The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-08-17
Correspondence of THE GLOBE. !
The er-Allen Scandal.

|
w. 8. Porter is set for trial Tuesday, Aug.
18th, and as the time approaches considera-
BILE excitement aud interest is manifested.
There seems to be good deal of prejudice
shown in the case. There are always some
who will condemn person accused of a
crime before hearing the facts in the case.
There are always two sides to {. story, and
IN this free, enlightened country every one
has right to defend himself when accused
of crime. Now, we do not say that Mr.
Porter is not guilty Of the crime alleged
against him, for he may be, but it is pre-
sumed man Is innocent until he is proven
guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
There seems to be some things connected |
with this scandal that look little strange. |
And first let me say, that we have been in
formed that there is not now or has not |
been for some time very friendly feeling
existing between the presiding elder, Mr..
Watson, and Mr.. Porter, and that the elder
has an old grudge against Mr.. Porter.
Some time about month previous to the
church trial of Mr.. Porter the presiding
elder came through this vicinity exhibiting
letter, which he claimed was written by
Mr.. Porter to Miss ALEU-, but no name
being signed to it. This letter was shown
to quite number here and before the pub
lie knew anything about the scandal. Does
not this look as II the elder was trying to
| stir up feeling against Mr.. Porter and TO
get the public sentiment against him
This was before Mr. Pember went to Wey-
bridge after Miss Allen.
1t clearly shows that case was being
worked up for some purpose. But this
was too thin without other evidence. At
the church trial Mr.. Porter had no chance
whatever to defend himself, as the church
had its own way, and Mr.. Portef's friends
could not assist him, the trial being strictly
private. Mr.. Porter's attempt to show
the bad character OF Miss Allen failed
from the same cause. But we understand
that sufficient evidence was introduced to
impeach her testimony before a court of
justice or jury, and yet all This testimony
was cast aside, and the charges against
Mr.. Porter sustained.
An article appeared in newspaper the
next day after the trial closed, the author
of which, among other things, says that
''scveral witnesses of doubtful character
were called in to impeach Miss Aliens tes-
timony." This is another attempt to show
that all is wrong on Mr.. Portel's side, and
the author should be made to retract the
statement, as it is base fabrication ami i'll
becomes minister of the gospel or chris
tian to make such a statement. We be-
leve there were only four witnesses, one
gentleman and three ladies, called III for
that purpose. Those ladies testify in un-
mistaksble terms that Miss Aliens charac.
ter for truth and vcracty is not Oh a par
with people in general, that she is girl
who could not be believed under any cir
cumstances, and that her character fol
morality is bad. These witnesses are
among the most respectable in town, ia,
above reproach, and beyond human power
to impeach. Does not the published state
mcnt referred to look bad Z?
: We do not wish to uphold any one il
crime, but we say give every one fai
and impartial trial. If Mr.. Porter is guilt,
we say let him be punished, but in his, a
D should have the benefit of all the doubts
II the character of Miss Allen is as bad a
many of the neighbors will testify, the
: her testimony is doubtful, and without he
testimony we do not see how Mr.. Porte
, can be convicted.
Some argue that because she, Miss Allen
told q good, straight story, she must hav
: told the truth, but we do not view it i
that light, as there are always exceptions
j Witnesses in church trials are not subjec,
!, ed to 30 rigid and thorough an examine
ton as in courts of justice. She might b
II an apt scholar, and we should judge sh
) was from what we learn OF the nature O
the testimony.
There has been some talk of compromis
ing the case, but this has not been accom-
plished, and will no doubt be tried. MI
Porter has been in town once or twic
y since the church trial and does not seem I
manifest guilt. At any rate we hope jui
u tice will be done.
Il Dandy, Aug. IA, 1875.