New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-04-27
Rev. DIR. CrOswell-Public Rumor.
Extract from the Speech Of Richard II Dana Jr in De-
tense OF Rev Oliver 5. Prescott.

Extract from the Speech Of Richard H. Dana, Jr in De-
tense OF Rev, Oliver 5. Prescott
There is passion known among men, as
the most mplacable the most eager the most
less OF passons-a moral curiosity, designated by psy
biologists as the odirm theolQgtcum.
Nothing short OF this could have inspired and directed
the efforts of the prosecution in the present case This
passion lives and hrves on the slightest possible food
1t feeds air. Public ruinor is quite substantial
enough for its richest diet 1t is conessedy public
alone that this prosecution is based The learned
counsel in defending the presentment against my sx'
ceptCns said that the charges were as specc as the
Committee could make them considering that they had
not been able to see the Witnesses to get at the first
sources Of information. He said they had right TO
found charges public runor; that public runor has
been from the earliest ages sufficient foundation for
proceedings against a clergyman; that a clergyman
must be beyond reproach as well as clear of ofense
and that it injury to him TO be called upon to
come forward and exculpate himself but that he ought
rather 10 be grateful for the opportunity But may 1t
please your reyerences have otherwise read the book
of human nature. have always heard 1t said that
could not wish his worst enemy worse fate than
that his character should be the subject of defense
had looked upon public of the sins Of the
tongue let loose souless bodyess irresponsible false
and heeting, common strunpct, the slave of every
lust But the eager and prosecuting spirit of party the
ology has made her ally, taken her TO It's BOSOM and
her false breath founded its attack upon the charsc
ter, name, usefulness of brother,
Public rumor was educated to despise it A sound,
well consdered public opinion, subject upon which
public opinion intelhgently act regard with due
as motive for one action OF my life When the coun.
eel or the prosecution passed his euogy the memory
of the late DR. Croswell could not but think what
rebuke his lie was to public rumor. If ever
the destined victim OF public rumor, that man VIM
Croswe Not left To its low hsuns but elevated to the
dignity of Episcopal sanction promulgated by Episcopal
proclamation of the general or economical propriey Of
which do not now wish 20 speak il charged him with
degrading the character Of the Church and perllng
the souls OF our people" But in patience and conf.
dence, hS aired IL eli dorn He went forward in the
1.tlxv ~. "a.
daily public service daily mnistrafions to the poor and
sick and afflicted not without much suffering from the
relentless attacks his and usefulness sueriugs
which shortened his days earth and the daily beauty
OF his lite made ugly the countenance OF detracton and
defamation. PueEc confidence plant Of slow growth
grew about him Public justice rendered TO him
without movement of his He feu at his post
with all his armor ON
About the time ofthe evening sacrifice the angel Touched
him, and he WIS called away He fell with his face TO
his altar with the words OF bepedction his ps sur
Rounded ey an almost adoring congregstior mourned
ey an entire community. All men rose up and called
hun blessed. From the distinguished rector of 81
Psnis Church In his noble sermon from the text ANY
my afher the charios Of Israel and the horse
men thereoi to the humhest orphan child in the oh.
seare lDey, who missed his daily returning visit-a all
WIN one sscord, sent up their voices as incense 70
heaven bad the honor and privilege be one of the
itwwho seven years before that day. received him on
his entrance into the city take the charge of his infant
parish am proud and grateful to remember that i
was enc OF those on whom, in his long struggle in
easure according TO my ability he leaned for support
And seven years, almost believe quite to the verv
dsy, had he melancholy privilege with that company
of bearing his body up that aisle which he had so often
sscended In dis native dignity aud in the bexuy Of ho
pees.
should be an unworthy parishioner pupil may say,
friend OF bis, ii allowed myself to defer for momen,
public runor question of character or principle
should be orgeffa of his example, If allowed any enc
to do SO who looked to me for counsel and drecton-
No gentlemen let all, lsy rsvered, call 10 mind hs
he aid his desih and let public rumor blow Us Is
the Idle Wind poisonous only 10 Acse who open their
seuses 70 receive T. Boston Traveller.