Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1874-09-03

from Beecher, or think that he was in any way
indebted to him for IL.
Mr.. Moulton also presented in this connection
statement of account showing that between
May 2, 1873, and May %. 1874. he had received of
Mr.. Beecher $4,000 and paid to Mr.. Titon AZ vari-
Gus times sums amounting III the aggregate to
S4,550.
Mr.. Tilton had more than once said to him he
could and would receive nothing from Beecher in
the way of pecuniary assistance. Beecher had
told Moulton that he was willing to furnish
money to pay the expenses of Tilton and his fam
lily abroad, in order that Triton might be saved
from the constant state of irritation which arose
from the rumors he daily hearing Mouton
rather limited at than informed Tlton Of this fact,
and he repelled even the intimation Of such
thing with the utmost indignation and anger.
Therefore he tMoulton) only undertook the dis.
bursement of this sum at the most earnest and
voluntary request of Beecher.
The first intimation of the insanity of Triton
arose in this wise: Prior to Sunday, March %,
1874, publication was made of statement by q
reporter of the Brooklyn Union, purporting to be
the result of an interview with Thomas G. Shear
man, clerk of Plymouth Church, to the effect
that Tilton was insane, and that he stated that
Mrs. Tilton had mediumistic Ats, whatever disease
that may be- in which she had stated matters
affecting the character of Beecher; and to the
statement of neither of them for that reason
any credit to be given. This publication,
asst tended not only to excite Titon TO defense
of his sanity, but rs also coming from the clerk
ofNPlymouth Church, might be supposed to be an
authoritative expression of his pastor. 1t an
noyed Beecher very much and he wrote letter
follows: "a = IS there to be no end of
troubles Is wave to follow wave in endless sue
cession? was cut to the heart when c. showed
me that shameful paragraph from the Union: Its
cruelty is beyond description. felt like lying
down and saying tired, tired, tired
Of mischief I would rather ' have sn had d0'i.
javelin launched against me a hundred times
than against those that have suffered SO much.
The shameful indelicacy of bringing the most sa-
cred relations into such publicity fills me with
horror. But there are some slight alterations.
The paragraph came when the public mind was
engaged with the Council and with Theodore's
letters hope 1t will pass without further
tice." Tilton demanded letter of retracton, and
az 1t was not forthcoming, Moulton visited Shear
man, and, receiving no satisfaction, subsequently
called with Tilton, and shortly after obtained a
statement that he was satisfied what he had pre-
viously said in the published interview was erro-
neous.
Meanwhile, it had come to be spread about that
Beecher had made similar accusation as to the
sanity of Mr.. and Mrs Tilton to that of Sherman,
to which report Mr.. Beecher gave an emphatic
denial, in note to Mr.. Cleveland, of the present
Investigating Committee. He said: 81 have been
as dumb as the dead They that dare to say
have spoken of ii are liars If they speak for them
selves, and the bearers of lies If they received it
from Others"
Mr. Moulton continues: Having retained the
friendship of the principal parties to this contro-
Versy down TO to-day, have not thought it prop
or to produce herewith any letters that have re-
Ceiyed from either Of them, except the single one
exonerating me from blame, and showing Mrs.
Tiltons confidence in me, which thought was
due to myself TO do because of the peculiar state
ment attributed TO her. Nor have / produced
any papers proposals for a settlement of this
controversy since II has broken out afresh, and
letter to DR.. Bacon, and the call
of Beecher for committee. Nor have |,
since then, furnished to either party, although
called upon by both, any documents in my pos
session, that one might use the same against
the other. | have endeavorcd to hold myself
strictly as a mediator between them, and my en-
deavor has ever been, down to the latest hour,
haaF la1 al
ton of the facts of their controversies and wrongs
buried out of sight deeming 1t best that 1t
should be SO done, not only for the good of the
parties concerned and their families, but that of
the community at large"
The concluding paragraph Is as follows:
"If there is any paper fact supposed by
either of the parties by the committee to be in
my possession, which will throw any further
light upon the subject of your inquiry, shall be
most willing to produce 1t, II have 1t, although
| do not believe there Is any such and am
be put to me I'm the way of Cross-examinntion by
any of the parties concerned or their counsel, as
fully as my memory, or any data ] have, Will
serve, so that all the facts may be known.
For II any part of them be known, /
deem II but Just to truth and right
that all should be known. No, however. contro-
versy has already arisen to the correctness of
the reports OF evidence taken before the COM
mittce, | must ask leave, IL any cross-examina-
! ton Is TO be had, to be accompanied by my own
| stenographer, who shall take down the evidence
| ] may give, rs necessary measure for my own
| protection. Leaving to your committee, without
| comment, the facts and documents herewith pre-
scented, have the honor to remain. yours truly,
| FRANCIS ID. MoULToN."