Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1874-07-30
THEo. BURGMYER, Notary Public,
REECHER,S STATEMENT.


On the evening of the 22d several of
the deacons of Plymouth Church, with
Nj. Shearman. Mr. Ross and Gen. Tracy,
met at Mr.. Beecher's residence, and after
council lasting about three hours drew
up the following statement of Mr.
Beecher's for publication:
do not propose at this time de-
tailed examination of the remarkable
statement of Theodore Tilton, made be-
fore the Committee of Investigation,
and which appeared in print July q,
1874. | recognize the many reasons which
make it of transcendent Importance
to myself, the church and the
cause of public morality that !
shall give full answer to
the charges against me. But, hav-
ing requested the Committee of In
vestigation to search thi. matter To the
bottom, it is to them that must look for
my vindication. But | cannot delay for
an hour to defend me reputation of Mrs.
in connection with mine, her husband
has attempted to pour shame,
One less deserving of such disgrace
never knew From childhood she has been
under my eye, and since reaching woman
hood she has had my sincere admira-
ton and affection. ! cherish for her a
pure feeling, such as Il gentleman might
honorably offer to a Christian woman,
and which she might receive and recip-
rocate without moral scruple. | reject
with Indignation every imputation which
reflects upon her honor or my own.
My regard for Mrs. Tilton was per
fectly well known to my family.
IA
in her household it was to my wife
that she resorted for counsel, and both of
us, acting from sympathy, and, as it sub
sequently appeared, without full knowl-
edge, gave unadyised counsel which
tended to harm
have no doubt that Mr. Tllton found
that his wife's confidence and reliance
upon my Judgment had greatly increased,
while his influence had diminished, in
consequence of IA marked change in his
religious and social views which was
taking place during those years. Her
mind was greatly exercised lest her
children should be harmed by views
which she declared virtually false and
dangerous. was suddenly and rudely
aroused to the reality of impending
danger by a disclosure of domestic dis
tress; OF sickness, perhaps unto death;
of the likelihood of separation
and scattering of family every
member of which | had tenderIy
loved. The effect on me of the discovery
of the state of Mr.. Tilton's feeling and
the condition of his family surpassed in
sorrow and excitement anything that
had ever experienced in my life. That
my presence, influence and counsel had
brought to beloved family sor
row and alienation gave, in my
then state of mind, poignancy
to my suffering which ! hope no
other man may ever feel Even to be
suspected of having offered, under the
privileges Of peculiarly sacred relation
an indecorum to wife and mother could
not but deeply wound any one who is
sensitive to the honor of womanhood
There were peculiar reasons for alarm
| in this case on other grounds, inasmuch
| as ! was then subject TO certain malignant
rumors, and il,grant outbreak in this
family would bring upon them an added
! injury, derived from these shameless
| falsehoods Believing at the time that
my presence and COunsels had tended,
| however unConSciously, to produce So
! cial catastrophe, represented as immi-
! nent. gave expression 10 my feelings in
AN interview with mutual friend, not
! in coldand cautious scli-defendinL words,
but eagerly taking blame upon myself
and pouring out my heart to my friend
! i'm Tie strongest language. oyerburdcned
! with the cNaggeratiOnS of imprisoned
sorrow Had / been the evil man Nj
! Taton now represents, | should have
been calmer and more prudent. II was
my horror of, thi, evil imputed thathlied
me with morbid intensity at the very
shadow Of it, Not only was my friend
affected but he assured me that
such expressions, if conveyed to
/ VI. Triton. would soothe his
wounded feelings, allay anger and
heal the whole trouble. lie took down
sentences and fragments of what had
4 been saying 20 use them ~ mediator
! 4 full statement Of the circumstances
4 under " hich thi. memorandum wasm made
/ shall give the investigating Com
mittee. That these apologies were more