The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-02-01
1hc Beechey-iilto,. 7,ial.


BROOKLYN, Feb. 1.-The general inter.
est III learning the decision as TO whether
Tilton would be permitted to testify IN
his own behalf, packed the City Court
to-day almostt 10 snflOcat oh.
The principal actors in thedrama were
seated earlier than usual, Mrs. Tilton
with her lady friends being among the
number.
Judge Nelson entered and TOOK the
judicial chair, while he held roll OF
f0Oscap in his hand. He rendered de-
cision in the following words:
''In regal u to the question raised as to
'the plaintiffs right 10 testify, / have
come 10 the conclusion, first, that plain
tiff has right to be heard in his own be-
halt; second, that as to the principal
= question atissue, he is not competent to
testify as to any confidential commune
cation.
1t is considered that this qualified di-
rectiOn respects the present state of the
law of evidence, and also respects what
may remain of the rule wlrich.imposes
silence or restraint by reason of the mar
riage relation, and on grounds of public
policy and interest.
Theodore Tilton was then sworn, and
with Il very composed manner stepped
on the witness stand.
BROOKLYN, Feb. las Tilton was on
the point OF being sworn Evarts object
ed. Judge Nelson said, ''You have your
remedy by exception" :"
Tilton having been sworn, he testi-
fled: "Am thirty-nine years of age: was
born in New York city; lived there twen-
ty or twenty years; was married iii
1851; Beecher c1ticiated; have four chill.
dren; been engaged in literary work ever
since graduated at the Newport Free
Academy.
My earliest connection was with the
N. I. Cburchman, next the Observer,
the Independent, the Union and the
Golden Age. Rev. j. p. Thompson and
Rev. Leonard Bacon were associate ed.
itOrs Of the independent, and. Beecher
was editor-in-chief. / succeeded to the
chlei management when Beecher retired.
My connections with. Bcecher then were
intimate, and L became a member OF
Plymouth Church in 1868. NV wife
Joined in 1871. l was teacher in the
Plymouth Sunday-sch0oi and assistant
superintendent, and subsequently act
1Dg as superintendent.
In 1868 owned the house No. ia Liv-
street, worth So 900, and hous Sc |
and lot south side OF Evering Park, New |
Jersey, worth $4,000; some Tribune
stock worth $4,000; an Ohio farm worth
Sl,5nO, and 800 in bank On December
81 Mr.. MOuiton brought Beecher to my
house and left him at the door. Beechcr
passed into the room in the second story.
| followed, locking the door and putting
the key in my pocket. Beecher took a
seat in an easy chair.
Tilt0u continued-Beecher did not sa-
lutte me nor him. II suppose you know
why you are summoned here" and
Beecher replied, "Yes do in general
way" TbeirI said to him, 81 suppose
you received q letter from me. |
sent ut BoMen's solicitation, de-
that you leave the pulpit of
The Plymouth Church and Brooklyu. for
reasons you well know. Beecier re.
Piled by acknowledging the recent of|
The letter; then asked what Bowen had
,eeE saying about hlm; l told him he
Knew well enough that Bowen
iaid he, Beecher, had intercourse
With over thirty women of his congrega-
ion; and his whole life, since his arrival
n Brooklyn from his indianapolis pas t
Orage, was one continuous course of I
ldulterv. further told him Bowen said Il
le was net a fit man to be Il minister, and
vas a dangerous nah to be allowed TO c
inter- any household. 1t
My wife told me in the summer of 1871 v
hat she had allowed her pastor, Henry Is
Ward Beecher, 10 have sexual inter a
curse with her. The first time in Beech Ii
RS own house when she was on a visit L
o her pastor. She also cited other >
ines and places, and mentioned one oc. b
aston when Beecher solicited her in her {,
ouse on The second floor. d
She said Beecher told her that sexual .
'tercourse was not wrong, as it was! Ii