The San Francisco call., 1896-04-22

IL
The reverend doctor then proceeded to
read number of editorials from religious
papers; also letters from the Rev. I. O.
Douglass of Iowa and other weIl-known
clergymen, all of which tendeded to sus-
tain the view that the verdict of the coun-
Gil was an acQulttel.
81 am charged" the doctor went on,
with having very peculiar temper, but
under circumstances such as those under
which | am laboring l hope Christian
charity may find some excuse for me in
case display some feeling over an affair
which so nearly and seriously affects me.
The charges OF adultery were not sus-
tanned. The other charges hinged more or
less upon 1t, yet the evidence failed to sup
port the atrocious accusation. What right
then, had my brother of Plymouth Con-
gregatlonal Church to assail me here as he
did not dare to do during the council?
Such a proceeding is uneXampled in
the history OF ongregationalism. Never
has a Congregational conference been
erected into court of final appeal. Con-
gregatlonalism has no permanent court of
adJudlcatlon. In this it differs from
Methodlsm and Presbyterianism. Yet 1
doubt whether in any Presbyterian or
Methodist tribunal l could be held guilty,
especially considering the forlornly flimsy
character OF the evidence adduced against
me.
verdict this afternoon, every ray of hope
mas oeen blotted out from my path. The
clouds OF duplicity, Juggling and hatred
are meetlng over my head Why cannot
my brethren in the ministry be honest?
w hen they said in their verdict that they
hoped that | might be even more fruitful
and useful in the vineyard of the Lord,
what did they mean? If thev meant that
| was to bo useful in law-office, or fruit
1ul III my gains as a vender OF merchan-
disc, then their words of hope and cheer
are damnable and most heartless decep-
ton, and bitter, mocking sarcasm.
NOW there are some of my dear breth-
rem VINO were in the council who have
been honest enough to-day to say that
they have reversed their decision. Yet
strange TO say these men are of the same
opinion with those who have not changed
at ALL Ii they have been Influenced by
the opinions OF others then indeed they
have done most unworthy thing. Public
opinion is dangerous Judge. st. Paul at
IYstra ana Derbe was stoned by the ver-
dict of public opinion.
The same tribunal cast him into the
Mamertine prison. Great great men in
church and state have suffered much from
public opinion.
"How unfair is the remark that the
charges against me have never been dis
proved. answer that they have not been
by the white-haired slanderer and black
mailer was the only definite one, and that
was not sustained. 1t is referred to only
for the purpose of wounding me. Wounds
are oftimes deep and painful, but no
wounds can compare with those dealt by a
brothers hand.
"As to the $500, I was undergoing an
ordeal of the severest character. I had
enemies who were bounding me to the
very death. The worst of these threatened
TO expose me to the odium Of a sworn
charge of adultery attested to by three
female witnesses. Under the influence of
this lear did what at the moment seemed
best. paid the money first, to stave off
horrible, false accusation; second, to
secure some evidence against the skilled
criminal who blackmaied me. l also
hoped to get the money back eventually.
MISS Overman's testimony bore the
stamp of truth. She said much in her
own disfavor, and it must have cost her a
great effort. The Overman-Tunnell letters
were forged and altered, and what is there
strange about it? The trick is a we'll
worn one among criminals of the stamp of
Mrs. Davidson. Mrs Tunnells absence is
also regarded as very strange and mys-
terious affair, but cannot be expected to
answer for any ones goings and comings.
Miss Overman's departure is another mat
ter which has called forth much severe
criticism.
But if ever woman was bounded out
OF a city she was. Her work over, she
went, leaving note for me and Mrs.
Brown, saying that she would seek Mrs.
Tunnel.
mo less than four Judges of the civil
courts have assured me that the evidence
against me would not, in their opinion,
have been sufficient to bind me over from
lower to higher tribunal. Some members
OF the council assured me that they were
looking for evidence to condemn me. The
very sexton OF my church was even asked
as to the position and condition of a bed
lounge in my office The brother who
spoke to him on such a topic might have
had the sexton called before the council
since he could say nothing against me. 1
defy any one TO prove that | have gone
from house to house trying to prevent wit
nesses from testifying before the council"
''How about Mrs. French?' asked the
Rev. Mr.. Flawith.
"I did not attempt to keep her from
testifying," answered DR.. Brown shortly,
"and if | did why is she not here to
say so?''
Deacon Crawford and Deacon Williams
made some inaudlble remarks, apparently
by way of encouragement. Deacon Morse
also gave a brief account of the Davidson
trial in the Superior Court, tending to
prove the absence OF all collusion on DR..
Browns part.
During this terrible day your words of
hatred and ill-will have scared deep down
III my heart like the hot irons OF inquisi-
tors. Not kind, generous. Christian
word was spoken for me. You, Deacon
Williams, who tramped the streets of San
francisco seeking for evidence to damn
and ruin me, could you not afford to say
one word of kindness for me?"
II never soueht for any evidence against
you." protested Deacon Williams, rising
from his seat in great perturbation.
"You who have condemned me-" went
on the pastor, disregarding the deacon's
Interpolation, It'll the day of judgment
you will never know what have endured
at the hands of fellow Christians. Jews
and atheists have consoled me where my
brethren in the ministry have failed me.
And now what path opens before me if
you condemn me on suspicion? | once
learned how to shoe horses perhaps l
could do it again.
''ln case of war / could fight for my
country as | did before some of you who
now turn from me were even born; as
fought while others of you who look upon
me now with glaring eyes of bitterest
scorn were far from the field of battle.
In my last extremity l salute you as
Christian minister should greet Christian
people. Rather would I suffer the pen