The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-08-12

mittee, eau only say that before this investi-
CATION commenced there were only two mem
Clafn) who were acquainted with what was
really in the whole of this thing, but they were
thoroughly acquainted with 1t. They knew,
before the investigation commenced, Just what
Moulton could testify to and what he could
produce. They knew well what was in these
charges and L know that there was nothing
that Moulton could testify to or could produce
yesterday afternoon that wOuld-aStonish these
gentlemen. l know there is nothing he has in
his possession that can implicato Beecher one
iota, nothing, because there,is nothing in ex-
istence to implicate him. If L could tell you
all | know about this case, would show you
Deechers motive in keeping silent, and could
show him blameess as clearly as if calcium
light were turned on the whole story. If Mr..
Beecher had spoken long ago these clouds
summer wind, and yet even now L would not
advise Mr.. Beecher to speak out, knowing, as /
do, the circumstances of the case, though his
own character would seem 10 demand that he
should tell the public what they have absolute
ly no right to know.
There is prurient curiosity abroad to know
every detail of this disgusting business which
is absolutely shocking. Mr.. Beecher has held
his tongue out OF respect for. others. Why,
look at this Hooker exhibition Beecher tried
to keep that quiet to spare the feelings of his
family and friends, iand mark you, there are
others, but their case is different from hers
She, it was very well known, was weak
minded and the Woodhall people got hold OF
her and preyed upon her weakened intellect,
| but if Beecher opened his mouth and told his
| story, there are distinguished citizens who
| would suffer, and in his silence he has spared
| their feelings.
Reporter-What do you mean by that, Mr..
| Sherman?
| Mr.. Shearman-I mean that this Woodruff
| coterie is q pest of blackmailers. That is the
| sole object of their lives. They have nveigled
into their evils distinguished men and women,
| and they have sought out Beecher as q target
| for their operations because he was o shining
| light. / tell you he can make this Thug as
| clear as the noon-day SUI, and il he should
| there will be some people suffer whom he has
spared for long, long time, at the cost of his
| own ease of mind and dastardly persecution
| When reflect on what would be the conse
| the whole business, would advise him even
now to keep silent and explain away what is
necessary to the committee.
Still Another Story.
The Graphic says: San important rumol
| was circulated in Brooklyn to-day which is re
markabe for the manner in which it explain:
the recent developments. While Beecher's
friends have been malIgning Moulto1, Beecher':
| lawyers so it is said, have been calling upoI
his generosity. The story is IN effect as fol
lows-That Mr. Beecher during all of the eX
element until late period concealed from hi.
friends the worst features of his case He hat
blindly suffered himself to be led on by events
hoping for some unforeseen development to saw
him.
The silence was maintained as late as the
evening of Thursday, August 9th, or there
abouts. He had received the last of Moulton
fearless letters the preceding day, Wednesday
Then it is said he gave up all hope and sum
moned to his house Gen. Tracy, Mr.. Sherman
and q number of the members of the commit
tee and told them of those parts of the story o
the disagreement with Tilton which he ha'
previously held back.
The disclosures are said to have fallen upoi
them like thanderbolt, and on the first burs
of astonishment that ensued, Gen. Tracy is de
Glazed to have expressed determination t
withdraw from the case. This it was that CAV
rise to the rumor that found its way to the pub
! lie within two or three days after. But III