The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, February 5, 1896, Page 8

8 - THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1896. GEAR'S POSITION FULLY DEFINED, A Friend of the Pastor’s Talks Plainly of the Affidavit, THE BULLETIN ACCUSED. Rev. Dr. Pond Makes a Clear Statement Concérning the Committee. MRES. COOPER IS INDORSED. Opposing Factions Prepare for a Bat- tle Royal—Rev. Mr. Tubb Is Wroth. The Gear affidavit published in THE Carr during the early developments of the Brown-Davidson scandal and which was not much thought of at the time, ex- cept so far as it reflected on the character of Mrs. Stockton, seems likely to cut an important figure in the case. The sworn statement of the attorney was not considered by the general public as a particularly strong defense of Dr. Brown, neither was it thought to be proof positiye of Mrs. Stocklon’s blackmailing propensities. The reason of this, as a prom- inent member of the church expressed it yesterday, was because the affidavit was sworn to just thirty days before the scan- dal became public, and was also entirely unsupported. “The wording of the statement was most peculiar,” said a gentleman whois in close touch with the pastor—in fact he has seen the evidence by which Dr. Brown hopes to ullimately fully vindicate his character. “To the casual reader,”” he continued, “Mr. Gear has made it appear that Dr. Brown was the only person referred to. Now, as a matter of fact, the part relating to the pastar does not appear until near the end. All that goes before has direct reference to two or three persons on whom Mrs, . Stockton attempted to -levy black- mail. The affidavit was given to the pub- lic without a' word of explanation and it was but natural that people should be in- clined to draw wrong conclusions. “Dr. Brown has in his possession, which he will produce at the proper time, all the l letters and apers mentioned by Mr. Gear, These takeén with the affidavit will con- vince any judge, jury and even the skepti- cal public, that Dr. Brown was never at any time guilty of an improper act with or toward Mrs. Stockton. The pastor will also be able to satisfactorily explain to the world why the charges which he preferred against the winsome widow were never prosecuted to a finish. “As to Mies Overman that is all plain sailing. Dr. Brown has done a daring thing in facing all this, but he did it openly and with a full consciousness of the trying ordeal through which he must vass in order to secure the conviction of the woman who demanded hush money. His relations with Miss Overman were ofa purely friendly character, and the proof that he has to support this is so convine- ing as to re%uire no stretch of imagination or fancy to believe. “The question has been asked over and over again why he does not give this up. The answer is plain and simple. He rec- ognizes that he is dealing with a crafty set—people who would not hesitate to de- ieat justice, no ‘matter how contemptible the means employved. He knows the wo- man he has to deal with—he knew her the instant she attempted to levy blackmail on him, and he cannot afford to take any chances. Why, he has indisputable proof in his possesson that one of the witnesses for the defense in the preliminary hear- ing committed wholesale perjury. If he should give the name of this person to the public, do you. not suppose that the de- fense would immediately set about to strengthen this weak spot, though it could only be done by again sacrificing the truth? It is worth a great deal to the community at large to get & woman like Mrs. Davidson out of the way, and in- stead of proclaiming Dr. Brown guilty the public should applaud his actions. “When the Dayidson trial is ended, Dr. Brown will make his statement, and I venture the assertion that those who op- pose him most bitterly now, will be the first to shake his hand then.” Dr. Brown has not yet decided on his plan of action so far as it relates to the tayer-meeting to-night. It is not proba- le, however, that he will attempt to take the lead in the face of Mrs. Cooper's :vawed entagonism and those who follow er. It was stated yesterday on the highest possible authority that there was every probability of Dr. Brown demanding an immediate investigaiion by the council, This_action is scheduled to take place to- day it at all. 4 Whether thisis done or not the charges made by Dr. Warren against Mrs. Stock- ton. must, according to congregational usages, be made the subject of immediate lngnlry. ne of the sensational developments of the day came in the accusation of Dr. Brown to the effect that the Bulletin forged the now famous Valentine letter. The charge of the reverend gentleman will be found elsewhere. Some fifteen or twenty members of the First Congregational Church, representing the disaffected members, held a' meeting last night. A resolution was adopted con- demning the hissing of Mrs. Cooper last ‘Wednesday night. This will be presented to the congregation ‘o-night. In addition & committee was appointed to draft reso- lutions — first, indorsing the statement made by Mrs. Cooper, and second, oppos- ing the adoption of Deacon Barnard’s res- olutions of confidence. The postponement of the eccleciastical council was also considered, and 1t is prob- | able that the committee will hand in a resolution condemning this. The dissenting faction is confident of success if the old members who withdrew when Dr. Brown was first called, will only turn out in‘foree. - ——— PREPARED FOR BATTLE. Brownltes and Anti-Brownites Are Ready for the Issue to Be Declided This Evening. All the members of the First Congre- gational Church showed yesterday that they ‘fully realized that tiis evening was to be fought one of the greatest issues that have ever forced themselves upon the members of that society. It was plain from many indications that the strength of the contestants was being systematically and thoroughly marshaled, and that the impending contest would be entered by both factions with a determin- ation to come out victorions. For the past week the leaders of each side—and this is but fair to say does not mean Dr, Brown on the one hand ana Mrs. Barah B. Cooper on the other—have been checking over thé church-roll with a view to asce ing just how strong each was in the matter of fol]owxl%. But this was merely preliminary. Since the first step there have been active com- | mittees and temporary secretaries at work, calling upon or writing to the members who have heretofore maintained a strictly neutral attitude. % This work has been done in a quiet but thorough manner, and as a result the attendance of church members at the meeting to-night is likely to be the largest that has -ever been seen ata Wednesday evening prayer-meeting. Each side expressed confidence yester- day that it would be able to carry things its way, but those who are opposed to the adoption of the resolutions expressing con- fidence in the integrity of the pastor go so far as to state that from an actual count they are certain they will be able to kill the resolutions of the joint committee and of the officers of the church, < In support of this assertion of strength, attention was called to the manner in which the Strauss case was won, and also how the members refused to adopt Dr. Brown's suggestion that all membars be stricken from the roll of the church who had nect been to communion for a year. Had the resolutions gone to a vote last Wednesday they would probably have been adopted, as many of those who are now avowedly opposed to them weré then absent, quite a number being away in the country. These have been summoned home and will make it a point to be preseut at the meeting this evening. Another point that will make the defeat of the resolutions extremely probableis the fact that elements that on other matters have been apart are-united against the resolutions. To-night’s action will decide the ques- tion whether a council is to be deferred at the pleasure of Dr. Brown, who, according to his own public utterances, is more anxious for the conviction of Mrs. David- son than for the early vindication of his reputation, or whether it is to be called at once. Snould the resolutions go throughe Dr. Brown will have his way. ‘Should they be defeated it is difficult t3 see, say the members, how the immediate convening of a council can be prevented. There remains one way, according to one of the most active officers of the church, in which Dr. Brown can yet take the wind out of the sails of his adversaries, and this officer is one who has the best interests of the pastor-at beart and who is, in fact, very close to him at the present time and has been during all his trouble. Thisis for him to call a council at once to inves gate the matters refiecting on his reputa- tion. Informal meetings of the officers of the church were held yesterday, and among the most important matters discussed was this proposition. It has been laid before the pastor, and there is a possibility that he may forestall all contention by adopt- ing the course mentioned. Adherents and opponents both admit that such a proceeding would at once put an end to all discord and do more than any- thing else could do at the present time to keep the members of the chureh together. On the other hand any other course is cer- taim to create factions and a breach that will be greatly detrimental to the interests of the church. : It has been stated that among those who advised Dr. Brown to retain his pulpit was Deacon D. Gilbert Dexter. On being asked if this had ,been his attitude, Mr. Dexter replied that just the contrary was true. Continuing he said: The fact is Iaddressed a letter to him and chureh that it would be better for all con- cerned if he would not occupy. the desk on Sunday or Wednesday evening, 1 had noreply tothe letter, and did not know whether Dr. Brown would or would not occupy his pulpit on Sunday, and I don’t think any of the board of deacons did. SRS < Rk ACCUSES THE BULLETIN. Dr. Brown Thinks That the Forged Letter Emanated From the Newspaper Office. Dr. Brown was very evidently much pleased last evening when he exhibited a letter which had been brought to him from .the Bulletin. office during the day and which he said completely cleared up the mystery of the forged letter. “I do not care to make the contents known at the present time,” he said, “but I can say with perfect freedom that it places me 1n & much more comfortable frame of mind than I was before its receipt. ““It is in exactly the same handwriting as was the forgery and is from the same per- son that inspired -and wrote that docu- ment. The author apologizes humbly for the trouble he has caused me and promises to repair the damage as far as he is able. He tells why he forged the mame of Mr. Valentine and why the letter was sent to the Bulletin. The matter will ~be fully ventilated very soon.” The doctor caused the following letter to be written last evening and signed it: - February 4, 1896, Editor Call: 1 have very strong reasons to suppose that the Bulletin itseli caused the writing of ‘“the forged letter,” which it was first to publish and which, in the face of strong. evidence to_the contrary, it persisteatly and viciously ascribed to me. 1. The Bulletin is the only paper to which my Sunday notices have beeén sent in writing, the other papers copying irom that. Conse- quently that paper had at hand the specimen of my wtiting on which 0 frame the clumsy and altogether unsuccessful at- tempt at imitation. 2. The Bulletin took the forgery and specimens of wy ~writing to the ' ex- pert, Mr. Eisenschimmel, as the Report says, and he verysoon decided that Icould not have written the forged letter and so told the Bulletin; but that report was suppressed and ancther expert was sought who eonld find' as the Bulletin desired. Why should thag pa- have suppressed the report favorable to me f its attempt to find the trutb was honest? 3. Although Mr. Valentine prompily pro- mounced in my favor to the editor of the Bul- letin, in my presence, that editor closed his report of that interview with the contemptible insinuation that suspicion was still on me, Why should not the editor have given great and decisive weight to Mr. Valentine's opinion € it was after the.truth only end hnd 1o ax 10 grin i . 4. But finally, to-day the Bulletin sent to my house a letteraddressed to me in care of the editor of the Bulletin. No letier was ever,| addressed to me in his care before. My address is quite aswell known as his. Why should this letter have been so addressed? The reason was revealed when the reporter seot by the Bulletin had the impudence to ask that the letter should be opened in his pres- ence. The Bulletin wanted snother sensation and, in my opinion, had itself attempted to pre; it in the letter thatcame to me to-day, and which it took pains to address so that it should pass under the eye of its own editor. The inclosed lettér was anonymous, and pur- ported to come from the writer of the forgery, avowing its authorship and expressing regret for the trouble he had made me. The Bulletin doubtless thought I would be so pleased with the anonymous vindication &s to fall into the trap and become the willing victim of & con- temptible trick. Gentlemen of the Bulletin, this may be urnalism” in the region of ‘622 Bush t,” but in the estimation of honest men it is the basest of perfidy. If you were honor- able men you would have accepted the abund- ant %ron!a that 1 did not write that letter; but you have persisted in affirming that I did. I have one case in the courts now, hence you know that you are’safe in this dastardly kind of attack. "Yoursis the last resort of cowards. A generous public will demand that you shall seek more honoreble weapons before you are permitted to kill me, CHARLES O, BROWN, —_—— DR. POND ON THE CASE. Describes the Action of the Joint Committee and Exolains His and the Church’s Attitude. The following communication addressed. to THE CALL is self-explanatory; Mr. Editor: Reading my MORNING CALL to- dayIcame upon areport of an interview with myself which does au injustice to me because it makes me do injustice to mlx‘irund. Rev. W, H. Tubb, the of the Bay Association. The interview was a brief and hurried one, be. use I could see that the members of a board of directors to which I belong were waiting for it to be finished in order to begin en imporiant meeting. I, therefore, do not wonder that the reporter failed to get my weaning or to re- member my words. As I was one of several to Wwhom he spoke he ay have confounded in his recolleciion some things said bs' others ‘w:th 'flht:‘ 1 llld.wA‘ lnymnle, Il did not us 'y 8uch expressions as these: “I cannof the life of me understand how he Tubk) could have made such & m e (as to Say in his minutes of the meeting of the asso- clation that the committee on Df. Brown's ¢ WaS A committee to investigate), Itlooks r{ nuch as if they (the minutes) were spe: O T aia s this: “Mr. Tubb mis- S8y W : “Mr. Tubb mi apprehended Dr. ‘hfitn’l motion a com- miitee. It was broader than his record,as 1 - § (& ' told him as a friend and as a friend of the | -| walting for " me printed, made if. . It was for the appointment of & committee to do whatever seemed wise to be done in Dr. Brown’s case.” Of course this included investigation, if that were seen to be a wise and timely move, And jtsaggested the possibility that’ an investigation, if made, might be conducted by others and not by the original committee. The original committee was one with full power, so far as the associ a tion could confer any power. It has never entered my mind at_sll and no such intimation ever escaped my lips as that AMr. Tubb “specially prepared” his record with & purpose either favorable or unfavorable to Dr. Brown. He ix incapable of such a ialse. hood. He made the record as he understood the motion; but failed to get- the motion ex- actly as it was made. Iamsure that Rev.Dr. McLean would corroborate my statement. If you will give me further space I will make astatement of the facts concerning this com- mittee, for which I am willing to be held re- spousible: The Bay Association is a club of Congrega- tional ministers, meeting at stated times for feliowship and mutual improvement. It has nothing whatever to do with what is technic- ally called “ministerial standing.” But like any other club of decent men it would take cognizance of immorality or indecency in any of its members, and an expulsion irom it on such grounds would doubtless ruin the stand- ing both professional and social of any of its members, . A certein board of directors to which Dr, Brown belongs was called to meet during the recess of that meeting of the association at which the committee on Dr. Brown’s case was appointed. - After the board had concluded its business, Dr. Brown requested the members to Temain a few moments as individuals, and_to advise with him. . The result ot this consulta- tion was this motion of Dr. McLean, and the appointment of this committes. There was at that time, on the good old Anglo-Saxon ground that “aman is presumed to be innocent till proved guilty,” a conviction in the minds of all his brethren that Dr. Brown was guiltless. It was believed, and hoped for by others, that if, eay, three brethren; universally trusted, could examine these proofs of Br. Brown’s in- nocence, which he is compelled at present to keep in reserve, and-.could report thatthese proofs wete conclusive, amounting to a moral demonstration, this would lead the public generally and Christian_peopls ‘psrflculnrly 10 wait ‘in patience and hope tili the time should come when they might safely be pub- lished. Atthaitime the committee appointed by the association believed that this would be possible, and seeking those persons whose names would probablo carry greatest weight they requested Rev. Drs. McLean and Mooar and Hou. E. D. Sawyer to examine the proofs and make the repori, But unavoidable delays occurred. New developments were made. At length the original committee, acting in concert with Drs. McLean and Mooar, after & careful and protracted canvass of the situa- tion, decided to wait upon Dr. Brown and ex- Press tohim their conviction that no such ex- amination of his proofs, howeyer conclusive | they might be found, could meet the case. It | would bear the appearance of a one-sided in- vestigation and could not set things at rest. | And in view of this we announced our de- cision 10t to attempt the impossible, and not 10 see one side until we coula be free to_take in all sides. He was at first manifestly disap- pointed, but finally appeared fo be convinced that the deeision we nead reached was wise. The result to which we came was, with some modifications in the expression of it, adooted by the joint committeo of the chureh’ and.the i sociation, ahd it virtually included these points: 1. An investigation of the most thorough character to be made as £0on as present obsta- gles to if can be removed, and the sooner the etter. L 2. Till such an investigation becomes possi- | ble, judgment to be suspended and eonfidence | to be continued. The grounds of this “confi- j dence” will be different in different persons; doubtless they were different in the minds of differing members of the joint.commiitee. With some it may have been nothing more than the principle of Christian charity, an Anglo-Saxon justice abeve referred 103 Wwith others it was this with the addition of Dr. Brown's record in the past; with others it may have been both these and the bad record of his chief aceuser; with otbers it may have been grounded in & complete conviction, unshaken and immutable, in D, Brown’s purity of con- duet and character. It was with the poss bility and perhaps the consciousmess of this diversity in the bases of confidetice that the declaration was made. tion musi cease for the present, unless the First Congregational Church, which is the Supreme Court in this case, sees fit to press it And this is where ac- | {08 quick as well as a decisive inquiry. This it can do, but what it will decide to do, it alone | can tell. ' Respectfully, WILLTAM C. POND, Betheny Siudy, February 4, 1896. arr ik TUBB IS ANGRY. Takes Exception to the Aspersions Made on the Accuracy of His Minutes. : Rev. W.. H. Tubb is somewhat wroth over the aspersions made with reference to accuracy, and in substantiation of his claim that the minutes of the Bay Associa- tion as publighed recently in THE CALL are correct sends the following communica- | tion: To the Editor of the Morning Call—DEAR SIR: I find in this morning’s issue of THE CALL com- ments on the minutes of the Bay Association | in which my neme is made to figure. l This ‘matter is not leit to the dullness of senility or the fervid imagination of youth, Tt is simply & matter of Tecord. ment is in order. The minutes have mever passed out of my custody since I became scribe. They have not been “specially prepared.” | When Dr. C. 0, Brown made his statement | on the 13th of January, 1896, I was alert, be- ing his friend, and felt that it was ‘absolutely necessary to be “letter perfect” in making the minutes. Iwrote it then and there as it stands to-day.. There was 1o “cooling time.”” The request 1o keep the name of the commitiee acked for by Dr. Brown secret was rendered nugatory by one of the members of the associ- atlon, who gave the names to a reporter. [ was called into the Sunday-school room to in- terview a Mr. Donnelson, concerning a dis- play card for Bethlehem in'a church directory. 1saw the names as stated and reported the same to the assoclation. Secrecy could not be had. .In writing a synopsis for the Pacific T made o literal transcript of the minutes and took it to Dr. Williams, who said, “That’s all right.” ‘At the close of the sdssion Miss Lister of Tug CALL and the reporters of the other mornin, paperscame to my table. - Rev. F. Flawith and Rev. J. D. Foster were there alsq. Mr. Foster objected to the ording minutes. 1 remarked, “I will change it Tetain the sense of the motion.” T then wrote the item asitappears in the “Pacific” and crushed the verbatim copy of the minutes in my hand. All the reporters mentioned heard what was said, and_they copied the synopsis. Rev.H. H. Wikoff was in Dr. “Williams’ study, where I saw Rey. William Rader. I wentdown town with Mr. Wikoff, | In THE CALL Dr, Pond says: “I cannot for the life of me understand how he couid have made such a mistake.” I eannot give the doctor undersianding. I can furnish facts, duly authenticated. Dr. ond says: “It looks very much s if they were specially prepared.” This conveys an insinvation so very trans- parent that it bearsits own refutation. Dr. Brown I esteem a Christian gentleman and a personal friend, and shall until he is proven unworthy, which “God forbid,” To Dr. C. 0. Brown and Dr. William' C. Pond Bethlehem owes its place of worship. urnm under personal obligations to both gen- emen. 3 5 This is not, however, a matter of personal friendship or of covert slander, ministerial or otherwise, but of a correct or an incorrect minite. b Dr. W. D. Williams is right. “The minutes are correct.” And on said minutes hang an investigation, - Respectfully, WiLLiay H, TUss, Scribe of Bay Association and’ Pastor of Beth- lehem Congregational Church. 3 5 bl Ghie 1 STRONG ARRAIGNMENT. ° A Buslness Man Reviews the Situ- ation In a Legal and Critical Way. “I have outlined no particular plan of action for the meeting to-morrow night,’” said Mrs. Cooper yesterdav.” *“I have asked no one to stand by me, because I need no support in doing my duty. My only fear is that I may fail to know my whole duty.”” 3 . Mrs. Coover continues to be “the Tecip- ient of numerous letters indorsing her course and yesterday there came to her a letter from a well-known business man who reviews the situation in a legal and critical way. The name is not given, be- cause Mrs. Cooper does not feel at liberty to publish it without the consentof the writer. The letter reads as follows Mrs. Sarah B. Cooper—DEAR MaDAM: Please allow a stranger to write you a few lines by w? of encouragement in the ordeal through which you are now ng. am not a member of any church in this y thoughI have often. atiended services af the TFirst and Third Congregational and occasion- ally et other churches. 1 have kept u slight trace of your sad affair, and bave heard the opinions of many, and I be!iev? that the great masses are arrayed on your sfde. They have some interests -at stake, snd they feel that it wili be a great blow to dmnunity if the mem- bers of the First Church, in any manneror for any reason, smother a most thorough and an lmmediate investigation. Christianity is at A plain state- of the soas to | Brown. | high place, fold his tent and si | earth will rise again.” toolow an ebb in San Francisco to be trified with in‘such an nngodly manner, and merely that one man, backed up by & coterie of influ- ential deacons, may wreak his personal re- venge on alone woman. What matters it to the best interests of the church where Mrs, Davidson, spends Te- m%flnder of her life? Will her conviction purify tht divine? Will it play any greater partin the erasement of the stains upon his character than the truth or falsity ot ber charges played or will play in her trial? These charges can- not be inquired into legally during her trial. The two offenses are in no way related, and the question as to whether or not she i to be convicted'should not delay for & single hour the investigation of Pastor Brown. And why should he for & moment refuse to vacate the sacred pulplt for a time until by competent decree Le be recalled to his post, exonerated and Jossessing a clear conscience, if innocent? But it appears that he insists upon standing on his legal rights. The true Christian i< will- ing to stand on Christ and trust to God. Mo- hammed, rather thau Christ, seems 10 be the model of Mr. Brown, and he unsheaths and would wield his -sword when the one great captain said, “Put up thy sword.” Iam nota 1awyer, putI venture the predic- tion that after what has happened, if Mrs. Davidson be tried first, she will durely be ac- {luitted, if ably defenided; then woe fo the eader in the First Church, for whatcouncil or committee would then have the courage to ap- ply the brush ? 2 Human nature is a well-known commodity, and easily weighed by one that studies it, an. the brilliant lawyer studies it and undersiands it, and knows pretty weil his jurymen and how they look at life. Ministers generally live in two spheres—in heaven and in self.” The lawyer aleo lives in two spheres—in self and in the world; and while he often misses heaven, he finds in that world many things “not dreamed of in their philosophy.” Again, would the loss of your present pastor be an ‘irreparable one? I coniess that often after hearing him and feeling the dearth of thought and spirit tnat permeated fls dis- course, the question as to why 1 went forced itself upon me, and I could see nO Teason ex- cept the music. The preacher should improve the mind or ennoble the soul or do both; but I fail to see that Mr. Brown does either, except, perhaps, with the most plastic. Some months ago I was an observer at the Monday Club of the conduct of Dr. Brown, when Dr. Herron was here. Iam in no wise in sympathy with the visionary - doctrines of the latter, but I was impressed with the gentle- manly and Christian manner ingwhich he pre- sented them, and in _which he received the scurrilous rantings of hiscritic, until the latter was hissed and forced into silence by his own Eeoplc. He, of course, claimed that the issings and ‘objections came from non-mem- bers, who, he said, were interlopers, although alarge sign in the hallway invited everybody. His bolsterous conduct toward a gentleman, ‘a stranger, in front'of me was shocking in the extreme, The gentleman, touched at the in- sult of: Dr. Brown, was endeavoring to learn from the chairman, Dr. McLean, if it was the wish of the meeting that visitors snould retire; but Dr. Brown dominated over everything and everybody for'the time, and saveral times told the gentleman in stentorian.shouts unsuited to any place but & prize ring to sit down. His unehristian-like conduct led me to say, on leaving the room that though he might sport a D. D. ang the pastorate of & rich church, his career of usefulness was nearly run. Like eer- tain comets that swing_into view, reach their greatest brightness and sweep on, so he will probably soon have to forego the baskings in public favor, and march on never to return. Notwithstanding my views concerning him, still, for many days after the scandal became pubiic, I defended him, to the surprise of some of my friends, who expected I would be ready t0 condemn. But whatever | may have thought he might have it in his heart to do, I did not believe that he could under the conditions preceding and surrounding him so far disre- gard the dictates of common-sense as to be guilty of the crimes with which he was charged, notwithstanding his silly- course in certain things. Nevertheless, when the Over- man letters came out, 1 coliapsed, and shall notreturn to his defense; for even ti:ough Moses should arise from the dead, he could notat this late stage-explain them in any way not con- sistent with culpability upon the part of Dr, For who has said they are forgeries? And ifthey are genuine, but untrue, who can excuse the present conduct of the man con- cerned in harvoring the libeler and conspira- tor? And if guilty, let him Mer down from hts ently steal back into the wide world, and, if truly penitent, start life anew. As Mr. Tubb says, his present policy is suicidal.” He reminds me of the man that by means of a cowhide tried to force his wife to love him. How much mote Christian ‘were he to say, “Lord, thy will be done.” His attitude seems to smack of tyranny and money, and that of the committee of intimida- tion. You deserve great credit for your noble fight, and I wish you, and thousands wish you, com- lete success. But lock well to the rudder "Vedncsdny night; for 1 fear that the wheeis will be set, the button touched, *click” will go the machine, and brave Mrs. Cooper, the stand- ard-bearer of right and uprightuess, wiil be crushed for the time; but “truth crushed to 1 trust that all your friends in the chureh will rally around you without fear om that trying night, and may the TLord give you strength and courage to do his bidding, Please don’t feel under obligations to an- swer. 1know your burdens are heavy. Very respectfully yours, : Among the most recent letters addressed to Mrs. Cooper is the following from a Presbyterian clergyman who a few years age was under a clouc on a charge of hav- ing misappropriated the funds of an ine stitution with which he was connected; and there is clear evidence in the letter it self that in sending it to Mrs. Cooper he was actuated by a strong fellow-feeling for the accused pastor of the First Congrega- tional Church: My Dear Mrs. Cooper: 1 desire to’express nry high apprecistion of your valnable services to the cause of human elevation along tKe lines of true Christian service, and fo express the opinion that eyery step you take .beforethe public is done from the promptingsof & sin- cere heart. Notwithstanding this, I am moved by a sense of duly to address you on the subject of the controversy now growing up in the First Con- gregational Church of San Francisco, in which your pastor, Dr. Brown, is the central figure, and through the public press your dear sel! is arrayed on the other side as the leader of an opposing force, have not had a word or a line from a—nr one concerned in the matter, but have awhole lot of experience as a ‘‘central figure,” hung up as a model by the public press, turned round and round, éxhibited by the *‘penny-a-line” man, who writes for what he can get out of it. Yonrselt, as well as the publie of San Fran- cisco, California, and much of our Nation, call to mind the confest through which I passed in an effort to maintain my name and profession against an arrayed body of clergymen. Reporters are” keen observers of the under- currents and of the public mind and write up as wanted. Mlnyo? writing, “You must understand. that we have Do respect for those old chumps, but we are writing for the pulilic.” Since I resumed my profession two of them came to me and expressed regret for what they said. One of them said, “I then said privately that there was but oge fatr-minded man there and he was the man on trial.” 3 Now, I am & judge of fewspaper reports when & Protestant m’mmer of the gospel l’." - volved, and desire to say that not an iota of | credence should be given to what is said about him in the dally press of San Francisco. Not a line is written for the good of the public, but for what can be made out. of it by tha writer and by the sale of the paper. I have watched with much interest the actions of Dr. Brown since this matter was made Bnbuc, and feel that he is justified in the step he has taken. I fully believe thatif treated fairly ana gn‘_en time io reach the conclusion he will ¢ justified. I base my judgment mainly on two things: 3 First—Upon the ground of the action taken by such honorable men ss comprised the in- vestigating committee. They were permitted to know the ground of defense which Dr. Brown has in hand, and they have decided that it is good and thet his moral conduct is worthy of public confidence, and that he is entitled to the right and use of his office and should not be deprived of it during the time required to make known to the public the facts in the case. The second ground upon which I rest my judgment is the character of the women in- volved. Surely the record of Mrs. Davidson 15 .such as to mm‘ any one of the plot of which she is capable, the decision of the Judge being that her own story confirms her guilt. Of the Mrs, Stockton th:m?n but one opinion, and that is thatshe is a high-toned feminine de- pravity, whose fllgp.nt ‘words published in the y press, “obtatned oung 1 reporters— which s no eredit to them or.to the paper en- couraging them by giving to it publicity—brand hafi un‘;onhy of eonldono‘o- or. “Br o case of. Dr. Brown & Pprecedent is established, that when a Chris- ddn minister is evil spoken of he must retire from his office until he clears himself, no man can feel that he has a title to his pro- Tession stronger than the tongue of siander. It should be taken into consideration that we are living in an age of new. environ- ments, where there no separation of the sexes in.business, society or church. Women are everywhere, entering any and.every office £ employes, agents and in many capaci- tes, and if imere rumor of the statement of de- &nved Wwomen is to be accrecited then no man s8fe and no household can breathe easy for 2 1ight nor until the morning plFflhflm the serutiny of the breakfast table. It is bunmin&ln Christians to stand together So0MnE World homes tneetine wiih & deh 5 wor er with a grip upon the mxfi %8 man ordained 1o el AT Cooper should hav repoted ‘that Mrs. ould have . confidence in Dr. Dr. Willisms ‘and 0, . other ministers and in the officers of her church and swaited in patience the time them seid to me whileso | when, in their opinion, the public should know ‘the facts. Icapnot tell you how much I etted the publication of the letters received by you from %‘“" friends, which appeared’in THE SUNDAY. ALL. God knows that all men who are ng to press their way up the stream against the cur- rent of ‘this sin-cursed world have a hard enough task. withou: opposition from others struggling by their side;. ¢ Awaiting patiently for the end and evidente of the right, I am yon:s sincerel. Z s ° _JomN W. ELuts, D.D. 1271 Twenty-third avenue, Qakland, Calk February 3, 1896. ; g Ol ——— DR, M'CLISH CHOSEN. He Will Presidé Over the Pacific Coast Chautauquans. At the annual meeting of the Pacific Grove Chantaugqua Assembly held in San Jose on Saturday last Rev. Eli McClish, D. D., was elected -president of the Pacific Coast branch of the Chautauqua organiza- tion in place of Dr. A.C Hurst, removed to Chicago. 2 Dr. McClish has had large experience of this kind and kindred educational work. The assembly at Pacific Grove is now the fifth held every year on this coast, the others heinE Jocated at Loni Beach and Shasta in this State, and at Ashland and Oregon .City in -Oregon. Rev. Thomas Filben, D:D, is the surerinwn\ient of in- struction at the Pacific Grove and . the Shasta assemblies,-and is representative of all-the assemblies in securing speakers. The assemblies will be held in July of | this year and will be opened in- succession to allow as far as possible the use of the same talent in rotation at them all. BUVING THE ~ LEGACIES, Petition of the Collateral Heirs to the Fair Estate. Judge Slack Wants More Testimony Before He Will Order the Sale. The petition of the minor eollateral heirs to the Fair estate to be allowed to sell their interests came befors Judge Slack yes- terday, but no action was taken until fur- ther testimony could be secured. John A. Percy, guardian of and counsel for the heirs mentioned, Was on the stand, and he was questioned by Judge Paterson and Charles 8. Wheeler. The interests desired to be sold are those of the children of Margaret Lundy, James G. Fair’s niece, and the children of James H. Fair, who was James G. Fair’s nephew. To each family was left $10,000. The inter- ests of the Lundy children amounted to over $1400 each, and the interests of the Fair children to $1111. They had been of- fered the full value of their estates, and through their guardian ad litem, Percy, they had petitioned to be allowed to do so. Under questions Percy testified that if tne court ajlowed the sale the, heirs would receive all that any will would bring to them, and relieve them from the prospect of losing all should James G. Fair be de- clared intestate. Also’he said, it relieved them of the necessity of paying council fees in any succeeding litigation which may take place. Judge Slack said he would like some tes- tirony from the parents as to their finan- cial condition before going further, and the case was continued for two weeks to allow deposttions to be sent from Iowa, where they live. Tle parents have alread sold their interests. ‘It was indirectly ad- mitted that the children of James G. Fair were the would-be purchasers. e i THE FAIR TRUST. Attorney R. B. Mitchell Explalns His Opinlon as to the Effect of Judge Slack’s Declsion. The following communication is self- explanatory: £ 3 © 8AN FraNcisco, Feb. 4,1896. To che Editor of The Cali—DEAR SIR: In this morning’s CALL 1am incorrectly reported in ref- erence to Judge 8lack’s decision in the Fair will case.. Iam reported as having said that under his decision the will standswithout the trust clause and that the trustees hold the property pending distribution as special ad- ministrators instead of as trustees. What I did say to the revorter who interviewed me on this subject was, that if Judge Slack’s decision was affirmed by the Supreme Court the realty would descend to his heirs at law and be freed from the o&wnuon of the trust, but that the decision did not affect the’ personalty, which, as the matter now stands, would go to the trustees under the terms of the will. I didnot s-{ that the trustees would hold as special ad- ministrators. The parties named as executors in the will of September 21 are holding as spe- cial administrators until one of the two wills is admitted to Ernblle; they then give way to the exécutors. Nor 4id I express my confidence in the Supreme Court aflirming Judge Slack’s de- cision.. I said that his decision was a ver learned one, bore the imprintof a great dea of hard labor and thought and that whether it was approved or disapproved by the Supreme Court on appeal it would always place Judge Slack in_ the front rank of.nisi prius Judges. Very truly yours, R. B. MITCHELL. ANGRY IRISH-AMERICANS, They Protest Vigorously in Re- gard to Supervisor Joe King. His Appointment as Chairman of the Finerty Reception Committee Denounced. , Most of the leaders in the movement for a fitting reception to. John F. Finerty, the distinguished Irish-American, who is to deliver the oration on the occasion of the Emmet anniversary on March 4, were sur- prised and indignant on reading in TaE OaLn yesteiday of the appointment of Bupervisor King as chairman of the re- Ception committee at the meeting on Sun- day night. The committee as named consisted of Supervisor King, T. B. O’Brien, J. J. O’Brien, Judge M. Cooney, Thomas Des- mond and Captain Jeremiah Sheehy. ‘With the exception of T.B. O’Brien and Judge Cooney: the members will refuse io act. . b A special meeting of the committee of arrangements will be called for some night before the close of the week to have other chairman of the reception committee pointed. If this is found to be impossi- ble the matter will be brought up at the regular meeting on BSunday night. If Supervisor King should persist in holding the position of chairman other arrange- ments for the reception of Mr. Finerty will be insisted upon. G “It was a_surprise to most of us,” sdid one of the leaders yesterday, ‘‘when we learned of Supervisor King’s gppointment. .| It was done at a star-chamber meeting, by -a few of his friends, when the others present were busily engaged discussing other matters. . *“There are many reasons why Mr. Kin, is ineligible for such a position, He is noi a leading re; ntative of the Irish race; he has not the gift of clothing his thoughts in fitting’ terms, and his record is not be- yond reproach. There are many men in our societies who are deserving of the haonor of being chairman of the committee and who in every respect would do_credit to themselves and the representatives of the Iris; erican race in this City. That they sh be ignored and the position given to a man who is simply a politician is not to be tolerated.” HE WAS OFFERED N BIG BRIBE, Police Judge Camphell Says He Refused to Be Tempted. IN CAPTAIN LANE'S CASE Assailed on Every Side With Proffers of Six Thousand Dollars. HIS HONOR'S FINE BON MOT. The Telegraph Hill Villains Could Not Tamper With a Lower Court Magistrate. Police Judge Campbell was- offered a bribe of $6000 and he spurned the offer. ‘It was not offered to me outright, this way,” emphasized his Honor, illustrating his explanation by proffering his out- stretched palm, ‘“‘but it was in the air all about me, wherever I looked, to whom- ever I spoke; in fact, there was $6000 for me on all sides if I'd take it in-that Tele- graph Hill case,” Judge Campbell delivered himself of this bit-of reminiscence yesterday when a CALL reporter called upon him on a subject for- eign to the present one, In the dim past some other newspaper had accused him of dividing with his subordinates $5 fines after they had,been imposed or $5 amounts before they were registered. “Think of it,”” he said, derisively, ‘“me dividing $5 in three parts.” The idea was simply too ridiculous for his Honor to withhold his risible system, and his whiskers shook in lau%;n.er. Judge Campbell is a big-hearted and good-natured magistrate who does not take a_ pessimistic view.of life, He be- lieves in that fundamental principle of justice that all men, and women for tbat matter, sbould be held guiltless unless proven otherwise. Hence his apathy in grabbing the $6000 sack, and the man on the other ¢nd of it. “There was no rank offering of money,” he reiterated in a second interview, ‘“but I knew that all T had to do was to reach ot and. take it. times for me, but only a fool would take money like that in such a case.” i The particular case is that-of Captain Lane, the old man "of wealth who has-got himself in trouble from too close attention to the little girls about Telegraph Hill. His case, as well as those.of a number of similar ones, has come before the Police Court over which Judge Campbell pre- sides, and his Honor has invanably held the defendants to answer for their alleged crime before the Superior Court. Quite recently oné of the men,a man named Ratz,was seéntenced to a term of ten years’ imprisonment. It was in connection with this particular case, when in the Police Court, that Judge Campbell delivered him- self of a bon mot. Ratz, who is & very poor man, and who had not the advantage of an attorney, pleaded that the court ap- point one for him. o “All right, Ratz,” Judge Campbell said; “I’ll appoint some terrier to look after your case.” — s SUTRO ACCIDENT VICTIMS Miss Emily - Suter. Is Seriously Il and May Not Recover. The Others Are fint in Danger—Kosh. land Will Be Unable to Walk for Two Months, The victims of the accident on the Sutro road last Sunday are all improving and their recovery is assured, except in the case of Miss Emily Suter of 2718 Pine street. who was the most seriously in- jured. Miss Suter, who is about 20 years of age, sustained an incised, clean cut wound several inches in length, and several other injuries. There is yet a strong hope of the young lady’s ultimate recovery: Two physicians have beénin attendance since the accident, and last evening they stated that if there isno change for the worse during the course of -the next five or six days, the chances for recovery will be very reat, ¢ Since the accident Miss Buter has sev- eral times beeu unconscious, but that is believed to be due to the shock to her sys. tem. Perfect quiet has been-enjoined, and to prevent her nerves being jarred by sud- den noises, 8 warning card has been placed on tke door: ‘Do not ring the bell.” Simon Koshland, the wood merchant who suffered a fracture of the right leg, is s NEW TO-DAY. Is in the dark as to the cost and the contents of the his_home at 1808 Pine street :x?iflv,:i.l? l:g jor some time. The lg , Which was set shortly after the fracture, still in splints, but in a day ortwo these will be removed to permit of the substitution of laster of paris bandage. It will be at Fsut two months before Mr. Koshland can walk. - H. Claiborne Jr.; in the employ ofjll”;:: & Talbot, will be forced to remain at his home for several weeks, his physi- cians say. He is suffering from a fracture the left ankle. OfMlilsa Grace Horton of 8415 Geary street, who was severely shaken up and bruised, wvas able to sit up on Monday, but yester- day afternoon she was forced to take to her bed. Besides the many bruises shere- ceived she suffered severely from the shock. Miss Marie Leonhardt of 1514 Broderick street, who was badly bruised, has recov- ered. 2 Mr. aua Mrs. J. Boucher are still suffer- ing from bruises and contusions. MECHANICS' INSTITUTE. The Trustees Decide to Hold a Home Product Fair. At a meeting of the trustees of the Me- chanics’ Institute last night war was de- clared on the Manufacturers’ and Pro- ducers’ Association. It was opened on the reading of a communieation from that body elicited by a refusal of the trustees to lease the Pavilion for an exhibition of home produets. The trustees declared that they intended to hold a home product fair themselves in which they invited every home producer to participate, They added that if the Manufacturers’ and Producers’ Associa- tion would “stop importing it would be better employed than in interfering with the Mechanics’ Institute.” ‘W. L. Peet, William Cronin and Alfred Cridge were chosen as judges of election, with Henry L. Davis as an alternate. BABY BURNED T0 DEATH. The $6000 was there at all| Cruel Fate of a Child Who Fell Upon a Stove in Richmond District. While Its Mother's Back Was Turned the Little One Was Attracted to the Bright Blaze. Thedanger of leaving children alone na room where there is a fire was cruelly illustrated by a fatal accident which oc- curred in the Richmond district yesterday. Mr, and Mre. Beutencamp reside on Twenty-second avenue, between Point Lobos road and Clement street, with their family. Yesterday Mrs. Bentencamp was obliged to go into the yard to attend to her househoxd duties, leaving a child of tender years meing in the kitchen, where there was a lighted stove. She was. suddenly startled to hear piere- ing screams, and on hurrying back to the house a fearful sight met her gaze. Her baby was writhing'in the midst of smoke and flame. To catch up the child, wrap it inarug and quench the flames was the work of a moment for the frantic mother, and the pitesus screams of the tortured little one soon changed to low maans. Dr. Frank B. Petrie was sumrmoned as quickly as.possible, but pefore he could arrive the child had expirea from its in- juries. Its limbs, body and face were ter- ribly burned. Fortunately its sufferings were brief, The bereaved mother believes that the child was attracted by the bright blaze, and in venturing near the stove stumbled and fell upgn 1t. Itslight clothes became immediately ignited, and the movements of the victim only served to fan the flames. — The timbrel mentioned in Scripture i the musical instrament now knownyas th tambourine, NEW TO-DAY. [{YIEPARIS LAST WEEK <e'er:OF OUR...... WINTER + CLEARANCE SALE. OENTINE BARRATES - «een N OUR.. CLOM CEPARTMENT, Electric Seal Capes, full Boucl Cloth Capes, Trim- ¢ med with Angora Fur. $10.00 Jackets, Boxed Front, Black and Naxy Blue Serge. $7 $15.00 .50 In the fllllng;fpmc’lpflon- the average person | JACK6(S, hflgl]l; in l'otuy $ 4.00 medicine, consequently has to rely on the honesty and reliahilicy of the Druggist who Glapenses Lhs drugs. majority of the Dru Francisco pay a cotmission of 25 to the phfiok:hnl who send iheir prescriptions to them. This being the case, how can the “Com- Dr',ufg‘ln be honest? For instance, a cian xunmucflg:lon for one bottle Lis- Zerine, regular price 75c_bottle (actual wholesale ists of San cost ). © On this the Commission Druggist Rivice” wien the Dhoslcian 95 or 80 per cent. ‘fo & person on the out: st e it 1ooks as if the Dru; was out and injured. BUT HE IS NOT. He just substitutes a vile imitation of Listerine costing 50c per gallon. There are, on the other hand, & re- Bpectable class of puysicians—and they gre nu- merous—who will not accept commission from any Dr.n:}us ‘This element of the profession we cater to have their entire confidence, 85 they know m take no liberties with their prescriptions, filling prescriptions exactly as ordered and pay no commigsion to any doctors. The confidence in us by.the public of S8an Francisco is pfoven by 1n1855, a laryer Banber thad Qlapensat oy ous a r noml ‘store in the State. THE OWL DRUG C0,, 1128 Marixet Street, SAN FRANCISCO, and Serges. fenuls Flannel Wrappes, Assorted Colozs, $1.00, $1.60 and. percent to | $1.75 BEHABLA ESPANOL, G. VERDIER & CO., SE. Cor, Geary and Graat Ave. VILLE DE PARIS, BRANCH HOUSE, LOS ANGELES.