The evening times., 1897-01-21
MRS. VAN R|sW|CK'S MIND
Contractor McGregOr Told of His
Work for Her.
SHE WAS SHREWD AND CLOSE
So the Witness stated in Response
to the Lawyers Questions i'm the
davit showing Wilton Lambert's
Influence Over Her.

The hearing in the Van Riswick will case
was resumed this morning before Judge
McCOmas. The judge having decided tC
admit testimony as to the declarations OF
the testator relative to her intentions,
John McGreGor was called to the stand by
Mr.. R. Ross Perry. representing Mrs.
Martina Carr, the caveatOr to her mother s
will.
Mr. II. E. Davis. of counsel for Mr.. Lam
bert. entered formal objection, and the
question was put to the witness:
"wiu you tell what Mrs. Van Riswick
said concerning those y-strcet lots?" asked
Mr.. Perry.
The witness answered: "She said she in
tended to give the rear portions to the
ch urch.'
Judge Jere Wilson began cross -exami-
nation ofMr. McGregor and wantedto know
what Mrs. Van Riswick's mental condition
was at the time of the declaration. The
witness answered that she seemed to be
very intelligent and capable.
Mr.. Perry objected to Judge Wilson's
query as to how firm was the teStator's
purpose, and whether she had a strong will
and one not easily changed or influenced.
Judge McComas admitted the question,
and the witness responded that he did not
think Mrs. Van Riswick was a woman
easily influenced. He thought she was
very shrewd and smart, and OF very posi-
tive nature.
The counsel pursued a detailed inquiry
relative to the building OF houses on the
Y street property, and bills for the work
were exhibited TO the jury.
WAS she liberal or close in her deal
ing?'' inquired Judge Wilson.
II should say she was close"
'CloSe?" repeated the attorney.
Yes; too close for me-" said the con-
tractor.
Mt Perry-What do you mean by too
close for you?
MI McGregor She wanted full value
for her money.
THAT'S ALL" remarked the lawyer, and
the witness left the stand.
An affidavit of William A. Fenwick, a
brother of the late Mrs. Van Riswick, was
read to the jury 1t stated that the de-
ceased was a very close woman in business
matters before her Illness with the grippe
in 1888, but after her recovery she seemed
more liberal The brother recoUnted an
experience to show an alleged influence
upon the old lady. Mr.. Fenwick was asked
by her to arrange for the rebuilding OF
brick wall, which had tumbled down He
engaged the men, but when they went to
work they found that other worknen had
begun the repairs. The deponent stated
that Mrs. Van Riswick said Wilton (mean-
ing Mr.. Lambertl had engaged man to
attend TO it, and she had decided to let
UiIton'a IAN pprforro bn IrorL-
Another illustration in the affidavit of
Mr.. Fenwick. was that he had been asked
by his sister to get bid for some painting
at Van View, the country residence on
Seventh street. He did as requested, but
there was repitition of the former oc-
currence, the work being given to a man
proposed by Mr.. Wilton Lambert, the
grandson.
Mr.. Fenwick averred that his bid was
about $40 or $15 less than that of Mr..
Lambert's man. This information was
offered TO show the change of mind of Mrs
Van Riswick after her Illness.
Mr.. Perry had asked Mr.. Fenwick to
state IL, from what he had observed, he
thought Mrs. Van Riswick under the in
fluence of any one and il so, whom.
Counsel for Mr.. Lambert objected to the
reading OF the answer to this ques stion, and
the objection formed the foundation for
another lengthy argument on both sides,
it being contended by Judge Wilson that
Mr.. Fenwick was not an expert competent
to express an opinion on that question.