The Washington times., 1905-06-29
L|PSCOMB SAYS
FIELDS DID ALL
Denies Participation in
Embezzlement.
AN HONEST MAMIE SAYS
Therefore He Kept His Books in a
Loose Manner-Fields' Confession
Surprised Him.
AN HONEST MAMIE SAYS

Andrew &. Lipseomb, co-reeeiver with
Thomas ". Fields, OF the Washington
Beneficial Endowment Association. in
dicted for enbezzlement of its funds.
took the stand In his own defense to-
day and placed all the blame for the
misapprOpriation OF the trust fund upon
Fields, already under conviction.
In his direct testimony Lipscomb de-
clared that he never used a single penny
of the fund entrusted TO him by the
court beyond the fee 20 which he was
entitled. He said that No. one but a
convict wouIf make anv such asser-
ton He trusted Fields and was be-
trayed by him, referring to the latter as
.scoundrel.''
Another feature of Lipscomb's testi-
mony was his assertion that he kept
books loosely, because he is an honest
man.
On cross-examination Lipscomb proved
a wary and wide-awake witness in his
own behalf. and hardly minute pass
ed in which District Attorney Beach and
the defendant were not engaged in a
hot running fight. The eross-examina-
ton WAS a splendid exhibition OF fenc..
ing Lipscomb was defiant, sarcastic
and bitterly in earnest IN his replies
and did not hesitate to score Beach
wherever possible.
The news that Lipscomb was going
to testify spread like wi1df1re through
out the law Offices around the Court
House, and before adjournment the
court was packed with fellow-members
OF the bar, who hung upon every word
uttered by the defendant
The cross-examination viii continue
this afternoon. 1t is probable that one
or two arguments will be made this
afternoon, in order to complete the case
tomorrow.
Lipscomb on the Stand.
When Lipscomb took the stand he
gave a history of his life prior TO prae-
ticing law in Washington and gradually
led up to his connections with the pres
ent case. He related his work as coun-
sci in the equity case leading TO his ap-
poin.ment as receiver.
He was shown the first certificate Of
deposit on the Washington Loan and
Trust Company for q little over 5000.
which he recognized. Attorney Moore
then produced two later certificates of
deposit. aggregating something over
$l3.0o0 showing difference of about
| Sc. 600.
Did you have anything to do with
the disposition of this 6.000?"
mo, sir
Who had control of that fund.-
Mr. Fields had control of IL, was the
reply.
! Mr.. Iipscomb declared emphaticaily
that the Holmead and Building Asso-
| citation transactions had nothing what
ever TO do with the receivers 5 Tund-
The defendant was asked about his
other connections as co-trustee. He said
| that he was trustee in many cases, but
always endeaVored to have some one
this was he replied that his ambition
| was to be a trial lawyer, not an ac-
countant. In the receivers fund Fields
| kept the books.
Kept Loose Books-Was Honest.
| Did you keep accurate and thorough
! books??" asked Mr.. Moore.
| No" the witness declared with en-
rhasis NO one but a scoundrel keeps
! books on everything he does / kept
/ loose books because / was honest
| Lipscomb was asked if he could ex-
pain an item OF 500 referred to by the
Government
Can YOU explain this transaction
| Mr. Moore,' slowly replied the wit
ness Il do not think any honest man
who has had dealings as wide as have,
involving large amounts, can recall a
| matter involving so small an amount,
| and tell all about IL.
| Mr. I.ipscomb declared that the only
portion of the fund which he ever used
| was the fee of $500 allowed him by the
! court as attorney for one OF the inter
| ested parties.
II never used one penny of that fund. "
dramatically exclaimed the defendant
| with flashing eyes. ''and nobody but a
| convict can ever assert such thing
Repudiates Checks.
, The next line OF testimony taken III
| was in reference 10 the checks intro
| duced in evidence by the Government
| Mr. Lipscomb declared that of all thes'
checks only one was in his handwriting
CONTINUED on Second Page.)