New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-23
JOSEPH RICHARDss TESTIMONY.

| must trouble you with q few words from
the testimony OF Mr.. Richards In answer to question
to what he had observed as to the conduct OF
Mr. Beechcr and his sister he says:
Well Sir this occasion spoke OF seeing them In the
morning. this occasion called at the house and was
in the upper story the second story Think descended
which closed, and saw Mr. Beecher seated In the
front room and Mrs Tlton making very nasty motion,
and with highly flushed face, away from the position
that Mr.. Beecher occupied. 1t was such situation as
left an indelibe impression on my mind Tua Is ALL Or
in relation 70 other matters - =,
O. AM, now lar Mrs. Tilton from Mr. Beecher when
yoIreye rested upon theml Well she was =, not lar,
Srin the act OF moving opened the door, there was
a moving away from the position.
You may not give the part Of the plaintiff credit
for any decacy OF sentiment In regard to this gentleman
and Mrs TltOn. You may suppose that we did not feel
the horror of that necessity which compelled us to put
brother upon the testify regard to the chastity
Of the sister, and may perhaps wonder that when we
asked that gentleman how near were they together
what was position-when he evidently evaded cir
cumstantia description Of it, that we did not press WIN
more tenacty direct and full answer to the nterroga-
tory But it was enough for purpose-it is enough
according to the judgment of the law Remember what
Mr. Beecher then supposed. Remember what is clear
from all the evidence in regard to Mrs. Tilton that she
had an absorbing love for Mr.. Beecher Remember as
we saw as expressed every line and in every action
Of the word and deed Of Mr. Beecher, that ne
hal at least tender and close affection for
this lady, Remember all these circumstances rejecting
alike upon the disposition, the emotions OF these two
people, toward the other, and then find them in the
condition described by Mr.. Richards-Mr Beecher on
chair the door suddenly opened and this woman spring
ing from position with burning cheek, under crcum-
stances leaving indeble and agOnizng impression
upon the heart of that brother What meant f Is That
pure and innocent he represents himself TO be-
with suspicion of wrong the part Of Mrs Tilton
and no indulgence OF sinful emotion his part Ah he
tells us that in those interviews he prayed with this
afflicted lady that he breathed into her soul the consola
ton of his own exalted spiritual nature This was not
the attitude OF prayer. This woman was 1eeng from
dangerous proximity to this pastor She conscious
OF SIM for Conscience burned confession upon her face
But" says the gentleman, "what did Mr. Richards
think Of iti went forward and shook hands with his
sister," Well, what what should q brother have done
under those circumstances Should he have raised an
uproar; should he have assaulted Mr. Beecher should
he have upbraded his sister, or should he maintain the
address and the character of gentleman and leave the
solution OF the circumstance to deliberate and proper
consideration which would protect the reputation
OF his sister, and the honor OF her children
II is suggested that in the embarrassment OF that mo-
ment Mrs TltOn di not would have been the natural
impulse OF an undturbed lady, advance to her brother
to meet his salutaOn, and render her own but she
passed to window away from the brother in appear
ace in action giving the OF conscious improprety
suppose Mr. Richards is TO be believed Upon that sub
feet This credlbty) have SAID sufficient heretofore 1t
is one OF the dire necessities OF this defense that when
ever we reach an issue material and important in this
case every Witness all evidence the part OF the plain
tiff to maintain it, is to be dscreded There is oOrrup
ton AMI perjury No matter how pure the life, how
eminent the character how unassailed the reputation
still is necessary travel ALL and to consgn every
gentleman, every lady, at once to unlimited condemna
ton.