Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-08-17
CLOSE OF THE COMMITTEES WORK

CLOSE OF THE COMMITTEES WORK.
The Investigating Committee of Plymouth
Church, after having been engaged for sever
raj weeks in taking testimony bearing upon
the Brooklyn scandal, virtually brought their
labors to an end yesterday. They met at
o'clock all of the members and the counsel
being present, and Mr.. Beecher himself Civ
ing them cheerful welcome. For an hour
or two there was little in the vicinity of Mr..
Beechec's residence to indicate that so impor-
tant a council was engaged within in so vital
part of their work. The crowds which, day
after day, and night after night, collected be-
fore the now historic house of Augustus Storrs
in Monroe-place had not found their way to
the residence of the renowned preacher, while
it was early for the army of reporters who
had industriously and regularly attended the
steps of all persons directly concerned with
the investigation by night and day. But the
lack of outside newsRatherers and curious lis
teners in no way delayed the serious work
within. Now and then struggling reporter
pulled at the doorbell only to be informed
that he could see no one and that no informa-
ton could be given him. Occasionally mes
senger boy or counsel's clerk hurried up to
the door, waited a moment for his answer and
dashed off again at a rapid pace. A few
friends and members of the family went to the
At no time have the Committee been 80 com.
pletely removed from the searching eyes and
quick ears of their pursuers as they were be-
tween s and 10 o'clock. The closely drawn
curtains and tightly shut blinds were impen-
etrable, and the heavy walls communicated
no intelligence.
After 10 o'clock, however, the representa-
tives of the local press began to assemble,
and repeated inquiries were made in regard
to the progress Of the days work. Could the
evening papers get an abstract of Mr.. Beech
er's statement? Were the letters presented
by Mr.. Moulton available? AT what time
would the Committee adjourn? To these and
similar questions no satisfactory response was
received and it began to be whispered that the
session would be very long, the cross EXAM
ination of Mr.. Beecher very rigid, and posi-
bly, not completed before the evening. The
adjoining and opposite door-steps were loaded
with patient walters. An immense bouquet
was passed in marked for Mr.. Beecher, a car
pet-bag from Peekskill, while once and again
private carriage was driven up and notes
were sent in. Strangers stopped to read the
door-plate, and scores of passers-by inquired
for the latest word from the council chamber
But no Ineligible sign was made from in
| doors until o'clock was struck. Whether
or not the committee would adjourn for lunch
was then soon answered by the appearance of
| Mr.. Tracy. short recess was to be taken,
and refreshment would be served in the house.
| Mr.. Tracy was smiling, but little disposed to
take much share in the conversation which
began to be rite about him. The Committee,
however, would be 10 session for several
hours longer. Mr.. Beecher's cross-examina-
ton was only just begun. His statement had
been made between and l | o'clock from very
full notes. 1t was not at all probable that the
testimony would be ready even for the morn
ing papers. But of the nature or strength of
the statement Mr.. Tracy was not there to say.
MIR. Shearman also passed out and along to
| his residence in Hicks-st. He had little TO