The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-02-19

ecclesiastical council empowered 70 make thorough
investigation OF the Il further proposed that the
council meet the preliminary arrangements
could be made in some suitable church or hall in
posed OF the representatives OF less than twelve
than twenty churches, together with than
than individuals of recognized standing
in the denomination, selected One-half by Plymouth
church and onehalf by the Andover Theological Semi
nary church. Before that tribunal let every who
knew respecting the charges OF adultery and
perjury or anything whatever Of a kindred nature
against Mr. Beecher, who could, by testying, help
In such an investigation, be invited and challenged TO
appear or else forever after hold his peace
lively discussion followed the reading OF this letter
on motion to refer IL to special committee Of three
, Mr.. ISAAC CLARLN made quite vigorous address on
tnls subject IN the course Of which he characterized
the suggestion TO hold another Investigation after that
which had been held by Plymouth church, and which
had exonereted Mr.. Beeoher, Insult TO every
Congregationalist In the country His remarks were
greeted with loud applause.
In response TO an Inquiry Mr. SHEARMAs stated that
the reason why effort had been made to reopen Mr.
Beecher's case because request had been made
TO the church or its officers 20 do So Plymouth church
could do than IL had already done 10 nvestl
gate the matter The whole world had been challenged
| by notice published in all the New York papers TO
come forward and state the truth. Everything had
been done 10 throw light on the subject
Mr. BEBcHKR hoped that the Council would not
pect him OF dsrespect he asked question, and that
was-What did the world want Plymouth church TO
do There had been statements made against II for
the last three years, ana these were published every
where, and answers were made to them. Now what
Plymouth church to do2 Was II necessary TO force the
Information INTO peoples head with wedge
| You cannot hunt smell Odorous beasts still
some venom Was he TO run after every rat
every leech, every wormp When any responsible per-
son or body desired investigation he was always
ready TO meet it
Dr. WoLcorr submitted a resolution inviting Mr.. H.
Bowen to meet the Council in the evening TO sustain
the allegation made against the pastor OF the church,
TO which he had called the attention Of the Council
This resolution provoked great deal of discussion,
several members contendng that SUCH an investigs-
ton would lead TO issues with which the Council bad
nothing 20 do The resolution was finally declared TO
be out Of order,
Rev Mr. ABBOTT then moved resolution to the
effect that all future questions 10 be addressed TO the
Council by any person outside the committees and the
Council be addressed through the Moderator and the
chairmen OF the special committees, who would Ge-
termne as to their admissibiity. The resolution was
adopted.
that the members Of that church were already con
vnced Of their pastors Innocence. They did not see
the slightest advantage for any new investigation
DR.. EDWARD BEEcHkR followed with similar remarks.
contendng that the evidence at the civil trial
elusive as to the innocence OF their pastor.
sHRARMASs TRIBUTE TO MRS TLToN.
Mr. sHkARMAs IN reply 10 an inquiry OF a delegate
as TO what was the feeling OF the Plymouth church
committee in reference to any further investigation Of
the scandal repeated. substantially what he had pre-
viousy sard that II the Council could devise any
vestigation that would In its judgment be final one,
the church would offer objection to its orignaton
He said that he would take that opportunity saying
that this movement for investigation largely
supported by class of people who eminent
for their ad vocacy of woman g rights but seemed to
forget there defenceless almost friendless
woman, whose name was continually banded about,
and whose feelings were constantly harassed by these
these noisy advocates OF investigation not 10
ecclesiastical censors, who tauntngly asked, "why
don't you clear the reputation OF pastorS'' that
there was this woman whose reputation equally
dear to her. No, no. there no thought given TO
her Mrs. STilton might have been foolish woman
she might have done foolish things; but what man
absolutely wiser She might under the tyranny
Of her husband ana IN a. love ior MN, whom she
But what man Is there who has not told
falsehoodsS Mrs. Tilton was noble, honorable,
distinguished above many women-a woman who
had qualities OF head and heart. that he
tMr 81 honored. And he would ask the Council
consider whether she had not rights and whether
she had not sensitiveness OF feeling that demanded Of
them consideration Not even his love for Henry
ss Ops nea r
ecclesiastical organization under heaven. loud and
long continued applause during which the ladies'
was evidently wrought up to the highest pitch OF emo
uonal enthdsiasm)
AN INVITATION DECLINED
DR. BACON here entered the church and reported that
the committee had waited upon DR.. Storrs and DR..
Burlington who received them with great kindness.
They both expressed their appreciation Of the courtesy
shown them by the Council At the same time they
The committee told them that they would not be
placed IN embarrassing position by accepting OF de-
clining the invitation. They accordingly declined to
Rev Mr. ABBOTT then moved a resolution reported
yesterday TO the effect that the presentation of the
reports OF the special committees they be considered
in the order in which they presented IN the letter
misslve, lar as to consider all amendments that
may be proposed, and then that the reports thus
amended be referred 10 committee to be appointed
the Council may then determine, which committee
shall embody the substance OF the several reports as
amended in the minutes and report the same TO the
Council for its action
The resolution was adopted and the Council adjourned
until halt past seven O'Clock.
THE EVENING SESSION
At haltpast seven O'Clock the Council was opened
with prayer by the Rev. Mr.. Fay, OF Bangor. The
church crowded to its utmost capacity ard hun
dreds were turned away unable TO even get inside the
doors Opera glasses were brought into very general
use by the ladies, who manifest great curiosity
members OF the Council Mr.. H. G. Bowen
came in Just before the prayer offered and IL he
had been wild beast the assembly would not have
evinced more anxiety 10 see him
After considerable delay tho exact occasion OF which
no one seemed TO understand Mr. Bowen was invited
to mount the platform and reveal" Dr. Bacon said
that Mr. WlnsOw had stated the day previous That Mr.
Bowen had been invited by Mr.. Cla1in TO appear before
the Investigating Committee OF 1874 and that he
(Bowenl had declined. 'You" addressing Mr.. Bowen,
.sstated letter this Council that
wanted by the committed VIII you now state who
told you you wanted ~
MT BowES-I do not remember any special CONVEX
.sation with any member Of the committeei ! got
letter but ! don't remember from whom; / have
answered your question letter; If any denies
what is stated IN my letter | want TO know who the
DR. BACON repeated his question. whereupon Mr.
Bowen said. Horace b. Claim told | not
wanted before the committee.
DR. BAcoS-whl you repeat some OF the converse
ton that passed between you and Mr.. Clafns
Mr.. BOWEN declined.
DIT BAooS-would you have testified before the COM
mittec OF 1874 " you had been asked 10 do so
Mr.. BowES-Yesi but am unable TO say to what
tent would have testified.
Dr. BACoS-How long notice would you have
CURED the committee OF 1874 TO give your
Mr. Bowen have always said would answer in Eve
minutes notice any question that might DO pro-
pounded.
O. Have you not kept the examining commit
tee Of Plymouth church waiting some weeks because
you were ready TESTIFY
Mr. BowKN-Iwas waiting to know what they wanted
ready to substantiaie all said IN my letter OF last
night; II the statements in that letter denied,
have something to say.
5. v. WHIrE-I deny some portions OF Mr.. Bowen's
letter
u Win Mr.. Bowen state his recollection OF the
versation between himself and Mr.. Clafnf A. Ii
ours to me II is my night TO know II my communica-
ton is objected TO by any one, aud " so by whom;
wish TO have the following extract from the report
OF the Examining Committee OF 1874
(The extract was read Il simply enumerated the
names OF all the parties who were cited to appear be-
fore the investigating Committee, Mr. Bowen's name