Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1874-09-04

and Mr. Beocher. In respect TO the former, tns
committee ask: Who is this accuser that he
makes so bold a faces He had lately become
very different man from what he was formerly re-
ported to be. Signs OF degeneracy have set in
which make him discredited man in the com
munty. After his espOusal Of the now marital
plete. In skotching his career an able writer
says I" In process Of time he comes before the
world as the indorser of Victoria o. woodruff,
and lends his name to a biography OF her which
would have sunk any mans repu@tion anywhere
for common sense, Such book is tomb from
which no author rises again" Such Is the ao-
The accused is Henry Ward Beecher, the pastor
of Plymouth Church, who has been clergyman
ing in the clear light Of MONDAY, be.
fore his people and all men, life
Of great Christian usefulness and and inces; Ss;
intimate with him, at home and abroad,
report nothing of his life or conversation
but what comes of purity of soul.
We are asked by fllton and Moulton to believe
that Mr.. Bccchor, with his long and useful life
aud high character to sustain him, is unworthy
of confidence, regard or respect. Christian char
acter aud great services, which are usually con-
sidercd tower of strength and defense, when
one Is assailcd are to 60 for naught according to
and send him and his good name and family to
the vortex of moral destruction We are to do
this upon whatY Upon some wild, absurd and
contradictory assertions of Mr.. Titon, who in all
this work does not succeed In Disgusting his
malicious and revcngeful designs No tribunal
terry proved by mere alleged words written or
spoken, that are denied ana not connected with
circumstances and appearances pointing unmis.
tallaby to the guilt of the accused
Upon review OF all the evidence relied on by
the accuser the committee conclude that he
utterly fails to sustain the charges made, and
make the following statement of conclusions
/. We find from the evidence that Rev. Henry
Ward Beecher did not commit adultery with Mrs.
Elizabeth II. Tilton, either at the time or times,
or at the place or places, set forth in the third
and fourth subdivisions of Mr.. Tilton's state
mcnt, nor at any other time or place whatever.
2. We find from the evidence that Mr.. Beecher
has never committed any unchaste or improper
act with Mrs. Tilton, nor made any unchaste or
improper remark, proffer, or solicitation to her,
of any kind or description whatever.
8. If this were a question of error OF judg-
ment on the part Of Mr.. Beecher, It would be
easy to crticise, especially in the light of recent
events. In such criticism, even in the extent Of
regret and censure, we are sure no man would
Join more sincerely than Mr.. Deecher himself
4. We find nothing whatever In the evidence
that should impair the perfect confidence OF
Plymouth Church or the world in the Christian
character and integrity of Henry Ward Beecher.
And now let the peace OF God, that passeth all
understanding, rest and abide with Plymouth
Church and Its beloved and eminent pastor, so
much and SO long afflicted.
HENRY W. SAGE,
AUGUSTUS SToRBs,
HENRY NJ. CLEVELAND,
HORACE Is. CLAFLIN,
JOHN WINsLow,
s. V. WHITE,
Committee of Investigation.
BROOKLYN, Aug. "a, 1874.