The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1883-08-11
"NOt GnltY.V
RESCUE.
Special to the Wheeling Registe


CLARsKBURG, August 4.-On &C.
count of the former reports of rumor-
ed scandal concerning the Rev. David
Tasker, your correspondent has taken
pains to ascertain as much about the
facts ola rumor as was consistent with
what was courtesy to Mr.. Tasker.
Just here 1T may be well to say that
as to how your correspondent came
into possession of the following infor-
nation, he is not at liberty to di-
vulge; but in justice to Mr.. Tasker,
your correspondent will say, that
Rev. Tasker is not cognizant of the
fact that l know anything about the
recent investigation. What follows
will be condensed statement of facts.
On Thursday the charges against
Rev. David Tasker were investiga-
ted by his peers. Presiding Elder
Stewart, of this district, presided, and
the jury consisted Of nine ordained
elders. Rev. w. w. Kelly was coun-
sci for the church, and Prof. w. r.
White, ex-State Superintendent of
Schools, acted as counsel for Rev.
Tasker. The charges were going to
the room of the servant imprudently
and improper solicitation.
After the usual exercises required
by the church government, the in
vestigation proceeded in accordance
with Baker on Discipline"
The church depended upon the evil
dence of Kate Lipscomp to make out
her case, and upon other witnesses
only as to what Kate said. Kate's
deposition was taken in st. George,
Tucker county, and was read at this
investigation. When Kate was ex-
amined in person her evidence great
ly conflicted with the deposition.
There was an utter failure, we are
reliably informed, to make out case
against Mr.. Tasker.
Rev. Tasker and several other wit
nesses were examined and the de.
PENDANT felt so sure of his vindica-
ton, that he rested his case before
adducing all the testimony even that
was at his command. Notwithstand-
ing the corrobOrated testimony of Rev
Tasker in his own denial, it was con-
clusively shown by the defense, that
ut the time the offense was alleged to
have been committed, that it was a
physical impossibility for the defend
ant to have been in the room of Kate.
The rumor that Mrs. Tasker had used
unfair means to secure a retraction
from this girl is shown to be absolute
ly false. There was committee APP
pointed by proper church authority
to visit the girl and ascertain if this
rumored statement was true. Mrs.
Tasker was a member of that COM
mittee, as was Rev. Daniel Rector,
now of Aurora, Preston county, for
merly of Clarksburg, whose good
character is too we'll known here
to require comment upon. Mr.. Rec.
tor declares no unfair means were
used to secure the signature of this
girl to such paper as has been re.
ported. This paper was read aloud
to this girl by Mrs. Tasker in the
presence of this committee, and it is
false that she represented it is note
from physician.
The first rumor connected Other
parties with the affair. but these par.
ties were not examined, as Mr.. Tas.
ker had long since been exOnerated
The case was closed Thursday even
ing, and yesterday morning the jury
returned verdict of not guilty. We
are glad that the matter has been sc
thoroughly Investigated. An inves
tigation was demanded by the world
by the church. and it was eagerly
hastened by Mr.. Tasker. We con
graduate Rev. Tasker upon his hand
some vindication and wish him Goo
speed.
Services will he conducted as usua
in the M. f. Church by its pastor
! Rev. David TaSkar