New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-01-30
THE QUESTION OF Mr.. TLTONs RIGHT TO
TESTIFY.

ALI the evidence has been heard In that respect the
day was one Of the most notable on the calen-
dar Of scandal events The verdict of the least in
tengent part Of the audience that the proceed
ines were dali and unnteresting and during the
reading of the dry and technical points
of law. and the arguments Of the
lawyers thereon. many heads in the gallery nodded
with drowslness. and the rustic of newspapers
frequently arose above the speakers voice. To the
many lawyers present however the arguments
were Of the highest interest All of the counsel
were late yesterday morning and Judge Nelson was
not on the bench as early as usual Mr.. Shearman
came in first a few moments past II o'clock, but
Gen Pryor. who was TO continue his address, did not
arrive until after the names of the jury bad been
called Hurredly throwing Oft bis heavy coat he
resumed his argument. continuing until noon,
quoting and explaining rapidly and with accuracy
his authorities. HiSmanner was more quiet than on
Thursday, and he evidently more at ease. While
be was speaking, MI. Beach and Mr. Eyarts conyersed
laaghinCly for several moments but the other counsel
listened attenUvely throughout except Nj Shear
man and MI Abbott who are always active, and
who now were carefully examining the decisions
quoted by their opponent. Gen Pryor closed rather
abruptly having only referred during his entire ad-
dress TO the legal points Of the case.
Mr. Beach. who unexpectedly arose and begged to
touch upon some points not referred TO by his
cate, viewed tie case from a social point of view,
aud drew such picture of Mr. Beecher's alleged
crime that the audience were fairly overcome. He
depicted a happy home the wife fraIl and delicate,
but devoted % her husband. He spoke with scoTn-
fll smile Of the pastor standing at the head Of his
houored profession; and then ia a voice tiuged with
bitterness he described IA ass.duous and silver
tongue that would lure angel from Paradise.
She looked upon him" said be. with q venera-
- IL
her God. Nav if an incarnate Christ had come
down with the glory Of GALWAY upon His brow, and
the love Of sacrifice in His eye, she would
not have bowed to Him with more obedience
than this woman did to her PASTOR With
impassiOned feeling in BIS voice the speaker
pictured the pastor as teaching the wife
TO believe il pious adultery. aud leading her along
fowery path 10 the precipce over which she fell.
Tears rushed 70 the eyes Of Mr.. TiltOn before the
picture was half drawn. The sons Of Mr.. Beecher.
the only representatives. of their family then present
Withdrew as soon the speaker braDched of TO the
more legal questions Mr.. Beach had not concluded
o'clock and the court therefore adjourned for an
hour. During recess the junior counsel for BIZ.
Beecher busted themselves pouring huTUedly over
she law volumes ID which were cases they desired
TO cite
During the last moments Of the interval, Mrs |
app oarance in the court room, and were welcomed
by several members of the Plymouth Church dele
CATION who were present. Mrs. Tlt0n had not been
present since the Friday previous having been suf
fer1ng for many davs with a severe cold.
She sat unvailed during the en-
tire afternoon, aad Listened attentively
to the debate. Mir and Mrs. Beecher though absent
in the morning. occupied their usual seats in the
afternoon. MI Beach resumed his speech, and did
not fail 10 take advantage Of the door left open bv
Mr. Evarts IN departing from the legal ASPECT Of the
case TO speak Of the asserted basenes Of Mr. Iton IN
wishing TO testify against his wife. His retort
was very earnes-almost passionate. Mr. BeecheT sat
lmmovable, and bIs face neither changed in color
nor expression while be looked ixedly at the chan
deler below the center of the ceiling and listened
70 the singing words of the plaintiffs counsel To
al the world he has given a public challenge. de-
manding that everybody who can throw any light
upon tbs mixed and troubled controversy
should appear and present 1t. To-day,
through his counsel be seeks to close tie principal
avenue Of evidence Aud again: What must
Theodore TiltOu do 7 Must ne suffer the aTrOws aud
sling Of society, and see the seducer Triumphant
and 6ourishiug and cloryiug in his impurities the
happiest man in al tins assembly q"
Following the last sentence. the closing words Of
which were Mr. Bcecler's own. delivered az his
burst Of laughter from the audience, showing Low
lightly those who merely come to listen appreciate
the import of the trial
Mr.. Tilton was most visible affected br VIZ beachs
words His face redeemed as .he name O., his wife
was tenderly named by the spc1ker b bit his lips,
and the tears sprang into his eyes
Nj Beach sat down, tired by his ese't, and before
he was fairly seated Mr.. Eyarts o. his feet lie
was apparently angered, and his first few words
were delivered with severe emphasis 'ie did not
think Mr. Beach's words called for, and he accused
him Of introducing at this time in the trial speech
which should have been delivered at the close
adding that the only excuse that the plaintiffs
counsel could have was that the evidence at
later stage would not Justify such words. Nh
Evarts did not again refer 10 this subject
Later on he challenged his adversaries 10
show any law making a husband and wife
competent witnesses against each other Mr. Beach
Immediately met the challenge and a short passage
ct arms followed. Mr.. Beach referring tue Court 10
the case of Southwick against Southwck answer.
MIR. Evarts did not think that his argument had
been answered and continued. Ii was 10 minutes
before o'clock when he finished, and Mr.. Beach
then arose. CHANGING at the clock he SAID that il
had been his intention to rely TO some Of the Oppos
ing cOuns.ls arguments but IL being late he would
refrain and submit the case is il stood.
Judge Nelson said the argument had been OF
great interest 20 him, and he would give il all posi-
bic consideration. He would not write an opinion.
NJ that would SAVIOR Of pedantry but he would give
his conclusions on Monday morning. He then in
CURED regarding a certain point-of law on which
Mr. Eyarts FASTENED to enlighten him occupying
the time until the hour of adjournment. The
counsel for 81. TltOn made no explanations
Before closing. tie Judge warned the jury not to