The evening world., 1894-03-28
F|GHT|MG OVER AN ESTATE.
Lovecraft Hearing Continued Be-
fore Surrogate Arnold.
Several Witnesses Testify in Behalf
of the Defense.

The legal contest over the estate OF
the late Frederick A. Lovecraft was con-
tinued before Surrogate Arnold this
morning.
LAWYER Davy, counsel for Mrs. Flor
ence Salmons. has begun an action In the
supreme Court to be tried before a Jury
as to whether Frederick A. Lovecraft
had the testamentary capacity to sign
away his property in Wayne County,
When court opened to-day neither
Lawyer bowers nor ex-Surrogate RAN
som was present, delaying the court
some time. IT was thought that the
contestants would introduce some expert
testimony, but a good deal OF surprlse
was expressed when they rested their
case Lawyer Davy said that he would
Introduce no expert testimony unless the
defense did.
Francis il. Wilson. a lawyer. Of 81
Hancock street. Brooklyn. was called by
the defense. He said that he had known
Mr,, Lovecraft since. December, 1891. but
he had never noticed anything irrational
about. him. Mr.. Lovecraft had once con-
suited him about making an assignment.
Mr.: Davy moved that all his testimony
De stricken out. as Mr.. Wilson'S rela-
haentlai nature. The motion was
John Thompson, President of the
Meter Company AMI other financial en-
terprises In which Lovecraft was Inter
ested. was the next witness. He said
that he had been intimate socially with
the deceased as we'll as In business mat
tiers. He. noticed nothing IRA tional
about Mr.. Lovecraft.. but admitted that
during the Summer Of 1898 L,ovecraft had
often complained of being III.
Col. kearney's counsel endeavored to
show by Mr.. Thompson that Mr.. Love
craft was me:hoiical and perfectly ra-
Honal IN alih is actions up to the time Of
Wiling to do this. and keDt volunteering
Incidents to show this. He told of Love
GRAFT having carried on several business
billiards they had played at the Civil
Engineers Club. which Mr.. Thompson
had induced Mr.. Lovecratt to join.
He said that during the Summer Of 1923
over the buslness OF the Allen Adver;is-
ing, Agency and Palmcr's Theatre There
had a.so been a controversy between
the tive, on account. of Lovecraft having
drawn largely against the Press Com
pany's account.
On cross-exnmlnat!on I. was brought
were als,o associated together. Col.
kearney had talked vita him n number
Of ;i,nes regarding the testimony he
would give at the trial. Mr.: Thompson
much worrlsd during .lu.y and August.
Mr.. Davy continued cross-examining
the witness after recess. Mr.. Thompson
said he had dined. with Col. Kearney
visrd the latte regarding the contest.
You have Grite an interest in this
cn-n. have you not?" inquired Mr.. Davy,
Yes. sir. considerable"
what difference is 1t 10 you whether
this Will stands or not?"
y believe said sir. Thompson, that
Col. kearney would settle Quicker, and
| have quite a claim against the estate
Mr. Thompson said Mr.. Lovecraft held
NW.cOJ worth OF stock in the THOMPSON
Press Company. and nearly as much in
h Neptune * Thompson Meter Com
panies.
George i. Vail, President Of the Four
OF the Garfield Bank. was the next wiz.
ness. He sad ne had known Mr. Love.
craft in a business way for twelve years,
He never noticed anything strange IN
the ~latter's coduct.