New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-08-22
LETTER TO THE PUBLIC.

To THE PUBLIC: became party almost acciden-
tally in the unhappy controversy between Mr..
Beecher and Mr.. Tilton. had been a friend Of Mr..
Tilton since my boyhoOd, and for Mr.. Beecher had
always entertained the warmest admiration. In
1870 learned for the first time that Mr. Beecher had
given Mr.. TiltOn so grave cause OF olleDse that IL
the truth should be made public, great national
calamity would ensue l believed that the scandal
would tend to undermine the very foundations OF
social ORDER to lay low benefcent power for good
in our country. and blast the prospects and blight
the family of one of the most brilliant and promising
of the rising of the generation. TINS DISASTER
a. deemed it and still regard i'll determined TO
try and avert.
For nearly four years have labored most assdu-
ously to save both of these men from the coDse-
auences of their acts, whether of unwlsdom OF pas
sion-acts which have already seriously involved
them in needless and disastrous quarrel which IS
made the pretext of pouring on the community
flood of impurty and scandal deeply affecting their
own families, and Threatening like whirlpool, If
not sted to draw into its vortex tho peace OF mind
and good repute of host of Others. More than all,
saw that, because of the "transgression of an-
othern innocent children would be burdened with q
load of obloauy which would weigh most heavily
and cruelty on their young lives.
All these considerations determined me TO take an
active part in the transactions which have since
become so notorious This decision involved me in
great anxiety and labor for which the hope Of saw
ing these interests could be my only compensation.
Even that reward has now failed NE, and instead Of
il an attempt is made to throw part of the
shame and disgrace which belongs TO the actors
alone, One of them, whom / have zealousy en-
deayored to serve has seen fit with all the power of
his vast influence and matchless art as writer, to
visit on me the penalties of his own wrong-doing.
at the same time publicly appealing to me 10 mako
known the truth. as if ii would justify his attack
on me!
feel that the failure of my exertons has not been
owing to any fault of mine. 1 worked faithfully
and sincerely, under the almost daily advice and
direction of Mr.. Beecher with his fullest approba-
ton, confidence, and beaming gratitude, until as i
think. in an evil hour for him, he took other
advisers. I have failed; and now, strangely
enough he seems to desire to punish Inc for the
sad consequences Of the folly nsincerty, and wick
edness of his present counselors.
Mr.. Beecher. in his statement, testifies that he
brought on this investigation without my knowl-
edge OF advice. Even while mourning what seemed
to me the utter unwisdom Of this proceeding, have
done all could honOraby do to avert the catastrophe
have kept silent, although saw with sorrow that
this silence was deeply injuring the friend of my
boyhood Prompted by q sense Of duty-not to one
only, but to all the parties involved-I denied the
united aud public appeals made to me by Mr..
Beecher and Mr.. Tlton to produce the evidence in
nv possession partly because felt that the injury
thereby done to Mr.. Tlton was far less calamitous
than the destruction which must come On all the
interests I had for years tried to conserve. and
especially on Mr.. Beecher himself If l should
comply with this request.
But l stated clearly that 10 one emergency
should speak-namely, in defense Of my own iuteg-
rity of action if it should be wantonly assailed.
left Mr.. Beecher untrammeled by the facts in my
hands to defend himself without the necessity OF
attacking me- By the published accusations Of Mr..
Beecher affecting my character. my lfrespect
the advice Of friends, and public justice make il
imperative that "the truth. the Whole truth, and