Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-04-29
The BeccIler Trial.

To an account of an interview with Mr. Bow
en-, published 10 the New York Sun, that gen.
tlemau says:
Il have been repeatedly approached by
friends Of both sides, vino have tried to find
out what | will testify to, but have gratlticd
neither party and | do not expect to. was
told today by a gentleman, who gave the best
authority for what he said, that the defendant
expected to call me, but do not believe 1t.
What have to say is very serlous-commu-
Dcated 10 me in the confidential relations which
these two men formerly held with me, and |
cannot and will GOT disclose it, except through
the process Of the law, or unless L am forced TO
do it to relieve myself of some stigma which
may be put upon me. l have been told that
if did not testify for the plaintiff the deten-
dant's lawyers would abuse me 10 their sum
ming up. My answer to that has beeo, let
them abuse The plaintiff counsel urged me
very persistently to outline my testimony for
thcm, and under their pressure | said that |
would think about it, but after consultation
with my counsel and with number of gentle
adhere to my former conc usiou to keep strict
silence as to what know.
MIR. Bowen was asked whether he held this
position on the basis of the tripartitc covenant
He replied "So!ely, | signed that paper
against my judgment, and having signed, |
have kept the pledge, and that is better than
the other gentlemen who slgued it have done
Mr. CiaAin brought the paper to me aud said
that Mr. Beecher and Mr.. Tllton had buried
their difficulties aud inasmuch as L had 10 t.
nancial difficulties with either OF them there
was no reason why should not sign it. | did
not sign it the first day, and that fact has DOT
yet appeared. and signed it at last after
had greatly amended the article | was inter
estcd in. | would not sign the paper again.
1t is the only obstacle to my una king known the
facts that are in my possession.
Mr. Bowen continued that he did not seek
the witness stand, lna>much as Gen. Tracy 5
conspiracy essay had been filled with promises
that had not been kept. ''Gen. Tracy propos
ed he continued warmly, ''to prove that |
was conspirator against Mr.. Beccher We
haye no testimony on that point yet and | shall
expect none. :,
''What tremendous lying there has been, !"
Mr.. Bowen added with sigh. "Perjury-
pei Jury perjury. 1t is trighttul. Surely some
one ought to 20 TO prison from that court room.
kpow the lies that have been told-thlngss
that know perfectly we'll to be different |
cau't Indicate, of course, which side they are
on, but do not hesitate to say that there has
been the most awful downright perjury.
Mr.. Bowen continued that il he went on the
stand he could pour forth the truth SO that II
could not be mistaken. no matter who suffered.
He said that if the plaintiff called him he uu'
dcrstood that he could only rcbut testimony
that had been given, aud in that case he could
not 60 beyond the contradictions, and his story
would appear feeble to the expectant pubic,
but if there were any more malgnlng aud con
splracy essays he might conclude to tell what
be knew outside Of the courtroom.
In Richmond, last night, large number OF
ex Contederates, including general, field and
staff officers, serenaded Gen. w. f. Bartlett,
formerly OF MaSsach uSetts, at his residence, 10
acknowledgement, and to return him thanks
for his speech at the Lexington Centennial
celebration. Gen. Bradley l. j obnsop, on the
part OF the Contederates, addressed Gen.
Bartlett 10 complimentary terms, and returned
him thanks for his mauy and courageous
speech on the above mentioned occasion. Gen.
Bartlett responded saying: while appre-
elste deeply this mark of your esteem and APP
proval, | cannot allow you to give me undue
credit - &c