The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1870-12-23
A CARD FROM REV. j. D. BELL
A Glimpse at The Other side.


of the 18th inst, entitled, "A Preacher in
Trouble is so widely at variance with the
truth in the case referred TO, that beg leave
to set forth the following presentation of the
facts:
Let me state, just here, that it was not my
wish that the private griefs resulting from my
domestic misfortunes should be dragged before
the public. 1 was willing the sad effects of
those misfor:unes should end with the hearts
concerned, and that the balance should be left
to the great Judge. But the persecution, as
well Us the prosecution, has been so virulent,
and so many false statements have been made,
that write this rs n duty to the public.
The article intimates that / was charged
with attempting to defraud member to the
amount of $12," and with appearing before
several persons in a state Of intoXication." 1
will simply say that no such charges were
brought against me. 1t also intimates that the
most important of the charges against me were
sustained, that was convicted of inadequate
ly providing for my family etc., and that
''when could no longer preach took refuge
in the Tribune Office
The facts are these: On Tuesday, Nov. 18th,
one of the prosecuting committee of the church
#. Aiyord-came TO me, about the middle OF
the forenoon, and asked if had been notified
in reference to council meeting to be held in
behalf of the First Congregational Church, 1T
o'clock, that day, for the Investigation of the
case of Deacon johnson, Charged with steal
ing WOOD, and that of myself. l replied that
had received no notice of any thing of the
kind, and that 1t was totally matter of sur
prise to me to learn that such a meeting was
designed to be held. He remarked that he
supposed could be present at the meeting if
l wished. 1 was present, and my protest
was entered against any inquisition concern
ing myself, before due notice had been given
me, together with copy of the charges pre-
ferred, etc. The result was that the strateget-
ic attempt of my enemies to hold an eL pdrte
investigation in reference to myself, though
most cunningly planned, was frustrated, and
/ obtained postponement of the proceedings
for two weeks, and an opportunity to make
answer. On Tuesday evening, Dec. 18th, !
appeared before the council, having for assist
ants, Rev. r. Cordiey, of Lawrence, and Rev.
l.. II. Plat, of Eureka. The investigation oc-
cupied Tuesday evening and Wednesday fore
noon. The official report has not yet been CIV
en-, but the general expression of the council
on each Of the charges is known. 1t is also
known that the council passed strong vote
of censure ON the church. And have the as
surance of my assistants, that the result of the
trial was substantially real triumph over my
bitter, INSCRIPTIONS, and reyengeful oppo-
nents in the church, and that the final report
will not injure me with any intelligent, I'M
prejudiced persons or parties, either here or
elsewhere.
The charges were nine in number, and only
three of them were pronounced sustained.
here present list of them, with the general
expression of the council appended under
each one:
1. Speaking unkindly of members of the
church to other members, viz, of T. L. Hurl-
burt, w. A. Ella, T. Alyord, j. Spangler and
others.
Both parties considered censurable.
.. Arbitrarily refusing to allow the church
TO appoint a chairman OF church meeting.
and opposing any meeting of the church TO
take up his relation TO the church.
There was a division on the part of the
council, and the charge was not sustained as
it reads.
3. Falsely claiming that Bro. j. NJ. Spang-
Ter had agreed to pay for lumber which Mr.
Bell had subscribed TO the parsonage recently
built by the church and society, 10 the amount
Of $I2.
Not sustained.
4. Abuse of members OF the church in SER
mon preached soon after the church meeting.
etc., calling them ''sneaking dogs" and other
epithets; and also in three anonymous articles
The prosecuting party wished to withdraw
this, but the defense objected. and the sermon
IN question and the articles entitled, Hogs in
Sheepfolds" were read. The council were di-
vided in their vote.
.. Manifestations of anger and abuse of
members in church meeting about the same
time.
Both the church and the defendant were
deemed censurable.
6. Penuriously providing for his family and
personal abuse Of his wife.
Sustained, but not by an absolute decision,
since the defendant showed that his family
expenses for the year had been oyer 500.
while his receipts from the society had been
only about S762; ana that there were two
sides to the case of his domestic difficulties
it being made very clear that both his child
and himself had been sadly and shamefulIy
miSused by his wife.
Z. Habitual use of intoxicating liquor.
This charge was most decidedly pronounced
not sustained.
8. Use Of liquor to the extent OF manifest
ing its influence on himself before Mrs. Bell,
Mr.. Mcmillan and MIR. Bearce.
Pronounced sustained, though only by sup
positions. Nothing but the guesses of the
several witnesses were given as proof; and to
such proof the defendant could not respond.
o. That his conduct here Is but a repetition
| of wrongs perpetrated in New York State.
This was withdrawn by the prosecuting
party-a disposition of it which the defendant
very much regretted, as he was prepared 10
present proofs Of the most decisive nature,
showing that the alleged "wrongs" were
| thoroughly investigated years ago, that his
/ character was fully cleared, and that his &C.
elesiastical standing remained. and continued
perfectly good.
Iwill add that 1 only wish full account
could be given to the public Of the whole in
| vestigation by the council, with all the facts
elected. These am willing to stand by.
should have said nothing of these things here,
had not the article referred to called me out
| And now ! have done. j. d. BELL.
| EMPoRIA, Dec. IL, 1870.