Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-11-05
THE BEAUMONT.LIPARI CASE.
Curious Observation-Disclosures
ton Continued this Morning.

Curious Observation-Disclosures
ton Continued this Morning.
The investigation Of the charge of fe-
loniously conspiring to swindle Joseph
Lipari of valuable jewelry and money,
preferred against Col. Beaumont, Super
intendent of the Metropolitan Police,
detective Z. W. Pratt, and Frank Horton
was commenced before Esquire Hall in
the Common Law Court, on Saturday
evening, q large number of spectators
being present Messrs. Wallace, Yerger
and Bullock appeared for the prosecution
and Messrs. McRae, Hepburn, Cameron
and Hudson for the defense
Joseph Lipari, prosecutor, testified
that he had in his possession at one time
q gold watch worth 800 and diamond
ring worth $500. The watch and ring
were left with Mr.. Beaumont last Satur-
day week ago, when was arrested. Gave
the property up at Beaumont's house on
Union street, at ii o'clock in the day
signed check at o'clock p. m, in Mr..
Pratts private room, in presence oil
Pratt, Beaumont and Horton. Was ar
rested by Pratt and Beaumont near the
DelmonIco house. Mr.. Pratt and Mr..
Beaumont asked him what he had. Said
he had a check book, watch and ring.
Was not informed what he was arrested
for, but was told they had big thing on
him. Was scared almost to death. Re-
NAMED in charge of policeman Barnes,
at Beaumont's house, and had dinner
and supper. Did not see Beaumont and
Pratt till they came and took his ring and
watch. Did not give up the watch and
ring until threatened with being hand.
cuffed and taken to prison. The city
warrants sold to him by Horton were OF
the amounts of some $500, $4,000 and
$4,000. Had only got them few hours
before he was arrested Got acquainted
with Horton at his Nipari's) barber shop
became very familiar. Horton admired
his ring very much. Would not part
with it. Horton offered him city war.
rant as collateral to borrow it, but would
not consent. At one time Horton came
to him and said he could show him how
to make a fortune; said he had way Of
making a $40 warrant $4,000. Gave him
$500 warrant, and said he would give
him all over 70 per cent. he got for it
He took it to Mr.. Cirode and got Sl095.
Took the money to Horton, who took
$500, and told him to keep the rest till he
called for it; has never called for it since.
Resided in Memphis for over two years
as barber. Known Pratt for three OF
four m onths. Known Beaumont the
same time. Knew Beaumont was the
chief of police. When he gave the watch
and ring up was made to sign the check
by threats, and give up all money he had
in the bank, 5000. Never received any
of the property back since be gave it up,
and has not been called upon since to
answer any charge brought against him.
Went yesterday to see Beaumont, with
Mr.. Grille, to ask for trial, or get his
property returned. Beaumont said he
had nothing belonging to him, and pro-
duced two receipts, one showing that he
had signed away bank funds to pay Mr..
Cirode for the counterfeit city scrip, the
other acknowledging the receipt of the
watch and ring. Beaumont said he had
done too much for him; could have sent
him to the penitentiary for twenty-five
years; the best thing he could do was to
leave town.
On being cross-examined Lipari stated
that he was up before Beaumont some
two months since for passing counterfeit
money. Horton proposed that be should
20 into business with him. There was
plenty of money to be made infthe town
BY altering small denominations of city
scrip to large ones. Never told Stone
braker that he had received back his
goods, and hereafter he intended to live
an honest life. Was told by Horton that
the scrip he had sold to Cirode for $500
was only Of SIS, but never told Cirods
about it. Told Cirode that he had sold
the $4,000 scrip, but had not done SO;
had no reason for telling him that Did
sign two papers at Beaumont's house,
and signed them without knowing what
they were. Was told to say BY Pratt and
Beaumont .ihat his watch and ring were
stolen from him. Never heard from
Mr.. Horton or Beaumont that they had
returned Inc money TO Mr.. Cirode.
W. r. Lucas, Of the Franklin In
suranee Company, testified that Pratt
called on the morning Of the 79th Of last
month, to get the 5000 check cashed
He could not say who wrote the body Of
the check. Pratt's name was on the
check when he got the money.
Commissioner A. P. Burditt on being