
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 11, 1993                   TAG: 9308110107
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

NOTE'S CHARGES REVEALED

In a despairing note, White House attorney Vincent Foster lamented before his suicide that he was not cut out for a Washington where "ruining people is considered sport." He also criticized the news media and accused the FBI and Republicans of lying about an investigation.

Foster's note was found torn into more than two dozen pieces in his briefcase after his death. It was revealed to the public Tuesday.

The note combines self-criticism with sharp accusations, some of which have prompted Justice Department inquiries.

"I was not meant for the job or the spotlight of public life in Washington," he wrote. "Here ruining people is considered sport. . . . I made mistakes from ignorance, inexperience and overwork. I did not knowingly violate any law or standard of conduct."

Of concern to the Justice Department is a line that the "Ushers Office plotted to have excessive costs incurred, taking advantage of Kaki and HRC."

"Kaki" apparently is Kaki Hockersmith, a Little Rock, Ark., interior designer who was helping Hillary Rodham Clinton decorate the White House residence. Hockersmith did not immediately return telephone calls to her office and home. The usher's office has broad responsibilities, including upkeep of the White House, food services and tours.

Foster's comments about the White House travel office fiasco also have prompted Justice Department attention.

"The FBI lied in their report to the AG," Foster wrote, a reference to an FBI report to Attorney General Janet Reno on how it handled the matter.

Foster said White House officials did nothing improper or illegal in firing travel office employees and asking the FBI to probe alleged wrongdoing.

The note also attacked the news media.

"The press is covering up the illegal benefits they received from the travel staff," Foster wrote.

He also bitterly criticized The Wall Street Journal, which had written several critical editorials on Foster: "The WSJ editors lie without consequence."

Foster accused the Republicans of lying about and covering up an investigation. He gave no details.

"The public will never believe the innocence of the Clintons and their loyal staff," he added.

Foster's body was found July 20 at a park in suburban Virginia. He died of a single gunshot wound, said U.S. Park Police Chief Robert E. Langston.

by CNB