New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-06-27
EAYDERBILT's IRREGULARITIES.
EVIDENCE IN THE WILL CONTEST.

EVIDENCE IN THE WILL CONTEST.
MORE TESTIMONY FROM PHYsIcIANs-A. oAKxr
HALL GIVES EVIDENCE ON BOTH SIDES.
The expectation that the testimony In the
Vanderbilt Will yesterday would be confined TO me
opinions Of medical experts on the Commodores diseases
did prevent spectators from filling the snrrogates
and sitting patiently through the day There Ia
number Of attendants at this trial whose faces
becoming familiar TO those whose duties require
them TO be present. Several old men seemed TO take
particular delight in the doctors talk and explanations
about the Commodores troubles. They kept up wills
pered comments upon the testimony and seemed TO DO
comparing the symptoms OF diseases which were de-
scribed with those Of their own ailments The testimony
Of exMayor Hall from tediousness what would
otherwise have been dull day for the audience. Mr.
Hall evidently enjoyed his position as witness for both
SIDES He leaned back in his chair, wirled his cane In
his hand and answered every question with delibera-
ton. Several times lac tried 70 nteect wticism bus
was checked by counsel the Court. In the absence
Of William n Vanderbilt, his counsel appeared to lose
some their ordinary vgor and fire, and at one time
the spectators amused to Judge Comstock fan
asleep. with his head on the table.
Dr. Robert l.. Weir crOssexamined by Mr.. Oin-
ton He said that there might be traces Of cysttis
shown by the postmOrtem examination where the dis
ease had existed for twenty years. but there was
indication in the autopsy OF the Commodores body
which showed that the disease probably recent.
man who had cystitis would be- certain TO feel the
symptoms
gland it as diforent in three after fftyYe
years of age was troubled by disc of the prostate.
but in the majority OF would not suffer enough
from to be' of the presence OF the disease
A. Oakley Hail was next examined He said that he
knew Commodore Vanderbilt, and saw him three times
to talk with him. Mr.. Lord asked Mr. Hall whether he
being erected to the honor of Com
modOre Vanderbilt In St. Johns Park.
Mr. Hall-A has relief remember was erected In SC.
Johns Park which au immense statue OF Com
modore Vanderbilt.
Mr. Clinton objected TO this testimony Mr. Lord Of
ered to show that the statue ostendby erected BY
the friends OF Commodore Vanderbilt but that the ex-
pense amounting to 100000, was actually paid by
the Commodore. The object the counsel said, was 70
show the extraordinary desire Of the Commodore for
self ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. The Surrogate excluded the
testimony and added sarcasically There are doubt
less counsel n this case who have paid money to DO
pulled the newspapers, but don't mink on that ae-
count, that they are crazy"
Mr.. Lord Mr.. Clinton ought to know how that is
Cinton-f suppose the SURROGATE referring 70 me
Jersey papers in which Mr. Lords speeches are printed
Mr. Lo d TO the witnes)-You were orator upon tho
occasion OF the erection Of tue statue 81. 80. ~.
Mr.. Hail. was called the orator; whether was or
Mr. Iord%Do YOU remember whether there was a free
MIR. HaI-If there was, they didn't give invita-
ton tu IT, Laughterl Not only did have TO pay LOT
my own lunch but for the lunches oil sooa many
besides.
CHARGES AGAINST CORNELIUS j. VANDERBILT.
Instead of crossexamining Mr.. Hall the proponents
counsel made him their own witness 10 testify as 20
charges made against Cornelius J. Vanderbilt in S54
Mr. Hail said that be was Oney in 1854 whena
notice WAS given at ce that writ Of babeas corpus
had been granted sference to Cornelius j. Wander
blt Oh the SAN ing the witness In the company
of Horace +. Cha saw the Commodore al the f0olns =.
tbe Racket Club The conversation was mainly aDOut
some charges which somebody had made, or was about
no make, against Cornelius j. They we're criminal
charges either for obtaining money uhaeI ~
lenses or for forgery The COmu Odore reqaesten I.
Clark not interfere in favor OF CorneDus ener es
him out OF the asylum keep him out Of prison He
scOded MIR. Clark for trying 10 hep Cornehus ne sso
Dr. +. Ii. Hamilton, formerly Professor o.
surgery In Bellevue Hospital Medical College,
was ra e ia tse CoRmodoTes diseases which Dr.
Weir had testified TO- He supported DR.. Weir IN every
material particular Diseases OF the Kidneys OIten Ahcct
n man capricOus. dOgged and irritable Dyspepsia in
connection with the other diseases, would be likely TO
make the subject hypOchOndriac.
Mr. land Assuming the facts 70 be true stated In
the autopsy of the contestant what, IN your OPINION
was the hysca and mental condition OF the deeedent
eighteen months before his death 7"
fhis was objected to by Mr. Clinton, who discussed
the question at length. Then ne woke up ex-Judge
ComstOok, who sleeping with his head on the table
he told the Judge what they were talking ABOUT, ana
Mr. COlnstOck argued the point vigorously az no
had Deen wide awake throughout the proceedings .
What do know Of the mental condition OF amen,
asked Mr. COmstOck, except by his acts ana worus
How can IL be determined what was his mental eCnol-
ton at making OF his Wil by AN autopsy OF ms la-
were any precedent for such evidence would be more
The Surrogate" win try to give clear decision:
think that the mental condition Will be Important wDen
the other testimony rs to undue influence is In. iw
receive this testimony subject 20 the motion OF the pro-
ponents counsel to strike out when the contestant
Dr. Hamlton's answer will be the frat evidence 10
morrow morning.