The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1874-06-30

ton desired. It is true that Mr.. Tilton Ia
this communication does not disclose
what the charge is; but he clearly shows
what 1t Is not BE shows that II Is not
an ofsnse for which one gentleman could
not apologize to another, and not have
the apology accepted. Mr.. Tilton
never charged Mr. Beecher with Grim.
inallty; and II 10 well known by all who
know anything Of the facts that Mr.. Til
ton never believed It and never alleged Il.
Some four years ago Mr.. Tilton claims TO
hAvs received information which led him
to charge Mr.. Beecher with having made
. 6iSbonorable suggestion 10 his wife.
This 10 the extent Of the charge, and the
only charge Mr.. Tilton has ever made
against Mr.. Beecher. And It has not
even that much TO rest on. Il 10 well
known 10 the members oi Mr.. Beecher's
church and others that Mrs. Tilton has re.
peatedly and emphaticAlIy denied It. l
am glad for one that Mr.. 1ilton has made
his publication. The public now know
the worst that can be said on the subje
and It will now understand why the
members OF Plymouth Church. who have
all along been well and accurately in
formed In The matter, have so unanimous.
ly stood BY their pastor dnring this long
and unfortunate controversy"
INeW York Special to ohlelgo Times.l
AN INTERVIEW WITH DsEcHER.
After the prayer meeting your core.
spondent had an interview with the
brilliant pastor Of Plymouth Church.
6trolliDg along on the way to the meeting
Of the examiners, Mr.. Beecher said that
he had made up his mind that he ought
to take no notice Whatever oi the recent
statements published by Mr.. Tilton.
Taking the writer's arm, and speaking
frankly and forcibly, MIR. Beecher said;
II do not blame Mr.. Tilton. The whole
affair Is the lault Of meddlipg ecclesias.
tics, and l do not feel that am bound TO
crafty them or the general public BY no.
ticing Mr.. Tilton's statement. I have q
large church under my care, and l owe a
duty 70 my congregation first. Besides"
said Mr.. Beecher, smiling, u am q mem.
Der Of the press, and my paper requires
considerable attention from me"
The writer suggested that, unfortunate.
ly, there was much In what was recently
made public by Mr. Tilton, which, though
not conclusive In itself, might be con.
strued In worse sense against Mr.. Beech
er, and might seriously eject his power
for good among bis congregation,
MIR. Beecher earnestly )-Ahl yes, that
Is true. do not pledge myself TO remain
silent In view Of developments that may
possibly arise, aud even now speak only
my personal views when I say am dis
posed TO make no reply. My course, how
ever, will depend largely on what course
the examiners OF Plymouth Church may
think 1t best for me to take. Ifthey deem
It for the good Of the congregation and Of
religion that should speak out In reply,
| shall do so promptly and unmistakably,
and will put In It's true light much that !
thought best 10 pass over In spirit Of
Christian charity. E|
Reporter-Doyou intend 10 notice this
matter In your paper!
Mr.. Beecher-No; ! don't think I ought
10 enter into any newspaper controversy.
/ must say frankly that l very much ad-
mire the tone and temper in which the
press generally has dealt with this matter.
1t Is sad thing that this matter, which is
mainly personal one, both as regards
Mr.. Tilton, myself and others, should be
dragged forth TO satisfy the pruriency ol
some Of the public.
Then MIR. Bcechcr said: Don't you
think / am righti" i
Newspaper rivalry seems 10 have been
the chief original cause OF all this Tilton.
Beechcr scandal. Ono brother, Mr..
Bowen, who owns the Independent news.
paper, is Jealous Of the Christian Union.
edited by Mr.. Beecher. Bowen removed
Tilton from the editorship ot the Inds.
pendent, and subsequently from the
Brooklyn Union, and has since bounded
him down as much as possible, and
taunted him in regard to this Plymouth
Church scandal. 1'ilton says himself: II
have long borne unjust aspersious. am
q public man, and l fad I must, In jualice
to myself, undertake my own defeuse."
INnl