Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1875-02-19
Brooklyn Letter 10 Chicago TT
The Scandal Trial.
rHK THruRy OF The CASE.

INK IHkUhf pt lhS NA>E-
Ono OF Beecher's friends-nay, his prin-
cini agent in dealing with the publc-has
issued What the French would call an Official
EXPLANATION of the case. 1t is taken from
the Plymouth brief, and Is virtually an
epitome of the defense. guarantee it to
be the authorized synopsis of what Beecher
will swear to, AMI VIVA. E7arts will elabor-
ate. The defense will be an entire denial of
any wrong against Tilton but not ofan ofense
which Tilton could well afford to condone,
in 1870, and which the world will willing
" and gladly pardon now. Ii Mrs. Tilton
is to be credited, her marriage experience
and her husbands is that OF thousands OF
families in this country.
Theodore Tilton is naturally vain aud
egotistical beyond most men. He married
soung woman who was then quite his
canal. He grew rapidly and in every way.
At 80 he was the friend and companion of
raep of worldwide distinction. His name
had heen identified with great moral and
yolities, revolution. He was fine writer,
graceful and eloquent speaker, and man
Of exceptionally good presence. He was
pointed at in the streets as n remarkable
man. He was followed, fattered, sought,
and sued in his office, on the platform, and
in the lyceuD, by men who were honored
~ his eompauionship, and by graceful NO.
men whp we're proud of his attentions. LIS
wi &c lost her youthful charms, for she bore
him many children before the flower OF his
life had blosomed. =" He used to say"
saws n rs. Tilton, " that our appearance 10
the str vet together caused ridicule because
he WAS much taller than !. On one occa-
sion. whe U I joined him on the street, he
angrily sa id that he would give thousand
dollars if | came up to him. On aaother
at party, he charged me not "
come where I've was again during the even
ip,." He wits not perhaps entirely con-
scious of the wrong he did her, but he did it
Ill the same.
His business a. lecturer took him away
from home. 4 greater man than he had
free access to that Tome during his assence.
He found companiolship in little lady
who felt herself neglected By her husband.
She was the envy Of other women because of
the great preachers manifest preference for
her. He read manuscripts OF his articles
and books to her, admitted her excellent
taste, consulted her judgment, and-most
delicate and seductive flattery OF all-some-
times accepted it, anti the glory vas greater
because the world did not recognize It IN the
that was tnrned as she advised Il
TO be, or the literary character that was
fashioned or shaded es she had recommend
ed. To the preacher and author this com
was very grateful. !
The husband came to see this. Tie was
too proad or too weak to resent it, but he
reyenged it, as he could 50 easily, oxtside
his home. The pastor saw that he was eE,
eroaching on the rights Of Others, but he
readily convinced himself that be was injur-
i.g nobody He was made to see, at times,
thss he cid give offence. but he was not con-
scious of any great wrong. The estranxe-
nent between the husband and wife deep ]
ensd and xidened Finally it came to be
Whispered about that Tilton had formed al
lisnces with other women. The wife
NAMED him, but wa the blame ill his?