any support to the unchristian doctrine of separate presbyteries and
synods for black and half-white Presbyterians.

When the General Assembly met a year ago the Church had been somewhat
stirred up, though the leaders and editors generally seemed so anxious
for a proud reunion that they were ready to forget the wrong proposed to
the colored brothers. Indeed, a volunteer commission of editors and
managers had gone all through the South visiting the synods of the
Northern Church where the Negroes were in the majority, persuading them
that it would be better for them to go by themselves and get their share
of the honors. Not willing to be an obstacle, the Negroes had very
generally yielded to the persuasions of their kind visitors.

But there were a number of earnest men who were not willing to yield the
principle, and who would make a fight. It was the Centennial year, and
the two Assemblies were meeting at the same time and in neighboring
cities, ready to consummate the union if desired. But the previous
discussion had stirred up the Southerners also, and they had discovered
that the temper of the North was not all that had been represented. They
were not at all sure that the color-line could be peacefully drawn. They
had decided, therefore, not to unite. The report of the Committee of
Conference was accordingly withdrawn, and the matter referred to another
committee, which praised the fidelity of the Committee, declared it
premature to act on their report, and approved "the general principles
enumerated in the replies of the Committee," and recommended that the
committee of thirteen be enlarged by the addition of five more men, and
continued to devise methods of co-operation with the Southern Church. In
fear of acrimonious discussion this was railroaded through in two
minutes.