Inventor Tesla Now Penniless

Tells Court He Has Lived on Credit for Years at Waldorf.

Nikola Tesla, testifying yesterday in the Supreme Court in supplementary proceedings brought by the city of New York because he failed to pay a judgment for $935 obtained for personal taxes In 1909, told of the difficulties occasionally besetting an inventor. In answer to a question as to how he lived he said:

"I live at the Waldorf-Astoria on credit. I have had a bill there that I have not paid for several years. I did own about nine-tenths of the capital stock of the Nikola Tesla Company, but I pledged it to raise money, I wanted to build an electric plant!"

"How did the stock go?"

"To different people. About one-third went In 1898 and the rest in 1901 and 1902. 

"Has the company any assets?"

"Not now. It's getting a little on royalties — not enough to pay expenses — about $350 or $400 a month."

"Have you got any jewelry?"

"No: Jewelry. I abhor."

Supreme Court Justice Finch appointed Robert Marsh receiver of Tesla's property.