The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1875-04-16
THE TILTON.BEECHER TRIAL.
The Rev. ~. w. Beecher ON the Witness
stand-The Defendants Version of ths
Great Scandal.


Beecher upon the witness stand. Only "A
small proportion OF those holding tickets.
however, succeeded i'm gaining admittance to
the courtroom.
Al minutes 10 II Mr.. Redpath left the
witness stand and Mr.. Eyarts, turning To
where defendant sat, said: "Mr. Beecher
win now be sworn" There was n buzz I'm
the courtroom, and Beecher. accompanied
nv an officer. walked round 10 the witness
stand, behind the jury box. Every eye was
turned on him, but he looked as unmoved
and unconcerned "a he does on Sunday when,
ascending the platform OF his own church. he
losses his soft felt hat away and calmly d.
vests himself OF his overcoat preparatory
TO preaching. Frank Moulton bent
forward In his seat a. the preacher
was seen on the witness stand,
towering over the spectators in the body OF
the courtroom. Moulton looked steadily at
Beecher while the latter took his seat, and
never relaxed the earnest gaze while he gave
hi. testimony. Beecher did not once look
toward where Moulton or the plaintiff sat.
He appeared 10 look over their heads. ~ the
crowd. or at the jury. When the clock struck
u, and Evarts stopped for n moment in his
examination. the witness threw OFF his over
coat, and. taking out his watch. calmly com
pare II with the clock In the courtroom.
MIR BEEcHER SWORN.
Mr.. Evarts-Mr. Beecher, Will you take the
standf
Mr.. Beecher thereupon took the stand and was
about "a affirm.
Mr.. Beach-Dnc moment, sir.
The Clerk continued.
Mr. Beach-One moment. | object 10 this form
Of OATH sir unless Mr.. Beecher shall declare that
he has conscientious scruples against swearing
Judge Neilson-Any form that Mr.. Bcecher
considers will bind his conscience.
Mr.. Beach-The statute is that a witness shall
l.a nm no @cr no lessla ha
has conscientious scruples against that mode Of
swearing.
Mr. Beecher-I have conscientious scruples
against swearing on the Bible.
Judge >eson-les, sir.
The Clerk-Do you solemnly declare and af
firm
Mr.. Evarts-He swears by uplifted hands.
Mr.. Beach-By the Ever living Cods
Mr. Beaci->O. the New England custom is 10
swear by the uplifted hand. He does the same
There IL the same distinction In New England ~
20 oath or affirmation that there is with Us.
The Clerk-ln the presence Of the Ever living
God, you solemnly swear 20 tell the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth
Mr.. Beecher-l do
ABSTRACT OF THE TESTIMONY.
Mr.. Evarts first nterrogated the witness as TO
the principal events Of his life in reply 10 which
Mr.. Beecher stated that he was born in Itch
field, Conn. i'm 1913; In ls26 removed with his
fathers family u Boston: in 1880 entered Am
herst College. and graduated in 1884; continued
his theological studies at Lane Seminary for three
years, with the exception of about siN months,
during which time he had charge Of the Cincin.
na'. Gaseffe In ls37 was licensed as clergy.
man and settled over church IN Lawrence.
10 Indianapolis and settled over Presbyterian
Church where he remained until 1917 when he re-
moved 10 brooklyn and assumed his present
charge In ls6O he took editorial charge OF the
Independent and continued in that capacity until
lss,-i, after which time he contributed regularly
% the paper until 1866 In $50 he assumed edi.
iorial charge OF the Christian linton, which he
still retains. During his residence in Brooklyn
Mr.. Bcecher said re had been twice to Europe,
had lectured in many Of the principal cities and
towns throughout the country, and had writ.
Zen some thirty i've books. besides the - Life Of
Christ" now In course of publication. He was
married in ISIS, after an engagement Of seven
years and has had eight children, four OF whom
are now living. Being questioned ~ to his con-
ductof domestic affairs, witness said that Of late
years his wife had had almost exclusively the
charge Of financial matters. drawing his salary
and expendng IL as she saw proper and that
She had also been accustomed to open
bis letters and reply TO those
that did not need his personal attention.
MR. BOWEN.
His acquaintance with Henry g. Bowen com
MERGED nj the time he took up his residence in
Brooklyn. Mr.. Bowen was n leading member
Of his church and proprietor of the Independent
when witness took editorial charge, and they
were intimate personal friends until about issi5,
when he severed his connection with the paper,
on account OF a severe criticism of his political
conduct in reference TO the question OF recon.
strncton which appeared in it, columns since
that time, although Mr.. Bowen had remained
pew-holdcr in his church, their relations had
Teen somewhat cool.
TILToS.
His acquaintance with Tilton began when the
latter was but mere boy. and AFTER Titon be.
came connected with the Independent their per
sonal relations were very cordial, 80 much 80
That for two or three years. dating from ls6l,
they we're together almost every day.
V.-And was this intimacy of companionshp
aswell rs Of common inierestsand employmentsi
Alt was not only common employment and
companionship. butdownright loving onmy part.
IN rS witness, in order to he able 10 visit Eu.
rope, resigned his position as editor Of the fnde-
pendent, although by agreement his name contin.
ued IN the paper as editor for year
Glowing and he corrcsponded regularly
WIN w. Mr. Tilton succeeded To the editorship
under this arrangement, IL being understood that
ne was acting as n probationer during the year
wa. Mr.. Beecher's name remained In the paper
AZ the expiration of which time his own name
was TO be substituted as editor. The first trouble
nat occurred between witness and Tilton was In
$50, and grew out Of a discussion in the church
regarding the division OF its contributions be.
sween two rival missionary associations. Their
friendly personal relations still continued, how
sser, although 1ilton's casual visits ~ Beechers
aeV V a renswe entirely sss'ed ,, and
eoh by Mr.. Judson that Tilton had,
ara public restaurant, made some statements
tso,neerning him (lleecherl, which bore an impu.
uhe'liately 10 Tilton for an explanation. 80 He
MI was not true; that there was some mis-
~ ~ that he would 20 right out and see Judson
nv Know what the matter meant. lie went, and
a'er time returned. As remember, within q
short Time saw him again; he said IL was all q
mssuake that Judson had explained the matter,
anu mat ~ was mistake, and that he had never
ue use OF such language with re.
S0ect 70 me shortly after this
, NV. 40 ,isd5), Tilton wrote witnesses letter,
INC was read in evidence, In which he says
AZ, elthcr long ago or lately. any word Of mine.
I,ener spoken or printed whether public or
tro ,nae, mas given YOU pain, beg you 70 blot II
~, oni our memory, and To write your forgive.
ia,.,m its place. Moreover, II | should die,
sa..mg YOU alive, ASK You to love my children
- ~. 'helr fnther's sake, who has taught them n
m'rfehce you and 20 regard you the
nan OF men" From this time on
i, u the winter Of 1870. the friendly relation.
NJ VNeen the two continued uninterrupted
~ NY % Tilton and Bcechcr were the Presidents