Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 February 1908 — Abraham Lincoln’s Astuteness. [ARTICLE]

Abraham Lincoln’s Astuteness.

A leader of the Lincoln party told a story of the astuteness of Lincoln as a lawyer. “When Lincoln was practicing law," he said, “he had a case involving a disputed %i]l. The opposition claimed that the will was genuine, and for several hours adduced pipof of this. For Lincoln, who had to prove the will a forgeiy, things looked black. “Lincoln, however, called only one witness," a retired paper manufacturer, renowned the country over for his wealth and probity. * “‘Mr. Dash,’ said to tha witness, handing him tub*, disputed will, *pleaße hold that paper up to the light and tell us what is the watermark on it.’ “ The watermark of my own firm, Blank & Co.,’ the witness answered. “ ’When did your firm begin to manufacture paper?’ JfJln 1841.’ r—- “ ‘And what's the date of the documdht in your hands?’ “‘August 11, 1830.’ “ ‘That is enough. Gentlemen of the jury, our case is closed.’ ”