New-York tribune., 1874-08-05
RETURN OF MR.. MOULTON.

HIS TESTIMONY EARNESTLY DESIRED BY MIR.
BEECHER's FRIENDs-sTRoNG LANGUAGE FROM A
MEMBER OF THE CoMMITrEE-No GAPS TO BE
LEFT FOR sCANDAL-MONGERs-THE LETTERS TO
BEL HAD BY LEGAL PROCESS IF NECESSARY.
Francis ID. Moulton returned to Brooklyn early
Yesterday He had been fishing with Gen. Butler and
claimed that he had not received an official notice
70 appear before the Committee. He bad not re-
ceiyed Mr. Beechers letter. The report of a con-
yersation with him will be found in another place.
The sudden appearance of Mr.. Moulton and the
publication of Mr. Tilons refusal to lay before the
Committee any documents, papers. or remaining
testimony and bis declaration that he would hold
no further communication with the Committee.
made a good deal of stir yesterday among those
immediately interested i'll the case. There
was good deal of consultation among
those connected with the Committee and
Mr.. Beecher's friends, at tho house Of Mr..
BeecheI's counsel, and Mr. Beecher himself spent a
good deal of time there in the course of the day.
The strain of the past fortnight has had a visible
effect on Mr.. Beechers appearance and he seems to
be thinner than of old, but his spirits apparently
are not depressed, as he cbstted freely with fire.
queut smiles and occasional laughter, with friends
whom he met in the street. 1t was ascertained in
the afternoon that the hearing of Mr. Beechers tes
timony had been postponed, and that be would not
be heard in the evening. Mr.. Moulton's return to
the city did not seem to excite great expectation in
the minds of the members of the Committee that he
would consent to appear before them and in the
afternoon Mr. Beecher's counsel stated that there
was no probability that Mr. Moulton would testify
in the evening
Inquiry was made of members of the Committee
concerning the testimony of Mr.. Moulton and warm
expressions were used in reply One gentleman
stated that the design of Mr.. Moulton in holding
back until Mr. Beecher testified was that he might
take the stronger side at the last moment and cut
the throat of the weaker. 1t doubtless his
purpose and Mr. TiltOn's as the Committee feared
to lock up part of the testimony about which they
could make future insinuations to Mr. Beechers
discredit and keep the scandal alive. "You may
say," declared a member that the Committee are
q unit in resolving that no report Shall be made
until Francis ID. Moutons testimony has been taken
and the letters of Mr. Beecher are Submitted in full
This Committee is not made up of asses. and the
members do not intend to adjourn with their work
half done and leave gaps down for scandal-mongers
10 return to their depredations. Mr.. Moulton has
got to testify and the letters will be had by legal
process if it be necessary"
Edward j. Ovington was asked how Mr.. Beechefs
friends felt in regard to Mr.. Moulton's testfyng
before the Committee He said :" | assure YOU that
they are all anxious to have Mr.. Mouton tell every
thing he knows in relation to the case. Mr. Beecher
himself s extremely anxious that he should tes-
tify. Mr. Beecherh has already written him two let
ters urging him TO hasten to Brooklyn and give all
the particulars and present all the letters and docu
ments in his possession. TO mako it certain that
Mr.. Moulton fully understands that Mr.. Beecher
wishes him to give his testimony before the Com
mittee Mr.. Beecher will again send message urging
him TO do sor