The Van Buren press., 1869-06-01
VAN BUREN, ARK, JUNE l, 1869.
Almost Immediately the trial began.

The evidence varied but little from thu
already detailed. The attending physi
clan was very decided in his opinion thai
the testator, at tue time OF signing tht
paper in question, was in the full posses
sion Of his mental faculties.
The signature Of tho absent witness
was sworn to by Mr.. Jackson himself
who further testified that the deceased
had requested MACPHERSON to witness tho
instrument at the same time declaring \
to be his will.
At Toms instance, / subjected this
witness to searching cross examination
but he stood frc like salamander. He
sworc that the testator had not enly die
tated every line of the will, buthad heard
it read, and had twice read it over him
self, before executing it. l gave him ur
in despair. .t- L
At length the evidenca closed, and
rose to present cur point.
1t was put in the shape OF motion tc
direct verdict for the contestant, on thu
ground that the witnesses had not sub
scribed in the presence of each other
was about 10 adducu arguments ant
authorities, when the judge interposed
"The rule you claim undoubtedly was
the law, and should be SO still, but re
cent statute has changed it. The wit
nesses need not now sign in each others
presence"
A hasty examination proved his Honor
was right, and our main point was done
for.
To our great relief, the court adjourn
ed for dinner. We were to sum up IL
the afternoon. That task, on our side,
was assigned to me, but felt it was
hopeless. l was determined, howevcrto
take what satisfaction could out OF
Jackson, by abusing him as soundly as
the rules Of the court would allow. And,
after all, who could tell The jury might
take the bit in their mouth, and give us a
verdict in spite Of the law and the evi.
dence. Responsibility becomes amazing
ly light when divided by twelve.
On the reassembling Of court, was a
little surprised as we'll as annoyed at
Toms absence. Could it be he was leav'
ing me in the lurch, and staying away to
avoid the modification Of our final de-
feat2
/ had Just risen to address the jury,
when somebody plucked me by the coat.
1t was Tom his eyes fairly cleaning,
and his whole frame in tremor OF ex
element
whats the matter z" whispered.
I" MacPhcrson's here
"What! the other witness p
I" Yes just arrived, not an hour ago.
"But will it help us to call him 7"
"Trust me for that. Put him on the
stand at once" ela.
"What shall ] ask him 2"
mo matter; you can't go far wrong
if you miss anything, I'll prompt you.
ry With which he was bent on taking
everybody by surprise, including myself.
In a few words l explained to the
Court our reasons for wishing to reopen
the testimony. Jackson turned pale. and
whispered nervously to his counsel, but
they shook their heads; our application
was one that would be granted, of course.
"Call your Witness" said the Judge.
"Donald MACPHERSON !" shouted Tom.
The witness, brawny honest t-faced
Scot, advanced to tho stand, and was
sworn. ... t
"Go ahea,lw Tom whispered.
"Mr. MACPHERSON, look at that sigma
turc, and tell US if it is yours" m9
1T is."
"Do you know the signature to the
right of it?' ..s .s.... ..f
ayes; that's the signature Of Mr.. An
drews."
"Dd you see him write it ?"
"No; but ! am wecl acquent with his
hand"
"Were you requested to witness that
paper?'
" Yes"
"By whom? ?'
"By Mr.. Jackson"
"Did Mr.. Andrews say anything about
IT," sa
"No he ras dead whcn Icame in"
There was no cross examination.
81 submit the case without argument"
said, resuming my scat
Our senior opponent was one OF those
LAWYERS with whom it is matter OF con
science to show fight to the last. In d
brief speech he admitted to be essential
that both the witnesses should have sign
cd their names before the testator's death,
but claimed that, inasmuch as the testi-
mony of Jackson and MACPHERSON was
in direct conflict OH this question, it mus,
be left to the jury.
Certainly" answered his Hon. But
when he had concluded his charge, there
wasn't much Of Mr.. Jackson or hts tcsti-
mony left. E...f.t .t,., ,,.
The jury gave us q verdict without
leaving the box.
Tom, l am sorry to say, behaved very
unkandsomcly in the division OF the
spoils. u.
Although was literally paid, he took
the widow and her whole fortune for his
share
As for Jackson, not being quite as con.
scientous as Judas. he didn't 60 out and
hang himself. But, at the rate he Is 60
ing, it will take more law than be knows
to keep him mach longer out Of the pen
itentiary. ... .,.......
Cure FOR A FELoS.-A genuine reme'
dy is worth circulating. It is said that q
poulti,s Of onions applied morning. noon,
and night, for three or four days. will cure
(,lon. No matter how bad tho case, lane.