Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-05-30
THE TRIAL OF FRANK IANGSTON
The Defense Opens its Case.

Yesterday afternoon, in the Criminal Court,
Judge Macarthur. the trial OF Frank Langston.
for the murder OF James Spencer on the 4th OF
March last, was continued after THE STARS report
closed Mr.. FL. & Davis opened the case for the
defendant. He said that it would be shown that
LanSston, while on his way to I'll an engagement
at Bethel church. was stopped by the fight at
Anderson's- During the fight. and while he was
warning parties of, the colored WOMAN rushed
upon him with menace, and Dennis Williams fol-
lowed 10 help her. Finding himself about TO be
assaulted he took the revolver from his overcoat
pocket. and In his excitement fired, how many
went away until his father could be sent for.
When his father came back on May he returned
70 taiS city and gave himself up.
Testimony for the Defense To-day.
LANGsToN's MOVEMENTS AFTER THE SHOOTING.
The trial was resumed this morning and the de-
Tense called Charles f. Reed Of 1893 18th who
testified that he saw Langston about haf-past four
or i've O'Clock March 4th, and made an engage
ment with him to go to the Bethel literary so
ciety at seven O'Clock. Langston was OF good
reputation. He came to witness house after
the shooting and told him of it: witness then
went 10 ascertain the result and came buck; saw
Langston at eight O'Clock at his uGce's, 1863 18th
street, and witness then went to Lincoln hall TO
inform LangstonS mother. and met him at the
corner Of 18Th street and New York avenue, where
he had arranged to meet him; LangSIOn'S mother
met him there; 1t was then near nine O'Clock; saw
Langston again at 1920 that night at his friends
house On New York avenue, between 18th and 18th
streets, and at TWO O'Clock went down 18th street
with him and took a cab, going with him to the
house OF a Mr.. Watson. where they remained Till
eleven O'Clock the next day, and then LangstOn
left the city. After 1rst seeing Langston witness
saw Capt Wall In reference TO Langston leaving
the city; LangstOn did not know whether to leave
the city In the first Interview but he wanted
wise
On crosstexaminat!on witness said he was not
helping To conceal Lalgston; went with him at
Lansstons suggestion
Re-direct-L8ngston did not say who were in the
crowd. but spoke as IL there were a number, and
asked witness TO see how MANY were shot.
Re-croSS-NliGesS went out OF the city with
LangSton, crossing Benning's bridge and going 10
Marlboro, where Lan-stO1 took the cars There
MAS lady with theln-Eva Adams. They had a
Jersey wagon. hired from Geyer's Oy witness. The
money came from Mrs LangsJon.
Witness had 10 correspondence with him after
wares The lady came back with hl1.
OTHER ACCOUNTS OF THE SHOOTING
VIM Brown, OF 2i23 9Th street, testified that
while the dispute Was 10 progress Williams came
up and grabbed at Frank and Frank ran back
Williams following him, and attempted to take
hold OF him Frank then fired Witness ran At
the nrst shot and Got behind the bay window
where he remained till the shots were over After
The shooting Frank DuttODed 10 his coat and ran
Hiss Mary Dyson, Hvtn, az 2O19 9th street tesii-
ned that when the quarrel Was going Oh Iar5est0n
tired 20 part the men, and while he was doing IL a
girl ran up and said something 70 him and stamped
MIN In the face. Llngston pushed her away
Dennis Williams then came I'D and said "Do1't
you strike that woman ana LangstOn raised and
commenced TO back. Williams going up close to
him- Lansston then fired IL quick succession
"bang, bang, bang.'
ArS Ann johnson was called, but nothing new
was elected from her
carter Holmes, OF Clicks alley. was called and
TESTIFIED that be Knew Williams. and that about a
hour before the shooting, Williams was dr;nkfnp
In regard 70 the quarrel witness testified that me
young man attempted to part the cotAoataIJs and
tnat Williams came up 10 him with an oath and
sried 10 get at mis- throat The young man re-
Treated. Williams following him, when the young
man Grew pistol. and nred rapidly, without seem
Iug 10 take am: witness was the last To leave and
Tie woman ran away first When the yOunT man
tired 10 part the lighters Williams, who had come
up. SAID 10 him: what the HI have YOU rot 10
do with them"
In answer 70 question from one OF the fury, wit
ness said that Williams did not turn until after the
last shot was fired.
recess was then taken.