Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-08-05
MOulton Interviewed.

The Brooklyn Eagle has had an interview
with Moulton, who said:
am sorry that any action past or present
OF mine, should be the occasion of uneasiness
to so respectable body as the American Pub
lie, although will be rash enough to say that
had there been less Difference shown to public
curiosity. and more respect paid to private
interests in this matter, both Mr.. Beecher and
Mr.. Tilton would have been in much hap
pier frame of mind than they are to-day.
What have done hitherto has been accord
ing to the best of my judgement in the inter-
est of peace and have no disposition at pre-
sent, to abandon that attitude. have for
years past been honored with the friendship
and confidence of both Beecher and Tilton.
Trouble arose between them, and, as a gentle.
man and friend undertook to serve both by
bringing about reconciliation. looked up
on their families, certainly innocent of any
wrong, but sure to suffer by any open hostli.
ties, and | felt for their sake if for no other
reason, that peace ought to be preserved.
was also convinced that irrespective of right
or wrong in the matter, both Beecher and
Tilton would of necessity suffer, and could
not by any possibility to me visible, gain by
having their differences dragging before the
public for arbitration. On these beliefs l
have endeavored to act in the past, and upon
them l shall as far as in me lies, shape my
falicy in the future.
Reporter. Have you been invited to ap-
pear before the investigating committee?
Moulton. Yes; found on my arrival here
this morning, two communications from the
chairman of the committee, dated respective
ly July 9th and GOTH
r. What do they say?
M. They request me to appear before the
Onmnittpa or tho I'll 81 .;o o
Monroe place, and bring with me the originals
of all letters and papers referred to in Tito
statement which are in my possession.
r. Will you appear as requested?
M. That let me say is in an especial sense,
my own business.
IL. The invitation appears to assume that
the originals of all the letters and papers re-
ferred to by Mr. Tilton are in your possession
are they?
M. l would rather not discuss the mat
ter. Before | shall feel justified in speaking
must have written request signed by both
Theodore Tilton and Henry Ward Beecher.
K. Have you not received revuest from
Beecher to testify.
M. | have not.
r. The Eagle was informed on good au-
thority that Beecher had written such letter
and that special messenger had been sene
to deliver it to you.
NJ. That may be all true presume it is
but have not received me yet.
X. In view of the fact that all letters of
IMPORTANCE that go to cast suspicion on
Beecher have passed through your hands,
don't you feel that the request of the gentle
man who wrote them places you under an OBJ
legation to tell how you got them, and how
you came to turn them over to Tllton?
M. No. l am conscious of having done
no wrong of which a man of honor should
be ashamed of, and know it is dishonorable
to make public the secrets of two men at the
request of one. l shall avoid speaking as
long as possible, but if Beecher and Tilton
insist upon it l shall go forward and speak
the truth.
r. Will your testimony irjure Mr.. Tiltons
case?
Mt Let US close the interview right here.
Not until have testified shall it be known
whom my testimony shall help or hinder