The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, February 6, 1896, Page 10

10 THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY €, 1896 REV. DR, BROWN 1S SUSTAINED, Sensational Prayer Meeting Held at the First Church. BITTER WORDS BANDIED. Mrs. Brown Ascends the Pulpit and Attacks Mrs. Cooper, ‘Who Replies. PASTOR ASKS FOR A COUNCIL. Resolutions of Confidence Passed—The Doctor Not to Preach Until Vindicated. One of the'most heated church meetings known in this City took place last night at the First Congregational Church. Bitter words were hurled by both friends and opponents of the pastor who is resting under a cloud of scandal. And his friends proved the stronger. Qut of the heat and smoke of battde at length loomed at least a partial victory for Dr. Brown. The unusual spectacle of a minister’s wife appearing in the pulpit to plead the cause of her husband was witnessed, for probably the first time in religious history, at the meeting which was the regular weekly prayer meeting of the Iirst Church. The situation was as unique as it was* unexpected, and had a palpable influence on the things that came after. Itwasa daring thing to do, yet Mrs. Brown, the wife of the man who stands accused of grievous crimes against his own household and public morality, executed the self- imposed task with a serenity and assur- ance which could only have been born of a supreme conviction of the justness of her cause. ‘When the usunal prayers and hymns had been rendered, Dr. Brown. who up to that time had conducted the meeting, surren- dered the chair to Deacon Dexter. Before that gentleman could define the principal matters to be discussed, the pastor’s wife | walked to the foot of the rostrum and asked permission to speak. She was in- vited on the stage, and the people, not knowing what to expect, craned their necks and twisted their heads in an effort to get a better view of her. Once on the stage Mrs. Brown calmly ana deliberately unrolled several closely written pages of manuscript, and in a voice unshaken by emotion began to read first a general review of the case and later a terrible arraignment of Mrs. Sarah B, Cooper. It was an intensely dramatic si uation. The words were cold, sharp and cutting, vet at times there breathed in them gentleness and love for her husband, and when she had finished the people cheered loud and long. Mrs. Brown touched lightly on the main | issues, and then began her attack en Mrs. Cooper, in the course of which she said: “I lay the beginning of ail the trouble that has come to me and my household to Mrs. Cooper—it dates back to the time when she introduced Mrs. Stockton to my husband.”’ Mrs. Cooper made a vigorous denial of all this, and was loudly applauded at the conclusion of her remarks. She said that Mrs. Brown was wrong in her dates, and further that this had not stated allthe conversation that took place at the time referred to. By 6:30 o'clock the people began to gather in the assembly rooom. Half an hour later every one of the 300 chairs was occupied, and persons began to line up against the wall. There was a noticeable preponderance of women, many with chil- dren in their arms. Most of the congre- gation wore a serious, troubled look, as if the seriousness of the situation, with its possible evil results, bore heavily upon them. Outside, near the big iron gate, two policemen were stationed, but at whose request no one seemed to know. At 7:20 Mrs. Brown walkea leisurely in, followed ten minutes later by her hus- band. With firm, confident tread he ascended the stage, and, without any pre- liminary remarks, opened the meeting by announcing hymn 223, ‘‘Nearer, My God, to Thee.”” While the prelude to the hymn was being played several of his most ar- dent lady admirers walked hastily up to the desk and deposited handsome bouquets of roses, violets and pinks. Dr. Brown then read that passage of the Scriptures which begins with *“The Lord is my shepherd,” and at the conclusion said he had no comment to make. Then more hvmns were sung and prayers were uttered, the prayer meeting proper coming-to a close at exactly 8 o'clock. Then Dr. Brown fired a little bombshell in the ranks of those who were present out of sheer curiosity. He said that some important business was to come up for consideration, and he would ask those not members of the church, ex- cepting newspaper men, to kindly retire. ‘When the room was finally cleared Dea- con Dexter was called to the chair, and then followed the dramatic episode be- tween Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Cooper. The chairman announced at the begin- ning that no boisterous conduct would be permitted, and to his credit be it said that e faithfully maintained that programme. Once or twice confusion seemed about to assume control, but Deacon Dexter was always equal to the occasion. Only once during the evening did the pastor lose his self-control. Dr. Warren - made some caustic remark about the vote of confidence, when Dr. Brown sprang from his chair, and pointing his finger at the venerable missionary said in a voice full of emotion: “You had better keep still. I do not care to talk to you here, but I could tell some things if I wanted.” Resolutions and counter resolutions were the order of the evening, Dr. Brown's forces coming off victorious in every in- stance. The resolution of the joint com- mittee, that of Deacon Barnard, and a third by Attorney Nagle, went through by nearly a two to one vote. Of course there was much bitterness and ill feeling mani- fested, but it was not all directed toward Dr. Brown, but largely to the people de- fending him. ‘When the smoke of ' the two hours’ bat- tle had cleared away Dr. Brown’s, friends were wild with joy. They crowded around the pastor, grasped his hand and mingled their tears with his. For twenty minutes or more this was kept up, and was only ended then by the pastor declaring him- self utterly worn out. During the handshaking Mrs. Cooper ]came up to Dr. Brown, and in a voice trembling with emotion sai “I have been grossly insulted by one of your fol- lowers. A woman, Mrs. Szanik, called my | daughter a pock-marked, meddlesome | creature. That shows the kind of people who voted confidence in you to-night.” Dr. Brown assured Mrs. Cooper of his regret at the unpleasant occurrence and there the matter ended. The pastor of the First Congregational Church will not occupy the pulpit again until he has cleared himself of the charges resting against him. He stated this at the meeting last night, and to support it asked for an immediate investigation by the council, EoA Lgrinid) THE MEETING. Detalls of the Business Transacted at the Exciting Church Gathering. Deacon D. Gilbert Dexter was called to preside by Dr. Brown immediately the somewhat curtailed prayer-meeting exer- cises were at an end, but not before Dr. Brown, on the request of the cfficers of the church, had asked all present who were not members of the church and pew- holders to retire, so that there might not be any interference with the proper and agcurate taking of the vote and the tran- saction of other business. Most of the | visitors then retired to the hallways and ante-rooms, while some went home. Scarcely had the chairman assumed his place when Mrs. Brown, the wife of the pastor, came down the middle aisle, where she had been seated, and walking to the edge of the platform and facing the pre- siding officer, said: ‘I wish to address a few words to the people present before the business proper egins.” Chairman Dexter then announced, “Mrs. Brown will address you fora few min- utes.” While Mrs. Brown was walking around to the back of the platform to ascend it Deacon Dexter continued : I trust, friends, that we are all here to-night with the full intention of not only doing our duty in every respect, but to respect the word of God—that we respect ourselves in whatever we do. I trust there will be nothing of the hissing character in this room. Nothing grieves me more than that exhibition of last Wednesday night. I hope there will be no more of it, no matter who may be speaking or what the question may be. I would also fll.'e you to suppress applause. This is & business meeting of serious importance; of great impor- tance to the church, of very great importance 1o every one here, of greater importance than you realize now. Let us in all our acts to-night feel right in what we do. Then referring to Mrs. Brown, who was ready to read her remarks, he said: *This is a question of privilege before you.” Mrs. Brown then read as follows: Ladies and Gentlemen and my Friends of the First Church: What I am about to utter here is said wholly of my own suggestion. Ifeel it my duty to be silent no longer, as the good name of my husband is called in question. Ihave & right to speak, not only in | his behalf, but as a wife and mother, in de- fense of my homg whichy Mrs. Cooper, Selting herself up as judge and jury, has attacked. The dearest spot on earth has been_assailed— my home—and by one whom I had, until within & very short time, supposed was a friend. I wish to call Mrs. Cooper’s attention to the fact that she was the one who intro- duced Mrs. Stockton to my husband one Sun- day after the morning service. | she commended Mrs, Stockton to him as a | former teacher of one of her kindergartens, {1t was then said that she was thin ing of | uniting with our church, which she afterward | did. To whom could comparative strangers | look for snfe guidance in the forming of ac- quaintances if not 10 one of Mrs. Cooper’s standing in the church and society? She isa prominent Bible-class teacher and one of the pastor’s assistants, This was Dr. Brown’s first meeting with Mrs. Stockton. About eight months later, just after the incident at Mrs. French’s home, at the Monday Ministers’ Club, which was held at that time in the Y. M. C. A. building on Sutter street, Mrs. Cooper came 10 Dr. Brown and my- self, requesting us to remain after the others had gone, as she had a matter of great import- | ance to talk with us about alone. We were there with Mrs. Cooper from half to three-quarters of an hour. Mrs. Cooper said: “I must talk with you, my dear Dr. and Mrs. Browr, about Mrs. Stock'on. The matter is troubling me. Iwant to warn | you both against her. She is a bad woman and there is & good deal of talk about her. I kept her in the kindergarten just as long as I dared.” She also told us of Mrs. Stockton’s going to Port Angeles and how Mrs. S’s name was “blown about” in that city. Mrs. Cooper also gave details of scandalous | matter of the most damaging character said o | have occurred in this City, in which she affirmed Mrs. Stockton was one of the princi- pals and gave the name of & man, which I ‘withhold. Mrs. Cooper said she had known these facts ever since Mrs. Stockton’s return from the north, and excused her introduction of Mrs. Stockton to my husband on the ground of “for- mality,” and also stated that she knew these facts at the time of the introduction and ad- mission into the church. More than a yeer and & half has passed since this talk in the old Y. M. C. A. building on Sut. ter street between Mrs. Cooper, Dr. Brown and myself. And now, within the last few weeks, Mrs. Cooper speaks in the daily press of Mrs. Stock- ton, highly commending her. Iam surprised at Mrs. Cooper beyond expression. You, Mrs. Cooper, at one time warned us against Mrs, Stockton, and we instantly heeced your ~warning. This was your charge against Mrs. Stockton, and - not mine. Now you commend her to the public as & good woman. God will judge you. At your door, Mrs. Cooper, I lay the beginning of my sorrow and that of my family, for you intro- duced Mrs. Stockton to my husband and to the church, and gave opportunity for the evils of slander which now effect my husband. Mrs. Cooper’s attack on my home, therefore, | is not without reason. She is acting before. hand in self-defense. When this storm broke she saw that it would surely involve her own | Bood name, and she is trying to kill my hus- band before he can speak in his own defense, and this she is doing in the hope that a “dead { man will tell no tales.” ButIam here to say to her_that no charge made against him or my home is 50 serious as that which I now present against her, and in this matter she must reckon, not with Dr. Brown, but with me. Dr. Brown refused Mrs. Stockton a letter, but Mrs. Cooper publishes her commendation to’ the world. At the time of Mrs. Cooper’s confession to us, she had long known these fact. She pledged us to secrecy on the ground that her own good name was involved, but her conduct in at- tacking us and renewing her commendation of Mre. Stockton removes the ban, and I shall be ng longer bound even if T must speak alone. To those of you who are trying to injure the good name of my husband, which has stood above reproach in the ministry for nearly a | quarter of a century, and whose character has never been in question before: who would at | this time tear in pieces his reputation, our home, and all that makes life worth living, to you, I say, beware! There is One above who will judge you, and in due time you wili have your reward. It is said in one of the papers, as coming from Mrs. Cooper, that Dr. Brown introduced Miss Over- men to her, in_the presence of his wife, as his niece. This is false. He never introduced Miss Overman to any one as his niece. 1want to say further that Miss Overman came 10 our home on & visit, spending a few months with us at my invitation, and I want it distinctly understood she is now under our roof by my invitation and not that of my hus- band. Her testimony is, of course, absojutely essential, and although Miss Overman was ready to depart for her home weeks ago she consented to stay until the council and possi- bly the court has heard her testimony. n closing this first public address of my life I appeal to many in this church who were merciful in their juagment of Dr. Barrows to at least wait till my husband can be heard, I appeal to the whole church not to help Mrs. Cooper persecute my husband and destroy my home. Mrs. Cooper at one time thought her- self persecuted, and the whole country heard her outeries. Doubtless some one said then, as she says now, *“That the church is to be consid- ered before any individual,” but the maxim did not relieve her sufferin, It is but little to ask that Dr. Brown’s hith- erto spotless reputation be permitted to stand in confidence & few weeks, especiaily when the abhorrent character of those who accuse him is considered. Mgs. C. 0. BROWN. At the conclusion of the reading Miss Cooper, the daughter of Mrs. Sarah B. Cooper, who isnota member of the church, asked that the last sentence be read again. Objection was made by a member to Miss Cooper taking part in ‘the proceed- ings, and then the same request was made by Mrs. Cooper, but Mrs. Brown refused to comply. Then a lady member of the church arose Dr. Brown’s Wife Reading Her Statement in Defense of Her Hushand and Home. [Sketched by a “Call” artist.] and in tones of evident emotion spoke as follows: Mrs. Brown, as & member of this church nearly as long as the pastor has occupied the Pulplx, 1want to thank you for your cotirage n making this statement. Iama wife and a mother and I heartily sympathize with you. Idemand that Dr. Brown occupy his pulpii— Here Mrs. Cooper secured recognition and began by saying: “I, also, rise to a question of privilege.” [Applause.] This brought John F. Merrill to his feet, saying: “The house of God is no place for applause.” Chairman Dexter—I hope you will all keep quiet through the whole proceedings of the evening. We want only what is right. Mrs. Cooper—Mr. Chairman, friends and mem- bers of the church: I, of course, was not aware that there would be anything of this kind to- night. Had I known it I should have been en- tirely ready to make a full and complete re- sponse. To do that I need to consult my own diary at home, which gives facts and dates, g_m‘kes & very great difference in respect to ates. My friend, Mrs. Brown—I hope she is stilla friend—has got her dates very much confused. Ifortunately keep an account of every such transaction. In reference to Mrs. Stockton I will say that in 1890 she was one of our very best kinder- gartners. She w trained by Mrs. Kate Wig- gins for kindergarten work and was sent to the Willard Free Kindergarten. We never had & more affectionate and better teacher of little children. She was proverbial for thatamong all the teachers. She gave up her work in about a year. She was with us only during the time of her training. A friend of Mrs. Stockton asked me to place her, if I could, in another school. We did not have another kindergarten nhere inwhich to place Mrs. Stockton, bui there was &n applica- tion for & kindergarten from Port Angeles, Wash., and we sent her there. We had reports from her there that she was doing excellent ;vor_k, end that she was beautifully adapted or it. As far as my memory serves me, she returned to this City after being there one year. I had three letters from Port Angeles, which Inow hold,in regard to Mrs. Stockton, and those letters simply state that it would not be well for me to highly recommend her as a teacher of little children, as she did not, like many others ot us, always pay her bills or meake arrangements to pay them,and in the letters were inclosed some of her unpaid bills. This is the history of Mrs. Stockton. And whatever she has done since that time—tive years ago—as she herself stated, I have known nothing personally. At the time of the little trial in connection with the Turkish tea I was told about it, and I think Mrs. French will bear testimony that I said nothing whatever about her. 1 heard she would make application for mem- bership in the church, and in speaking of it my daughter and I both remarked we were glad to see that she was going to change her course of life. In regard to the interview with the pastor at the time she speaks of Mrs, Brown is very true, but not at all in regard to the time. It was at the time of Mrg. Stockton’s return from Port Angeles. She has not the dates correctly. What occurred was this: I saw Dr. and Mrs, Brown going upon a streetcar, and 1 said to Dr. Brown he had better make inquiry, but a statement of & broad and unpleasant nature was never made in any way. Ispoke to our pastor as I feel we always shonld speak to our pastor. My misfortune was that his wife was with him. "It is our duty and privilege to sug- | gest to our pastor, and I have never heard irowm either Dr. Brown or Mrs. Brown that I did anything unchristian on that occasion. If 1did they should have told me at that time. That is'all I can say about that matter until 1can consult my diary. I am satisfied Mrs. Brown is very much mixed in her dates, Dr. Brown then arose from his seat near the piano, near the rear of the platform, came forward and spoke as follows: This whole incident was contrary to my advice. Iam, however, notone of those who are disposed to say 1o their wives what they shall or shall not do. Iam bound to say it is her right to speak in behalf of her home. She is strictly right fn her defense and in her statements concerning Mrs. Cooper and Mrs, Stockton. On the motion of Dr. Brown Deacon Barnard was elected secretary. The first business was the consideration of the report of the joint committee, read- ing as follows: The committee having canvassed the whole subject have come to the unanimous conclu- sion that it is unwise to enter upon any ex- tended investigation as expressed in the fol lowing statement: This joint committee, consisting of the standing committee of the First Congrega- tional Church and a special committee of the Bay Association of Congregational Ministers, submits to the public thé following statement bearing on the case of the Rev. C. 0. Brown, D.D., against whom serious charges are current in the community. The committee of the association desires to be understood that it is not intrusted with any authority under the usages or accordin; to the principles of the Congregationa! churches to either convict or acquit or even toinvestigate. This is the function of the local chureh, assisted at its own request by an ecclesiastical couneil. The standing committee of the church, while recognizing that it igfits duty to take the initiative in this as in all matters of church discipline, yet asks the attention and the can- did consideration of the public the the follow- ing facts. and the committee of the association indorses most earnestly this request. Eirst—That there aré possible contingencies in the processes of the Superior Court, in which our brother will be arraigned, as well 8s the defendant, in view of which he is for- bidden by the evident necessities of the case and by the imperative interdicts of his coun- sel, from making public those statements which he confidently believes would remove the suspicions now existing, aud that we deem it inadvisable for him to make any statements to us vprivately which he is not allowed to make publicly. Second—That we have found our brother eager to welcome, and impatient to insist upon, the most thorough investigation of his con- duct- And as soon as the impediments now existing are removed by the conclusions of the legal trial he has assured us he will ask the chiirch to institute this investigation, assisted bydln ecclesiastical council duly convened; and, Third—That in view of these things we pro- pose for ourselves and we ask of all othersa suspension of judgment in the case ot Dr. Brown, and we hereby express our confidence in his integrity. At the request of Dr. Brown the second resolution was read agair by the secretary. 8. C. Simpson then asked permission to present a substitute for this report. some technical objections the chairman declared a substitute was in order, and Mr. Simpson then came to the platform and read the following preamble and reso- lutions: i I move to amend the pending preamble and resolution, so that the same shall read as follows: ‘WHEREAS, Certain charges of immoral con- duct have been made against our pastor, Rey. C. 0. Brown, D.D., by a person now in prison awaiting trial for a detestable crime, and grave and direct intimations of a like character are contained in certain letters, recently pub- lished, purporting to have been written 7 Tson who {s at present a member of Dr. rown’s housenold; and whereas, these accu- sations have been disseminated by the public prints, and though unsupported by proof have worked and are working incalculable injury to the good name of our pastor and of this %uxch, and to the cause of Christianity, now erefore be it Resolved, By the members of the First Con. gregational Church of San Francisco, duly as- sembled, that, with the concurrence of our paster, Wwhieh' s respectfully salicited, we ereby call an ecclesiastical council to be con- vened forthwith, or as soon as practicable in accordance with Congregational usages, for the ipvesélgnflon of the accusations above men- tioned. Resolved, Further, that in such investigation we will loyally and cordially assist our pastor Dby every proper means in our power in bring- ing the truth to light, to the end that his good name and that of our church may be trium- phantly vindicated, and that in the meantime we respectfully ask the public to suspend Judgmenlufi]on the matter, and to accord to Dr. Brown the presumption of innocence which the rules of law and the principles of natural justice and common fairness grant to every accused person until the contrary i§ clearly establishea, Dr. Brown then thanked Mr. Simpson for the kindly tenor of the resolutions, and said that he would be satisfiec to have them adopted as a substitute. He then continued: But I claim the privilege of asking a ques- tion of those whose minds have been infiu- enced by what has been published in the newspapers during the past thirty-nine days. Had I been in your place and you in mine I doubt whether I should have kept myse!f free from the same prejudices that affect you. Ido not blame you for your position. I look for- ward with the greatest confidence to the time when yvou will come forward and shake me Dby the hand and say you are certain of my iu- nocence. There are some men in this audience who have seen my defense. Those men have no previous prejudice for me and would rather stand against me. I now claim the right to ask the question which I spoke of. He then spoke of the great service he was doing the community in prosecuting Mrs. Davidson as a blackmailer. He stated that he had been cautioned against this course by his attorney, who had graphic- aily pictured to him all he would have to endure, and added that he had not been deterred from his course. Continuing he added : Within the past forty-eight hours facts have been placed within my possession which make me feel that I should have been the mover of a motion to look into these things. I now move the adoption of the substitute. I want to as- sure you that my absolute vindication could be brought about by speaking twenty sen- tences, but I cannot do o now. It will all be told when the witnesses will all ere. I believe that there is no plot in all Victor Hugo that for & moment compares with the in- tricate and diabolical plot that woman has woven for my destruction. It has been very hard to restrain myself from telling you whatI knew, but I am now ready to do so. Considerable discussion ensued on par- liamentary grounds as to the substitute being considered under existing circum- stances. An appeal was finally taken from the ruling of the chair, that the substitute was a proper one under the circumstances, and his decision was reversed. Mr. Simpson explained that the reason for his having offered the resolution was that he believed a council should be called at once and added thatif Dr. Brown meant to call a council immediately there would be no need for adopting the resolutions, Dr. Brown stated that it, was his inten- tion to call the council at once. During the debate on the report of the joint committee, which was now the busi- ness before the meeting, Dr. Brown stated that he regretted very much the hissirg of last \Vednesdny. and that he intended to Erotest against it, but that the chairman ad anticipated him. *My son,” he said, ‘“‘says he cannot remember that he took part in that demonstration. If I knew he did I should certainly take him to task for it.” Mrs. Cooper here arose and disavowed any ill-feeling toward Master Brown, and spoke as follows: In the few words that I have to say I shall dwell upon principles and not upon persons. The first are eternal, the lastare but transi- tory. It is afirm and unfaltering adherence to principle that, in the long run, assures to us the smile of God and the confidence of man- kind. The resolution of the joint committee as published reads,in part,thus: * * * «We After | Propose for ourselves, and we'ask of all others, a suspension of judgment in the case of Dr. Brown, and we hereby express our confidence in his {ntegrity.” To the logical mind this resolution is very incongruous. It is contradictory in its very nature. It is a decided errorin logic to assume that a suspension of judgment will allow of either acquittal or conviction of the accused. Therefore the statement of “confidence in his integrity”” is contrary to the same and is & paraaoxical absurdity. The first clause in regard to “a suspension of judgment” is right and just, but, in the next breath, to ask for an expression of “confidence in his {ntegrity” is to ask for an immediate ex- pression of judgment—nolens volens. This expression some of us may not be prepared to ive until ail the evidence iu the case has been uly weighed and examined. Truth cannot be ‘established by resolutions. Resolutions cannot change facts, and genuine character has nothing to fear from facts. And we must nver forget that the vigor and health of mind and soul will forever depend upon our rever- ent regard for and our assimilation of facts. I suppose we are all anxious toconserve the best and highest interests of the church and_of Christianity. We certainly should be. We solemnly covenant, when we unite with the church, to seek its peace and prosperity. The only way to seek and to preserve the peace and prosperity of the church is to seek and to pre- serve the purity of the church. First pure, then peaceable, is the aivine order. Truth, purlty and righteousness are the {mmutable aws ‘of social order whether in church or state. As says the grand old prophet, Isaiah: “The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness shall be quiet- ness and assurance forever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure awellings, and in quiet resting-places.” And 5o, my friends, I see but one thing to do, in the midst of any perplexity and sorrow, whatsoever. Itistodoas David did, when he was in very great distress and peril.” He tells us plainly what we ought to do: “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and put your trust in the Lord.” Continue in the way of duty; g0 to the sanctuary even when you have 10 grope for the sacred door in darkness of spirit; seek the altar and say concerning the God of truth and of righteousness: He will make the truth manifest in His own good time and way. In view, therefore, of the fact that the evi- dence is not all in as yet on eitherside, ¥ move, as an amendment, that the last clause of the resolution be eliminated, and that this last clause be laid upon the table until such time as any and all doupts may be removed. When that time comes, I shali beg to be permitted to offer the resolution myself, thinking it might bave somewhat more emphasis as coming from one who now earnestly asks for its suspension. The resolution asks for a suspension of judg- ment, which, by parity of reasoning, necessarily includes a suspension also of the vote of confi- dence. ‘When she concluded Dr. Brown spoke as foliows: Ido not think we want to spend our time in listening to long speeches or quotations from the Scriptures. I want to say that no friend of mine will vote for what Mrs, Cooper has proposed to-night. Charles G. Nagle stated that every one present had the highest regard and re- spect for Dr. Brown, both as a minister and as a man. 5 Another debate was precipitated, in the course of which Mr. Wolcott indulged in a tirade including the expression ‘miser- able, dirty whelps,” for which he was angrily taken to task by the chairman. On a standing vote being taken the chair- man announced that Mrs. Cooper’s motion was lost, but Dr. Brown, desirous, as he stated, of ascertaining how many friends he had in the church, asked that the vote be counted. This showed 60 fora nd 123 against the proposed amendment. The report of the joint committee as a whole then came up for adoption. After all debate had been ruled out of order, just before the count was made for the affirma- tive side, Dr. Brown remarked: ‘I want to say that every iriend of mine votes for this resolution.” Dr. Warren, who had attempted to speak and who was debarred by the chairman, addressed the latter as follows: “Did you object to Dr. Brown appealing to his friends?”’ To this Dr. Brown quickly responded as follows: “You had better Keep still, I tell yo;: l“",’f‘ 1 will give you my reasons pri- vately. 7 The vote on this showed 125 for and 70 against the adoption of the resolution, which was declared carried. Deacon Vasconcellos then moved the adoption of the report of the trustees and standing committee of the church, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, Certain intimations of immoral conduct have been made against C. 0. Brown, D.D., by irresponsible persons and withoutany Proof as to their credibility, now be it Resolved, That this body expresses full and entire confidence in Rev. C. 0. Brown’s integ- rity and good moral character and will not credit vague and damaging insinuations until they are proved before a competent tribunal. _ This was also adopted by a large ma- jority. Attorney Naele then made a mo- tion in effect that the Futor occupy his pulpit until the investigation was com- pleted. This brought forth a vigorous protest from the minority, Mr. Holbrook acting as chief spokesman. Dr. Brown urged his friends to stand by him and not let it go out to the world that he could not occugy his pulpit until this affair was ended. Chairman Dexter then put the motion of Mr. Nagle and by a standing vote it was passed, 114 to 75. . Dr. Brown then said with evident feel- ing: “I shall never occupy the pulpit again until I'am cleared of these charges. Now I make a motion that a committee be appointed to make the preliminary ar- r?]n:’emcnu for the meeting of the coun- el . 1t was suggested that Dr. Brown reduce this toa resolution, which was done, the deacons being named as the committee. The meeting then adjourned. The deacons will hold a meeting to-day, when they expect to set the machinery in motion that will bring the council to- gether within the next ten days. DRAWN BY A MASTER HAND Living Picture of C.P. Hunting- ton on the Witness-Stand Twenty Years Ago. COHEN'S SCATHING INVECTIVE. The Magnate’s Lapses of Memory. “Brand of Perjury Indelibly Im- pressed Upon His Forehead.” At a time when Southern Pacific meth- ods and practices, in and out of State and National politics, and in private financial matters, are being widely discussed, and when public suspicion, to put it mildly, is directed to the attempts of Mr. Hunting- ton and his satellites to foist upon the peo- Pple a measure that reeks with injustice to the whole country, and especially to the people of California; when this same Mr. Huntington is being paraded by his paid supporters as a man who is being wronged by a cruel press, and who is suffering from unjust attacks upon his reputation for honesty and ve- racity; at a time when such a man, with the air of injured innocence, is masquerad- ing as a patient, much abused person from whom the people have withheld praises due ana of whom the people now dare to demand some tithe of what belongs to them—at such a time it will not be unin- teresting tofreaders in general to behold the picture that is revealed when the light is turned upon the past career of C. P. Huntington, that past career which he would give millions to have erased from the records and buried in oblivion. Few men were in a better position to thoroughly know Huntington than the iate Alfred A. Cohen. He had been in the employ of the railroad company ana had large dealings with it, but finally he had won the hatred of members of that corpo- ration and they struck at him a blow that was intended to shatter his influence and standing. The stroke had a boomerang effect. Cohen in 1868 owned a ferry system be- tween this City and Oakland and Alameda, and he sold it to the directors of the Cen- tral Pacific Railroad in 1869. Aiter that, Cohen managed the property for the pur. chasers until August, 1870, when it was consolidated with the Central Pacific Rail- road Company. Then Cohen became agent and attorney for the company, at an annual salary, with the proviso that the duties should not interfere with his private business. This arrangement continued until 1875, when Cohen withdrew from the railroad company’s service. Now, in the year 1868 Cohen and others purchased part of a ferry-slip at the foot of Second street, known as block 9, from Henry B. Tichenor, the latter retaining one-fourth interest. The purchase price was $200,000. In October, 1869, Hunting- ton, as represented by the Contract and Finance Company, obtained an option from Tichenor to purchase block 9 within a year for $250,000. The option was exer- cised and the property purchased for that price. Years passed; a social quarrel sprang uv between Cohen and one of the members of the corporation in 1876. Coben left the company’s employ and advocated a bill before the Legislature for the regulation of freights and fares on the company’s line, whereupon the corpora- tion, to destroy Cohen’s infiuence, raked up a tiansaction seven years old and brought suit against Cohen, alleging that the latter in 1869, acting as the company’s agent, had purchased block 9 for $200,000, and by secret arrangement with Tichenor, had reported the price to the company at $250,000, the defendant (Cohen) fraudu- lently retaining $50,000. For thislatter sum the railroad company sued Cohen. The action is entitled Cen- tral Pacitic Railroad Company vs. Alfred A. Cohen, and 1t was tried in the Twelfth District Court of San Francisco in October, 1876. The case served to show up the members of the corporation. It was heard before Judge W. P. Daingerfield, who, having heard all the evidence and listened to the able arguments of both sides, without taking the case under advisement, imme- diately announced his findings 1n favor of Cohen, the defendant. In that case, Huntington was a leading witness for the plaintiff. His character is painted on the records of that court. Mr. Cohen fully comprehended the in- iquitous power of the corporation which bas become the great Southern Pacific Railroad Company of to-day. In begin- ning his remarkable address” in that case he averred: Iknow that the power of this great corpora- tion, which has been not inaptly compared to that of the devil-fish, has been extended in &l- most every direction. Iknow that the clank of its golden fetters has been heard along the floors of legislative halls. I know that the mildew of its corrupting influence has crept over the desk of Supervisors and Assessors. I know that its gilded finfier of menace has been raised to make dumb voices that should have been heard on the side of the people in caucus &nd in convention. In discussing the evidence given in the suit in question by the man who is now the controlling power in the Southern Pacitiz, Mr. Cohen says: Mr. Huntington is the urbane member of the corporation. He is the Epbraim Smooth, the Congressional operator, the legislative broker and financial manipulator of this great corporate Kraken. Mr. Huntington is the diner and winer of the Washington devart- ment of this devil-fish, Mr. Huntington possesses 8 memory like one of the rocking stones of the ancient Draids— the finger oi a friend placed on the right spot can cause it to vibrate to the very center, but the battering-ram of & foe cannot move it one iota from its stolidity. Before a Congressional committee and in the witness-box, or in the taking of a deposition, Mr. Huntingfon is the Tepresentative know-nothing of the nine- teenth century; he is a very centennial speci- men. Mr. Huntington ovtained his vast wealth from the Contract and Finance Company—of that gulselas. viewless, conscienceless, im- palpable but affluent incorporeal monster Mr, Huntington was & part to the extent of one- fourth. The Contract and Finance Company, com- posed of Stanford, Huntington, uopkfns and the Crockers, was in partnership with the Central and Western Pacific Railroad Com- g;ny. composed of the Crockers, Huntington, opkins and Stanford. It was & partnership Wwhich resulted in the first corporation owniong all the property and the second corporation owing all the debis. The railroad corpora- tion proper, the debt-saddled and curse-in- cumbered corporation, still lives. It lives to elude assessors, to debsuch legisiatures, and to cower at the doors of Congress, seeking only immunity and oblivion. Once its cry was that of the daughters of the horse-leech, *Give! Give!” Now its refrain is, “Let us alone! Let us alone!” On September 10, 1875, in San Francisco, the members of the Contract and Finance Company voted to put an end to its life, and Mr. Huntington voted one-fourth of the whole capital stock of the company in favor of disincorporation. Mr. Cohen, therefore, makes the supposition that the Contract’ and Finance Committee is no more, and he continued from this point as follows: But the curious circumstance to which I call your Honor’s attention here is that the affiu- ent legatee, the bereaved orphen, the quad- rilateral executioner of the Contract and Fi- nance Company, the man who stood by both its cradle and its tomb, the witness, Hunting- ton, was, only four months aiter its demise, un- able to recollect that it had ever lived, for on_ the of January, 1876, . Huntington swore before a com- mittee of the House of Representatives at Washington that he did not know the names of any of the officers or directors of the Con- tract and Finance Company; that he scarcely knew that lected its existence, and only fzecfla one ont o exis en‘f_ai“'beic(nnfillll;g:: wn had told him 0. ,if_th dBirgDraced. forgotten entity }devbeenilnrilng and breathing 1t might have said with en.4 How sharper than & ser{uenl'x tooth it is To have a thankless child. o d yet the witness Huntington, who cries, NoAnnmi’ ricordo! nou mi ricordo! lho:trn ‘11111; portant event occurring four months before, i able to recollect with precision an lnto'nseqluen. tial detail of 8 business transaction seven year 5 i i tive of all But the most burning invective that scathing address was when Mr. Col}az} summed up and analyzed the lE!{llmf)n:\ o C. P. Huntington. Listen to his arraign- ment of the railroad magnate: I have alluded to the nature of the memory of Huntington, and I ask your Honor’s consid- eration one minuté to the character of his cross-examination. Now, sir, I appeal to you boldly and with confidence, whether you, sit- ting fiere impartially to jugge between e plaintiff end myself, holding the scales o Justice with an even and firm hand, neither in- clining to one side nor theother, whether from what you saw of that witness on the stand, you would allow his testimony to affect the balance either way. 1 do not like to comment with any harshness upon_the testimony of Huutington, because after his examination and Just at the’ adjorn- ment of the court he toid me if this thing con- tinued—if he was cross-examined any more— there would be a coolness between us. Ido not wish to produce that deplorable resuit; but I do say that if. in the course of my limited ex- erience, I ever saw justice not only tempered ut diluted with mercy it was when your Honor allowed him to leave the courtroom & iree man, instead of sending him in charge of an officer to be examined by a magistrate upon a charge of perjury. 558 Isay that one of the most disgraceful inci- dents of this whole trial was this one man’s evidence—the vice-president of this great cor- poration—the man who has been foremost in sdministering the great trust which the Na- tion consided to himself aud his associates— coming here and, to question after question, swearing that he did not recollect facts which it was impossible, in the nature of things, that he ever could forget; and then, when he is pressed, when the questions are coming thick and close upon bim, aud they are getting to be decidedly inconvenient, what does he do? He turns around and replies by impertinent and flippant personal remarks. So we have it from very high authority that no less a per- son than Mr. (afterward Lord) Brougham, who was counsel in the celebrated trial of Queen Caroline, and he makes the remark about a witness whose want of recollection has become a matter of history, and who has immortalized and perpetuated a term which he used many times in the course of the testimo: in that case; “Non mi ricordo!” that “nothing more surely discloses the testimony of a false witness than flippancy and impertinence in the manner of teiling his story.” “‘A false witness is always flippant and im- pertinent when he is pressed.”” And that is just what Mr. Huntington was. I say that in this case, where more than money is involved; where you, sir, sitting as chancellor, are asked to determine whether the plaintiff {n this case is entitled toa decree upon the ground of iraud; no reliance, not one particle, should be placed upon the testimony of such a witness as that man Huntington. 1 do not like to say anything that is harsh. I do not like to go be- yond the bounds of decent and respectable lan- guage. I do not like tocalimen by opprobrious epithets, but I do say this, and hold myself re- sponsible for it at all times and in ali piaces, that if ever a witness leit the siand with the brand of perjury indelibly impressed upon his forehead, that witness was C. ¥. Huntington. What was true twenty years ago is true to-day. Men do not change character as chameleons their color. In Arizona, which has an Indian popu- lation of 57,000, not & single white man has been killed by an Indian during the past year. NEW TO-DAY. 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