New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-04
" MRS. EDDY NOT RICH"
TALK BY HER LAWYER.
Only Income from Copyright of
Books, He Says.

OCOt@OS -
Concord " H, March general Frank s.
streeter. the legal adviser Of Mrs. Mary Baker
G. Eddy, issued a statement this evening IN
tho nature of a reply TO various allegations IN
the bill Of equity which has been brought
against trustees and directors OF the ChFISIla4
Science Church by relatives of Mrs Eddy. with
the view Of obtaining an accounting OF funds.
The statement is follows:
Early Saturday morning sent TO Mrs. Eddy
copy Of the bill in equity as puonsheo o1 9 NOT
yet served upon any Of the defendants, so far as
/ informed. l have since had long per-
sonal conference with her. at when TINS pro-
ceeding and matters connected herewith were
fully discussed.
In common with her many friends. she be-
lieves that the initiative in these proceedings
was not taken by her son or other relatives, buI
by others who in a markedly unusual manner
and by unique methods are undertaking under
the guise Of court proceedings 10 continue thS
persecution begun some time ago
From my conference with her at the time.
and on other recent occasions, I am able to
speak DEFINITELY and positively Her cIearness
Of mind and resoluteness Of purpose has heen
in no respect impaired by her advanced years.
Her capacity think clearly and to deal accu-
rately and justly with important business af
fairs has never been more perfectly demon
strated than in her conferences and acts in the
last two weeks, and in numerous business letters
in her own handwriting which l have received
from her during that time
The amount of Mrs Eddy's property has been
grossly multiplied by rumor and unfounded
port She is not possessed Of large wealth, as
the term is used Mrs Eddy receives no in
come from the church, nor from the publication
society connected with the church Her sole
income for many years has been from the copy
right her books. and the amount from
this source has been grossly overestimated.
ACCOUNTS CAREFULLY KEPT"
Mrs Eddy's business affairs have been man
aged by herself, with the aid of Mr. Frye, her
devoted and loyal servant, and under the
sight and personal audit Of another gentleman
"a IA mot heon mar cd hVF T11,1
stands for all that is honorable and of good re-
pute in financial circles in Concord. Accurate
accounts of all her property and investments,
as well as her annual income and expenditures.
have been carefully kept and frequently audited.
! The last audit was in October, 1906. None OF
the defendants named, except MT 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 other
wise. except in one instance, for the benefit OF
relative.
Inquiry has been made whether the various
defendants would accept service OF the pro-
ceedings. 1 cannot say as to that With my
partner. Allen Hollis. l am counsel for Mrs.
Eddy alone While the defendants would
doubtedly be guarded largely by Mrs. Eddy's
wishes with respect to these proceedings, can
not as her legal representative. undertake 10
speak for them.
! With reference to the report that within
| few days Mrs. Eddy has placed in the hands OF
| trustees a large amount Of money, to be held
and used for the benefit Of her son and sher
/ sIdHocIliuTen, nave nOtnlng 10 say. WhdL-
ever Mrs. Eddy may or may not have done
/ toward providing for her family is a matter
which ought not. for the present. at least to be
! discussed by me.
1t is obvious that ought not to talk about
| the legal aspect Of the case. nor what will be
the course OF the proceedings so far as Mrs.
/ Eddy is concerned. The proceedings are I'M
usual. So far rlis case can be considered
| legitimate proceeding in equity, IL seems TO be
an attempt 70 have the personal rights and priv
! eges Of a citizen adjudicated in a way unprece-
dented in New Hampshire. far as am aware
and If 1t shall appear that these proceedings
have been instituted for purposes other than
! the ascertainment and protection OF the plain
/ tins legal rights. the method OF dealing with
such a case win be carefully considered by Mrs.
/ Eddyis counsel before making any pubic state'
/ nent.
Mr.. CHANDLER EXPECTED TUESDAY.
Messrs Kelly and Martin, counsel for the
nominal plaintiff in the bill OF equity. have an
/ appointment with Mr.. Streeter for tomorrow
afternoon If at that time Mr.. Streeter declines
! 10 accept service in behalf Of the defendants
| the process Of serving the defendants individu-
/ ally will be instituted. William Z. Chandler,
| former United States Senator, the senior coun-
sci for the plaintiff will arrive here from
Washington on Tuesday. and will at once Join
with the others in the conduct OF the case.
It was learned tonight that about O'Clock
last Friday afternoon. the day on which the
bill in equity was fled. a messenger from
Il
OF Mrs. Eddy delivered 20 her letter in which
Mr. Glover stated his purpose OF beginning the
suit At $50 O'Clock that afternoon the Rev.
Irving c. Tomlinson. one OF the defendants
named in the suit left Concord, his mission
| being, II is understood. TO go 20 Mr.. Glover
Mr.. TomlinsOn is said 10 have in his possession
! for delivery 20 Mr. Glover deed Of trust for a
certain sum OF money variously estimated at
! from 100000 20 S2JOOOO This money. il is
declared was 20 be delivered to Mr.. Glover on
these conditions: First, that neither he nor his
household should make any further demands
on Mrs Eddy; second. that they should offer
no objections 90 the probating Of any will that
might be offered after her death. and third. that
! they should not seek by any legal proceeding
! 20 set aside any gifts deeds or conveyances
/ that Mrs. Eddy might make during her lifetime
Meanwhile John w. Kelly. OF Portsmouth. one
/ OF the attorneys interested In bringing the pro-
| ceedings. had fled the bill in equity with the
/ clerk OF the Superior Court, and informed Mr.
Streeter. counsel for Mrs. Eddy. OF the fact. MI
4 Streeter had a long conference with Mr.. Kelly
and Mr. Martin. during which he made IL known
! that the deed OF must was 70 be given 20 N.Y.
4 Glover. This conference cane 10 an end when
Mr. stgeeter was informed that the fact that tie
bill had been hIed had been given to the press.
and M streeter then recalled Mr.. Tomlnson
raaCcfon