In 1912 newspaper publisher George Newett wrote an editorial in his Ishpeming, Michigan, paper, The Iron Ore. "Roosevelt lies, and curses in a most disgusting way," he wrote. "He gets drunk too and infrewuently, and all of his intimates know about it." President Roosevelt happened to be campaigning for another presidential term at the time and jumped at the opportunity to be the center of a big news story. he sued Newett for libel, insisting that he hardly drank alcohol at all. Roosevelt arrived in the small town with a phalanx of security, some famous friends to act as character witnesses, and a horde of reporters and photographers. Huge crowds showed up for the trial. The National Enquirer even gave the start of arguments a banner headline : DRUNKEN ROOSEVELT TRIAL BEGINS! On the stand, Roosevelt mesmerized the judge, the jury and the crowd with long stories about his many adventures around the world. Newett must have realized he was outgunned. After five days, he gave up, reading a statement to the court admitting that he had wronged the former president. Roosevelt, having proved his point, asked the judge that he be awarded the lowest legal sum -- 6 cents. The judge agreed. Asked by a reporter what he would do with the winnings he replied "That's about the price of a good paper." Cost of the Iron Ore? 3 Cents.
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