The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-12-20

learn. II possible, the nature OF the vindica-
ton The reporter was invited into the IL
brary. where he remained by the cheerful
fire few moments while awaiting the APP
pearance of Mr.. Butler. When Mr.. Butler
entered the reporter Immediately made his
mission known by saying: "Mr Butler.
understand that Elder Black has placed in
yOur hands written statement fully vindi-
eating himself from the accusation brought
against him."
Mr.. Butler-Mr. Black has not as yet given
me any such document, though expect one
soon.
Reporter-When do You expect Mr.. Black
to have his statement ready, and what
do you suppose will be the nature of it9
Mr. Butler-He will have it ready some
time during the week ! suppose. l saw Mr..
Black yesterday, and he informed me that
he had a statement prepared. or was prepar-
ing one which will soon be ready.
Reporter-Have you any idea OF what Mr..
Black will say in his statement?
Mr. Butler-No; not any further than that
he claims to be able to fully explain every
thing.
Reporter-Wi this statement be furnished
for publication?
Mr.. Blu r-It will not 1t will be pre-
pared exclusively for the elders OF the
thoroughly into the matter IL will not be
proper to make any statements through the
Reporter-when do you think the elders
will hold the meeting TO consider the mat
ter2
Mr. Butler-Not before Sunday.
Reporter suppose Mr.. Black Will not Oc-
cupy the pulpit until he is fully acquitted
of the charges2
Mr. Butler-No. We are fully determined
upon that, though the action is not intended
as an expression of opinion or acqulescence
in the charges made in the Sentinel. We a.
church, are bound TO protect ourselves
from the contamination of such characters,
if the charges be true, and if not, it is no
more than right that he should not preach
while under the cloud.
Reporter-What is your opinion as to the
guilt or innocence of Mr.. Black?
Mr. Butler-I can not express any opinion
until after the investigation. You can de-
pend upon it that the elders will go to the
bottom of the case. The investigation will
be searching and thorough. There will be
no whitewashing
Reporter (mildly(-As one side of the
story has been pretty fully aired, would 1t
not be right when Mr.. Black makes his
statement, that il be given to the public?
Mr. Butler-The statement that Mr.. Black
will give to us will be used by the elders
only. If Mr. Black wishes any statement
published, he will have TO furnish it him
self
Mr. Butler spoke pleasantly, though earn
estly. and was positive that there will be no
whitewashing in the case.
Scandal Gossip.
The report in the Journal OF yesterday
that the conductor and brakeman of the
train upon which Mr. Black went over to ST.
Louis, have been discharged on ac-
count of the scandal, was of course
false. They had no hand in giving
publicity to the actions of Black and the
lady. They noticed and commented on
them, as did everybody on the train, but
they did not trouble themselves much about
the matter After a rascal has been exposed
scores of people suddenly remember that
they always suspected him of being dishon-
est and called to mind many suspicious acts
he had committed. Since Wednesday the
Sentinel has received a mass of voluntary
evidence againstthe preacher, which if pub
lished would make the story all the more
interesting.