The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-10-11
The Alleged Murderer of Blanche La
Examination of the PROSECUTORS.
HIS DEFENSE
By TELLING AN IMPROBABLE STORY
ABOUT THE MISSING GIRL.
Vigorous Denial that He Sent n Writ
One Result OF the Trial.

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 10.--Under the
rigid cross-examination Of District Attorney
Barnes to-day, Theodore Durrant made a
number of answers that are regarded as
decidedly discriminating, inasmuch as they
appear to be in direct conflict with we'll
established facts, and then changed his
replies when he realized that he was on
dangerous ground. He gave an explanation
of a clew regarding Blanche Lamont's dis
appearance, said TO have been received by
him, that was so paIpably falsehood that
everybody in court laughed aloud. The
sitting atmosphere of the court room came
TO Durrahts rescue and he was enabled to
recover from his confusion during the short
recess that followed. When he again came
to the stand he remained calm during the
most trying ordeals. The prosecution was,
nevertheless. well satisfied with the days
work.
Two days before the body of the young
woman was discovered, Durrant said as he
was standing at the corner of Market and
Montgomery streets, a stranger approached
him and asked if his name was not Dur
rant. The stranger then asked Durrant il,
in view OF the fact that his name had been
unpleasantly connected with the disappear
ance. of the girl, If he would not like to
find her. Durrant replied that he would be-
overjoyed even to obtain a trace of the
missing girl. Watch the ferries, then" the
stranger said, "she will try to cross the
bay. That is my advice" He did not ask
the stranger his name, his residence or for
any additional information. He went to
lunch and from there to the ferry, where
he remained until o'clock, not having
caught glimpse of the missing girl. While
he was waiting, however, he saw three
medical students and an old schoolmate.
One of these men has already testified that
he saw Durrant accost school girl, whose
description answered that of Minnie Will
lams, who was murdered that night and
ride away towards the mission on How
ard-Street car.
Mr.. Barnes asked him IL he told any,
stranger so they could continue the search
Durrant said he had no opportunity to
tell any of Miss Lamonts friends. When
questioned closely Durrant admitted that
he attended a meeting OF the Young Peo-
pies Society the same evening, where he
saw several OF Miss Lamonts intimate
friends. Among others was Thomas Vogel,
whom Durrant had said a moment before
was more interested in the disappearance of
the young woman than -anybody else ex-
cept Mrs. Noble. her aunt. Durrant ad-
mitted that he held a private conyeiSation
with Vogel, but did not think TO tell him
about the clew he had obtained.
After a short recess, during which Dur
rant recovered his composure, a surprise
was sprung on him In the hope that it
might disconcert him.. After asking Dur
rant If he had ever made written state
ment OF his whereabouts on the day
Blanche Lamont was murdered, and re-
ceiving an Affirmative reply, District At
torney Barnes asked the following ques-
ton:
us it not fact that you sent written
statement of your case to your attorney
and wrote on the envelope To be opened
If am convicted and to be returned If
am acquitted?
The excitement caused by this question
was intense.
In the hum of voices Durrant's answer
was lost and the stenographer was asked
to read the reply.
81 never sent an envelope to my attor-
neys bearing such an inscription" said he.
Durrant was questioned at length
garding the communication and the sig
nifcant inscription on the envelope, but he
denied that he even sent such a document.
Durrant was next shown the various gar
ments worn by Blanche lamont and
asked if he had secreted them in the bel
fry, where they were found. He identified
the pieces of clothing as the ones worn
by Miss Lamont on the day of her death.
but said he did not hide them in the
church.
Durrant's strong nerves were tested by
q number of questions relative to the last
time he saw Miss Lamont, but he stuck
to his former statements on that point