The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-06-01
RE0PENING THE SCANDAL.
A CONFERENCE BETWEEN III. d.
CLAFLIN AND H. G.. BOWEN.
The Great Merchant Snid TO he Anxious TO
suppress the Bottom Facts-What Henry
q. Bowen said about 10 Yesterday.


suppress the Bottom Facts-what Henry
q. Bowen said about IL Yesterday.
Among those persons who are deeply in
terested In the movements OF the parties to the
Beecher scandal th ere has recently been circu-
lated a rumor that Horace II. Claim has, within
few DAYS, paid visit to Henry c. Bowen for
the purpose OF devising means whereby the
bottom facts in Mr. Bowers knowledge may be
still further hidden from the public. Mr..
Claims solicitude, rs the story goes, was solely
for the welfare OF the nameless woman Of whose
intimacy with Mr. lieecher MIR. Bowen has
KNOWLEDGE. Mr.. Bowen said to a Sun re-
porter Yesterday that during his career as a
merch mt Mr. Clann did him a friendly service
that tie should never be able to forget, aud he
feared that MIR. Clann might misunderstood
his intention were he to disclose the purpose
OF Mr.. Csafin's visit.
Mr.. Bowen said, incidentally. that his incli-
nation was always To remain silent on this dis
agreeable subject of the lieocber scandal.
My own family" said he, has been kent IN
ignorance OF my knowledge In the case until
the church called me to account; then called
certain neiuhera Of my family to private con-
ference. and unburdened myself 70 them IN Tue
belief t'at the. knowledge should rightly be
shared by them"
MIR. Bowen" said the reporter, have heard
from reliable party that Mt. Claim recently
conyersed with you In regard to the Beecher
~ meet Mr. Clanln frequently" said Mr..
Bowen, "but don't know that have anything
special to say on the subiecN" ~
II don't know that there's any objection to
my saying that have seen Mr. Ciailn recently"
Mr. Bowen replied, when the question was re-
peaied.
Didn't he call at your on sc with reference
to saving the woman referred to by you Ia your
statements"
Bowen asked, aud being satisfied when tho
name OF Tue SUNS informant was mentioned,
ne said Your authority Is good. aud therefore
will not DENY that Nr. Claflin did call with ref
crence to the matter Of which YOU speak. but |
don't wish TO speak more fully on tho subject"
The reporter desired to ask another question
based upon Information from tue same source.
air liowen asked to he excused from any fur
Their Interrogation: hut the r. porter continued (:
IL am informed SAID he, "tnat you gave sew
erdl years ago to Mr.. Clafiin, before he acted on
the fnvestig ting Committee. the bottom facts
with reference to Mr.. Boechers adultery. Is
Mr. Caoin and myself" said Mr.. Bowen,
" have been intimate friends for great many
years, and are stil. We have conferred together
a great many times Ia regard 10 this unpleasant
affair both OF us having friendly feeling to-
ward Mir Beecher, and l am sure Mr.. Clafin
would say, II asked. that never eyinced par
ticle OF unkind feeling toward Mr.. Beecher on
the contrary, the deepest Interest to save him.
II possible"
q" hut d ID you not inform Mr.. ClaAn OF the
fact cf MIR. Bcechcr's adultery with a woman to
whom you referred In your statement TO the
committee, and before MIR. CluGin BECAME a
member oi the Investigating Committeer
MIR. Clanin aud myself" replied Mr..
Bowen. have often consulted, strictly
conndentially, In regard to iris whole affair; he
telling me al he knew. ana /, finally. revealing
| to aim all knew tut both, as | have stated be
| fore, spe akng In confidence for the purpose OF
gaming counsel one from the other ana decid-
ing, In view OF the facts, what It was best 70 do
And vet. Mr.. Bowen" the reporter continued
| pressing the question, you do not answer me
| fully Did YOU or did YOU not tell Mr. Clanin OF
Bcecher's adultery as It had been communicated
| to Noui"
'Weil-yes" Mr.. Bowen said, bringing In the
! acknuwlc q sment after "A long pause. " do
! but strictly in confidence. will not answer any
/ more questions, except to say that said to MIR
|
to cause trouble, but II compelled 10 speaL
| would tell the truth.