The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-07-17
The Beecher-Tilton Scandal.

A New York dispatch of the 10th inst. says
- Henry Ward Beecher has demanded of
Plymouth Church an investigation Of the
charges made against him by Tilton. The
probability is that at least part of the truth
will come out at the investigation, which is to
be made by both the church and the Society
of the Plymouth Church. Tilton's letter,
lately published was printed first of all in the
Golden Age of June o. but copies were circu-
lated two or three days III advance among
newspapers Mr.. Beecher's letter demanding
investigation is dated June 81. the same day
that the letter was published"
From the Christian Union (Nir. Beecher's paper)
Of July H.
MR.. BEECHER AND HIS CHURCH.
On the 7th of July. Mr. Beecher addressed a
note to the Examining Committee of Ply
mouth Church, stating that he had requested
certain gentlemen, members Of the church
and of the society. to make a thorough and
detailed examination into the rumors insinu-
atoms, or charges, made respecting his con-
duct, and asked them, if they approved of this
action, to add their official appointment to his
personal request.
The letter asking the gentleman to serve
was as follows
BROOKLYN. June 81, 1874,
GENTLEMEN: In the present state of the public
feeling. / owe il 10 my friends and to the church
and society over winch | am pastor, 10 nave some
proper investigation made of the rumors insinua-
ton or charges made respecting my conduct as
compromised by the late publication made by Mr.
Tilton. have thought that both the church and
society should be represented, and take the liberty
of asking the following gentlemen to serve in this
inquiry, and to do that which truth and justice may
require. beg that each of the gentlemen named
will consider this letter If il had been separately
and personally sent to him; namely, from the
church Henry W. Sage, Augustus Storrs, and
Henry NJ. Cleveland from the society: Horace b.
T,1,,, apAI
desire you, when you have satisfied yourself by
impartial and thorough examination of all
sources Of evidence, to communicate to the Exam
lining Committee, or 10 the church, such action as
may then seem TO you right and wise.
HENRY WARD BEEcHER.
The following is the second letter.
July 6, 1874.
DEAR BRETHREN: incose TO you letter in which
have requested three gentlemen from the church,
and three from the society of Plymouth Church,
gentlemen of unimpeachable repute. and who have
not been involved in any of the trials through which
we have passed during the year, TO make thorough
and impartial examination of all charges or insnu-
ations against my good name, and TO report the
same TO you, aud now respectfully request that
you will give TO this committee the authority 10 act
in your behalf also. IL seemed wise 10 me that the
request should proceed from me and without your
foregoing knowledge, and that You should give to
it the authority 10 act in Your behalf in far
thorough investigation Of the facts should be con-
cerned. HENRY WARD BEECHER.
The Examining Committee. recognizing the
pointed. unanimously adopted the action of the
pastor, and authorized the gentlemen named to
act as committee III its behalf, and to report
the result of their inquiry for its information
ana further action. The CoHgreg0tiondiiSt
lately suggested that the charges against Mr.
Beecher should be referred for examination to
several distinguished men in different parts
of the country but Mr.. Beecher,seems to have
thought that the matter might more appro-
priately be referred TO members Of his own
church and society. whose interest in the pu-
rity of its ministry would make them do their
work thoroughly and impartially, and who
having been chosen to official duty by their
fellow-members, would especially command
their confidence. This, moreover, is III &C
cordance with the principles and the genius of
Congregationalsm, which impose upon every
church the duty of settling their own difficult
ties without needlessly troubling others. The
investigation has beer in progress several
days, and will probably be concluded this
al