greatly honor you, my dear woman, in the grand and noble stand you have taken. It dees you credit, but those who know you are confident that you ~ve done and will do what you esteem &s your duty, and that you will stand firm. And may Gbd bless you and strengthen you, and please rest assured that the Christian peo- ple are with you and shall remember you, and also ask God ‘to nelp you. B From a devoted friend and lady of hieh intellectual standing, the following dra- matic epistle was received: Brave, tender and true! How I longed to fold you to my heart, as I pictured you in fancy, standing there 8o firm and courageous for what you felt was the right and true; the .slight womanly form; the gentle refined face; the sweet yet tremulous voice. Who can doubt. from what source comes this strength and sweetness? I am so proud that I can call such & woman my friend.” God forever bless her! The following letter is from one of the most honored and_respected public school teacners in the State—a man who has done much to establish ‘the public school system of the State: - I have read in_this morning’s paper about the occurrences last evening at the prayer- meeting in Dr. Brown’s church, about the hisses and applause, your address and others, and so forth, Iam no church member—do not assume to be & Christian. But, possibly, I have some cor. Tect conceptions and ideas with regard towhat Christianity is, and what should be the amen- ities among Christians as individuals, and in their social and religious circles. when I read of the “applause” and “nisses,” I could but say from the profoundest depths of my heart: " “‘Oh, my God, has it indeed come to this, at this day, when true: Christians weep and Pntnols sigh at the outlook of our country? Has it come to this that Christians, so called, meet together .and sneer and liss each other in the consecrated sanctury of God? Has it come to this, that the church itself has become an arena to compete with the political forum, the concert hall and the cor- ner hustings?’’ AsIsaid, I would notdare to call myseli a Christian, and yet how I deplore such an exhibition in a place consecrated to the worship of God and among those whose first duty it is tolove each other. As for yourself, my dear Mrs. Cooper, it is a great pleasure—nay, & profound satisfaction: to know that your pure heartand pure lifé and exalted exlmgle of a’noble and unimpeacha- ble piety is beyond the reach of hisses and cabal, I might,,pprhnps, excuse -one for not agreeing with you regarding a matterin which difference of opinion should be tolerated; but 1 would have a luung of mingled pity and contempt for one who should- hiss.at your per- sou or your words. . And I am sure, as doubt- less you ‘are aware, that my words smply ex- }yreu - the sentiments of ‘the community. ndeed, if I had your spotless record, and your imre heart, and your inspiring motives of life, would really ‘desire, nor ask more of this world than the meager crumbs necessary for an existence. 7 One who wishes the recipient success in her search for truth writes: . SANTA CRUZ, Cal, Jan. 81, 1896. - Mrs. Sarah B. Cooper—DEAR MADAM: To-day I have read in the Chronicle of the scenes in the Brown affair, and after reading of your. efforts for truth and looking on your face as pictured in' the same paper I feel as if I must write and tell you how glad I am that you took the stand that you did. A £ To me it has nwn‘yll been a query, if the man in the case is really innocent, why is there 8 case of it at all? Also, why the man is re- :eivedwnh open arms and the womaun frowned lown. 2 3 In this case it seems to be & good deal of & case, and the arrest of Mrs. Davidson to be the t act of a desperate man, and the receiving ruth convinces 1] " would like to ask: degrading drama, “There is a God in Tsrael!!” Three hundred thousand people in this City and State are_looking to you to vindicate its honor, the honor of the church and the honor of .pure womanhood, and epplauding your noble courage. May God give you continued courage and strength to pursue your noble course to the end. You occupy too high a place in the esteem of the honest element of the State_and Nation to be daunted by an unworthy verdict of innocence. T wish our board of officers could have a little of your courage and sense of honor. The following is from a renowned physi- ;:Jian who is spending the winter in San iego: & SAN D1EGO, Cal., Jan. 30, 1896. Mrs. Sarah B, Cooper. San Francisco,. Cal.— DEAR MaDAM: T inclose herewith the dispatch published in this morning’s Union, relative to the Pastor Brown difficuity. I have been greatly intcrested in the great question of the social evil and of social purity for many years, from a scientific standpoint, as well as on ac- count of the scriptural teachings, and I belieye that Christ’s injunction, “Be yé pure even as 1 am pure,” s but lmperlec!lg understood by the very great proportion of the people. Ispent the summer season of 1894 in 8an Francisco, and although on account of my condition of health,I have usually refrained from going out evenings, yet ou one Sabhath | morning, seeing in -a daily paper notice that Dr. C. O. Brown was going fo lec- ture on the social evil that evening. I toak it wpon myseli to attend to hear his dis- course upon the subject; and altnough I did not consider it my place to make remarks upon his lecture, yet I privately came to the conclu- sion that he did not understand the subject, andl must say that I was not as much sur- prised at his fic"ing into difficuity in such matters as I should have been had it been some other members of the ministry. True Christianity will not permit of Dr. Brown be- ing whitewashed, but demands a thorough in- vestigation, that the skirts of the church may be cleared of the charge of hy]:ocrisy, and an exhibit made that Christ’s service is not com- patible with a double life. I am very much pleased with the firmness which you.exhibited at the meeting. I hope that the right may prevail in this important matter, which is be- ing so generally discussed by the secular press of the State, and also probably more or less in other States. The letter which follows came from a prominent resident of an adjacent city : I am so sorry that this awful trouble has had to come to you personally. We would shield you from everything so trying as last night’s experience must have been if we could, but one who has the courage of convietion ‘and stands for truth, always meets. the cruel side of human nature as our Savior did—and would to-day—were he. to come personally upon earth. From the president of one of the largest philanthropic and luernr{' organizations on the 2acific Coast, who lives in another city, comes the following: * * * Iextend to you my sympathy in this hard trial. I ldmhuyyour t:ounlz):. It wasa hard thing to do. The attitude of that com- mittee which exonerated Dr. Brown, confess- ing at the same time that they had not investi- gated, is very wrong. Take heart. The right Will come uppermost and_blessings will come to those who help to turn it “right side up,” As Mrs. Cooper handed the reporter the following letter the "tears almost welled over her eves, as she remarked: *I wish I could see the writer of the letter and try to help her. If her eye should fall upon this parnfmph I hope she will let me come to her. I long to ‘help her.” There was no date and no address upon the letter: AMrs. Sarah B. Cooper: Pardonmy liberty. T do not know you, but 1 have often thought what a pleasure it would give me to be-able to meet you. But I dare not, as I have been such 8 wicked girl, yet in the midst of my sinful life please do not be' disgusted. I have read ‘onr lectures and loved your iace, us it has Tought the memories of better years, and to think that you, my ideal of a good, pure, true, Christian woman, should be insulted in the _church that you have labored so long in, and there were gentlemen present, they say. They must have been dead. And that man, does not deserve the name of pastor, much’ less the name of man, to sit calmly by and permit you to be 50 insulted. I am little and young, but I Why has he g0 much to do With such a Jot of crooked persons? Think of the one he keeps in his'house—an insult to any self-respecting wife. No!.he has not the excuse of youth, with its d‘m“m' and: weakness, and impulses as I had - when I fell. And he sins knowingly; he isa husband and a father. All he {8 waiting for is for time, and in the end he will be whitewashed, not by Jou, because you are too good, but by others, But what an example he will be to the young, Would they be as good to me think you? Oh! do take care of yourself. You are doing more to save sine ners than all pastors; it is not so much what one says as the example; that is what the sinful need. “To see more of practice in_religion. Please excuse this. A SINFUL GIRL.. This was' all that Mrs. Cooper cared to make public. She added the’ following significant words, however: I have many other letters of more grave im- port that I must withhold until the trial oc- curs, 1give these to the public because the ublic has & right to them. They are from eaders in public opinion, and also from the People who are the bone and sinew of the community. The last letter is full of pathos, May the erring one come to Him whose p: and peace await her penitential confession. After all, some good may come out of this mighty sorrow. B —n. MRS. DAVIDSON’S CASE. Her Attorneys Are Not Desirous of Having It Delayed—The JoInt Committee to Testify. Owing to the failure of the short-hand reporter to file his transcription of the tes- timony in the Davidson preliminary hear- ing it has been impossible for the District Attorney to file an information agamst the accused woman. The last pages of the testimony were filed only a few days ago. The prosecution has until February 9 to take this step, and it may now- be looked for any day. It is understood that the attorneys for the defense are anxious to have the case come to trial at an earl, date, despite the fact that Dr. Brown is desirous of deferring the meeting of the council to try him till after the trial of Mrs. Davidson. Itis also learned that Dr. Brown and every member of the joint committee are to be put on the stand and be asked to explain in detail their reasons for seeking to force the trial of Mrs. Davidson in a criminal court in advance of that of Dr. Brown before an ecclesiasti- cal council. It was stated some time ago that Judge Banhrs wouid have the Davidson case as- signed to him. The latest report is that it will go to Judge Wallace. el WROTE TO CARROLL COOK. There Are Strong Indicatlons That Mrs. Davidson Will. Employ Him In the Case. Negotiations are pending between Mrs. Davidson and Carroll Cook with a view to having the latter handle her case when it comes up for trial in the Superior Court. Some time ago a friend of Mrs. Davidson called on' Mr. Cook and made overtures for his services in the case, but Mrs. Davidson was unable or unwilling to meet the pe- cuniary conditions. Mrs. Davidson has now- opened negotiations direct and the same obstacle prevents the arrangement being consumm ated. Another condition is also exacted by Mr. Cook before he will take the matter in hand. He wiil require that all other at- torneys be first paid their fees in full and that he have sole charge of the case. He asks this on_the score of professional ethics. Mrs. Davidson has requested him to call on her at the County Jail, but he declined and will not comply until she is without other connsel. There is said to be some prospect, however, that he will be her attorney when the case comes to trial. SRl s THE VALENTINE LETTER. According to the Judgment of the ‘Bank President It Was Not Written by Dr. Brown. Energetic. steps were taken by Dr. Brown yesterday to removye all suspicion of his having written the ‘“Valentine’ let- ter. On Thursday he wrote Mr. Valen- tine, denying the authority of it, or that he had inspired it, and yesterday he made a personal call on Mr. Valentine at thelat- ter’s office. A comparison of the fraudulent letter and that written by Dr. Brown to Mr. Val- entine induced the latter to express him- self in the following words: *I have no hesitation in saying that, in my judgment, the two letters were not written by the same hand.” : SLERTatsaais SCHISM PREDICTED. Deacon W. H. Brown Talks Freely of the Situation In the Church. William H. Brown, the member of the First Congregational Church who insisted at the stormy prayer-meefing last week on knowing whether the rastor would con- tinue to fill the pulpit while the case against Mrs. Davidson was Sending and until he had himself been tried by a coun- cil, is not,_really entitled to the ‘“‘deacon’ which people attach to his name, unless ‘‘once a deacon always a deacon’’. is applicable. e was a deacon in a Congregational church in the State of New York a few vears ago, and has since been a membeér in ood standing in the First Congregational éhurch of this City. He was persistent in his demand for an answer to_his question, for upon that de- pendea his vote.on the adoption of the resolutions. If the pastor had expressed an intention of remaining in seclusion un- til such time as he should be invited to appear before the oublic eye, Mr. Brown says he might bave concluded to vote for ‘the resolutions. As it was, he will veto them as far as his ballot is concerned. “I think Mrs. Cooper’'s stand was a noble one,” he said.” “The hisses that greeted her were ~from .Dr. Brown’s friends, and [ am informed his son, Val- entine, started them. The Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor is ‘doing a noble thin%, in my estimation. 1t may lead to-a schism in the church, but I fear that will come at any rate. z ‘“Before I knew Dr. Brown well T used t6 quote him so fréquently that I came to be called ‘Dr. Brown’ by my fellow-employes. The past few weeks 1 haye been protesting very strongly against that nickname, said Mr. Brown dryly.* i # “Dr. Brown’s courss would lead us to believe that he would sacrifice his own good name as well as that of the church in order to canvict Mrs, Davidson. He should be reminded that there are other interests to be considered besides those o himself and the alleged extortionist. I reminded him of this fact in a letter which I wrote him after the. prayer-meeting. I thanked him for his honest answer to my question, but advised.him to reconsider it for his own_sake as well as that of the church. I told him that since the church waived its right to a council which it might call immediately if it chose, he should consider the wishes of a great number of bis congregation and waive his right to the pulpit for the present.” BACON INDEBTEDNESS. The Pioneer Printing Firm May Settle With Creditors at Forty Cents on the Dollar. The Bacon Printing Company that suc- cumbed recently to competition and un- prosperous times and turned over its effects to settle an indebtedness of $16,000, has been finally completely sold out. 1. Zellerbach, trustee for the numerous creditors, has just cleared up accounts after disposing of everything that went to make up the extensive job printing ontfit of the pioneer firm that was forced to give up the struggle after forty years. About $9000 was received from the sales. ‘Wage claims amounting to $1200 had to be paid first. - Then 'there were other ex- penses incident to preparing for the sale. ceive from 25 to 40 cents on the doilar. —————— Chutes and Trolleys. The new excitement of “tripping the trol- ley” is attracting many devotees, and ladies, strange to say, are the principal patrons. The mng seronaut, Miss Millie Viola, who has n_unfortunate in her attempts’ to gscend for the last two Sundays, will this afternoon make another attempt. 1f there is no rain to- d: however, she is confident of making a clever air voyage and landing. The chutes are also attracting much attention. ————— + Francesca Rellef Society Election. The annusl election of officersof. the Fran- cesca Relief Society was held on Wednesday lastand the following officers were re-eiected:. Mrs. Bertha Welch, president; Mrs. Luke Rob- inson,first vice-president; Miss Mathilde David, second vice-president; Miss Harriet M. Skid. more, secretary; Mrs. Charles C. Mohun, treasurer. J ———— Acknowledged by All. 'GREAT AMERICAN IMPORTING TEA CO'S, -Teas, Coftees and Spices Best and Cheapest. Try Them. Pretty presents given away free. 52 Market st., S. F, Headquarters. BRANCH STORES EVERY WHERE, - - NEW TO-DAY—DRY GOODS. ' FLANNEL - - DEPARTMENT! On Monday, February 3d, we will offer 400 pieces Fancy Flannels at prices that have never been equaled in this city. 90 pieces FANCY EIDERDOWN FLAN= NELS (best quality), in about 25 dif- ferent designs, Price 35¢ per Yard. 175 pieces NEW SCOTCH TENNIS FLAN- NEL, full 30 inches wide, in the very latest styles, both light and medium colorings, Price. 25¢ per Yard. 185 pieces FANCY SAXONY FLANNEL, latest colorings and all new designs, Price 35¢ per Yard. Write for Samples of above‘g'roods. & Country orders recelve prompt attention. E@ Goods delivered free in San Rafael, dale, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Blithe= Oakland, Alameda and Berkeley. ’ Test it any Measure it- ( and you will find {ileAx It is estimated that the creditors will re- |. largest piecge_ way you'like k. of GOOD tobacco ~ ever sold for 10 cents LOEWENTHAL'S CLOAK and SUIT HOLSE HAS MOVED TEMPORARILY TO No. 9 Stockton St., DEAK MAKKET. TREMENDOUS SLAUGHTER SALE NOW GOING ON. LI PO TAI JR Chinese Tea and Tlerb “Sanitorium, - No. 727 Wush!':]l]g.!'on St San Francisco, Cal. Cor. Brenham Place, above the plaza. Office Hours: 9 to 12, 1to4 and 5 to 7. Sun- day, 9 A. M. to 12 M. LiPo Tal Jr., son of the famous L1 Po Tai, has taken his father's business, and is, afier eleven years’ study fo China, fully prepared te locate and treat all diseases.