The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-07-03
VIRGINIA.
RICHMOND. june II

Tho probable result OF toe Beecber trial is sub
lect OF great interest in both religious and secular
circles IN Virginia. Among the legal fraternity 1t
Is a topic OF constant aud animated discussion.
Lawyers look at the case from professional point
Of view, while the clergy regard II from moral and
religious standpoint. AZ these two classes were
likely 10 be thoroughly posted on the 1aots ana
proofs in the case, called upon several Of the
leading members OF each profession with view TO
ascertain their opinions on the subject. The
lawyers were inclined to speak quite freely, but
invariably found the gentlemen OF the pulpit
retlcent, probably from the charitable motives
by which their conduct toward q brother in
trouble Is usually governed. The prevailing
opinion is that Mr.. Beecher il guilty, though
found several distinguished gentlemen OF the
opposite opinion. The results OF the several In
terylews are gwen below.
CLERGY
The Rev. j. William Jones' OF the Baptst Church,
author OF the "Reminiscences or General Leen
aud Secretary Of the Southren Historical Society,
unhesltatlngly says Beecher is certainly guilty;
that he had never had a doubt about that since he
read his ragged eageu and otGer letters Of con
Triton and despair.
Rev. Robert A. Gibson, or ST. James, Episco-
pal church, sand thar he sac read the evidence
ga the trial, but that ne had both heard and read
GOOD deal about tse case, and that he was In
cnned to believe that nr. Beecher was innocent.
lie thought great majority OF clergymen would
agree wish him that hr. Beecner was not guilty.
Rev. A. Z. Dickinson, editor OF the Religious
Herald In this city which is the organ OF The
Baptists, said, in most melancholy and reluctant
manner ~ think, or at least I'm afraid, that nes
guilty.
Rev. W. W. Green, an Episcopal clergyman from
Prince Edward county. in this state, was present
In the law ofnce OF Colonel Thomas !. Evans when
tho HERALD correspondent called. Colonel Evans
asked him what he thought OF the Beecher case
and If Beecher was guilty. He said :-"Wen,
don't know what TO tn1nK. I have not read the
evidence, but pm rather inclined to hope be is in.
nocent, and, after all, perhaps he is innocent"
Rev, John L. Edwards, pastor OF the Broad
street Methodist church, said :-"From the gen
eral evidence Beecher Is no doubt guilty, for no
innocent man could have acted as he did at the
trial, showing evident signs or a disturbed mlnd.n
The Rev. Joshua Peterkin, OF the st. James Epis-
copal church, said Prom the little have read
and heard about the case | consider the deenl-
ant innocent"
the LAWYERS.
Ex-JudGe James Nelson, an eminent practl.
lloner at the Richmond Bar, said that nls .mpres.
sion was that Beecher was guilty. and That MIR.
Evarts recognized the fact Judging from ais ar.
Eument, which was nothing moro taaD 10 befog
rae Jury.
Judge Robert ould, who has an enylable r.pnta.
tion a criminal lawyer, ana who Il viii be re-
membered prosecuted Dan scKles for the muir.
der ofPhrp Barton Key, SAID thar be believed
Beecner was guilty, ana that he was convinced OF
his glDt by the evidence before the Plymouth
church committee itself
General Bradley 7. Johnson VINO has studied
the evidence In tue Beecber case Nith all tbe
nvldity and interest OF persevering and success.
full law student, said that the chances were
thousand to ons that Beecher was guilty, but that
the jury would not convict because OF the "tall
swearing" on both sides.
Judge W. W. Crump, a well known lawyer, ssid
that ne had not made up his mind yet as 20 the
quit or innocence OF Beecher. Mr.. Evarts had
made powerful argument, but weak on the
facts.
Judge A. Il. Gulgon Of the nustings Couri OF
this city. said he had never had \ moments doubt
~ 10 Boecher'S CUNT. The letters published were
entirely sufficient TO satisfy his mind, Without she
Introduction OF any other evidence.
Attorney General Daniel said :--'Gunty, OF
course. Didn't both OF them confess 10 : do not
want anything moro than that to convince meu
Mr. Robert Ward, supreme Court reporter.
ald;-'l am OF the opinion That ne is guilty, and
the majority OF the Bar OF this city aud STATE that
nave heard talking about il, think that be ls
guilty.
United States Commissioner Pleasant, who IS
Also Clerk OF the United states Circuit Court con.
tended that Mt. Beecher was innocent, ana he
says he has read a great deal of Tie testimony.
United states Commissioner Atkins wno has
read AL the evidence and who cares nothing
about the speeches, says Mr. Bcecher IS clearly
guilty.
Harrison Robertson a leading lawyer OF South
west Virginia, residing at nauvus, says;--"I
have read attentlyey the rer6atbn reports or
the trial almost from the beginning The result IS,
that II | were one OF the jury, sworn in the case,
should not hesitate moment in finding YER
dict OF not guilty, and df the rules or practice or
the New YORK courts would allow ~ should feel
lmpellcd TO recommend, in addition to that YER
dict, that Mr.. Tilton ana Mr. Moulton art some
other witnesses be prosecuted for artiul aud
deliberate perjury.
PENNSYLVANIA.