The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1872-03-08
The Rev. seducer Hustos.


scandal are becoming worse and worse
as developments bring to light bis In
triges with his coufding Sabbath school
scholars. The Baltimore American says
that another Of his victims is Miss Vir-
ginia Hopkins, an orphan child who
lost both her parents at an early age,
and ever since she was old enough has
earned her living by going out to ser
vice. She was living in the family OF
Mr.. Carville II. Carson, corner Of Lex
ington and Republican streets, when she
first attracted the attention Of DR.. Hus-
ton. Mr.. Carson was a prominent
member of the church, and the pastor,
Rev Dr. Huston, was frequent visitor
at his house, and availed bimselt OF his
intimacy with the family to corrupt and
seduce the humble little servant girl,
Virginia Hopkins. She yesterday
repeated her former declaration
that, as with other victims, he obtain
ed complete mastery over her, and per-
suaded her that there was nothing
wrong in his illicit proceedings. She
did not think so good man would
commit q sin, and thus she was per
suaded and tempted to her ruin. When
Mr. Carson removed to Savannah the
girl went with him, but soon was taken
with an insutferable homesickness and
returned to Baltimore. She went into
the service OF a christian lady, and,
prompted by an awakened conscience,
she confided to her the dreadful secret.
This led to the investigation last No
vember, in which the committee ap.
pointed by the Presiding Elder reported
the charge not sustained. The reverend
Judges had nothing before them but the
solemn declaration OF this poor little
orphan girl, and what wonld it weigh
when put in the scale against the repu-
tation of 80 great a manf Nothing
whatever 50 the accusation was dis
missed.
To look upon the plain face OF this
young girl (scarcely more than sixteen
wears Of age) one would think that an
old man, minister Of the Gospel, might
have ptied her defenseless condition,
and left her in the possession of that
priceless treasure-her virtue. She had
nothing else in all the world, and when
it was gone she was poor indeed. There
are those who sympathize with her in
the mighty sorrow that has blighted her
life, and although an orphan and vic
tim to the seducers arts, she is not
without friends who believe her to be
an innocent, truthful girl, who has done
no wrong except that which the seducer
taught her. She has modest, tlmid
look, that does not belong to those who
sin wilfully and invent falsehood' to
excuse their wantonness.
How DR.. Huston escaped detection 30
long is an incomprehensible mystery;
If he had associated with "sinners"
they would have found him out very
quickly. He very wisely kept among
those who led blameless lives themselves
and suspected no wrong in others. The
relation he bore to his people as their
pastor gave him an impunity which no
other person could have enjoyed. An
incident is related OF him which illus
trates the singular indifference to ap
pearances which he practiced. He was
in the habit Of meeting one of his little
pets at Mr.. Lanterbach's ice
cream saloon, on the corner OF
Baltimore and Poppleton streets. On
a fine summer evening one OF the girls
came and waited for him a long time.
When he entered the room he took her
hand and made many apologies. You
stayed go long that | thought | would
write you note, but now that you
have come will keep the note myself,
said the pretty girl. 80, you little
darling, you must give me the note;
let me see what yoa have written.
The Academic lover took the note and read
it with great eagcrness, and then stoop'
ing down kissed the girl, with the
exclamation, 30 you blessed darling.
Now, this would all have been very
pretty if the girl had been keeping trust
with her lover in some secluded spot;
but if the enamored young man had
given vent to his enthusiastic admira-
ton in a public saloon as DR., Huston
did, it would not have been long before
a policeman would have collared him
and marched him off to the Station
house, where his passion would have
been cooled by nights lodging in one
of the cells. As it was, every one
thought that so good man could do
M vrOnp