New-York tribune., 1874-07-22
MIR. Triton BEFORE THE COMMITTEE
THE PRELIMINARY STATEMENT.

GENTLEMEN OF THE COMMITTEE: In c0ms
mupcatne TO you the detailed statement OF facts Oc
evidences which you have been several days expect
ing at my hands let remind Of the circumsances
which call this statement forth. In my recent letter 10
Dr. Bacon alluded to ofense and an apology by tho
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. To whomsoeyer else this al
lusion seemed indefinite, Mr. Beecher it plain
The offense committed by him the apology was
made by him both acts bis own, ami were among
the most momentous occurrences OF his life or all men
in Plymouth Church, or IN the world, the Rev Henry
Ward Beecher was the man who was best informcI
concerning this oense and apology and the man who
least needed inquire into either Nevertheless, whle
possessing perfect OF both these acts done by
himself he has chosen to put on public afectation
OF ignorance and innocence concerning them and mas
consplcuousy appointed Committee OF six OF The abest
men OF his church, together with two attorneys to IL
aure into what he you regard the unaccount
able mystery OF this oense and apology; as he had
neither committed the offered the other, but a.
If both we're the fgments OF another mans mae-
inaton-thus adrotly prompting the public 10 draw tho
deduction that person under some halucination
or delusion, living in a dream, and forging fraud.
Furthermore-n order TO east over this explanation, the
delicate glamour which always lends charm to the de-
feuse Of womau's honor. Mrs. Elizabeth r. Tiiton,
lately my wife, has been prompted away from her n6mo
to reside among Mr geeehers friends, sd 10 cooperate
with him in his 0stensby honest aud audable inquiry
into facts concerning which She too, well
he has for years past had perfect and equal
knowledge with himself This investigation. therefore,
has been publicly pressed upon me by Mr. Beecher.
seconded by Mrs Tlton both OF whom IN so doing have
united in assuming before the public the nonexisteneo
OF the grave and solemn facts into which they haya
conspred investigate for the purpose not 0i ectng
but OF denying the truth. This joint assumption by
them, which has seemed to your Committee 10 be Ia
good faith has naturally le you into an examination IA
which you expec. to find their part nothing but In.
nOcence, and on my part, nothing but sllnirr.
IL il now M unhappy duty, from winch have In vain
hitherto sought earnestly to be delivered. give You
the ftcts anl evidences FOR reversing your opinion
This subject In doing This painful. may say hcartrend-
lns duty responsibility for making the grave dis
closures which about 10 lay before belongs not
to me- but isst Mr. Beechcr who has prompted YOU
70 this exauilatOn and next to Mrs IliOn, who haS
iOned him in conspiracy which cannot fail % be ul or
peril and wretchedBeSs to many hearts call YOU 10
witness that in my first bier examination by your Com
uittee begged and mplOrci you not 10 inquire into
The facts OF case but rather 10 seek 10 bury them
beyond all possible revelation Happy for all concerned
had this entreaty been needed! IL Is now too late.
The last opportunity for reconciliation aud setemcuS
has passed. This investigation undertaken by you
IN Ignorance OF dangers against which Mr. Bcecher
should warned You in advance, will shortly provo
ITSELF SURPRISE TO have been act OF wanton,
and folly, which tho Rev. Henry WarI
Bcechcr is originator aud public sponsor, VIII here
after hnd space for repentance. though he seek lt
carefully aud with tears" This desperate man must
hold himself only, and not me, accountable Tor tho
wretohedness which these disclosures VIII carry his
own home and hearth they have already brought
IN the ensuing statement for the most part.
III my possession: but that the apology and few other
papers In he hands VI Mr. Francis d. Montoo Truly
yours. lhEoDoEE llLIoS