The New York herald., 1874-08-08
AN INTERVIEW WITH HENRY
G. BOWEN.
From the Brooklyn Eagle.]

reporter called on Henry G. Bowen yesterday
for the purpose Of ascertaining his views concern
ing the Beecher-n nlton controversy Mr.. Bowen
seemed to be In q serious mood. When the object
OF the reporters visit was stated Mr.. Bowen de-
clared that ne had no desire to connect himself
with the scandal now agitattng the community.
"fhis entire business" said he, 'has caused me
much pain. have had no hand In it, and do not
wish TO have. For months ana months have
been the worst abused man In the city. The pub
lie viii yet learn that these attacks on me were
brutal and entirely unjustfable, and only keep
quiet under them in deference to my family,
especially In regard to the wishes OF my sons who
believed in time rightlng all.
"But," asked the reporter, "do you entertain
feelings OF hostility toward MI. BeecnerW
Mr. Bowen replied with some dehberation, 81
see by the papers that Mr.. Beecner called him.
self my friend recently in an interview with re.
porter"
REPoRrER-I remember the report. I also re-
member that the reporter said that Mr. Beecher
was in very jocose mood
Mr.. BowEN-If said 1 were his friend row,
would you consider me in jocose moods
This query was put in q suggestive way, which
caused the reporter to smile.
The reporter then asked Mr.. Bowen II he had
seen any Of the investigating committee since he
.1Oh, yes, . replied Mr. Bowen; s.but neither they
nor myself referred to the subject OF their present
aDo you expect to be examined before the COM
mtttee p quer1ed the reporter.
though my name has been variously mixed up in
this scandal, have not made any charges against
anybody YET and therefore have
NOT BEEN INVITED
by the committee to appear Besides, there Is now,
Learn mot any s meeting to;nisht ana am gong
cannot be present on Saturday night.
REpoRrER-u invited, would you appear
Mr. pnr fcnhn n in nfo
RERon1ns-bo you expect the case to be brought
| Mr. BowEN-It looks very much like Il. It's
| melancholy affair altogether.
sowe 81 the Say as ha % on Sa
| tried to blackmail Mr.. BeecherY
Mr. BowEN-If that was his object he is going the
wrong way about L. 1t looks more like revenge on
REPoRTER-You remember that Mr.. Canin
visited Mrs. woodruff with you because he heard
that she had in her possession certain facts reflect
ing upon Mr.. Beechers action toward members Of
your family. How can he reconcile his present
position with his former actionf
Mr.. BowEN-Mr. Clanin is most honorable
msn-one OF my best friends He could not COM
prehend how such a state of things existed know
ing as he did, that was one Of the Oldest mem,
bers OF the church. and have done more personally
than any other man 10 iiqudate it's debt
REPORTER-Have you ever seen
MRS. HOOKER, Mr. BEEcHERs SISTER,
Mr.; BowES.I have frequently: and on one or
Two Of these occasions she was evidently laboring
mented on by the congregation.
| REroKTER-Did you know the cause OF her agita-
Mr.. BowEN-I heard that the cause was her be-
lief in Mr.. Beecher's immorality and but for the
fact that she was restrained, she would have an
nounced 1t to the congregation.
REPORTER-That alleged fact is alluded to in Mr..
MOulton's letter to Mr. Beecner.
Mr.. B0wEN.-So see, and II Is IN entire cOnsO-
nance with what heard originally.
Mr.. bowen (gravely) i could construe his course
unkindly. L considered 1t all along my duty, nev.
ertheless to retain my position and pew in the
church. because
/ INTENDED TO BE THERE AFTER HIN,
as was there before him.
REpoRrER-Do you believe the story OF Victoria
Woodruff concerning Mr.. Beecher7
Mr. BOwEN-I woulo have believed 1t fully, had
she shownm me all the documents when l visited
her with Mr.. Clanin.
woodruff offered certain documents to the Inves-
tiga1ng Commtteey
Mr.. BOwEE-Yes, and am surprised that those
documents were not received. They would have
been as interesting to MI. Clanin to-day as they
REPoRTER-But MIR clanin was not at the Com
mittee meeting when Mrs. Woodruff profIered her
Mr.. BowEN-Tben that NAV account for the
failure to receive her documents. We're MEM
Der OF such committee would accept testimony
from every source.
REPoRrEB-Have you preserved the notes taken
by yonr own stenographer at the meeting you had
Mr.. BowEN-Certainly But they have not been
written out, nor Will they be until necessity
l
RRPoRrER-Are you friendly to
Mr.. TILTONf
! Mr.. BOWEN don't care which way 1t goes with
him. The end must necessarily justify me before
the public, and will never 20 down TO my grave
without saving something concerning my relations
with this scandal
REPoKrER-Wnl you present a statement to the
public?
Mr.. BowEN-Upon that question my mind is
made up, but win not answer you now. great
wrong has been done me BY more than one.
win, for my own and my family's sake let our
friends, at least, know how qrievously have been
wronged
Mr.. Bowen seemed much affected and his eyes
filed with tears.
REPORTER-what would be the effect on Ply
mouth Church OF Mr.. Beecner's resignation or
remOvaS
| Mr.. BowEN-Plymouth Church would 60 on as
before, just the same as II he had died.
REPORTER-Did you pay DR.. Bacon for these let
| ters in the Independent attacking MI Tntonf
Mr.. BOwEN-NOt a cent.
REPoRTER-Bo you know M0ultonf
Mr.. BOwEN-No. He is placed in an awkward
| position, but believe he will tel the truth.
! Mr. Bowen declined to be interviewed further,
adding, however, that he would be ION hand when
wanted.u