The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-05-12
NEW YORK.
Bowen and Beecher- Exciting Scenes at
the Plymouth Church Meeting.

Bowen and Beecher- Exciting Scenes at
the Plymouth Church Meeting.
NEW YORK, May lit appears that at
Plymouth church last night in reply to the as
sertion of Mr.. Sherman that Bowen had re-
fused to go before Mr.. Pratt and Mr.. Beecher,
that DR.. Ward stated that Bowen had told
Pratt all the facts and Pratuhad refused ito re-
port them to Mr.. Beecher, consequently Bowen
had lost confidence in Pratt, but was now how
ever, willing to meet MIR. Beecher and
Mr.. Pratt, in the presence of Mr..
Moulton. After great confusion Mr.. Shear
man moved that Mr.. Bowen retire with Mr..
Beecher and Mr.. Healey, but Bowen refused,
adhering to Mr. Ward'si proposition to re-
tire with Messrs. Beecher. Pratt and Moulton
Mr.. Beecher took the floor, when be was in
terrupted by Clarence Bowen, who proposed
that Mr.. Beecher and his father retire together,
the latter ito tell Mr.. Beecher all the bottom
facts and Mr.. Beecher then to retarn and re-
port them to the meeting. This was received
with Kisses and cries, and Mr.. Shearman's mo-
tion was then carried. Mr.. Bowen however,
insisted on declining to retire with those par
ties. Several propositions were then made to
Bowen by Mr.. Raymond, all of which he de-
clined. saying in the course of his remarks,
that he did not believe his worst enemy could
consider him capable of circulating scheme
for the destruction of Mr.. Beecher.
Mr.. Beecher repeated the assertion sthat all
the conferences had been on business, when
Bowen asked, 'did not the interview at Free.
lands turn upon anything but business?"
Mr.. Beecher said: mo, sir" ito which Bowen
replied: II say it did Z"
Much confusion was caused by this remark,
many members rising out of their seats and
starting forward. Order was restored and sew.
eral propositions were made to Bowen, Ibut he
declined all of them.
After great deal of talking Mr.. Beecher
came forward ana said: 81 am charged with a
heinous crime;;" but before he could finish his
sentence he was interrupted by DR.. Ward, who
said-"And are guilty of it." And immediate
ly several members sprang to their feet and at
tempted to reach DIR. Ward. Cries of ''Shame
on you," Put him out" were heard all over
the room. Deacon Howard at once moved that
DIR. Ward be called upon to retract the words
he had spoken or be requested to leave. His
motion was carried, and Dr. Ward after stating
that he was unwilling to withdraw his asser-
ton, retired. AS he was leaving several arose,
and many prominent members hurled after
him the words "Get out, sect out" SHANE
on you"
After DIR. Ward had retired, Mr.. Beecher
continued his remarks, and was answered in re-
turn by Bowen. The resolution to expel Bow
en- was at last, after great deal of disorder and
confusion, tabled on motion of s. " White.
Il. w. Raymond moved that DR.. Ward be
not allowed to act further as counsel for Bowen
unless be would retract in writing the insult
which he had offered to the church, which was
carried.
Mr.. Bowen said if DR.. Ward was not allowed
to continue as his counsel he would require
more than one weeks time to prepare his de.
self.
On motion of Mr.. Raymond the offer of Bow
en- TO meet Mr.. Beecher and Rev. DR.. William
M. Taylor, and tell all he knows concerning Mr..
3eecher, was accepted with the understanding
that Mr.. Taylor be pledged to secrecy, which
understanding was accepted by the church only
because that was the only ground upon which
RnWpn yvould tho propoeitiop