The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-06-16
BEECHER TILTON TRIAL.

| hitCi iCCcso WI. DtdCU continued his
address, without making any remark on
the subject of the publication which he re-
ferred to in the morning session. Counsel
began by quoting from Macaulays review
of Montagues life of Lord Bacon, some
remarks about the illusions which seems to
hang over the iliustrious names of former
ages, and counsel said that he desired to
show the jury how an impassionate coun-
sci on the other side argued the evidence
was that Mr.. Beecher could not be identi-
fled with sinful tendencies and corrupt
practices. If they allowed this TO blind
their eyes they would not be able to reach
just verdict in this case. On what con-
clusion was it that his learned friends held
that Beecher in his part has led pure and
spotless life, if facts of his character could
be proved? They were admissible during
the course of this trial. They could have
asked Beecher the question, but the matter
would be argued and the defendant would
have been instructed that he was not bound
to inculpate himself. Counsel knew that
Bcecher had been charged with offenses
before, sbut they had been abandoned.
They were entered on the record, however
and counsel on the other. side could not,
therefore advance the opinion that Beech
er's past life was pure and spotless. Coun-
sci then read some advice to Plymouth
church from Mr.. Fairfeld's pamphlet, in
which the writer dwelt on the great power
and wealthy condition of the church. One
OF the strongest points, said Beach, in the
testimony of both parties to this suit is,
they both gave evidence ascribing to that
woman the most exalted purity. Beecher
called her an enthusiast in religion, and
Tilton had called her a pure and white
souled woman. Counsel could not con-
ceive OF any holiness attached to the preach
er who held that any purity could be at.
tached to this woman after she had fallen,
and he, counsel, had no notion of this
character in Mrs. Titon. Counsel Judged
both these men by their evidence.
Mr.. Beach read from Tilton's testimony
and then said that Mrs. Tilton, through
her admiration as well as her generation
for Beecher, became impressed with those
lessons Of criminal sophistry. He then
read Mrs. Moulton's testimony and state
ment of Mrs. 1ilton where the latter
thought, If she was called before the
church, she would sacrifice her husband
and deny everything for Beecher that she
believed, uuder the circumstances, she
would be justified in stating falsely. The
counsel said, after the matter had assumed
the attitude of public investigation, it
was that Mrs. Tilton realized her sin. and
then she believed that the position of Mr..
Beecher and his great lsbors in the interest
OF humanity compelled her to be and
falslty her condition for him. lie thought
1t was as probable that the wife would lie
Tor her paramour as she would sacrifice
her honor and chastity. That the husband
should again receive his wife was not en-
tirely unparalleled. They had the case
OF General Sickles, who murdered the
adulterer, took bis wife again to him. and
was afterward honored by his country it
was perfectly natural that Mrs. Titon |
should side with her seducer He could |
not tell them how Mrs. Tilton was over.
come, but Beecher could tell them. Beach |
then read from the writings of Beecher an |
article entitled the "Seduccr" and said In il |
were described the ways in which Beecher |
seduced Mrs. Titon. There was no reas-
enable earthly doubt that this woman was |
made the victim of Henry Ward Beecher's
lust. The question was whether Plymouth
church and the power of great name |
could triumph over law and Justice. The
jury knew how difficult it was. and
80 did he. 1t was hard to Judge and
condemn such man as Henry Ward
Beecher, and 1t was needed bv
every one to observe great amount Of
in the discharge of their
luty. They all knew the efforts that had
)een made to maintain the integrity of III.
W. Beecher The developments of the
rial had borne their fruit, and the world
had anticipated their verdict 1t was for
hem to consider whether or not that case
vas to be determined by these precedents
1ven to us in wisdom for our guidance.
What had been called crisis in the case had
risen, and his learned friends had endeay-
red to fasten on Theodore Tilton the re-
for those agl.ations. They had
imputed to Tilton and Mouton a conspir-
cy to blackmall Beecher. Mr.. Beach