The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-01-15

was in Henry Ward BeecherS nand-Wrlblng,
and which the COUNSEL offered in evidence, adj
she have the divine protection. Witness was
handed another letter, which he identified as
having been written by Beecher to himself,
dated Nov. 9Th, 1872, telling him that he was
going to New Haven. He met Tilton in the
cars, who spoke to him cordially and added
that the latter would have fallen long ago had
you not supported and succored me. am will
lug to stop now if happiness is to be secured.
look upon death as the happiest fate now.
am well nigh discouraged, lfyou should cease
to trust me have no other friend in the world
to whom l can go.' This letter was signed
"H. w. B."
The examination was continued. The letter
was marked my wife takes the boat for Ha-
vana and Florida Was not written with my
appreciation. Another, witness recognized as
written to Mrs. Tilton, telling her if he did not
see her that night he would see her Friday
night Another letter in the same hand-writ-
ing, addressed to witness, confding every
thing to his wisdom in the matter.
Witness continued: This letter was received
before May, 1873 when Bowen was stated to
have been reiterating stories against Beecher.
1 rember the Woodruff publication. Witness
identified copy of the publication. and it was
offered in evidence. Counsel read the publica-
ton, it being a card from Victoria Woodruff to
the editor of the World, being an explanation
of living with Col. Blood in the same house
with her former husband DR.. Woodruff stat
ing that DR.. Woodruff was incapactated by no
fault of hers, and that she felt called upon to
contribute in some measure to his support. She
advocated free love in its purest and noblest
forms. She knew of one public teacher of en-
inence who lived in concubinage with the wife
of another teacher of almost as public emf
nence.
| saw Mr.. Beecher about this, and he said
that this woman ought to be cOunselled not to
l.cI f1,ac fnr oh |
Woodruff, and afterwards saw Beecher and
told him that had persuaded her not to med
die with them, and he expressed his gratitica-
ton at the manner in which it ended.
In November, 1872, there was publication
in Mrs. Woodhull's paper affecting the parties.
L saw Beecher, who said>he came to see me
about what was to be done in the matter. L
told him thought silence would kill the story,
and if he pointed to his past as an answer 1T
would kill it. We consulted together; but could
arrive at no other conclusion. L denied Hatly
to two or three persons that Beecher was an
impure man, for which he thanked me. Tilton
was then in New Hampshire. On his return
Tilton had an interview with Beecher III my
presence. in which he denied giving publicity
to any of these stories, which Beecher said he
believed. 1t was proposed to publish card
denying the story, but Tilton declined to pub
lisb the card CT to have anything to do with it,
saying Beecher should suffer for his crime. The
card as proposed by Beecher was to represent
Tilton as saying be would pay no regard to the
statementsIof one who was unprnciped. Wit
ness continued: Titon told him he made the
acquaintance of Mrs. Woo e.hull to prevent her
publishing the story about his wife, and Beech
er was deeply affected seeing no hope, and he
wept as usual.
my house between Mrs Tilton, Beecher and
myself TltoE had communicated to me his
intention to publish the whole story in delicate
language, and Beecher came at my invitation
to hear it read Tilton said to Beecher Il will
read you one passage. and II you can stanu that
you can stand the rest.
Evarts here interrupted, and said that oral
testimony about the paper could not be given
unless the paper itself was put in as evidence.
Court overruled the point and said witness
might state what Tilton said to defendant on
that occasion.
Evarts-He testifies that Tilton read from
paper Now he can't testify to what was read
without producing the paper itself.
Judge Neilson-My ruling is that he may tes-
tify to what was said.
Witness-Tilton said to Beecher-
Mr. Evarts-Did he read from paper?
Judge Fullerton-Now, now, he is my wit
ness, and don't propose you shall interrogate
my witness.
Evarts-But do propose to interrogate your
witness.
The Judge then ruled that Evarts had 30
right to ask the question.
Witness, quoting Titon-"Mrs Tilton told
me that you solicited her to become wife with
all that implied, and will read that passage to
you Beecher said to him, "You might as
we'll tell the whole story. twill kill me if you
publish it, Beecher said to me, 81 will not
be put in the position of man who has solicit
ed woman and been refused and [ said to
him, 81 certainly sympathize with you in that
view of the case. (Laughter.) Afterwards l
told Beecher had prevailed on Tilton not to
publish the statement, as it would be cruel to
his family, and he thanked me for my interior
ence in his behalf.
At subsequent interview between Beecher,
Carpenter and myself, Carpenter suggested his
stepping from the pulpit to journal, and thus
putting an end to the Woodruff story. | said
to Beecher afterwards that it would be a virtu-
al confession, and he thought so, and told Car
penter So.
Mr. Moulton referred to Beecher's intended
letter of resignation, and told him 1t would not
do as it would be virtual confession. Several
documents were read by counsel, after which
court adjourned.
Seymour Dccliues.
Horatio Seymour has written letter to the
state Senator Parmenter, positively declining
to be considered candidate for the United
States Senate, and recommending the choice
of Mr.. Herman.