The Wilmington daily Republican., 1895-10-10
DURRANTS TESTIMONY.
The Accused Murdorer's Evidence
/ in Defense Of His Life !.
Hrs aEHARKABLR sEIr CONTROL
The rrissasr rslls nis Story without .
Quaver and Creates Good Impression on
the Crowded Court Room--A General De-
nial Of Inerimiaasins Tsstimony.


SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. io.-Theodore Dur
rant, assistant superintendent Of Emanuel
church Sunday school, was placed on the
stand yesterday for the purpose Of con-
vincing the jury that he did not murder
Blanche Lamont In the belfry Of the church
ON April 30. With tho same ooolness that
has characterised his conduct since his ar
rest, he denied the principal allegations
that have been made against him by the
most important witnesses for the prosecu-
tion. His answers were always brief and
to the point, and by many were inter
preted to mean that he had studied his
part well before taking the stand.
Only once during the course Of the direct
examination did he show any nervousness
or hesitancy. When Attorney Dickinson
asked him II he took notes Mt DIR. Cheney's
lecture on the afternoon of April he cast
his eyes toward the floor and for moment
was silent He replied that he had taken
notes, but that they werc brief. The hesi-
fancy of the prisoner may be understood
when 1t Is explained that Gilbert #. Gra-
ham, one OF Durrant's most intimate
friends, will testify that Durrant asked to
borrow his notes Of the lecture. When tho
request was made Durrant explained that
he only needed the notes to establish
good alibi. Graham refused the request.
Taken altogether, Durrant's direct tes-
timony probably had q tendency to
strengthen his case. His demeanor while
on the stand was certainly intended to
impress the jury with the opinion that he
was telling the truth. Questions that would
ordinarily cause q visible impression on
guilty man were answered by Durrant
with the utmost unconcern. Even when
Attorney Duprey asked him II, on the third
of April or at any other timc, he murdered
or participated in the numbering Of
Blanche Lamont, the prisoner coolly re-
piled in the negative.
The examination of Durrant was begun
with the questions relative to his age and
his early life in this city. Coming down
to the day upon which Blanche Lamont
was murdered, the prisoner was asked to
relate his movements from the time he
left his homo in the morning until ho
returned at night. He said he met Miss
Lamont on her way to school and rode
with her on a street car until he reached
Cooper Medical college. He said he re-
mained at the college until 10 o'clock,
when he and another student named Ross
went for a walk. When he returned, an
hour later, he went to the library, where
he was engaged in his studies until noon.
Then he went to luncheon with n student
named Diggins, and returned at o'clock.
After luncheon Durrant remained in tho
library until $50 o'clock, when he attended
DIR. Cheney's lecture. He said he was
present at the roll call at the close of the
lecture and answered to his name.
At the close of the lecture Durrant said
he boarded street car and rode to Eman-
uel church for the purpose of repairing
the sun burners. He denied that he was
accompanied by Blanche Lamont or any
body else. Upon entering the church he
said he left his coat and vest In the H.
brary, obtained the necessary tools and
ascended TO the gallery. A blackboard was
provided, and Durrant drew rude sketch
of the church and its tall spire to Illus
trate the manner in which he made the re-
| pairs. He said to make the repairs it was
necessary for him to lie at full length on
plank, which was much lower than his
feet. In this position he inhaled SO much
gas that he was made i'll.
After repairing the burner Durrant said
that he descended to the auditorium, where
he found George King playing on the or
gan. King remarked that Durrant looked
pale. Durrant replied that King would
be in the same condition IL he had been
nearly overcome by escaping gas. AT
Durrant's request King bought some
bromo seller, which the prisoner drank
The medicine made him feel better, and
at o'clock Durrant left the church in
company with King
In the evening he went to prayer meet
ing at Emanuel church. He saw Mrs
Noble and asked her II Blanche was com
ing to prayer meeting. Mrs. Noble replied
that she did not believe her niece would bt
present. He related number of minol
Incidents in connection with his conversa
tion with Mrs. Noble, who evidently dit
not indorse his statements, from the fac
that she shook her head several times. A
the close of the services Durrant said h
went home and retired.
Durrant denied that on the afternoon o
April 8 he was at the corner of Powell ant
Clay Streets testified to by Mrs Yogel
He also denied the statement Of the thre
school girls, Wllo testified that Duran
and Blanche Lamont boarded a Powell
street car at Clay street and rode towar
Market. He said he did not ride on a Yves
bound Valencia street car with Blanch
Lamont, las testified to by Mrs. Crossel an
declared he was never in Oppenheimer'
pawn shop.