Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-11-01
f FABER SCORED
ASCARLET I ON
DEFENDS WIFI
Bishops S Statement on
Havre Tragedy Flayed
by Husband Of Woman
Former Montana Judge
Challenges Sincerity
of Bishop S Action.

Los Angeles, Oct 31-Mrs. Mar
garet Carleton. who with the Rev.
Leonard J. Christler, was found shot
to death in the Christler home at
Havre, Mont. last Friday, had con-
fessed her love for the Rev. Mr..
Christler to her husband, Frank Il.
Carleton, former judge of the district
court at Havre, Mr.. Carleton declared
Tuesday night in signed statement
to the Associated Press.
The statement follows, in part:
Il can no longer remain silent in
the face of the attempt to whitewash
this bishop of all outdoors and shield
his church from stigma, and which at
statement OF Bishop F'aher, given TO
the Associated Press. that I believe as
a result of the investigation | have
made of the tragedy which occurred in
the Christler home early Friday morn
ing and after questioning those who
knew about it, that if this woman had
been able to work her will on Mr..
Christler he would be alive today. un-
faithful TO his wife, but still living
This attempt to make it appear to
the world that Margaret threw herself
upon this man and that he tried TO
ual path. has goaded me into express
sion.
Challenges Bishops Action
Though he be bishop and Chris
tian man, | challenge the sincerity of
his belief as expressed in the state
ment above referred to. The so-called
Investigation alluded to by his refer
ence must of necessity have consisted
of taking a few statements from the
close friends and protectors of the pas
tor. for any delving into the facts and
circumstances surrounding this matter
would have SO conelnsively shown the
true part that Christler played that
escape from his condemnation would
have been Impossible.
Il protest against this attempt TO
condone the sins of the pastor. Is THAI
the Christian spirit that was eNempIi-
fled by the life OF Christ? Does such
n statement come with good grace from
the lips of one who is the temporal
representative of great church?
The great bishop refers to this poog
girl as this woman.
when Le made the statement above
referred to that this pastor who. it is
ncw claimed, maintained only a friend
ly and ministerial interest in the Carrie
ton family. had written letters to Mar
garet Davenport. NV wife's maiden
name, and sent them care of general
delivery. What occasion for this sub
terfuge if his interest in her was such
as the bishop and friends of the man
wcnld have you believe?
Mo Refisction on Mrs. Carleton
let it be we'll understood that in
making this statement, / intend TO east
not the slightest reflection or condem-
nation upon my wife, for no one knows
as well as | do the influence which
this man held over her and which could
reasonably be termed hypnotic. Pray
tell me. if this minister had practiced
the teachings which he espoused from
the altar, why this influence which he
had over her was not utilized to save
her from this infatuation.
''Pray tell me why it was necessary
for him to seek her out in Chicago
and elsewhere?
Il will confess to. bitterness and |
would have much preferred that this
terrible tragedy be not discussed, but
when a man in as prominent q posi-
ton as Bishop Faber sees fit TO give
expression to such statement as is
referred to above. find it powerless
to restrain myself from expression.
I. too, have known of Margaret's love
for this man for several years and it
is only fair to her to say that She
confessed it to me- I will not further
violate her confidence, but | do want
to state unqualificdly and unreservedly
that it is fact that this preacher had
led her to believe that he returned that
love.
Pleaded With His Wife
II want to further say that had
plenty of opportunity and occasion TO
observe and study this big man men
tally and physically. time and again.
i warned my wife and told her the
results of my observations and pleaded
with her to save herself before it was
too late. On several occasions, I be-
lieve, I convinced her OF the true sit
uatian.
''In conclusion. want to say to the
world that Margaret is not to be
blamed for this, affair,i but that the
real blame should justly be placed upon
the man who paid the price that must
be paid by all who prove unfaithful
to their trust.
fSigned)
FRANK r.. CARLETON"
The statement was given out in the
ex-judge's law offices here. He de-
Clinpd tn tliscuss his MANS far the fu-