davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-09
THE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.

VIGOROUS DENIALS RESPECTING THE TRUE
STORY.
The Court met at II, pursuant to adjourn
ment.
Mr. Beecher was recalled and the direct examination
continued by Mr. Evarts.
Mr. Evarts-Mr Beecher before leaving this end Of De
cember 1872, in regard 10 the notes and the True
Story" which were considering yesterday call your
attention now matter spoken Of in MI Tiitons tes
rn0ny in which he gives account OF an interview be-
tween himself and you which he made statements
corning visit consultation on his part with the Rev
Dr. storrs Did any interview on that subject between
you and Mr. Tton take place A. At any given date, do
you ask
O. / mean at this time in this month of December. A
don't think there any interview took place at any
time any subject
O. You remember about a letter or memorandum
dated the 18th Of December, 1s72I mean, that is in
evidence-of a communication made to DR.. storrs /
call your attention that merely toshowing witness
the article referred to-. A. What lie 1t you wish
O. don't intend 10 ask you anything about that. You
remember II as in evidencei A. No, don't remember
IL: suppose II Is in evidence in the book.
O. Very well; that lie all that l ask attention to- 1t is
not anything in which you are concerned according to
the evdence but after that date OF the 10th OF Decem
ber and during any these conferences toward the end
Of December any time did you ever have any inter-
view or conversation with Mr. Theodore Tlton concern
ing his visit TO DR.. storrsi A. never did.
O. Now, Mr.. Beecher, when MI. Tilton was reading
what has been called the "True Sory"the paper that
he read you, have stated and the recalling OF
which he prefaced by reference TO particular passage
In IL which you could stand all the rest-now, when he
came 10 that passage, any time in that Interview
did YOU say TO Mr. Tilton in Mr.. MouOns presence or
say To MI Tton on that occasion, Theodore you might
inst AZ well state the fact TO putt in that wayf A
No, Sir; did not.
@ Did you say anything on that subject or in that re-
laton A. No. Sir; to Mr.. Tlton, at that time to
anybody
O. Did you afterward at any subsequent interview
with Nj Moulton, say nothing TO him concerning that
passage or part Of this True StOryP' A. ! did.
O when was that A. don't know 1t was after
ward.
O. II was afterward well, In that season, Or
Yes, Sir In the immediate-near vicinity.
O. Now, what was said between you and him on that
subject A. Wen, cannot give any detailed converse
ton only recolect but single thing; said that Mr.
Tton was blOckhead else he thought that was, TO
suppose that would stand that sentence.
q And that the substance Of what passed between
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-09
OPENING SCENES IN COURT.

The proceedings opened quietly yesterday morn
Ing if all concerned were weary and possibly as
a natural consequence, there was quarrel Just be-
fore recess Mr.. Evarts slower than usual IN
putting his questions. Mr.. Beecher appeared to be
suffering pain in his face, to which he frequently
put the palm of his hand. Mr.. Beach. evidently i'll
with cold wore his overcoat throughout the morn
ing and half dOzed in his chair. Dullness reigued
supreme over all the audience. The proceedings
themselves were dull for the first hour after the
opening the odds and ends of the previous days tes
timOny being first taken up.
Mr. Beecher in the first place. denied Mr.. Tilton's
testimony that be had repeated to the witness the
details of the consultation with Dr. Storrs that he
had ever said to Mr.. Tilton, as Mr.. Moulton had
sworn that he might just well state the fact as
10 put it in that way as it read to him IN the
Z" True Story" that he had ever known of or con-
scented to the consultations of Mr. Moulton with Mr.
Tracy az sworn to BY Mr.. Moulton. He corroborated
Samuel Wilkeson and Oliver Johnson's statements
in regard to the circumstances under which the lat
ter was employed on The Christian Union, denying
that Mr. Tilton or Mr.. MoultOn had suggested or
been instrumental in making that engagement. Mr..
Beechers denials of these various matters were
varied and emphatic These denials were the only
"Beecherisms of the forenoon and some are
worth quoting. In one case, he said sim
ply; Wholly artificial and false;" in another
case he added Part and parcel of the whole ie,"
When more pleasantly disposed, he said. in answer
to another question: "Oh, no. Sir; it is all
imaginary, the memory dead and the fancy very
active" And when disposed to be very emphatic,
he said " He never told me anything like-that is,
that, nor anything from which that could be, even
by distortion, fabricated never said anything to
him on the subject, nor he to me. except what l
have narratedv
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-09
OLIVER JOHNSON'S EMPLOYMENT ON THE
CHRISTIAN UNION.

Q, Mr. Beecher, how long have you been &C.
quainted with Oliver Johnson A. OIL should THINK %
years or more
O And in the years 1872 and 1873 were you aware Of
his position and employment in connection with the
pressi A. sr-Oh, have been aw are OF Ills POSI-
ton ever since I have lived in Brooklyn, pretty
O. Had you any personal intimacy A Well that DE-
gree OF personal intimacy which all anavery men had
when they fighting the battle.
O. Now, Will you give the history OF your engage
ment Of Nj Diver johnson in regard 10 The C"s''Gn
Union S------
Mr.. FuIerton-One moment. That is not competent
evidence in this case.
Judge NeilsonI think you ought to call speenc aten
ton to what Mr.. Tnton said on the subject
Mr. Fullerton-pad0ubtedly. -
Mr. Evarts-I do not, with great respect your Honor
please see that need be confined 10 that Your Honof
will observe that have introduced the supect Vi MI
Beecher's employment OF Oliver johnson a. for pur
nose and object that bears upon INSTRUMENTATION OF
confession Of guilt.
Judge Neilson-And that there conference on
that subject preparatory
Mr. Eyarts-Yes sir; and Mr. johnson has been EXAM
med on the subject and the whole point OF the ~noe
matter Of the johnson employment bears upon MI
Beechers share and motives IN IT, and otherwise IL Is an
immateria inquiry, II seems to me that we are ehu
to show by witness exactly what part ne did AAe IL
the matter.
Judee Neilson-You have right 10 show the fact, the
for it, without giving the conversation with MI Johnson
in plaintiffs absence and the right TO call specia a''en
ton to anything Mr. Titon said on that subject
Mr. Eyarts-That by way of contradiction We unuer-
stand But the whole point OF the episode 10 WHAT n
witness in intent and purpose and action did about IL
| Judge Neilson-Did, yes-wen you can prove wha' ne
| did
Mt Evarts-The fact Of what he did
Mr.. Fullerton-Oh, no; IL Is not that
Mr.. Evarts-What II itf
Mr. Fullerton-Well 1t is whether Mr. Tltons relation
OF 1t was true take for granted tht IT, We nave
nothing do with II in any other aspect OF he case
Your Honor will bear in mind that upon o9ec'on you
shut the conversation between Oliver JOHNSON anu
| Mr.. Beeeher upon that very subject
| Judge Neson-As we do how, Of course.
Mr. Fullerton-Yes Sir; II Mr. Ti!ton has stated any
thing that regard which Is untrue, or which they urge
Is untrue and they wish prove untrue then that par
cuar allegation be brought 10 the attention OF 'he
Witness end that he may disprove It, But !" nave
the whole relation gone nto between Mr. johnson and
Mr.. Beeeher TO his employment upon Inc C"'iS'a'
Union would seem be introducing into ibis case some
thing quite foreign TO the issue,
Mr. Eyarts-we, II your Honor please, my ie4Theu
friend IL quite IN thinking that the only masriAiV
In this case il whether Mr. Ton has told the truth Oh
this question How did 10 become material FOR him 10 IN
troduos it 81 ali The question what The fsss vas
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-09
MRS. MOULTONs TESTIMONY.

Mr. Eyartss first reference TO Mrs. Moulton yester-
day created stir Of interest in the audience, and
even the Jury seemed TO be aroused by the return to
this vital point of the case for all knew it the
beginning of additional efforts to prove that at the
time of the alleged confession to Mrs. Moulton Mr..
Beecher was otherwise employed. The crcumstantlal
account of this remarkable confession was given by
Mrs Mouton IN such positive terms as to dates and
incidents and repeated on the cross-examination
with such extraordinary exactness many OF the
phrases being precisely the same delivered with the
same emphasis and intonation) that it created a
profound impression, and was recognized as OF the
utmost Importance to the issue. Mrs. MoultOn
swore Ito put briefly her testimony as regards
time that the interview was on the morning of
June 2, lasted for three four hours, was inter-
rupted by the lunch bell at o'clock in the after
noon. when Mr.. Beecher went home and she saw
him again the same week or the next. The refer
ences in the interview to occurrences of few days
before and 10 publication which was made subse-
quent to the interview and on the same day, leave
no other day the defense assent. for this inter
view Reference was made in the interview 70 the
publication Of the Tripartite Agreement" on Fri
day, May 80 and to the proposed publca-
ton of card in The Eagle on June
q Mr. Titon and Mr.. Mouton had already
sworn before Mrs. Moulton was called that Mr..
Beecher was with them on Friday and Saturday.
On Sunday Mr. Beecher preached twice and wrote
Mr.. Moulton his Day of Judgment letter, inclos-
ing it to Mrs. Mouton with a line or two. The long
interview and confession could not therefore. have
been on Friday. Saturday, or Sunday, according 10
Mr.. Beechers lawyers. and yet they must have been
before the afternoon Of Monday. Mrs. Moul-
ton was positive as TO the day and
hour The evidence elected thus far for
tAs dsisnss aAovs M. Bsschsg t. have been ~ the
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-09
THE GIFT OF $1,000 TO MR.. TILTON.

Q. Now, in the course of these conversations
concerning Mr. Ttons pecunary condition and needs,
was anything said by Mr. Moulton concerning your bear
ing any part In helping him! A. Well, he rather spoke
in this way that unless there some help extended
this matter would break down Mr. Titons hands and
that friends could get him over the bar the DIM
Guilty. and set him into certain position he thought ne
could carry the paper otherwise would have TO DO
abandoned somebody wodld have to buy It,
O. Well Sir In reference to such suggestions a. that
that suggestion conversations that subject, what
reply, II any, did you make TO Mr.. Moutonf A. don't
remember any special reply, except the reply that
Always made " Hr. Mouton. aud sald that wherever
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-09

Grand Central depot before p. m, on Monday, en-
route, and absent the next day Tuesday at Peeks-
kill, at wedding on Tuesday night, aud absent
from Wednesday until Friday week following in
Massachusetts,. Henry NJ. Cleveands testimony,
written out but not yet subnttcd in court. places
Mr. Beecher at his Office in consultation with HIM
from II a. m. TO II IN. The card which was
published in The Brooklys Eagle on June
2 in the edition which goes to press at
O'clock. introduced by a statement
that 1T had been prepared the same morning.; and
Mr. Beecher swore yesterday that he was with Mr..
Knsela from 10 to II o'clock preparing the card and
arranging for its publication. This testimony for
the defense covers the period named by Mrs
Moulton. Mr.. Beecher in giving his testimony yes
terday. claimed that there had been q brief inter
view between him and Mrs. Moulton Saturday
night May 81 at which language similar to that
testified to by Mrs Moulton was used, but the mean
ing given was varied. This interview on Saturday
night Mrs. MOuton does not admit. Mr. Beecher
claims that ii was the one at which she kissed him
on the forehead-the only time she ever kissed him
in the absence Of her husband.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-09
THE PUBLICATION OF THE TRIPARTITE
COVENANT.

Q. Now, Mr.. Beecher. do you remember the
publIcation OF portion Of what Is called the Trpsrtte
Asreement'--do you remember tho publication In the
public printst A. remember the whole of it being pub
lished.
O. Well the whole was published, - Mr.. Sherman
correets me. You remember the pubucationi A. ] DO.
O. Now do you remember about what time that %.
curredt A. do.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-09
THE TILTON-BEECHER TRIAL.
IMPORTANT TESTIMONY FOR TIE DEFEND
ANT.

IMPORTANT TESTIMONY FOR TIE DEFEND
MORE OF THE EVIDENCE OF MR. TuToN AND Mr..
MoUIToN CoNTRADIcrrD-MR BErcuER's YER
SION OF TIE BIACKMAIL CHARGE AND GRACE
MERCY, AND PEACH" sroRY-FURrHER EVIDENCE
TO ESTABLISH THE ALIBI IN DENIAL OF MRS.
MoULroN's TESTIMONY OF THE CONFESSION
.i "THK DAY OF JUDGMENT" LETTER AND THE
RESIGNATION EXPLAINED.
Mr.. Beecher yesterday gave some OF the most IN
portant testimony in his own behalf yet introduced
in the trial of Mr. Tilton's suit against him. The
charge Of blackmail was taken up and the circum-
stances under which Mr. Beecher paid 5000 at Mr.
Moultous suggestion, were detailed. Mr.. Beecher
described the scene when Mrs Moulton kissed him.
and accounted for his whereabouts on June 2, 1876
the date Of the alleged confession-and for nearly
Two weeks subsequently,. The circumstances under
which he wrote his letter of resignation pastor Of
Plymouth Church were recited. He explained that
he was then preparing for the legal contest which
ms he judged the publication of Mr.. Tilton's card
would inevitably bring on. TIE Day Of Juds-
ment" letter was also explained.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-09
MR. MoULTON SOUNDS Mr.. BEECHER AS TO
HIS FINANCES.

11lS FlNANtbC'
O. Mr. Beecher, do you remember the fact
az your giving to Mr. Moulton the sum Of $J,OOOf A
do.
O. That think was the A. April, 1573-Or lay
@ The very end of April-or--
Mr.. Morrs-First Of May, 1873.
Mr.. Eyarts-The actual payment or deposit.
Mr. Morrs-That is the 1st Of May 1873.
Mr. Evarts-The actual payment OF the money was,
accurately, the lst OF May
Mr.. Morris-The LIST OF May.
Mr. shearman-The payment was the 1st or ID
Mr. Evarts-Well, thereabout. Now, preceding that
act Mr. Beecher, OF the payment OF the money had any
thing been said you by Mr. Moulton in regard 10 the
pecunary circumstances OF Mr. Tiltonl A. Yes, there
was-I going say there never was anything else
said; there a continuous stream
MI Fullerton-Well, now, one moment; don't want
that continuous poured out upon in that kind
OF way would like 20 know what was said, and we VIII
see whether il is a continuous stream or not.
Judge Nelson-That question might have been an
swered yes
Mr. Fullerton-Certanly.
Mr.. Evarts-That is what intended.
The Wness-I understood you To ask me for what were
the conversations that led up TO this.
O. No; my first inquiry was whether they TOOK placer
A. They did
O. That is sufficient then, and we will go on with IT,
Now as part OF these conversations, or In connection
with them, did Mr. Moulton at any interviews inquire
concerning your own auhllsi a nc uo'
O. What did he sayi A. Well, it was friendly chat
about my condition. not all at ono time-how the
paper getting along
O. The Christian linton A. How many suoscrioers
we had what was our advertising receipts and what the
value of the stock; spoke little either he to me or to
him; cannot remember about that-for HIM to take
some Of the stock or something but at any rate
q. Was anything said about your iecturiDg ana the
prosperity Of that A. Yes, Sir.
O. What was said about that by hint A. Well, don't
recall any very definite conversation about 1t except that
I was lecturing considerable at that time, and with
high prices and he spoke Of doubtless source OF
good deal OF revenue TO me.
O. In that wayi A. Yes, Sir. in that friendly way.
O. And how did you reply on that subjecti A. don't
know, Sir
O. Now Sir, in the course OF these conversations by
Mr. Moulton in regard to Mr.. Tiltons--
The witness-I may, perhaps, correct my answer 10y
one specifications think that did give him some more
definite information that had received for
contract lectures ecturng for the year. had returned
In that Spring from rather extraordinary tour.
q. or iecturingi A. Yes, Sir.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-09
THE DAY OF JUDGMENT LETTER.

Mr. Beecber's letter of June l. 1873, sometimes
termed the Day of Judgment Letter." was next
explained. Mr.. Evarts read it, and questioned the
witness in reference TO the meaning of its several
passages. The expression, lone who has about
finished his world lfe,' was reference the witness
said, to the feeling often experienced by him
that he had not long TO live The
words devices by which we have saved ourselves"
were declared TO be reference TO the S. 600 given
TO Mr. Tilton in April 1878, in order to give the lat
ter opportunity to remove the prejudces against
him and regain public favor Z" But the term save
ourselves" interposed Judge Nelson, when Mr.
Beecher had concluded his explanation of the
clause :" 1t was partnership. We were all
in the same boat :" replied the witness
The phrase, He had condoned his wfes fault, 4"
was written, Mr. Beecher said, in reference to the
undue affection which he had been made to believe
Mrs. Tilton had conceived for him. And by the
words mot to betray his wife or leave his children
to blight" he meant, he said, the unhappiness
that would be brought upon Mr. Tilton's family
should he-Mr Beecher-reveal the supposed state
of Mrs Tilton's feelings toward him. Mr. Fuller
ton interrupted the explanation OF this letter by
FREQUENT objections. Il shall write for the public
statement that will bear the light Of the judgment
day." was merely the expression, the witness said,
of q determination which he had then formed.
While writing the clause, my last Sunday, and
preaching my last sermon" Mr.. Beecher declared he
had no intention of making reference TO any
thought of suicide 1t was only the ex-
preston of the idea, often IN his mind
that he had not long to live. In this
connection Mr. Beecher spoke of the exaltation and
depression of spirits which he often experienced
The latter in his youth had amounted almost to n.y.
pochondria, disease with which his father and
ancestors had suffered.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-09

youi A. That was about # twas protest on the ab-
surdity Of the thing. . ., ., .
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-09
THE LETTER OF RESIGNATION.

II was in connection with his recital Of the above
facts of his in terview with Mrs. MOuton that Mr..
Beecher gave his explanation of his letter Of resg-
nation. The original Of this resignation has never
been produced, but Mr.. Moulton submitted q copy
dictated to Mr. Tilton from memory and taken down
by Mr.. Tilton in shorthand. This alleged copy,
which Mr. Beecher declared was not correct, reads
as follows
Thereby tender my resignation OF Plymouth Church.
have stood among you in sorrow for two years IN
order to save from shame certain household; but
since recent publication makes this longer posi-
Dle now resign ministry and retire TO private ne
Mr.. Beecher endeavOred to put in evidence his
recollection Of the letter as be wrote it, but MI
Fullerton objected, and proof of its destruction
was not forthcoming, the witnesses summary OF Its
contents was ruled out under a familiar law gov
erning evidence. But Mr. Beecher went to ex-
plain that instead of being as represented an ex-
preston Of submission and virtually confession OF
guilt. it meant to express his determination to
fight the matter out. He explained that on
the publication of the tripartite agreement,
Friday May 80 1873. Mr.. Tilton was Natfed and
well pleased until the afternoon papers came out,
criticislng him as allied with Mr.. Bowen to defame
Mr.. Beecher who, according to the terms of the
covenant, had generously forgiven both. Then, Mr.
Tilton had prepared for publication card, in which
the letter of contriton to Mr. MoultOn embodied
in full and threatened to publish it in The Brooklyn
Eagle Of the next day. Saturday. Mr.. Moulton In
formed Mr.. Beecher of this threat on Satur-
day morning, and the latter at once gave
him notice that in that event he intended
to fight the matter out to the end. On going home
he Immediately wrote his card of resignation, de-
termined that his church should not be dragged
into the fight with HMM fact in writing the letter
of resignation he stripping for the fight. Later
on Saturday Mr.. Moulton had stopped the publica-
ton of Mr.. Tiltons proposed card and on the same
night the difficulties once more patched up by
the agreement of Mr. Beecher to publish the card to
The Eagle which relieved Mr.. Tilton of any odium
as the author of the various scandals then afoat
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1875-02-05

So had starved herself to death, refusing ae.
terminedly all food. In asylums IS tnere NOV y.
, provision made for such eontingsncles? -, 10
private practice / know there is. Hs "a roaI
did what mind With any liugerings OF rea'
son would have done similarly circumstances
and sought death as her friend ana ueia'sie e.
Our conduct TO the poor insane = SUD
,csinst deceucy and humanity, so repeatedly
Committed that we do not realize its hel-
nousness. NJ h''"'
February 4, 1875.
rTbe sending of lunatcs to Jail is a burn
Ing disgrace to the State of Virginia. 1t is,
we were about to say an objectionable sin.
No question as to expense can justify such
barbarity. 1t were thousand times oetter
to send sane paupers to Jail, and feed the
demented in the poorhouses. How long IS
this stigma to rest upon Virginia y
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1875-02-05

,RgT5ER THE BEAST has been tolS on ,ehs'
floor Of the House of Representatives what
he told, BlAGHAA: that he Was murderer.
ACLEAx, of Texas, told the Beast that he
was murderer. He hung an innocent
man-MyAFoRD, of New Orleans. Thepoor
brute growled out thataf he had hung nere
{of southern people, Of. course,), he would
have diminished the troubles ofthescountrE-
reckless and brutal reply, quite character
istc Of She man without pity and without
hope. We think it hardly possible that any
human being lives who is. entirely without
conscience. The devil. a excisiEg the
conscience of =, victim never eatirely removes
it. He is sure. to leave some palses in which
u little life remsins-just enough to sting the
hardened ,transgressor and deprive him Of
mental peace. IL is phiIosopkc view Of
the evil genius whom we call the devil thai
his woFk of devi!tsy In seducng NOS to crime
is never So done as to make the. ysctim in
sensible 10 remoEse:; for that would defeat
his purpose of making men utterly Ssisera-
bic. BUTLEs has few hacked ganstia of
a conscience cemaining, and, like therragged
remnants of cancer imperfee4ly removed,
they reform in sufficient yigor to continue
to torture the sufferer.
BrTLSA has soul, aud be has enough of
conscience to prosecute his solitary hours
and compel him to feel that he is the ,yilest
wretch Of bis day in the Uniop. In eur day
we have cot known man more universally
detested-one who has been 80 hopelessly
beyond the reach OF pity, and who has plxsed
himself 80 utterly beyond fhe power to re-
tr'eve any part Of his lost standing. Bur-
LEk's name mightjustly become the synonyme
OF baseness and brutality. 1t is compli- |
ment to bin to bestow an epithet npon him.