Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-04
MRS. EDDY'S VIEW OF SUIT
Attorney Gays She Does Not Regard Her
Sen as Real Plaintiff.
MOVE MADE TOWARD SETTLEMENT
Statement that Heirs Were to BE
ORered Large sum Not TO File
suit and waive Rights
to Estate.


CONCORD. N. H.. March s.-General
Frank S. Streeter, legal adviser Of Mrs.
Mary Baker Eddy. issued a statement to-
night replying to various allegations in
the bill of equity, which has been brought
against trustees and directors Of the
Christian Science church by relatives of
Mrs. Eddy, with the view OF obtaining an
accounting of funds.
EARLY Saturday morning" he says, 4
sent to Mrs. Eddy a copy Of the bill in
equity as published. but not vet served
upon any Of the defendants. so far as
am Informed. l have since had con-
ference with her, at which this proceed
fully discussed. -.
I'm common with her many friends, she
believes that the initiative was not taken
by her son or other relatives but by
others who in markedly unusual manner
and by unique methods are undertaking
under the guise of court proceedings TO
continue the persecution begun some time
ago.
From my conference with her at the
time and on recent occasions, am able
to speak definitely and positively. Her
clearness of mind and resolutoness OF
purpose has been in no respect impaired
by her advanced years. Her capacity TO
think clearly and to deal accurately and
justly with important business aftairs has
never been more perfectly demonstrated
than in her conferences and acts In the
last two weeks and in numerous business
letters in her own handwriting, which I
have received from her during that time
Mrs. EddY's Income Exaggerated.
aeTSI.
has been grossly multiplied by .umor and
unfounded report She is not possessed
with large wealth as the term is used
Mrs. Eddy receives no income from the
church or the church publication society.
Her sole income has been for many years
from the copyright on her own books and
the amount from this source has been
overestimated.
Mrs. Eddy's business AFFAIRS have been
( managed by herself, with the aid of Mr..
Frye and under the oversight and personal
audit of another gentleman, whose name
has not been mentioned but who stands
for all that is honorable and of good
! repute in financial circles in Concord. Ac-
curate accounts OF all her property and
investments. as well as her annual ipcome
! and expenditures, have been carefully kept
and frequently audited. The last audit
was in October, 1905. None OF the de-
PENDANTS named, except Mr.. Frye, have
! any connection with the management of
her property or Investments or have any
knowledge whatever in, reference thereto,
nor have any of the said defendants ever
received any property OF Mrs. Eddy, which
they hold in trust or otherwise. except in
one instance for the benefit of a relative.
/ Inquiry has been. made whether the
various defendants would accept service
of the proceedings. / cannot say as to
that. With my partner, Mr.. Allen Hollis,
l am counsel for Mrs, Eddy alone. While
the defendants uh6Tshtedly would be
4 guided largely by Mrs. Eddy's wishes.
cannot as her legal representative, under
take 20 speak for them. With reference
to the report that within a few days Mrs
Eddy has placed in the hands of trustees
large amount OF money to be held and
used for the benefit of her son and grand.
children, I have nothing to say whatever
what she may or may not have done to-
ward providing for her family is a matter
which ought not to be discussed by me.
Case without Precedent.
4 THE proceedings are unusual. So far az
this case can be considered a Legitimate
proceeding in equity. It seems to be ar
attempt to have the personal rights anc
privileges of a citizen adjudicated in way
unprecedented in New Hampshire, so faI
as am aware, and II It shall appear thai
these proceedings have been instituted fol
purposes other than the ascertainment and
protection Of the plaintiffs legal rights
the method Of dealing with such case will
be carefully considered by Mrs. Eddy,
counsel before making any public state
ment"
Messrs. Kelley and Martin, counsel for tn,
nominal plaintiff in the bill Of equity
have an appointment with Mr.. streetei
for tomorrow afternoon. n at that tim,
Mr.. Streeter declines to accept service
In behalf OF the defendants. the process
Of serving the defendants individually will
be instituted Former United States Sen
ator William E. Chandler the senior coun
sci for the plaintiff, will arrive here from