New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-02
A DRAMATIC SCENE.

The disappointment of the audience was only mo-
mcntary; they had murmured too soon for there
followed a scene unsurpassed IN intense interest by
anything which had preceded 1t during the trial.
TIE very grouping Of the main characters IN the
scandal tragedy aided TO make it dramatic. The
increased attendance Of members of Plymouth
Church and of Mr. BeecheT's family had pushed the
defendants lawyers nearer to those of the planti,
VITO sit between them aud the witneSs-chair.
The two sons of Mr. Boecher had vacated
their places to give TO the lady
members of the family, and sat directly be-
hind and within foot OF Mr.. TiltOn. Mr. Tracy.
Mr. Porter and Mr.. Evarts were two three feet in
advance of their usual places; and sitting on his
left Mr. Porters elbow grazad that of Theodore
Tiltop and his outstreched arm could have touched
Nj Moulton across the table used by the defend
ants counsel. All the counsel Tor the defendant
AMI Mr. Beecher's friends behind them, leaned for
ward, eXpectant and anxious when the plaintiffs
counsel called Mr. Redpath. Mr. Fullerton had alb
ruptly dismissed lin on Wednesday afternoon alter
calling his attention to letter which they had
refused to read or to show to the opposing counsel
when requested. 1t had been intimated, moreover,
that Mr. Re lpath had been subpenaed to appear for
the plaintiff on future day. Mr. Beechers counsel
had learned from the public prints that after leaving
court on Wednesday Mr. Redpath had been III close
consultation for several hours with Mr.. Fullerton
the cr0ss-examinIng counsel of the plaintiff More
than that they knew that the witness was
hound to Mr.. llltOn and Mr.. Moulton by
the closest tics of friendship, while his
relations with Mr.. Bcechcr only those OF busi-
ness aud indeed those Of business long interrupted
by the very action in which be had been called
upon to take part. The fiery gances of Mr..
B-echer's friends and counsel, cleaning from
frowning and clouded brows. indicated not less
clearly than their subsequent admissions that there
luikcd in their minds suspicion of treachery The
injustice to Mr. Redpath was only mOmentary OH
their part. The drift of the examination soon
vealed that he concealed and exaggerated nothing.
II was difficult to tell after the testimony all in
whether it was more damaging to plaintiff or de-
fondaut; the climax pleased the latter rather than
the former but the accompanying incident certainly
disappointed the plaintiffs counsel, who had labOred
to make IT effective
The delivery of the testimony had been marked
bv several interesting elements; his manner of de-
Iivery-slow. precise in low tones and faultless
English-was in itself calculated to stimulate inter
est in his statements; but the single episode re-
ferrcd to from its dramatic power rendered every
other incident commonplace and insignificant Mr..
Redpath ha6 detailed in his very effective way two
conversations with Mr.. Beecher subsequent TO the
appointment of the Committee of Investigation in
1874. and relative to message which Mr. Redpath
was authorized by Mr. Tilton and Mr.. MoutOn to
carry Mr. Beecher, TO the effect that they to
hurl against him before that Committee the terrible
charge OF adultery. Mr.. Beecher has answered ill.,
differently, that the matter was out of his hands,
and he should await the verdict Of his churchs
Committee resolved if it were adverse to
him to resign his pastOrate. In the course
of this conversation Mr.. Beecher had
Bad that he did not deny that he had given Mr. Til
ton cause of ofenses but" added, "his woes
are such money can assuage" The testimony
finally led up 70 the point at which Mr.. Fullerton
was aiming and after whispering in Mr.. Beach's
ear, he asked in a very deliberate tone, "Now, Mr.
Redpath, ask you this question: whether at the
interview at Peekskill of which you have spoken,
or at the nterv lew at Brooklyn of which you have
also spoken Mr. Beecher DENIED the commission of
aduiteTyT Mr.. Evarts instantly on his feet
with an objection which ne stated at some length,
but before the Judge could decide, John X. Porter
rose slowly in his place at Mr. Tiltons side, and
wthhand uplifted and fore-fn.er leyeled directly
at Dir. MOultOn If taking aim at him. deliberately
but energetcally began to address the Judge, grow
ing more emphatic as he proceeded.
will your Honor" he began, each syllable being
slowly drawn out until the close when his |
words surcharged with Intensity and |
earnestness 80 that they were fairly Missed;
" VIII your Honor permit me 10 add thai the inquiry
Is AS to the construction by the witness Of the Ian
guage be has gveni That is matter for the jury.
we shall insist that in the language be has given