The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1874-07-24
BEECHEIs AND TIG.rON

the plymouth church council of
some months ago, but It seems to
have been only "whitewashed," TO
use phrase so common in counec-
ton with Investigations. DIR. Ba-
con, who presided over that coun-
Gil, and other friends OF Beecher.
were not disposed to let the matter
rest, but used such language towards
Tilton, after the conclusion of tile |
withdrawing process, IN various
places, as to again arouse Mr.. TIL |
toms anger, and he at once deter
mined to defend himself before the |
public. He wrote a letter TO DIR. Ba.
con, which set forth his grievances
against Beecher in strong terms.
1t occupied two pages of his pa
per, the Golden Age. In this he
gave fall history of the whole af-
fair from the Tilton and-point,
and excited much sympathy for
himself Among other things he
published Beecher's letter asking
him (Tilton) in the strongest terms,
and in the humblest spirit, appar-
emily, 70 forgive him for the wrong
he had inflicted. This letter, with
statements made by Mr.. Tilton,
which seemed to be backed by strong
circumstantial evidence, rather turn
ed the current against Beecher.
The publication of Tilton's state
ment led, after some effort to avoid
it, to another investigation by the
authorities of Plymouth church,
which il now going on. We have
the promise of ali concerned that it
shall be thorough and final this
time
1t will be remembered that this
scandal was first made public by
the notorious Woodruff. In some
strange mood, or by some unfortu-
nate infatuation, Tilton became the
associate, few years ago, of that
serpent, and such power did she
gain over him that she extracted
from the man what he claim
ed to be his secret. 1t was boldly
published to the world that Mr..
Beecher was guilty of a gross crime
toward Mrs. Tilton. This is the
crime which Mr.. Tilton charges
Beecher with, but which he has new
err, we believe, testified to squarely.
Mrs. Tilton has been before the
committee, and after the strictest
examination, denies this story in the
most positive manner. Mr.. Beech
er's side of tho affair is that Mrs.
TiltOn complained to him of her
husband; that she spoke of his in
fidelity, and cited instances; spoke
of his going with strange women,
and proved that her statement was
true, and finally begged him Beech.
err to advise her, as a man and d
minister, what to do. Beecher, af-
ter long deliberation and considera.
BILE hesitancy, advised her If she felt
she could Lot reclaim her husband
to leave him. After time BeecheI
felt that he had made u mistake in
| giving thls advice; he thought that
perhaps, If left to the impulses OF
his own generous nature, Tilton
would have abandoned the strange
, women after whom he had beer
= running, and return to the peace o.
! his own household. In this condi.
l ton of mind, he apologized to Til
ton for what he had done, promised
, TO extend to him the right hand o.
: fellowship in future, and bury the
past utterly.
The above is briefly the status Of
r the case at this time. 1t is at best
an unfortunate affair. Even il il
proves to be case of ordinary jeal.
ousy the injury done by paradine
the scandal in the public prints will
= be incalculable. 1t has already re.
suited in the separation of Mr.. and
Mrs. TiltOn. Mr.. T. says his wife
/ was guilty of deliberate falsehood in
her testimony, and that now he is nc
longer under obligations to with
hold what he has heretofore kept
back on her account. We hope the
) truth will be told, and that the whole
matter will be speedily ended, as il
; is disgrace TO the country to make
the best OF il.
LATER.
The last mail brought us Tilton's
promised sworn statement. In this
he, under oath, accuses Beecher o!
the crime mentioned above, giving
dates in many instances, and other
! particulars. In the introduction of
his sworn statement, he says:
al appeal TO you (the cOuncil) To
witness that in my first brief eNaInina-
ton by your committee l begged and
implored you not To inquire into the
facts OF this case, but rather to seek to
: bury them beyond all possible revela-
ton. Happy for all concerned had
this entreaty been needed; it Ia now
too late; the last opportunity for rec
onciliation and settlement has passed
this investigation, undertaken by you
In Ignorance of the dangers against
which Beecher should have warned
You In advance, will shortly prove it
: self, to your surprise, TO have been an
act OF wanton FOLLY, for which Rev.
Henry Ward Beecher, as its originator
and public sponsor, will hereafter find
3 no space for repentance though he seek
. 10 carefully with tears. This desperate
man must hold himself only and not
me accountable for the Indebtedness
2 which these disclosures will carry to
his own home and hearth, as they have
already brought to mine.''
This matter has a dark look for
Beecher, but let us hear all the tes-
timony before making up, our minds.