Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-08-12

| das, said: -
'Moulion's statement was not of nature
to astonish me. With regard to the commit
tee can only say that before this investiga-
ton commenced there were only two men,
beers OF the committee (Messrs. Cleveland and
Claf1in) who were acquainted with what was
really in the whole of this thing, but they
were thoroughly acquainted with it. They
knew before the investigation commenced
just what Moulton could testify to and what
he could produce. They knew well what was
IN these charges, and / know there was moth
ing that Moulton could testify to or could
produce yesterday afternoon that would as
tonish these gentlemen. l know there is
nothing he has in his possession that can i'm
picate Beecher one iota; nothing, because
there Is nothing in existence to Itnpiictte hlni.
If could tell you all know about this case
would show you Beecher's motives in keep
ing silent, and would show him blameless as
clearly as if a calcium light were turned on
the whole story"
If Beecher had spoken long ago these
clouds would have disappeared like mist be-
fore the summer wind, and yet even now
would not advise Mr. Beecher to speak out,
knowing as do the circumstances of the case,
though his own character would seem to de-
mand that he should tell the public what they
have absolutely no right to know. There is
purient curiosity abroad to know every de-
tail Of this disgusting business which is abso-
lutely shocking.
Mr.. Beecher has held his tongue out of re-
spect for the feelings of others. Why, look
at this Hooper exhibition. Beecher tried to
keep that quiet, to spare the feelings of his
family and friends; and, mark you, there are
others, but their case is different from hers.
She If u all knnur mind
ed and the Woodruff people got hold of her
and prayed upon her weakened intellect, but
if Beecher opened his mouth and told his
story, there are distinguished citizens who
would suffer, and in his silence he has spared
their feelings"
Reporter-"What do you mean by that, Nh
Shearman?"
Shearman-tI mean that this Woodruff
coterie is nest of blackmailers. That is
the sole object of their lives. They have in
weighed into their evils distinguished men and
women and they have sought out Beecher
as target for their operations because he
was a shining light. tell you he can make
this thing clear as the MONDAY sun and if he
shonld there will be some people suffer who
be has spared for a long, long time at the
cost Of his own ease of mind and dastardly
persecution. When l reflect on what must be
the consequence of his telling what he knows
about the whole business l would advise him
even now to keep silent and explain away
what is necessary to the com.
The Graphic says an important rumor was
circulated in Brooklyn to-day which is re-
markable for the manner in which it explains
the recent developments. While Beechers
friends have been malgning Mouton, Beech-
ers lawyers, so it is said, have been calling
upon his generosity. The story is in effect
as follows
That Beecher during all of the excitement
until late period concealed from his friends
the worst features of the case. He had
biindly suffered himself to be led on by
events, hoping for some unforeseen develop
ment to save him. This silence was main
tanned as late as the evening of Aug. 9th, or
Whereabouts. He had received the last of
Moultons fearless letters the preceding day.
Then, it Is said. he gave up all hope aud
Summoned to his house Gen. Tracy, Mr..
Sherman and a number of members of the
committee and told them of those parts of
the story of the disagreement with Tilton
which he had previously held back. The
disclosures are said to have fallen upon them
like thunderbolt and on the first burst of
establishment that ensued Gen. Tracy is de-
cared to have expressed determination to
withdraw from the case. This it was that
gave rise to the rumor that found its way to
the public two or three days thereafter. But
the rumor has it that Gen. Tracy was induced
to continue his connection with the
case nominally. Sherman and members of
the committee who then were present on the
occasion are also said to be greatly disheart-
ened, but when the disclosures were re-
peated in the committee, it was resolved that
inc oh fhov WI pSmp,ifta6 m ~
the investigation, and had been appointed by
Beecher, they could not withdraw until they
had concluded their work. Then came the
need of greater care and sagacity in the con-
tinuence of Mr.. Beechers defence.
Before this the committee had freely ex-
pressed a desire to have Moultons full state
ment now a change of tactics was called for.
Communication was had with Moulton and
he was urged by all the arguments at their
command to withhold all his statements, ex-
cept so much as would barely meet the de-
mands implied in Tilton's published testimony.
They urged that only these points should be
covered which already have been made pub
lie. This, as it was reported it was urged,
was all that Moulton, as gentleman having
the welfare of society at heart, could do; the
course so strongly urged upon him by the
committee conceded, it is understood, with
ceved from his counsellor and friends. Gen.
Butler and Moulton was for some time doubt
full what course to pursue. He had prepared
a full statement, comprising nearly 800 pages
of manuscript matter, on Sunday afternoon
last. He was still in doubt that night How,
ever, he consented to revise his statement
although at a risk of putting himself at dis
advantage before the public, and his excised
statement was the one read last evening, and
the realization that Beecher has been relieved
from position in which, from his confession,
the committee saw he was placed, is urged
to-day in the explanation Of their jubilant
feelings. 1t is not. 1t would appear from
this that Beecher has been indicated, but
has been saved from still greater ruin that
threatened him.
Meeting of the Committee.
Beecl ers investigating committee resumed