Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-08-31
Mt. Vernon, August IS, 1874.
REPORT or THE BEECHER INTES-
TIGATING COMMITTEE.

TIGATING COMMITTEE.
The committee go on with statement and
review of the evidence. The close Of their
report is as follows:
We have now reviewed az briefly as we
could the evidence before US. There are many
facts ard details we have discussed. We have
cited the more important OF these, and DIS
cussed the salient points. We have carefully
examined the evidence relied on by the ac-
cusers to sustain these charges we are asked
to believe. Finally, who is this accuser, that
he makes so bold face. We may learn from
the testimony, as well as by common report,
without descending to unpleasant particulars
or personalities, that Theodore Tilton has in
recent years become very different man
from what he was formerly reputed to be. He
will hardly deny that both before and after his
espousal of the new marital philosophy signs
of degeneracy were setting in, which have
made him discredited man in this communi-
ty. In the new role his elimination and
downfall are well stated in recent words by
an able writer, who, in sketching his career,
says: SIN the process Of time he comes before
the world as the endorser of Victoria c.
Woodruff, and lends his name to biography
of her, which would have sunk any mans
reputation anywhere for common sense.
SucH BOOK Is Il tOtnU lTOul WHICH uO dutioI
rises again" Such is the accuser. Who is
the accused? 1t is Henry Ward Beecher.
The pastor of Plymouth church has been a
clergyman. with harness on, forty years.
Twenty seven of these years he has been here
in this church, which, as all the world knows,
has so often been stirred to good deeds and to
better life by his eloquent ministrations.
This man has been living in the clear light Of
MONDAY before his people and before all men
a life of Christian usefulness and great work.
None have known him but to admire and love
him. They who have been most intimate
with him a: home or abroad report nothing OF
his life or conversation but what comes of
purity of soul. We are asked by Theodore
Tlton and his coadjutor Moulton to believe
that this man, with his long and useful life
and high character to sustain, is unworthy of
our confidence, regard, or respect A Chris
tian character and great services, which are
usually considered tower of strength and
defence when one is assailed, are to 20 for
naught. According to Mr.. Tilton we are in
vited to give up this blessed and eminent man
and send him and his good name and fame in
to the vortex of mortal destruction. We are
to do this upon what? Upon some wild, alb
surd and contradictory assertions of Mr.. Til
ton, who in all this work does not succeed in
Disgusting his malicious and revengeful de-
signs. No tribunal administering justice ever
held charge of adultery proved by mere
words, written or spoken, that are denied ard
not connected with circums tances and APP
pearances pointing Enthusiastically 70 the guilt
of the accused.
Upon a review of the evidence, with an
earnest desire to find the trnth, and advise
what truth and justice shall require, we feel
bound to state that, in our Judgment, the evil
dence relied upon by the accuser utterly fails
to sustain the charges made. We herewith
submit a stenographic copy Of all the evidence
before the committee, with some unimportant
or irrelevant exceptions.
STATEMENT OF CONCLUSIONS.
First. We find from the evidence that the
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher did not commit
adultrey with Mrs. Elizabeth X. Tilton, either
at the time or times, place or places, set forth
in the subdivisions of Mr.. Tilton's state
ment, nor at any other time or places what
ever.
Second. We find from the evidence that
Mr.. Beecher has never committed any I'M
chaste or improper act with Mrs. Tilton, nor
made any unchaste or improper remarks, prof
fer or solicitation to her of any kind or des-
cripton whatever.
Third. If this were a question of errors of
judgment on the part of Mr.. Beecher it would
NC easy W Siititisct SspcSiaiy III tAc lisut VI
recent events. Even to the extent of regrets
and censure, we are sure no man would join
more sincerely than Mr.. Beecher himself.
Fourth. We find nothing whatever in the
evidence that should impair the perfect conf
dence of Plymouth church, or the world in
the Christian character and integrity of Hen
ry Ward Beecher; and now let the peace of
God, that passeth all understanding, rest and
abide with Plymouth Church and her afflicted
pastor, SO much and so long afflicted.
HENRY W. SAGE,
HENRY NJ CLEAvELASp,
AUo. SToRRs,
HORACE b. CLAFLIN,
john WINsLow