New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-22

between him aud Mr.. Moulton and Mr.. Butler.
GEN. TRACY's REMARKS ABOUT Mr.. MOUL-
TON.
II is nv duty to refer, gentlemen, | think,
for moment to the terms In which Mr. Mouon charae-
terized the opening address Of Mr. Tracy pass from
all other consideration Of his evidence and relation TO
this because satisfied that you will believe that
up the time of this demand for the papers and the
answers which have read the part Of Mr.. Mouton,
that he faithfully abored for Mr. Beecher and Mr. Ton
in carrying out the policy OF silence upon which these
several parties had agreed and that his refusal TO furnish
the papers to Mr. Bcecher he says, TO Mr. Tt0n,
for the purpose OF being used by the in hostility TO
the other at time when all hopes Of suppressng this
scandal had been abandoned. and when there were
active consultations for the purpose Of deyising some
means by IN appearance OF the parties before the Com
mittee, and by report mputing modified ohense 10
Mr. Beecher and exoncrating Mr.. Tlton. 1t OF this
gentleman thus aboriDg for the interests OF these par
ties having interest whltever In what might DC the
result OF his efforts except earnest and an honorpe
regard for the interests of the family OF MI Tton ana
the interests OF Mr. Beecher 1t is complained In the
opening of Mr. Tracy that this unworthy effort;
that Mr.. Moulton, as honorable gentleman OF the
world without any regard to those influences which
might be exerted over him by his coDscientiousness
sense OF right duty the Church and reGion-that, as
a Of the world becoming acquainted Win the
ofense Of Mr.. Beecher it his duty at once
to publish it and bring him to a public account.
There may q variety OF opinions in regard To the
course demanded OF the citizen by morality and truth
under such circumstances. But with the views enter
tanned by Mr. Beecher and by Mr. TtOn Of the character
of Mrs. Ton, of the influences which led her to sacr
flee personal honor with the views that nave Deeh
very generally entertained by the community In regard
to the disadvantage upon the cause Of morality and re
1on OF an examination this scandal Mr.. Moulton,
fancy will not be very seriously condemned for adopting
that policy o, silence which approved by the imme
date parties 10 the and which seemed to be
demanded by all the great interests which depended
upon it. At any rate, it is not for the advocate
of Mr. Beecher to Mr. Moulton. whatever char
acer it may please Nr. Tracy To confer upon MI Mou
ton he was yet vastly inferior in intellectual power anG
in position TO Henry Ward Beecher, and when Mt
Beecher appealed to him friend for salvation from
the publicity Of this accusation; when Mr. Beecher with
the power OF his great character advised and coperatcd
with the policy OF silence and made Mr.. Moutol the
chief and reliable instrument to promote IT, II
does not become either Mr. Beecher or his
counsel Mr.. Tracy, to imputc to Mr Ioulton
any dercicOn Of morality or duty have no hesitation
in averrinc that my Judgment concurs with the conciu
sion which these gentlemen then formed-that IL would
have been vastly better for the interests of society. Of
morality OF the Church, believing that this wrong had
been sincerely repented OF by Mr. Beecher that this
whole matter should have been kept in perfect entire
silence All the disastrous consequences which have fol
lowed the proceedings before the Committee the nyes
legations Of this trial would have been escaped II
would have been a sin concealed it is true, from the
knowledge Of the world but it Of that character
not being criminal in It's nature not calling for the in
vestgation and the punishment OF the law 1t was OF
that character affecting only social and domestic morals
which might well be concealed from the public. Says
MI Tracy. speaking Of this gentleman
Its hardly necessary that ] shonld occupy much time
Tho eifq
explaining motives which have actuated him through
ten DAYS You have and heard him. No man IN
this courtroom could fail to be satisfied that Mr. MoalIon
desperate part required Of the mutual friend
Chosen by the plaintiff when Mr. Beecher tells You
he was chosen by himsef-when Mr. Beeeher in repeated
appeals Of deep pahos and of unlimited confidence says
10 Francis d. M0ulton, You the only friend have
in the world upon whom can rely, and II you cease to
love me I am lost Mr.. MoutOn represented the
elusive friend OF TtOn. intriguing and consprng against
Beecher when years. by night and by day. there
was not occasion when the reputation the interest Of
Henry Ward Beecer was threatened that Mr.. Moulton
was not ready hand to nerpose the Jealous service
OF his friendship and effort
Cool fearless plausible Of cultured tastes not desti
tute OF literary ability. gifted with quick perception OF
human character, OF tremendous energy, ana Totally
desitue OF any belief conscience, III Immortality,
or In God this well qualified like
his great archetype, to deceive the very eteet
vas a beathen and bv that YOU know what he ;
not a heather like Socrates or Plato not heather IKE
those men OF old who walked in darkness seeking for
the light and whom the great poet OF the Catholic
Church has assigned place IN that other word ree
from pain though far from heaven but sch he&thch
as only can be found IN the midst OF Christian cFZa-
ton-a man who despses the idea OF personal response
biy SCOTS al the idea OF future accountability
who laughs his sleeve at the creduity OF those who
read the words of scripture, or who listen to the
instructions Of the Church. and whose only idea OF God
is "A convenient name for sounding an oath or enforcing
eXecrstlon.
And this was written gentlemen, after Mr. Moulton
bf roll rio fait
idea of the presence and overung providence Of God
Of the immortality the human soul, and OF the exist
ence OF future state OF rewards and punshmens. We
have only the evidence Of Mr.. Moulton from which we
can Judge as to religious belief faith, and every
word of that philippe studied, written, read by Mr.
Tracy is in direct contradiction Of every portion Of the
evidence gwen by Mr. Mouton. is in direct contradiction
f his whole character exhibited through his testimony
upon the stand through any OF the other evidence Ia
this case 1t is a direct unqualified untruth.
Mr. shearman-Mr. Beach, do understand you to say
that MI Mouton has given any evidence Of his belief at
all
MI Beaeh-What do you sayi
Mr. shearman-Do understand you TO assert that Mr..
Moulton has gwen any evidence OF his behei IN Cod
He has not a. understand 1t.
Mr. Blackwell, / think that MI Moulton was asked
the question / am not clear in my recollection.
Mr. shearnan--No, he was not asked AT all except
Mr. Fullerton my friend Mr. shearman Is mis-
taken upon that subject
Judge Neilson-Well then 1t will be assumed that be
stands in that respect as the rest OF us stand.
Mr. Beach, suppose so. your Honor. but l have a
recollection that that question put, at my suggestion
to Mr. Moulton am able to refer TO all the points
OF this voluminous testimony
Mr. shearnan-My recollection Is different.
Mr.. Fuerton-well, your recollection is wrong. His
Testimony was very explicit upon that subject.
Mr. Morrs-I submit that these Interruptions are not
proper.
Mr. Beach-Oh. II 7 fall into error should GER
tanly hope to corrected along. for design TO
make no Misrepresentation. suppose he had not spoken
upon that subject gentlemen ia any reputable gentle