New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-05-05
MR.. STOKES A SHREWD BUSINESS MN
TESTIMONY OF DAVID o. woTHERsPooN AND cod
MISSIONER CRISiMINs-yEws OF PHoIoG
RAPHER.

TESTIMONY OF DAVID o. wOTHERsPooN AND CON-
MISSIONER COMMISSIONERS OF A PHoIoG-
RAPHER.
The examination of witnesses for the pro-
ponen continued yesterday in the Stokes will con-
test. The first witness Charles ID. Fredericks a
photographer in Broadway. He said that he had been
engaged In his present business since 1855 He saw Mr.
Stokes for the first time in 1872 when he him
have his photograph taken. In the OF this
year Mr. Stokes again to his rooms
TO have photographs taken The photographs
taken and delivered according to orders Sometime In
the early part Of $780, Mr. Stokes into the wit
pesss rooms for third time. He said that had no.
ticed his daughters carriage standing the door, and
that be had come In hoping TO find her. Mira. Arson
Stokes and her children were there, and Mr. Stokes
NAMED while their photographs were taken. Tho wit
said that he had never noticed anything in Mr.
stOkess conduct conversation appearance indicating
failure Of mind lrrationality He had not
observed that any change had taken place
In Mr.. Stokes between the times when
he frat and when no last saw him
Mr. Stokes acted in a common-sense and natural man
ner just any old gentleman OF his age might be eI
pected to aet and neither in his conduct conyersa
ton did the witness any indication OF rratonaty OF
mental weakness. The witness added that It
was a part OF his professional work to tahe
special note Of the looks and appearance
Of his customers, In posing them for their sittngs.
did not require more than ordinary sense In
TO sit for his photograph lie would, however have
observed Mr. Stokes more carefully, II there had been
anything peculiar or rrationsiln his manner
to excite his attention Photograph OF stokes was
SHOWN 10 tse witness, who said that IL had been
touched. In answer to = question By Mr.. Bangs, Ia
regard 10 the youngest whose picture he had
ever taken. Mr. Frederieks said that he had
taken the photograph Of baby about month old. Mr..
Bangs wanted know whether Il required any strength
OF mind In such baby. submit to the OF hay
ing it photograph taken Mr. Fredercks did not think
It required more than such baby had John T. Bains
said that lie had worked for dr Frederick In his busi
stokes In Mr. FredericEss gallery He had never
noticed anything Ia Mr. etOkess acts, or appearance
wnch seemed to him 10 Indicate weakness
of mind or irrstionallty.
David o. WOther-poon said that he was "A broker with
an Office at No. % Pinest. lie had been acquainted
with Mr.. stokes 1913 He had frequently had very
large business transactions with Mr. Stokes lie con-
sdered Mr. stokes al active clear headed business man.
who knew and promptly took advantage or good bar
gain when i was offered 70 him. hr. Stokes always
understood hasea N business On matters particularly
office repeatedly SINCE 1879 He went In almost |
daily and always talked With Mr. Stokes on |
business matters In the course VI these
SirStokes frequently inquired about the business ransac
lions OF the day Mreokes frequently expressed desire
Urn. lie had been All active business man all his lfe
aud did not Ike to be crowded out by younger HO
regretted that no not able e. take active a part
the business as he would like 10 do The witness said
hat lac had been In the habit OF seeking Mrstokes
AZ the Down Town Club, nearly every day Mr.. stokes
Usually drank with his iuncn claret boar Very often
did not take any KIND Of liquor. Mr.. wothespoon
ared that no had never noticed ching in the
ntlOn conduct or appearance ~ Mr. Stokes which thu
east degree Indicated failure OF mind rrationalty
Gho only change winch be had noticed In Mr.. stokes
vas that wlch usually comes WITH advancing years.
The last witness for the proponents was Park Com.
OOd he had known Mr.. Stokes, and had managed some
4 MS real estate Interests the east side the city
rought him into frequent Communication with Mr. |
foxes, aud that no had met him number of dur
NY signs Of nationally The examination will be CON
lnued on Monday.