The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-05-22
REV. DR.. HUSTON.


an Ecclesiastical COurt-A Star Cham
Der Investigntion-yirgin Hopkins
Placed Upon the stand-A Solemn Do
claration Taken That the Reverend
Gentleman Led Her Astray.
BALTIMORE May 81, 1872
The case of Lorenzo DOW Huston, late pastor OF
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, South In
this city, was commenced to-day before the Coolest
astcal Court selected to Try him. The charges
against Dr. Huston have already appeared in the
HERALD, and ii will only be necessary to state that
he is arragned for number of henous and re-
Voting breaches of the moral code. The Court
duly organized at ten O'Clock in the parsonage Of
Trinity Methodist Episcopal church, Biddle
street. The following gentlemen, composing this
tribunal, were present.-Revs. Nelson Head Thomas
Carson, Zimmerman, Spanglcr and another minis
ter whose name your reporter could not ascertain.
Rev. Samuel Rodgers the Presiding Elder or this
district, presided over its deliberations. Besides
the Court, Rev. Samuel J. Gardner, the prosecutor
for the Church; ID. Eldridge Monroe, counsel for
Huston ana the accused, were the only persons
permitted to enter the building
OPENING or THE TRIAL.
The trial was opened by an invocation OF the
divine blessing from Dr.. Rodgers. A long Discus
sion then ensued to the proper manner OF con-
Quoting the investigation and the right OF the ac-
G. S. Roszell, the counsel assigned to DR..
Huston was prevented from appearing
by Illness Dr.. Huston wished that Samuel
Snowden, his attorney in the libel case against the
.Anee'1ccn, should appear for him. He strenuolsly
advocated his right to be thus represented; but
after sharp and wordy contest, his application
was overruled by the Court, and d.
Eldldge Monroe school teacher and rheO-
logical student, was substituted for the
Rev. Mr.. RoszeI Monroe is young man, about
about twenty eight years of age, fun round iace
strated in very brief conversation with the HER
AIDS reporter tonight that his opinion of himself
was fully good rs his Abilities
THE CASE or VIRGINIA HOPKINS.
After the question OF counsel had been decided
long debate followed as to which case should be
first Investigated by the body 1t was finally
agreed that Virginia Hopkins should be PLACED.
before proceeding with tie others. Virginia Hop
kline is white servant girl, who was employed by
months months ago. pree Preferred Charges ' against the
accused Of having scduced her from the paths OF
reettuae her sas are arre edod ny
the traces Of smallpox. she has a fine
figure and graceful carriage, but IN cofyersa-
Virginia Hopkins placed upon the stand at
three O'Clock. she told very simple and unyar..
nished story, ana gave evidence repeatedly OF
deep humiliation, and was distressed at being
placed in such trying position. Her evidence
substantially was the same as has already appeared
in the HERALD.
40 OTHER YOUNG MAN IMPLICATED.
She was submitted to q cross examination OF
three hours duration by the learned counsel for the
defence In the course OF which the question was
asked whether She had not been seen with
a young man at late hour OF the
night on the street with her hand resting
his shoulder. The witness replied that
one occasion she had returned rom Holly Grove, il
watering place near the city, IN company with
her sister and a. young gentleman, and
was in the act Of bidding him good night
in front OF her house, when the Rev.
Huston passed by and she supposed
this was the occasion referred to, as Dr. Huston
was always Jealous OF her when she was the re-
cipient ofattentions nom other men. She declared
positively that the
REVEREND GENTLEMAN HAD SEDuCED HER.
and that she had never permitted any intimacy
from other men, She said that she was very much
rapid questions proponnded to her, and
was unable to disclose what she could
have done under more favorable circumstances.
No '.star Chamber inquistion has ever been con-
Quoted with more profound secrecy than has
thus far characterized the deliberations OF
this religious Court. As was said above, all
persons are rigidly excluded from the parsonage
where the sessions of the court are held and the
presiding officer politely, out positively, declined TO
give even the names OF its members. Dr. Huston
and his attorney are equally retlccnt ana these
facts are obtained from dinerent, but thoroughly
reliable source.
The Court adjourned at seven O'Clock this even
ing and the examination OF witnesses In the case
OF Virginia Hopkins Huston Will be resumed to-
morrow morning
The community is excited over the investigation.
anu the feeling Is heightened by the extraordinary
precautions OF the members of the Court against
the unfolding OF Information.