New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-03-20
MIR. TILTON'S REMARKABLE MOODS" AT
HOME

being 1880 p. IN.
MIR. TILTON'S REMARKABLE MOODS" AT
HOME
After few momentS pause MI. Shearman arose
nrd called Elizabeth A. Turner, better known as
Bessie" TuIner The silence of the courtroom was
broken by murmuT of expectancy on the part OF
the spectators who strained forward TO get a view
of the witness, as she arose from her seat beside
Mrs Tlton and made her way slowly to the wit
ness chair Judge Nelson rebuked the specta-
tors, and offered the suggestion that dur
ing this lady's testimony L think the reporters
would better keep their ewes on their paper lie
addressed no suggestions. however To the occupants
OF the gallery among whom there was general re-
sumption Of the eyeglasses and spectaces lad aside
daring Mr.. Hallidays examination Miss Turner
on taking the witness chair, appeared at ease
and free from all embarrassment. She
was examined by Judge Porter. whose pleasant
manner of GuestOuing seemed well calculated TO re-
heve her from all constrant. Her testimony began
with an account of what she had seen of MI 1lltons
treatment of his wife aud Of Mrs Tllton's bearing
toward her husband. This covered the period be-
tween 1874 when she first went to live with the
nlton family and lS7i when she ceased 10 live with
them MIR. iilOns moods as the witness termed
them were very fully described. He was often
srIen and disagreeable. and a: such times spoke
NNN''''''' 49,
table when one of the children had refused to eat
meat. he had said it was all her
mo.hers Id orthodoxy.' and at
woman's-rights meeting held at Mr. Tiltons house
Mss Turner hea Lim say to bis WIFE,
Elizabeth. stand aside. Don't keep near me. do
not wish coupaI isons to lie made The witness
also described at length Mr. TIltOn's pcculiarites
Among Others he was in the habit of gong about
the house at night dressed IN hls night
clothes In this glrb be used to take pleasure IN
Lanengand rchancinq the pictures on tie walls. lie
used also 10 90 from bedroom to another trying
the d arrent beds 10 fluid the softest and on one OF
these occasions he appeared at her room. accom-
paued by Mrs. Tilton bearing a pillow, aud took
Possession Of her bed, the witness going 10 another
room.
Thus far the examination lad proceeded very
smoothly With scarcely an interruption by the OBJ
.uons Of Mr.. Tllden's counsel, though punctuated
,o...sionally Ly the ircpressible laughter OF the
audience. the Plaintiff seeming quite as much
amused al the recital Of his alleged ecccn-
tricitiea as we're the other spectators But
objections were raised 20 several OF Mr. PorteTs
questions which the plaintiffs side declared could
not be answered without tie witness giving her
o.r.ion. Nh Porter was very ready in his replies,
AID cited authorities for many of his points. Miss
Tuner Wa finally permitted u answer, ana testl-
ned that she had heard Mr. IiltOn swear at
lie wife and had known him to lock HIM
tef MP in room with her, and scold
AVID swear for ceveral boGrs at time. Re
.grding Nj BcecheTs visits T. tho honse, she sald
tha, lac called to sec the family occasionally. and
wa treated by Mr., Tiltoa in he manner in
winch she treated her other friends Miss Turner
never cav any improperly between Mis- Tilton and
her pastor.
Mss Turner then related Mr. Tilton's alleged at
terop;s unon hrr own virtue She testified that in
49, Mr.. TIltOn came into her bedroom, saying that
lie came to bad her good night, and then at
tempted some lamiliart.es. which sho resented
EeLt tie time lust fled ms treatment by saying that
sGsh actions were common ia the hest society. Mr.
Tltnn then Law down beside her and in
gurel whether she would not like to be married. To-
which question 4he replies. that she would never
marry a literary man any way lie also asked her
II she knew anything about aifnties, sod after
t,me further conversation on like subjects left her
Mi.. Turner a!so testified that on another occasion
IN isss she awoke suddenly night and found
herself in SIR. TiltOn's room instead
Of her own. 70 Sine was very much be-
vudereS and asked HIM what lie was doing. lie
replied that he felt lonely and wanted some one
TO love him. She left tbs loon az once. Miss
Turner then told Of the dinner at Dir ntoRs, when
Mss Ellen Dennis was present, and Airs. TiltOn
cried and was obliged to leave the table. Mr.. Til
crazy; don't sou think Elizabeth is deInented I"
The witness Tepll4s 80. do not but think il is
a wonder you have not driven her into asylum
long ago" Mr TtOn then went after his wife aud
lie witness followed him and heard him say sbak-
irc his fist over her You baVe brought that
flI 10 this boIRs 90 use against Inc.
and d-n it, she shall leave" The wit
moss declared tnas she would stand by
Mrs Tlton, and thcIeEpOu III. 1lltOn struck
her and knocked her across the room. aud then
said. innooently. why. Bessie, how could you trip
So Miss Turner's emphasis and tbs spirited way
Ina which she gave the conversational part of this
scene called forth repeated applause FROM the
ST.. etators judge Nelson declared that he wonld
have order. and rcbuksd tho cOnr officers for not
preserving it, Miss Turner next told Of the charges
Of adultery which Mr. TiltOn had made
~ her against his wife. She also de
p!cted Mrs. Morse in tho following conversation.
which she heard: &" Good morning. grandma"
said SIR. Iton one occasion 10 that lady. IN
grandma you, YOU miserable wretch, you Internal
seOuuGrcl. ! will publish you from Dan to Beer
fAcba," the reply Of that lady, accompanied by
o,L4r remarks Of a similar import.
al about 800 o'clock, NJ ss Turner complained of
l.luess but hearing from Mr. Porter that her exam
L.t.0.4 va aeaIy ended, continued her testimony,