The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1874-08-26
BEECHER.
HIS ALLEGED CONFESSION TO
HIS FRIENDS.

fiiS fEt'S'NSSs
From tho New York Graphic, Aug. 20.l
A gentleman arrived In this city last
evening VINO has been summoned by one
of the counsel in the coming legal suit of
Mr. Tilton against Mr. Beecber, in order
to acquaint the lawyer with the facts in
the case. This gentleman IS n member OF
prominent business firm in another city.
lie has held intimate relations with the
principles to the unhappy controversy Cor
many years, and is thoroughly convcrsAnt
with the real facts and secret OF the scan
DIAL. He is ono of the three important
witnesses in the case, and his testimony
will be most conclusive when presented
before q court of record. This gentleman
whose namo is withheld from the public
for prudential reasons--in conversation
with representative of tho Daily Graphic
to-day, stated that he knew it
70 DO a fact that Henry Ward Bsecher
had confessed the truth of the allegations
| against him both TO his lawyers and to
| certain members of the committee, that
| he was impelled to make this confession
| by the publication Of tho correspond ence
| between Mr.. Frank Moulton and himself
and by conviction that Mr. Moulten was
about TO make known to the committee
tho facts in his possession, He also said
that this detailed statement By Mr. Moul-
ton WAS withheld with the express under
F standing that Mr. Beooher would publicly
confess what he had privately &C.
knowledged to his lawyers and the com.
mittee. He had read the article in the
Daily Graphic several days ago with
regard to Mr. Beecher's con fession, and the
incidents as related weretrue On or about
Thursday, August 6, he said Mr. Bee cher
summoned certain members of the Com
mittee and Messrs. Tracy and Shearmsn
to his house, and then and there confessed
| his intimacy with Mrs Til,en. He ielt
| that conceslment was no longer possible,
and had decided that the only course left
hira to pursue WAS to mako frank &C.
| knowlcd gmsnt to the public. His friends
we're astounded and alarmed. Until then
they had really believed their pastor in
nocont. They consulted and decided that
publicity would he fatal to MIR Beechers
| reputation and u reproach to plymouth
| church, and implored him TO forego his
| intention at least for timo, and trust 10
| them to vindicstc him In the eyes OF the
public. But Mr. Beecher WAS decided. The
| facts would be made known by MIR Moul-
| ton, and Il not they would transpire when
| the case WAS taken TO court by Mr. Tilton
II weu,d be much better, Mr. Beecher ar.
| gusd, for him that he should have the
| credit of the confession, Ultimately, sad
tho gentleman, his friends were convinced
| that perhaps this was tho beat course.
In order to gain time, however, it was
| necessary that the presentment Of Mr.
| Noulton's statement be delayed or pre-
| vented, and that Mr. Tilton be induced ia
refrain from pushing his suit. Among the
gentlemen who managed this part of the
affair were Mr. Potter Robinson, Thomas
Kinsella, William q Kingsley, and Mr.
Sherman. Mr. Bsecher himself visited
Mrs Moulton and begged that she use her
| influence TO induce her husband to with
hold his statement, Mr. Moulton readily
consented when assured that Mr. Beecher
would make ample acknowledge In
deed, IL was tho very course Mr. Moulton
had endeavored for weeks TO induce HIM
to take, knowing that the truth could n ,
longer be suppressed, and he Moulton)
was quick to avail himself of the opport-
unity afforded, which would preclude tho
necessity forced upon him OF making the
truth known. MrTilton also atli ed his
willingness TO postpone tho further pro-
secu,ion Of his suit His only desire was
that tho truth should come out, and he
coincided that it would be much better tor
| Mr. Beecher to tell il himself. Mr. Dwight
Townsend wss also mentioned by the
gentleman as an intercessor for Mr.
| Beecher.
| He stated further that towards the close
Of the month OF April, at the Nmo when
DIR Bacan had criticised Mr Tilton, the
latter WAS so infAmed at the false position
in which no was placed before the public
that he allowed his intention of publish
ing the truth in his own defense Mr.
Frank Moulton thomas before and since
advised peaceful statement Of tho diff
Hcul,y, and restrained Mr. Tilton from
pursuing the course he had resolved upon.
Mr. Frank Is Carpenters advice was to
the contrary. He advised final public
settlement Of the scandal. At this epoch
Mr. Beocher Ia said to have met Mr. Car
penter and said TO him. Theodore is go
in1amed against me that fear Frank
Moulton will not be able TO control HIM.
He threatens TO publish my letter OF con-
fession, and If he does ! will be ruined
man. must step down from my pulpit
in disgrace. ! need your aid Go to
Theodore and tell him l am writing TO
divide with him. lie shall have half my
| fOrtuHo huu my lhino' ici hiui W 30
abroad-to Europe--for two years, and let
him take Elizabeth with him. will pay
all the expenses"
He, II is farther said, implored Mr.
Carpenter TO make this shor TO Tilson,
and added that Mr. Sherman would ar
range the details. Mr. Carpenter imme-
distely informed Mr. Moulton and Others
! OF this interview and offer, but did mol
reveal it to Mr.. Tilton until the morning
Of the 4th Of May, when Messrs. Moui-
ton, Tiltop, Carpenter, and others were
discussing what course TO pursue in re.
I gard to the scandal. Mr.. MoultoD wal
advising Tilton 70 pay no attention 10
what DIR Bacon had written, and a. usual
Mr. Carpenter was giving contrary
| counsel.
A discussion arose, and in support OF
his argument Mr. Carpenter mentioned
Mr. Beechers offer. The effect Of thii
revelation upon Mr. Tilton was painful 10
witness. He sprang from his chair and
| nscad tha rnon oxcitedly, Said no: 81