The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-06-12

of What had led up to the larceny CT
the leather
His reply came on May 26 stating
fully the circumstances and giving the
information that he had been in the
habit of frequently Withholding small
sums of money for two or three years.
This was the beginning and when the
great temptation came, he yielded. He
further expressed penitence and a desire
to lead an honest life for the future.
our next committee meeting was on
May 81, and the case was considered
until a late hour All desired to forgive
and help, believing him genuine in all
he said We felt that if he was truly
penitent, no course was open but to
forgive him and to continue our bro
therly treatment of him. There was,
however, a difference of opinion as TO
what should be considered sufficient
proof of his penitence, and this is prac-
tically the only question on which there
has been a division of judgment in the
church.
THE committee finally voted, though
not unanimously to send at once a let
ter expressing our full pardon and to
make the same public. This report was
sacredly guarded by the committee
until the church meeting last Thursday
evening, when it was presented to the
church together with full statement
of all our previous proceedings.
LAS was expected the differences of
opinion in the committee as to the best
method of procedure were found to eX-
list in the church at large. In anticipa-
ton of such disagreement, l had drawn
up a substitute letter which l offered
and which seemed to answer all require
2 +-.s.
consisting of Dea. Goddard, Dea Holt
and myself for consideration, and We
reported at an adjourned meeting the
following night.
After much work, we were able to re
port this letter, and at Friday night
meeting it approved itself to all and
was unanimously adopted. We en-
deavOred in the letter to make plain
the attitude of our church in the mat
ter which has been grossly misrepre-
sented by unfOunded reports. We have
never had any desire or purpose to
shield Mr., Bent from his just punish
ment nor to cOndOne his sin. / think
we have made it clear that we do not
propose now or hereafter to turn the
cold shoulder on him. but instead to
give him all possible sympathy and
help.
He has never asked for any special
course We have not refused it. Asked
how Mr.. Bent received the letter, Mr..
Sewall replied that he took it to him
Saturday and explained its spirit and
the circumstances Of its adoption, and
the prisoner received it gratefully and
in the spirit in which it was offered.
How about Mr.. Bents physical con-
ditiOn?" asked the reporter, and Mr..
Sewall answered, Mr.. Bent is in a very
poor condition physically. The diff
culties which have been chronic with
him for the last three years are being
aggravated by a lack of medical atten-
ton, which l consider simply brutal. I
consider him liable at any time to Sc
riOus fitness"
The reporter asked if Mr.. Bent ex-
poets bail at any time, and the clergy
man answered: In my opinion, he has
no expectation Of obtaining bail, but ]
feel that unless his physical condition
can be greatly improved, further efforts
TO secure bail ought to be made sim
ply to prevent his complete breaking
down in health"
officers John Stone and Henry Hatch
broke up row on Central street about
Il O'Clock last night and arrested three
of the five participants. The young
men arrested were William DOnahue
Of Warren and Martin Mcnamara and
Fred Knowles Of this town. The 9TH
ers escaped but the officers say they
know them and may have them sum
moned in court.
The advance guard of Goodrich &
McLaughlin's circus arrived here early
this morning and is camping on the
common in readiness for tomorrow s
exhibitions. The circus attaches have
been a quiet and orderly lot today and
helped much for the success of the
show.
This was childrens day at all the
Protestant churches and large numbers
of little ones were present at the ser
vices this evening. A lengthy and in
teresting program was rendered the
children doing themselves proud.
The funeral Of Addison Hare took
place this afternoon, services being at
the home of Fred Duncan Of School
street. Post Ezra Batcheller, G. A. r.
of which the deceased was a member,
attended in a body. Interment was at
Walnut Grove cemetery.
The local branch of the W, B. & s.
street railway did land Office bust
ness this afternoon. Large crowds
| thrOnged the cars, LashaWay park be
| ing the objective point. Hayes Vir-
ginia Troubadours finished a success
] full week at the park this evening and
! tomorrow one Of G. J. Gordons troupes
viii begin u weeks engag cement.
/ The members Of the victorious St.
| Joseph's c. T. A. 5. athletic team posed
| for a group picture at Ober's studio
/ this morning.