Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1874-09-03

mittee, but they say that ii must he remembered
that using strong words and emotional express
sions is Characteristic of Beecher: but they say
that there is not word or an act of his, however
through these four years ofanNety and
grief, that cannot be accounted for upon the pam
theory that he was fighting to suppress an onting-
ton against him, made by a reputable woman;
and further, that he was endeavoring to help Il
man whom he felt he had unduly injured in bust
ness matters, upon representations which ne was
afterwards made to believe, chiefly by Motlton
were not well founded
The Committee here advert to the possibility
that Mrs. Tilton had come to regard Bcecher with
such an affection as, under the circumstances,
tended to ALLEVIATE her from her family, and fear
that this was so: as it was alleged by both Mont
ton and Tilton, This may have added TO Beech-
er's responsibility
The Committee here express regret nj two errors
into which Beechcr fell One was that in ms
trouble he did not seek counsel from the Christian
men of his own brotherhood, rather than rely up
on the counsel of a man OF whom he knew so ~
tie, and whose character as The sequel proves
not guard more closely his relations with the fam
iy Of Tilton: that there could be no possibility iol
fear in his own mind even of an undue affection Dy
Mrs Titon for him through any heeuless lfiehd-
ship or agency of his,
The Committee then take up the question rs 10
the harmony and happiness which liiton alleges
ruled in his home until this trouble came upon
him, and show by the testimony of Mrs, ItltoI
and Bessie Turner, the exact reverse was The case
aud That Tilton was constantly Chilly OF EleiI
W
from legal authority, 10 show the nature OF The
evidence necessary TO prove the charge OF adultery
and show that not a particle of evidence such rs
the law requires, has been produced by The nccuS
ers of MIR Beecher and that no suspicious circum'
stances even, Were proved. The case, therefore
rests on mere words and assertions, supported Dy
no circumstances whatever that the usual IN
dications of adultery. Mrs, Tilton denies Tho
truth OF the charge, and asserts that the can1es.
sion of improper overt,nes was extracted IRON
her Mrs Morse her mother, absolutely denie:
that Mrs Tilton ever confessed to her; and finally
Beechcr solemnly declares his innocence OF an!
and all the improprieties charged,
In reference TO Mrs. Tilton's course, the com
mitiee say it is not for them to defend her conduct
On any theory of human responsibility, tits inde'
feasible. They however show that she was under
the influence of her husband to such an extent
times Tor what she did.
The Committee then refer to the charge thai
out of the way, and declare it too absurd for be
lief, as there We're too many people TO whom III.
ton had peddled the story of his wie's ALLEGED
erminaliiy with nj Beeeher to make 1t possible '
Having concluded review of the testimony
the committee compare the life and character o
the nd Ge he Evidence tha the Rev
Henry Ward Beecher did not commit adultcI,
with Mrs. Il. r. Tilton, either at the. time o.
and 4th subdivisions of Mir. Tilton's statement
nor at any other time or place whatever.
2d We find from the evidence that Mr.. Beech
mas never cOfnmltleu any uncnhste OF lHipTopc
act with Mrs Tilton, nor made any unchaste o.
improper remark, prefer or solicitation to her o
any kind or description whatever.
81 If this were a question of error OF Judg
ment on the part of Mr. Beecher it would be cas-.
to criticize, especially in the light ofrecent events
In such criticism over the extent of regrets AM
ccnsure, we are sure man would join NOR
heartily than Mr.. Beecher himself.
4th We find nothing whatever in the evidenc
that should impair the perfect confidence of Ply
mouth Church in the beloved and eminent pastor
so much and so long afflicted.
The report is signed by all of the committee.
The church was denscly packed, probably owe
three thousand persons being present, and man
more were unable to obtain admittance Ate
the reading of the report ii was adopted by n I'M
animous shout, and the greatest enthusiasm pre-
vailed
Moulton was present, and during the speech 2
Mr. aymond-who was called upon the stand
and spoke Of Moulton as having tried to poiso
the minds Of men against Beecher-the "mutua
fricnd'' rose to his feet and shouted, excitedly
'tYou re a liar, sir. -
Great excitement followed, and there were lon
cries of ''Put him out! Put him out
s.MOulton again rose to his feet and shouted
~ dare any of You to put me out -
At the close of the meeting the DOXology wa
sang, and the people began to disperse. Moultor
who occupied a seat at the reporters table, w.
hustled considerably on his way out, and thel
were indications that if he had not been protccte
by police, violence would have been offered hin
Reaching the door he was hurried to a carriag,
and with policeman on each step, it was drive
rapidly away, and the people dispersed.