Year: 1875

We ind the following in the Chris
tian Union. and we publish it for the
purpose of fully and thoroughly en-
dorsing its conclusions regarding the
innocence of Mr.. Beecher of the vile
charge brought against him by the
Tilton-Moulton gang of conspirators !:


Wholly without Mr.. Beecher's
knowledge, the other conductors of
this paper again take the responsibility
of speaking in its name. They wish
its readers TO know what attitude they
occupy toward its editor in -chief dur
ing the progress of his trial, and what
is the papers position toward him.
They purposely choose this time, when
the prosecution is bringing forward its
most plausible evidence, and before
the defense has begun its reply. 1t is
In no inconsiderateness OF spirit of
bravado that they speak. The great
interests which are involved on their
part are the assurance that their
words are deliberate aud well-weight-
ed.


We say. then, that we have un-
shaken and absolute confidence in
Alr. Beecher's entire innocence. We
implicitly believe that he is a pure.
upright Christian man. We hold him
worthy of the utmost trust as moral
teacher. And the Christian Union,
which has been proud to bear his
name when the whole world honored
him, is prouder to bear it to-day in
his adversely than ever before. That
name will never be taken from the
papers front SO long as the paper re-
mains in its present hands.


The Christian Union is ready to
stake its life on Henry Ward Beecher.
We say this with the full meaning of
the words, we'll assured of the ground
on which We stand. The editorial
and business manager of this paper
know Mr.. Beecher. We have per-
sonal knowledge, and some of us have
life long knowledge of his character.
We know that his life, in its great
principles, is animated by the spirit of
God. We know that he is totally in
capable of the monstrous hypocrisy
with which he is charged. 1t is out
of faith, fervent indeed, but based
on knowledge as rational and we'll
grounded as the human mind admits,
that We pledge to him anew the unre-
served allegiance of the Christian
Union. In the prosperity of this pa
per our personal fortunes, interests,
and aspirations are most deeply in
volved. We freely and gladly stake
it all on the Christian purity Of this
man.


We are not insensible to the spe-
ciousness of some of the evidence
brought forward by the prosecution;
nor have we any censure for those
who, having no personal knowledge of
the man, and no clear intimation of
how his accusers will be met. are for
the present swayed against him. But
we ourselves have no doubts. The
issue of this trial is with the Al
mighty. We look to see Mr.. Beech
er's name cleared before the whole
world, and such honor paid him as he
has never yet received. When that
day comes. we shall rejoice that in
these dark hours the paper avowed its
faith.


But even if the temporary issue
should be in any degree adverse, we
are willing to share adversely with our
leader. If the public should be mis-
led into doubling him. the Christian
Union could ask no more honorable
fate than to share the evil as well as
the good fortune Of the man who has
better served the American commu-
nifty and the cause of Christianity
than any other in this generation. In
good report and in evil report, We
trust and honor him, and are proud
to follow him. We know that sooner
or later these clouds will pass away,
and his name shine as one of the
faithful of God"