Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-29
Witness Cross-Examined.

ant and apparently he made no attempt to
temper his replies with calmness. 1t was
battle of brains, one combatant proceed
ing deliberately and with GOODNESS. the
other on the defensive, striking back with
vigor, but impulsively, and with utter dis
regard OF caution.
The courtroom was crowded today. par
tcularly during the croSs-eXaminati ton OF
Mr.. Lipscomb. The latter's wife. accom-
panied by several friends. again in at
tendance.
There is a possibility that the case may
+ be closed far as the introduction of evil
dence is concerned. late this afternoon. The
plan is that the case shall be given to the
jury for determination prior to adjourn
ment tomorrow.
MI. Davis First Witness
When the proceedings were resumed this
morning Mr.. Henry f. Davis of the local
bar appeared as witness for the defense,
and testified regarding the excellent repu-
tatlon borne by Mr.. Lipscomb for honesty
and integrity.
The defendant then subscribed to an GA III
to tell the truth the whole truth and moth
ing but the truth. In reply to questions
asked by Attorney Moore. Mr.. Lpscomb
detailed his legal career and his connection
with the Washington Beneficial Endowment
Association case.
At the outset of the examination of Mr..
Lipscomb it was declared that he never had
being actively in charge of it, The per-
sonal transactions of the defendant with
the American Savings Bank and with the
Ia tie William Holmead had nothing to 90
with the receiyership fund it was added
Mr.. Lipscomb made the assertion that dur
ing the year 1893 he handled $4,000 through
local bank. and of that amount 10000
was fee earned by himself in case be-
fore the Supreme Court of the United
States in which 100000 involved.
Maintains His Honesty.
Among other things. Mr.. Lipscomb
marked that he kept loose books. because
he was honest and when asked regarding
certain check for $3.50 asserted that no
honest gentleman could remember such lit
tie details of transactions of years ago.
Did you ever get anything from this re-
ownership fund, except your fee and COM
missions?' Attorney Moore inquired.
Not one penny" Mr.. Lipscomb replied
with emphasis. land nobody but a convict
can assert that | did
1t was explained by the defendant that
he signed certificates and checks in per-
functory way, and that Fields attended to
the handling of the same.
Mr.. Lipscomb was examined regarding his
visit to the Washington Loan and Trust
Company's establishment with Mr.. Fields.
| to say that the action of Fields IN signing
checks Fields and LpScomb, per Fields
was proper. The defendant stated that at
the time in question nothing had occurred
on the part of Fields regarding the fund.
To prove that he was away from this city
on certain dates in the summer of 1909 Mr..
Lipscomb made number of statements
bearing on the presidential campaign o.
Judge Parker. in which he took an active
part, and considerable amusement resulted
therefrom.
Judge Parker was not elected President
1 believe" Attorney Moore commented.
Il think not" Mr. Iipscomb added.
Continuing. the defendant said he signed
blank checks for Fields as he did for his
co-trustee. Mr.. Ernest. in another case.
The "Dear Andrew" Letter.
The jury was told by Mr.. Lipscomb' that
he did not suspect that there was any
thing wrong with the receivershp fund I'M
til the morning of May ~. 1904. when he
received the Dear Andrew letter written
by Fields. The defendant said he turned to
George c. Meigs who was with him at
the time and remarked that Fields had
stolen the Beneficial Endowment Associa-
ton money and had run away. Without
delay he showed the letter to Mr.. Padgett
who represented one of the distributes OF
the fund.
Il fully realized my position" Mr.. Lips
comb said. land now regret that did not
follow my first impulse and at once procure
q warrant for the arrest of Fis' ds.'
The defense read in evidence a copy of a
letter which. 1t claimed. written by Mr..
Lipscomb. April p. 1904. and mailed to
Fields at Saranac Lake ~ Y In the let
ter Lpscomb said that Mr.. Padgett lad
just been in the writer's Office to ask the
amount on hand of the funds of the Bene-
fetal Endowment Association. Mr.. Lips
comb wrote that he told Mr. Padgett the
amount in question was between $4,000
and 1900. ''as you told me week ago"
y partially mutilated letter from Fields
TO Lipscomb. dated June %. 1903. also
placed in evidence by the defense. BY It's
terms Fields. remarking that he had heard
that Mr.. Lipscomb was about to go to
Georgia. requested Lipscomb to indorse the
~eYtif fcat aS of IN eli RI I'm
checks. as there would be demands on the
receivership fund while Lipscomb was away
and not within reach.
Visit to U. S. Attorneys Office.
! The defendant next told of his visit to
| the Office OF the United States attorney
| early in June. 1904. when he showed the
| Dear Andrew letter to Mr.. Beach and
surrendered to the latter certain cancelled
checks. Mr.. Beach asked Mr.. Lipscomb
| TO submit a statement In writing.
II did not submit such a statement" Mr.
| Lipscomb explained. Later. however Mr.
| Lipscomb visited Mr.. Beach and made a
verbal statement. which was reported stem
graphically.
| Mr.. Lipscomb says that after writing the
| letter of April %. 1904 he did rot see Fields
| until after the latter had been arrested.
In reference to the testimony of Mr..
Mead. to the effect that Fields ON one oc-
casion handed Lipscornb an envelope con-
tanning 81. 600 while in Fields Office, the de-
PENDANT explained that he was requested
by Fields to get the $1,000 note changed for
him.
The reason for depositing the receiver
ship fund in the American Savings Bank
II stated. was because that bank was
paying good rate of interest on deposits.
Questioned by Mr.. Beach.
At the beginning of the cross-examination
United States Attorney Beach said:
Mr.. Lipscomb. l understand your posi-