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Show Page 263 "I know Reverend Dr. Newman very well...a splendid man, and as a political preacher he is unsurpassed...but we have enough politicians in the Senate already." So ran the comment of one Illinois Senator, Richard Yates, known for his candor, when Newman's name was brought up for confirmation as Senate chaplain. After years of soothing a Cabinet and Congress that was secretly, shamefully profiteering in partnership with the railroad interests, he received as reward the appointment of "inspector of U.S. consulates." It was a fitting one, permitting him a leisurely cruise around the world, hopping from one elegant embassy banquet to another - although his appointment occasioned some criticism, he was responsible enough in his duties. When the Grant crowd fell into disgrace, Newman blithely followed his general into retirement at New York, comfortable and secure in his own pious rectitude. A contemporary described Newman in knowing terms: "...fine-spirited...a rather grandiose style with rehearsed gestures and pose and a wealth of allusion and illustration drawn from literature and foreign travel...his musical and sonorous voice made his audience uncritical of his thought, which was not analytical or profound. In the public mind, he was 'Grant's pastor.'" 54 No doubt, Newman felt deeply self-assured as he entered the Tabernacle on a Friday afternoon to meet his opponent. Both debaters were represented by seconds who had arranged the terms, and a U.S. Marshal had been selected to umpire the proceeding. One of the arbitrators raised a titter from the three thousand expectant Saints in attendance when he stood to introduce the first speaker, Professor Orson Pratt; it seemed incongruous to the audience to hear a federal judge "introducing" their own apostle 55 to them. The debaters had agreed to discuss a question rather than an affirmation: "Does the Bible sanction polygamy?" Orson wasted no time, but went directly to Deuteronomy, Chapter 21, Verses 15 through 17: |