The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-04-30
DURRANT CONSENTS
To Talk to Reporters, and He Pro-
tests His Innocence.
HE ADMIRED MISS LAMONT
1t Is Evident That He Reads the
Newspapers and Knows Their
Opinion of Him--Another
Rumor Circulated.

San Francisco. April 29.-For the first
time since the charge of numbering
Miss Marian Williams was formally
made against w. III. 4. Durrant the
prisoner has consented to talk He
spoke OF the Miss Lamont case. say
ing: Poor Blanche. am accused Of
strengling her and then remaining un-
moved at the details OF the most hor-
rible crime in history. No one will
ever know the sorrow I feel and no
one can begin to comprehend my
thoughts. even IL were to tell the
anguish her terrible fate has caused
me. I could not have murdered that
girl. I liked her too well-not better
than any one else In the world. but
respected and admired her. and we
were good friends.
Judging by newspaper communica-
tions. / am looked upon as q cold
blooded. diabolical monster. I am
painted as a devil In human shape.
and very little is said in my favor or
of the possibility of any other person
having killed the two girls: but when
my trial is over the world will know
that I am innocent. My composure
and self-control since my arrest are
held against me. but no person will
dergoing. 1t is said that use opiates
to induce sleep. That Is a lie. I am
able TO sleep well, because my con-
science is clear OF all crime. I am not
of a nervous temperament. and have
always been able to keep cool"
Because OF Durant's placid demeanor
under fearful accusations. his sound
sleep and regular eating at a season so
trying to his nerves. he makes a study
of intense interest to the psychologist
At times his fiippancy seems strangely
out of harmony with his present posi-
tion.
A sensational rumor has obtained
currency in connection with the pris-
oner. and IL the facts should prove true
the police will have a strong link in
the chain OF circumstantial evidence.
This rumor Is to the effect that an
Oakland official has communicated to
the chief OF police of this city state
ment to the effect that an Oakland
physician told him that q fellow prac-
titioner in San Francisco had informed
him that some time ago he had been
called upon to attend the 15-year-old
daughter of a resident of San Fran
cisco. The girl had been assaulted,
and she alleged that her assailant was
Durant: that he had lured her to the
belfry of Emanuel church. and had
there accomplished his nefarious pur-
pose. For professional reasons. It is
alleged. the physician has refused to
make the matter public Chief Crowley
refused to either affirm or deny the
story.
Theodore Durrant was arraigned to-
day in the police court on a charge OF
murder. the killing OF Blanche La
mont. The defendant conducted HIM
self with his usual stoicism. and after
the formal proceedings had a long con-
sultation with his attorneys. He COM
plains bitterly. however. that the pub
lie is disposed to prejudge him. He
says that every fact connected with
the murder Is made to fit his case.
while suspicious circumstances regard
ing others are disregarded. The cor
oner's inquest In the Lamont case.
which commenced this evening, win
be continued every night until con-
ciuded. so as not 10 interfere with the
preliminary examination OF Durrant
for the Williams murder. to be resumed
Tomorrow