The San Francisco call., 1904-11-27
WILL SHORTEN
DOLBEER TRIAL
Proponents Decide. That the
Number of Witnesses in
Case Can Be Curtailed

The proponents in the Dolbeer will
case somewhat. Many of the witnesses
who were subpenaed to testify as to
the sanity of the testatrix will not be
called TO the stand, for il is believed
that without them the fact of her
healthy mental condition will be suffi-
ciently established by preponderance of
evidence. There is also such thing as
wearying the jurors with the accounts
Of Miss Dolbeers social activities and
sane enjoyment of life during the year
that preceded her death. this being the
point of the testimony for which so
many witnesses were summoned
While the attorneys have come to the
conclusion that the trial can safely be
shortened, they have yet much evi-
dence to produce, and owing to the un-
certainty Of the length of cross-exam-
nations no one will venture a predic-
ton as to when the case will go to the
jury. There are several more of Miss
Dolbeer's social friends to testify that
they noticed no signs of insanity at any
time, in refutation Of the statements
Of Mrs. J. l. Moody and -lrs. Elizabeth
c. Phillips to the contrary. Among
these are Miss Ethel Hager, whose
deposition was taken recently before
her departure for the East, but who is
expected to return in time TO go on the
stand The deposition of Miss Ethel
Dean was taken in New York some
time ago, but she is now in San Fran
cisco and will give her testimony from
the witness stand.
The proponents have made a deter
mined effort to get the dispositions of
the Misses O'Connor Of this city, who
are now touring Europe, but it has been
impossible thus far to arrange for the
taking of their testimony, for they are
travelling about the Continent and max
ing no prolonged stay at any point. The
Misses O'Connor, who are five in num-
Der. were intimate friends Of Miss Dol
beer. but their testimony is particular
ly desired because they were with her
during her sojourn in Paris the last few
weeks of her life. They participated in
the battle Of flowers" in June, which
fete Miss Do1beer attended in the COM
pany Of Miss Mary Josselyn Of this
city.
The cross-examination of Miss JOS
selyn will be continued when the
trial is resumed tomorrow morning
il, Judge Coffey's court. She will
probably be followed on the stand by
her mother. Mrs. c. NJ. Josselyn. In
addition to the society bellies and ma
irons who will be called several prom
inent men who were friends Of Miss
Dolbeer are TO testify. Former Mayor
James D. Phelan is one.
The Josselyn family has taken the
Dolbeer house at Pip Pacific avenue
for the winter. When Miss Warren,
TO whom the handsome residence was
bequeathed, returned from New York
she went there to live. But she later
took apartments on Van Ness avenue,
where she expects to remain until the
contest of her legacies is CONCLUDED.
Meantime the executors of the estate
decided that the house should not re-
main vacant and it was rented to the
Josselyns.
The attorneys for the proponents Of
the viii have notified johnson &
johnson that they elect to have the
deposition of Alfred Armand taken by
oral interrogatories. The motion for
a commission to issue will be made
tomorrow.