New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-09-05
THE REV. T. X. BEECHER'S LETTER.
THE REAL DIVERGENCE OF VIEWS BETWEEN HI
BROTHER AND HIMSELF.
from IN, Etmira Gazene, Spa 8

From The Eimira Gazette Sepa 3.
The Beecher whose letters have proved injurious
to his brother. reputation he Grsphe Sept l.
Returning to the world from a month of
quietness woods. lind that confidential letter
mine. written a. sequel TO confidential ana start
ling conversation with much loved but. as think, de-
uied sister, been BY successive breaches vi trust
allowed TO become public property The intent OF this
LETTER appears sufficiently the face Of IL II aimed
10 caution and Il possible dissuade my sister from
costly act fanacism. IL was written without other
knowledge OF facts than what mad been stated
10 me by her; and by her were sincerely
believed. In writing to her, therefore, to AVOID
con rOversy, the truth OF her allegations was
assumed at least not questioned. Assuming them to
be true the letter exhorted her to be faithful 70 her
own convictions, true To her friend, but az the same
time to extremely cautious TO her conduct based
as 1t seemed nkey 10 be the most untrustworthy
evidence. Since the year 1854 have not been permitted
as much as hours all OF earnest conversation
with my honOred brother Henry Ward. We have been
both OF US too busy 10 nd le Tor the visits whlch AZ
least hungered Tor Nor can recall any occasion what
which we discussed or even alluded 10 the sub
jectsmarriage, divorce the family the relation OF Tue
sexes female surage-or any phase Whatever Of These
questions, delicate or dirty which are now pushing
Though the of general discomfort and demanding
attention Clearly therefore, am not aud never
have been witness competent to testify as to my
brothers views and tendencies upon these atterday
The dlvergences Of view between my brother aud
myself, TO which the letter aues, and which nave pre-
vented hearty cooperation between us. were OF kind
which when known rebound 10 his credit in popular
esteem ana 10 my dsgrace-demOhStrating MN wise
aud me "A fool. He, an enthusiastic lover Of nee
dom a believer In the nobility Of human nature a
prophet OF progress purity aud happiness instant
and urgent anti-slavery man "A promoter Of Tree
thought and free speech in all directions ingraincd
aud thOrOu paced, hopeful, cheerful. American
zen. accepting the Declaration OF Independence ana
manifest destiny OF glory IN contrast, penetrated
by mournful conviction that human nature Is essen
italy corrupt and moribuud and except as guided,
taught governed, and enliyened tends 10 evil and dis
aster continually mat OF all woes freedom Ia
the most comprehensive that the slave IL better of
than the MASTER that the oppressed better of than
Oppressors that the cry progress delusion
that need government, rebuke, humility; and that
until are broken In spirit through prolonged despair
they are not In position TO receive the Kingdom OF
Heaven as very little children, ana thrive by wnat they
receive ana by what Is done FOR them OF cd He, In
short looks upon every great popular movement as
tide OOeyiDg divine guidance; aud lie makes haste To
delusion OF the AdyersarY-the Prince Of this world
which shall deceive, IL possible. the elect
and accordingly shrink back IRON II, and caution all
with whom have influence against being carried away
by 1t.
Once and only have IN practical Affairs worked
together ana that tor the Of the Union
These divergences OF view fundamental. They are
10 his credit as popular leader aud " my costly dis
credit
never had for a moment doubt that based
any trustworthy Information. Many things have been
told with such OF truth that they have stag
suppose have shared with thousands OF the best OF
my fellow men; and vita them still, i acknowledge
profound relief when the IN question stands forth
aud denies all fault OF whatever kind save that which
impeaches MS sagacltY aud discretion only.
1 learn by The Nation QOr l have read incredibly
te) that the late trial by newspaper OF mJ brother
results In issue of veracity between HIM and MIRA
Tton the side, and Mr.. Tilton and Mr. Moutton
the other. This being hasten TO put record
most gratefully know OF nothing whatever, past
or present that binders from giving ITO my brother
say finally, that any use OF my letter 10 his dsad-
vantage renewal Of the iadiscree: II not dishonor
able by winch alone H became public property ut
the first. T. n. ID.
Elmira, Sept. O. 1874