River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1875-02-12
BEECHER.TILTON TRIAL.

Continuation Of Tilton's Testimony, Feb. lst.l
Witness was going on to relate tie con-
tents of the letter Of confession, but it
was objected to by Evarts, and long ar
gument ensued over the point. The
Judge decided the contents of the letter
should be left out for the present.
Titon then testified that Beecher at
tempted 70 speak out. Witness said
wait; hear me through and then speak.
WitnessSai to Beecher that Mrs. Tilton
had coIgc unexpectedly and said to her
husband chat she wanted to communicate
secret that had long been on her
mind, and that she wanted to throw it
oT3 chat she had been at the point sever
al fines. and once particularly, when she
was on a sick bed. Before telling her
secret she eXtorted promise frem her
husband not to injure any one, and not
10 injure any person concerned. She
said it was secret between herself and
pastor. She said that for long time
friendship had existed between them
more than friendship--it had been sexual
intercourse.
1t began after the death Of her son
and on the tenth of October, 1888, she
surrendered her body to him in sexual
embrace. On the Saturday following
she repeated the act at the house Of her
husband, and on several other occasions
at his house. and several other places. 1t
had occurred through the fall. In the
month of July, 1870, she had written
letter to witness telling Of the facts. She
had been greatly distressed owing to ru-
mors of Beccher's moral character. She
wanted to demonstrate the homer and
dignity of her sex, and he told her their
love was innocent. She said TO Tilton
that for long time Beecher's home had
been an unhappy one; that his wife
had not been satisfactory one, and that
he wanted Elizabeth to be wife to him,
but she always refused. Beecher's %.
licitations to her were oftentimes vRSpt.
She had gone away from witness ID the
spring, and witness wrote her a letter
saying until she made full confession he
would never look upon her. She said
that she had come down from the eoun-
try on purpose to make confession. Wit
ness SAID he wished it understood that
word, but as accurately as he could
lie furthermore told Beecher on that
occasion that Slrs. Tilton had become
| broken hearted woman, and that instead
OF taking her usual summer vacation she
went to the far West; he also told him in
regard to the statement that she had
asked Tilton Immediately to send to
Beocher that they might holl an inter.
view, and she could hear that the letter
about Withdrawing from the pulpit and
} rooklyn should be withdrawn; also told
Beecher that he had refused to acquiesce,
and that she had appealed four OF five
times, and then she asked witness to
| carry letter, and witness refused 10 do
that. She then lmplorod witness to hold
an interview with Beecher, which should
not jar his pride. Mrs. 1jton wIpte
I letter TO Moulton for tho purpose Of hold.
ing an interview.
In conclusion witness reminded Beech
er he had revoked the demand made
upon him, and promised him that he
would not assist Bowen in efforts to pros
ecute Beecher.
At Tie conclusion of the narrative Wit.
ness waited moment, and noticed That
Beechcr's face aud neck were blood red.
lilton went to tho door and opened il
and said, You are free TO CO." Beecher
appeared not TO hear him, and sat as if
in a dreem. Tilton repeated il, and
Bcecher arose aud walked to the door,
but came back and asked, "Msy 20 for
the last time and see Elizabeth 2" Til.
ton said. No, then Yes, and said 10
Beccher, "Do not ehide her; if you smite
her with a word | will smite you in ten.
fold degree. did not mite you when
had the power, for my wife's sake: but
/ il you chidc her with a word will smite
your name before the world" Beecher
put both hands to his head and said ut is
all out; II is all out.
Beecher went down stairs with his
hands TO his head, and Mouton was at
the foot and he asked Mouton if lie had
seen Elizabeth's confession, and Moulton
answered, Yes" Beecher said. This
will kill tue, Moulton;" and no there.
upon went into the parlor. Recess
During the relation OF this narrative
Mrs. Beccher smiled frequently, and Mr..
h. occasionally; but no other S.ns or
manifestations produced by the testimony
were obseryaut in their features. Tlton
gave his eyiden,c in a calm, cool way.
After recess MIR. and Mrs. Beecher were
surrounded by their friends,
and after few moments
/ IN congratulations they left
the court room, and rlton resumed the
stand and continued his testimony. He
was asked by cx.Judge Fullerton TO state
the contents Of the letter read TO Beecher
az that interview. This was objected 70
by Evarts, as the letter had been de.
stroycd II was accordingly ruled cut by
the court Beach argued that this paper
had been prepared, and il was agreed that
It should be submitted to Beecher. Coun.
sci quoted from legal authorities 10 show
that communications between husband
and wife shown 70 third party could be