The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-01-13

A recess was here taken till 2 o'clock. Mrs:
Beecher came over TO where Mrs. TIlton anu
Mrs Orvington we're sitting, and greeted them
in a most cordial manner, and they leit the cour'
room in company.
During the recess lady attred in black and
W caring red scarf around her neck came luto
the court room and took seat. Rumor mad IL
she was Mrs Isabella Beecher Hooker, a SISTER
of Beecber but on inquiry it was found she
was lady friend of the clerk OF court, VINO
had been drawn there by curiosity. After re-
cess Morris continued his opening.
He said Mr.. Beecher had made efforts to
have a statement set forth by Mrs. Iiitoh "
which a card was returned containing a state
mept that Beecher had solicited her to become
ali a wife could be to him, but this Beecher
demurred atlas it would seem a confession OF
guilt and the card was not therefore publ'shed.
This was in December, 1872, after the publlca-
ton of the Woodruff story and Beecher then
said in letter that TiltOn was one OF his best
friends and that he had never TILED to inJure
him.
tigation into facts by the members OF the
church and the conlagration which would en-
sue Certainly no false charge could kinde
the >conflagration, but the revelation OF the
truth would and why ali this anxiety. plotting
and planning, not only with Moulton, but Eli.
ton himself. in order to prevent exposure OF
the charge? They were all in consultation to
gether, planning facts for an Investigation;
Such were the extremities to which the de-
PENDANT in this case was driven 10 prevent an
explanation. This card of Tilton's makes no
charge against Beecher, only threatens the
publication of the letter of contrition. Coun-
sci read Beecher's letter of resignation OF the
ministry of Plymouth church which he took to
| Moulton's house, to which Tilton objected, as
| it gave no reason for his resignation and would
blast and destroy plaintiffs family, W.,
On the 31st of May, 1873, Henry Ward
Beecher, said counsel, would have ceased to
become pastor of Plymouth church only for
| Francis d. Moulton, whom later the people OF
| that church denounced as villain: In utter
| despair on june LIST, the following morning.
| the descendant wrote letter to Moulton, open
I ing with description of the trampled earth
| and confused air, stating he intended to maze
no resistance. The publication of this card, ne
said would stutiy the excuses they had gwen tba
| prayer meeting of the church ON the LIST OF
| lime. 1873, Beecher said to M. Carpenter:
Theodore is going to publish my letters
IsiWhat of that?" replied Mr.. Carpenter.
"WelP', said Beecher. eff he does that he
/ will ruin me" --
| What did this refer to only that there were
1 criminal relations between Beecher and Mrs.
/ Tilton. Having allayed the excitement In the
church and prevented the difficulties there,
others presented themselves, and in endeavor-
| ing to avoid these he appeals to his friends.
He wrote letter to Mouiton stating that the
deacons' meeting had adjourned, and the only
i danger to guard against was the women.
| Counsel quoted from TiltOn's letter to the in
| yestigating committee of Plymouth church as
| to appearing before that body and answering
i the question of whether OF not he had accused
Beecher falsely.
/ rDuring the month of December, 1873, pre-.
l liminary steps were taken to call the council
/ and durlng its session a criticism was made on
Elizabeth r. Tilton for abusing Beecher. Aftel
the council there arose another difficulty which
resulted in elimination of events which
| brought the parties here. A criticism was
spread abroad rejecting on Theo. Tilton
Beecher had not the courage to stopit and al
l lowed the criticism to float along, and hnally
Tilton published the Bacon letter which spread
throughout christendom and startled the whoie
4 civilized world -~ " &
tation of few lines from the letter of contri
ton, showing that Henry Ward Beecher had
debauched the wife of Theodore Tilton. Did
| thew doubt the fact he had more conclusive evil
1 ldence to give them? They did not mean to
leave this place, said counsel, until they wen
their verdict shall bave been given to this crime
j this great crime that has been committed 5y
Henry Ward Beecher against the peace and tht
family of Tilton, and against the morals OF the
world
MI. Morris, during his address, read the fol
hfs agony had drawn up, and would have sen
to Plymouth church but for Moulton's inter
Nav 81, 1870 the Trustees of Plymouth
Church: tender herewith my resignation o
the sacred ministry of the Plymouth church
| among YOU in order to shield from shame Ger
tain household, but recent publication makes
| this no longer feasible. ] resign my ministry
,-r (Sigped,) HENRY WARD BEECHER.
| The court then adjourned till tomorrow whel
| the opening address will be finished