The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1874-08-28
THE GREAT SCANDAL.

THE GREAT SCANDAL.
riiten Vs. Beecher Statement and Ex-
animation of Francis ID. Mouiton-
Mr.. Beeeher's statement
The proceedings Of the Plymouth Investi-
eating Committee. at its session held on the
evening OF Aug. 10, were made public on the
18th. These proceedings comprise the state
ment Of Francis ID. Moulton. and his cross
examination by the committee. The long-ex-
pected statement Of Mr.. Beecher was also
published in connection Herewith.
STATEMENT or MR. M0ULroN.
Gentlemen OF the committee: When ] was
last before you stated IN 4 would, as you re-
quest, produce such documents as ] had, and
make such statement of facts as had come 70 my
knowledge OF the subject Ofyour inquiry. fnlly
intended 50 10 do, and have prepa. Ell my state
ment OF facts as sustained by documents, snd
made an exhibition Of all papers that have come
In any way into my possession, bearing on the
controversy between the parties. That statement
must, of course, bear with more or less force
upon one or the other Of them. On mature re-
hection, aided by the advice Of my most valued
friends, nave reconsidersd that determination,
and am Obliged TO say 20 you that feel compelled
from sense Of duty to both parties, " my rela-
tons 70 their controversy, and 70 myself, neither
70 make the statement nor produce the dOcu-
ments.
When first became a party to the unhappy
controversy between Bercher and Illfon, | mad
no personal knowledge nor any document in my
possession which could affect either. Everything
that know OF the facts or have received of the
papers, has come 10 me IN the most sacred conf
dence, to be used for the purpose of composing
and settling all difficulties between them. and OF
preventing, 80 far ~ possible, any knowledge of
their private Affairs being brought To public no.
tice For thus purpose all their matters have been
intrusted 10 me- and for none other IN should
now use them, IL would be not for the purpose of
peace and reconciliation, but 10 voluntarily take
part in a controversy which they have seen az 10
renew between themselves. How faithfully
earnestly and honestly | have lsbored to do
my duty TO the parties for peace, they
both know. The question for me to settle
for myself, and no other, IL now, Ought 20 do
anything 70 aid either party in a renewed contro-
yersy by the use OF that which nave received
and have used only 90 promote harmony? On my
honor and conscience, think ought not, and
AZ the risk OF whatever Of misconsiruction and
yitnpeTatlon may come upon me, must adhere
70 the dictates OF my own Judgment and preserve
AZ least my own sslf-rssDect.
call attention again 10 the fact that yours is a
mere voluntary tribunal, and whatever do here
Is done by voluntary and not compelled wit
ness. Whether before any tribunal having power
10 compel production of testimony aud state
ment Of fact, shall ever produce these
papers or give any of these confidential state
ments, | reserve to myself TO juuge of the en-
ergency, which hope may never come against
my wish, tor ! never nave been in sympathy
with renewal OF the conflict. A part OF these
documents have been given 20 the public In so
far confidence in regard 10 them has erased II
Il but just, therefore, and due To the parties
that the whole of these documents portions of
which only have been given, shall be put into
your hands. In response to the thrice
renewed request Of the committee,
saye therefore copies Of them which I pro-
duce here and place in the hands OF the com
mittee, with the hope and request that after they
have been examined by them they may be re-
turned ~ me, II any controversy shall arise N
70 authenticity OF copies, or OF documents on
that point | shall hold myself open 10 speak
Win this eNccptiOn-eNcept i'm defense OF nv
own honor and uprighiness Of my course in all
TINS unfortunate and unhappy business the puri-
~ and candOr OF which I appeal 10 the con-
sciences OF both parties 10 sustain, 10 not pro-
pose, and hope may never be- called upon here
alter, 70 ak either as 10 facts or produce any
papers that have received from either party
involved therein.
tsigned) FRANCIS ID. MouLros.
CROss-ExAMINATIoS
Mr.. Winslow, Of the committee. conducted
the cross-examination. lie called the atten-
ton OF Mr.. Moulton to the fact that the COM
m1ttee were pursuing the investigation in
good faith that they were appointed by TIE
pastor Of Plymouth Church. with the sane
ton and approval Of the Examining Com
mittee OF that Church, 20 inquire into all
these matters relative to the alleged griev-
ances OF Mr.. Tilton. The letter Of authority
that comes TO Us Is not limited. No restric-
tions are put upon Us Of any kind. We are
invited 10 examine all sources OF evidence :
and we have looked upon YOU a. one Of the
principal sources Ofevidence. We have waited
some two or three weeks 10 get YOUR testi-
mony, and am sure express the feeling OF
the committee when express a sense OF dis
appointment at the position you take. OF
course we know that we are not a court with
compulsory power. We are, "a you say. a
mere voluntary tribunal. You can do exactly
as you please. We await your pleasure, but
what ! desire TO know is, in behalf Of the
committee. whether you have 30 deliberately
formed this purpose as TO make II beyond re-
cal A. things now stand ~
Mr.. Moulton-In reply TO what YOU have
said, and with reference 10 my appearance
mere, 30 Tar a. you are concerned In this COM
mittee, call your attention to the language
VI youI own invitation, namely this: +" We
earnestly request that you bring all letters
and documents in your possession which are
referred to by Theodore Titon in his state
ment before the committee | comply with
the request Of this committee. and produce
copies Of letters referred to by Mr.. Triton. the
authenticity OF which I am ready within a
ew moments TO establish.
On motion Of Mr.. Cleveland, il was voted
mat Mr. Winslow be authorized 10 90 with
Mr.. Moulton and examine and verify The doc.
uments. Amer some informal conversation
N regard TO the publication Of the proceed
ings OF the session, Mr.. Moulton retired
STATEMENT or HENRY WARD BrFcHyR.
The great length Of this important docu.
Inent precludes our giving anything more
than general synopsis Of its contents.
Mr.. beecher first directs the attention OF
the committee Ia his statement of July 22
being, A. he SAYS. "a comprehensive a, a
solemn denial to charges made by Theodore
luton against me. That denial now repeat
and rerffirm.r His detailed statement or
narrative opens a. follows:
feui ,sis ago heodore Tilton fell from one