The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-17
ANECDOTES OF BEECHER.
He Was an Easy Mark for the PIausi-
BILE Beggar.

Brooklyn Eagle.
A prominent military man of Brooklyn
tells this story of Henry Ward Beecher:
After the wal there were a number of re-
turned soldiers who did not at once fall
into the ways of peace and industry, and
were, therefore, in want. When it was
found, as was the fact, that Beecher's
pocket was responsive to appeals of dis
tress, the fact was spread abroad; his
doors were besieged and his walks waylatd.
Finally Mrs. Beecher came to the rescue,
to stave them off and protect her liberal,
sympathetic and distinguished husband
from them. But one of these besiegers was
particularly persistent. He tried again and
again, every denial apparently being but
encouragement to further effort. While
this was going on Mr.. Beecher's hatrack
was robbed-his stormcoat, his overcoat,
his cane, his umbrella, even his famous
black SLOUGH hat, were taken. Suspicion
pointed to the persistent one, but the theft
could not be fixed on him.
One day, after the robbery Of the hat
persistent than ever, and finally was adj
mitted to the great preachers presence.
Approaching, he said:
Il come to you, Mr.. Beecher," he said,
"in great stress of mind l am over
whelmed with shame and remorse. My
conscience will not permit me to be easy
until l come to you and confess that ! am
the man who robbed your hatrack. Now
that l have made the confession, I can
say / was tempted by the pangs of hunger
and an open door TO the deed. and that L
am determined from now on to live the life
of a decent man. But first your forgive
ness is necessary. l cannot restore the
articles l nave taken
Well" said Mr.. Beecher, II shall prob
ably forgive yOu-aS a matter of fact, l do
freely; but what are you going to do to try
to live while you are making an effort at
a decent life? o.
why. L have made up my mind to get
some little things l can carry around in a
basket and sell"
Have you any money to start yourself?''
NO. But ii will take only a few dollars
If l begin in a small way"
Beecher's hand went into his pocket and
came out with a ten-dollar bill attached,
which he handed over with his blessing.
That afternoon the great preacher came
across his man with a glorious jag, inform
ing all passers by that he had a Beecher
drunk on, since the preacher paid for it.
Here is another story of Beecher which
has never before got into print. A young
newspaper man who was the Albany CORE
spondent of a metropolitan daily, entered
the station at Forty-secOnd street TO take
the train for the state capital. He saw the
great Plymouth preacher sitting modestly
retired, awaiting a train that would take
him to his country seat, Peekskill. The
newspaper man was we'll known to Mr..
Beecher and so went TO him to pay his re-
spects.
your a to Albany. l presume said
the preacher. Are the legislative sessions
interesting and exciting?"
LAS dull as dishwater,' replied the Jour-
nalist. Indeed, for my letters | am COM
PEELED to draw on my Imagination for my
facts"
Mr.. Beecher looked up with a merry twin
kle In his eyes and promptly completed the
quotation from Sheridan, - and on your
memory for your wit -.
The newspaper man felt as If he had been
knocked down.