Year: 1875

Sensational reports have appeared from time to
time in various papers which have been noted more
for the partisan character than the accuracy OF
their accounts of the trial. TO the effect that since
the opening of the trial the health of both plaintiff
and defendant, has suffered. The mental anxiety
which both naturally feel said to"bo affecting
them physically. NJ: Tilton was growing grayer
and Mr. Beccher thinner Mr. TIltoD grew daily
more careworn in expression, aud the heightened
color natural to Mr. Beecbers face had almost dis
appeared and a suspicious pallOr appeared. Some Of
the reporters observed daily changes in their cOndi
ton as also tho expressions of countenanoe at the
developments Of the testimony.


There is tile truth in any of these stories. Mr.
Reechel's mental anxiety. however great, is not be-
traved in the least either by his reduced physical
condition or by his facial expressions 1t is doubt
full if he weighs pound less to-day than on the day
when the case was ordered to trial. lie does not
certainly appear to be thinner Nor have any Of the
develouments of The testimony betrayed him into
any excitement, except the story told by Mrs.
Moulton when on the stand, and on this occasion
he allowed to escape him only the significant remark
that while based upon truth her testimony was
in effect false Nor has his manner changed
for the worse on the contrary, it may be assumed,
iudrinc from this and his conversation, that Mr..
Bcccher is in better frame Of mind now than when
the trial began His great animal spirits, which no
amount OF work and trouble to affect, except
rnomentarily break out more frequently OF late IN
pleasant and sometimes facetiOus remarks to friends
or court officers than at the beginning OF the Tlal
When the trial opened he was congratulated by a
friend that tire issue had at last been reached and
be replied that he was glad too but that the
attendance in court very annoying and novel to
him. for he was not familiar with courts OF justice
or used TO legal contests Accustomed as he was to
crowds aud 10 being often central figure in large
congregations Of persons, still he bore with poor
Rrace the silent and inactive prominence Of the
courtroom But since the defense was opened Mr.
Beecher has remarked TO the same gentleman that
the uncomfortable feeling had worn off and he felt
less the yexatons of his position. To one of the re-
porters whose published statements had been called
into question he said in bis peculiar jovia way he
was half delighted to hear somebody else thas him
self abused. OF Course incidents Of this sort and
mere observation ofhs looks cannot be relied upon to
absolutely prove Mr. Bccchers body and mind to be
in healthy state but certainly there is no founda
ton for statements that either are visibly and soIi
ously affected


Mr. TntOn's health was never better lie tall figure
is not whit bent, and bis physique fine as
ever. For years past Mr.. Tilton's hair has been
strongly tingod with gray; it is what IS usually
called an iron gray" but that it is nOticeably
whittier than when the trial began it ia mere nom
sense to assert. For reasons which are apparent
he is more reserved in his conversations, and more
retired during hours when he is not in court, and
therefore bis present manner IS less impulsye and
enthusia site. even when he is aroused, than for
merly Still there is nothing in looSs, manner. or
words to warrant the stories of i'll health. Both the
parties TO the action may be expected 10 the end
Of the trial however jurors and reporters may fail