The evening times., 1897-02-03

Tie legal contest over the Van Ris-
wick will was resumed before Justice
McComas of the District supreme court,
this morning. The last witnesses yester-
day were James Fenwick, a nephew of
decedent, who testified to his experience
in the borrowing of So, eco of Mrs. Van
Riswick, and Mr.. Heiskcll, real estate
dealer the details of whose testimony
were unimportant
Mr. John E. McLaren, Mr.. Heiskel's part
ner in the real estate business, was the
first witness called this morning, who
testified TO the business transacted by
his firm for Mrs. Van Riswick, and to the
investments made for her.
The witness was asked by Attorney
Perry if he had ever oticed any peculiarIty
in Mrs Van Riswick's manner when in
business conversation with her He re-
piled that at times she was apparently
absent-minded.
lit was difficult to keep her mind Con-
fined to the business in hand,'' said the wit
ness. I'VE would be discussing an item
anG she would suddenly commence talking
of something else foreign to the subject
under consideration"
This occurred in nearly every converse
ton had with her, Mr.. McLaren said, and
finally, about two years before her death,
lie abandoned her business. She often kept
him away from other business in discussing
matters having no relevancy to the business
about which he was consulting with her.
She seemed to be distrustful Of her own
ability to conduct her business matters and
suspicious of others.
"She remarked to me,' continued the
witness, "that it seemed to be pity that
neither Of her sons-inlaw was a business
man, an d that she had to take care of her
own interests, which were burdensome to
herr
She manifested this by frequently ask
ing advice of his firm and others, and
seemed inclined to take the advice Of those
in whom she had confidence. The witness
had difficulty in getting her to transact
the simplest matters of business.
Asked as to the attitude of Mrs. Carr
toward her. mother, the witness said she
was seemingly con siderate and kind.
Mrs. Van Riswick was careful in the ex-
penditure of small amounts, but probably
not so particular about larger sums.
The witness stated that he did not re-
gard Mrs Van Riswick as capable of trans
acting any business Of complicated ma
ture i n the last year OF his connection with
her affairs.
In his cross ss-exanination Judge Wilson
questioned the witness closely and in detail
as to the particular business discussed at
the lengthy interviews he had claimed to
have had with Mrs. Van RswiCk, and
elected the information that the cOnver-
sations were always had at her residence,
No. 1913 X street northwest never at his
office By his questionings Judge Wilson
sought to show that, while the witness
memory was clear as to the allegations pre-
viously made, lie could recall no other spe-
cific details.
At this juncture Judge Wilson made q
comment upon the statements OF the wit
ness which Mr.. worthington construed TO be
a lecture, and he protested, asking that the
attorneys remarks be sticken out
II did not know that was violating the
rules observed Judge Wilson, and the
court held that he had not transgressed.
"Do you say she exhibited inability 70
transact business by asking advice2'' asked
Judge wiIson-
Somewhat that way andln other ways.
responded tire witness.
After cliciung sls fact that Ma. Van