Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1899-05-18
THE RUSSELL CASE.
Colonel Ingersoll Closes His Case and the
Other Side on,

Other Side on.
CAMDEN, May IL Colonel Robert G..
Ingersell alghted from Market street
trolley ear, in the rain this morning, and
without an umbrella over his soft, gray,
slouch hat, at once proceeded to the
Chancery Chambers, where he took a seat
in rear bench, and talked cheerily with
the pretty little grandnieces of his client,
Mrs. Lottie r. Russell. The little ones
told Colonel Ingersoll that they were go
ing to the circus, and the famous lawyer,
noted for his fondness for children, en-
tertained them with stories of the great
things they would see.
Colonel Ingersolrs presence in the case
attracted many lawyers to the court, to
get glimpse of the noted agnostic, but
under the fire of admiring glances he
maintained his characteristic composure.
The Russell case was resumed at half
past nine o'clock this morning before
Vice Chancellor Martin Grey.
Graft Brown, son of the complainant,
was the first witness called. He was
asked his age and after hesitating some
VihIOs S@Au unity years. Io vas dSh0u
his mothers age but could not tell.
Colonel Ingersoll then asked Mrs. Rus
sell and she replied fifty-seven.
Benjamin Russell, nephew and bene-
ficiary of the testator, the Freeholder who
caused the deadlock in the organization
of the Cape May County Board yesterday,
was next called by Col. Ingersoll and
questioned as to the value of certain
shares of bank and building and loan
stock of the decedsnt. Witness could
not state.
Col. Ingersoll then offered the invent
ory of the appraisement of the personal
property of the decedent, John Russell,
excluding the ship property amounting
to $4,000.
Howard Compton, one of the executors
of the Russell estate, was called to en-
tighten Col. Ingersoll ss to the value of
the bank, railroad and building loan
stock owned by the testetor, which in
formation witness furnished. Witness
denied putting the valuation on a vessel
of the estate lost at sea.
II think that's our case" said Colonel
Ingersoll beaming benevolently over his
gold-rimmed spectacles at Vice Chan
cellor Grey.
Judge Pancoast put Lawyer George
Hampton, of Bridgeton, on the stand to
prove how he appraised the real estate.
He said the real estate was worth $29, 900.
What was that appraisement made
for?" askad Colonel Ingersoll.
"For the purpose of determining the
tax the legatees pay the State"
You had no prejudice or animosity
against the legatees, had you?"
"Now
You are fairly, good-natured man?'
"1would prefer some one else said that''
"Oh, well, ,"said Colonel Ingersoll laugh.
ing, I'VE will presume that you are.n
Freeholder Russell, who tied up the
Board of Freeholders in Cape May yester.
day by his absence, was called to testify
to the value of the real estate. He was a
bad witness for real estate mon in South
Jersey, for he chopped values squarely in
half and wasn't so awfully sure about
that. for sometimes he divided by three
and occasionally by four and five-and
once by six. The latter arithmetical pro-
cess caused Colonel Ingersoll to smile
satirically. One piece of property was
appraised at 1914. The witness gave it at
$25. Then there were more satirical
smiles.
Vice Chancellor Grey suggested that
the argument be made on June 81,
Colonel Ingersoll asked his associate
counsel whether that would suit
why, it will necessitate another trip"
said the junior counsel.
"Oh, that makes no difference; the cars
are running" answered Colonel Inger-
soil. Mr.. Ingersoll then asked Judge
Pancoast if he was satisfied. He replied
that he was, up to the present time.
WELL" remarked Colonel Ingersoll.
its good to be satisfied even now."
The argument will take place June q.