Connecticut western news., 1880-01-21

Kane, Miss Ellen Brigner, and Miss Mary F. Landon. Those of Mary E. Briscoe, Minnie o. Newton, Winnie I. Stephens, Belle Malt bic, Cora B. Tucker, Clara L. Mercy, Nellie L. Judd, Nellie M. Hall, and Carrie M. Hall, show decided improvement, with which their teacher as well as themselves, may justly be proud. The best specimens by the young gentlemen were those of John c. Wolfe, Ed ward J. Hunt, Arthur s. Lane, and John Jacobi We notice very decided improve ment in the specimens by James Haley, A. W. Hosford and Martin Phillips; also in those by John J Ferris, Jr., H. N. Wetherell, and Geo. Leavenworth. Among the specimens by the boys, were some fine ones by Fred. Bartlett, Fred. Brown, Albert Sheppard, Will bur Judd, Vim. Sherman, Willie Hubbell, John L. c. Landon, and c. W. Wolfe We congratulate the pupils in having been so fortunate as to secure the services of Prof. Lee.i
 A. c. RANDALL, DWIGHT E. DEAN,
 Falls Village, Conn.,, January 19, 1880.
 Quite a sensation prevailed here last week, caused by the wholesale publication of the details of dirty scandal, charging the Rev. J. H. Lane, formerly pastor of the Meth odist church in this place, with taking improp- or liberties with the sisters of his flock in Kensico, N. r., where he is stationed. This report spread with lightning rapidity, causing great astonishment among the many friends of MT. Lane here, and has severely shaken their confidence in human nature, as he was regarded as model Christian, and about as near perfection as men in this age generally arrive.
 He was given a church trial before seven Methodist clergymen in the Kensico church last Thursday. The principal witnesses against him were Mrs. Cox and Mrs. Wickof, wives of two stewards of the church, and Miss Carrie Washburn, one of Mr. Lanes converts, girl about l6 years of age. The trial was to have been strictly private, but Mrs. Lane, wife of the accused obtained entrance, and pluckily defed them to eject her, refusing to go, even at her husbands request. Myself and my husband are one" she said, ''and if all Kensico should open it's scandalous mouth to traduce him, would and will stay by him ; and will commence to show you how much in earnest am by staying right here now" The clerical court made virtue of the neces- | sity, and she was allowed to remain. Mrs. Cox was the first witness called, and gave details unfit for publication, describing the lascivious approaches of MT. Lane, and his attempts to kiss her on four different oc- casions. Mrs Wickof testified that MT. Lane kissed her several times, and on one occasion he almost made an assault on her in an at tempt to kiss her, but went away very sorry and came the next day and penitently begged her forgiveness, which she granted, whereupon he proposed to seal the bargain with some more kisses, and made advances which it required her physical strength to re. sist.
 Carrie Washburn testified :-One Sunday was coming to church he met me in the church; he said, "Are we the only two faith full ones ?" then he put his arm around me and pressed his hand against my clothing. On Oct 8, at Wickoff's house he wanted me to go up stairs told him, no, his wife would not like it afterwards he sat beside me and put his arm around me and pinched me. One day was at the well he came up and want ed drink; drank half a glass, and when was coming away he pulled me back, saying 'Oh, don't be in a hurry" then he kissed me on the mouth.
 MT. Lane was then called and emphatical ly denied Carries story, admitting however that he kissed the women, but that it wat not done with immoral motives. He did no consider kissing unchristian.
 After summing up the evidence, all but tht jury of seven clergymen left the church, ane a prayer was offered, after which the cas' was discussed. There was division of opin ion at first, but those in favor of conviction were converted by the acquittal portion, an' the following verdict was signed by eacl member of the court:
 The committee appointed to investigate the charges presented against Rev. J.H. Lane after due deliberation, are unanimous in tn judgment that the specifications are sustaine' in part, and show that he has been exceeding ly imprudent and deserves reproof; butwe d.
 not find that the charge of immoral conduc
 is sustained.
 This verdict, it is said, coincides with tn sentiment of the better part of the town while it arouses the indignation of others
 who would rejoice to see MT. Lane depose
 from the ministry. The affair has brought t
 light the fact that Kensico is little hot-be
 of iniquity and scandal; and his two years
 residence there may, or may not have had
 demoralizing effect upon Mr. Lane