The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-02-21
THE ADVISORY COUNCIL.
Further Questions and Answers.
The Council Goes into Secret Session.

The Council Goes into Secret Session.
INV YORK, Feb. 10 After religious SER
| vices the council was called to order by Gen.
Bates On motion the resolution in regard to
the adjournment OF the council which was
tabled yesterday was Iagain taken up, and it
was resolved that the council adjourn at five
O'Clock this evening until nine o'clock Monday
morning. The rule relating to the noon ad-
Journment was suspended. The discussion on
the adjournment subject was very lengthy;
when 1t was concluded. 1T was suggested that
as Mr.. Henry W. Sage was present, the council
go on with his examination.
Mr.. sage assembled the platform and DIR.
Bacon requested him TO state whatever he could
recouect in relation to the invitation of Henry
Y. Bowen to attend the investigation by the
| committee of charges against the pastor. He
| replied that it was unnecessary to call him as
| he was not supposed to know anything.
Mr.. Beecher wished to know Mr. Sage's
| opinion as to the thoroughness and efficiency
| Of the examination made by the committee and
| he replied that it was as thorough as possible.
| He understood Bowen's signature to the trip
artite agreement to mean that he knew. nothing
against Mr.. Beecher.
A long discussion here took place in regard
| to the construction to be placed on the resolu-
| ton adopted yesterday to the effect tha. ques-
| tions should be put by the moderator and
chairman of the special committee, resulting IN
a motion to reconsider and lay the resolution on
| the table, which was carried.
Mr.. Sage then said that the committee had
given public notice for all persons, who
knew of facts to appear before it. He did not
| know that Heny b. Clafin had been requested
| to interview Mr.. Bowen.
In response to an inquiry Mr.. Sage said that
| every man there was personal friend of Mr..
| Beecher. They would be very sorry to find him
| guilty but had it been their duty there was not
one who would not have done SO. When Mr..
| Sage's examination had been concluded, Mr..
Sherman said that there was a public adver-
| tisement in the papers for all persons knowing
| about the case to come forward.
Mr.. Sage on being asked if any witness had
been excluded replied that Mrs. Woodruff had
| come to the door twice on the same night, but
was refused admission.
Mr.. Beecher then read the letter calling for
| the investigation, and explained the tripartte
| agreement. He said he still loved Bowen and
should continue to love him until the day of
his death. Mr.. Bowen's language was that of
| a man who knew nothing. He was asked by
a delegate if Mr.. Bowen in any interview ever
brought him to feeling of repentance?
Him. said Mr.. Beecher, she can't look me
| in the face. No, sir, he never did,"
Deacon Howard then related an interview
| which he had with Bowen when the latter said
| he had that which would drive Mr.. Beecher
from Brooklyn in twenty-four hours Mr..
| Bowen refused to tell him what he knew and
be then went to Mr.. Beecher and asked him
| for permission to have Mr.. Bowen tell all he
knew: Mr.. Beecher only said 'Devilisb,
| Devilish.'
| The examination went on at length and it
| was suggested that Mr.. Halliday had some
thing further to present to the council.
| Rev. Lyman Abbott offered resolution that
the council 60 into secret session. After dis
cussion it was past and Mr.. Halliday was cal
led to the stand. He gave the interview which
took place July 18th, 1878, and which was
| published some weeks ago.
Mr.. Beecher in reply to a question put by
| Mr.. Abbott, said, that in regard to the papers
| in the hands of man. woman or child, on the
| land or on the sea, in heaven or in hell, he
| would call upon them to come forward or for
| ever after to hold their peace.
| 1t was resolved that when the council go
| into private session the first half hour be
spent in prayer, and that all christians pray for
| them.
DR.. Bacon referred to anonymous letters
| which he had received and desired the writer's
| to know that he didn't think them worthy of
| consideration. At the request of the Plymouth
church committee they were referred to them.
| One of them contained allegations of a more
infamous character than any that had yet been
| made against Mr.. Beecher.
Rev. DR.. Bell did not see the sense of the
council going into private session and though
repeatedly called to order talked for long time,
| creating Discussion which lasted until half
past one o'clock, when the council went into
| secret session.
| After a secret session council adjourned till
| Monday.