The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1895-09-05
TRIAL OF THEODORE DuRANT.
Important Witness For the
Prosecution,
who. 1t Is Alleged, VIII Show n Motive
For the Murder OF Blanche Lamont.
Whas Durans Told Frisnd-rhe
Evidence Kept Secret Hitherto by tho
Prosecution.

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept, 4.-When the
trial of Theodore Durant was resumed
to-day hundreds struggled TO get ad.
mission to the courtroom. The
prosecuting attorney commenced the in.
PRODUCTION Of evidence to-day. The
first witness was c. G. Noble, the uncle
OF Blanche Lamont. He testified to her
disappearance on April and the finding
OF her body in Emanuel Church on
April IA. Cross-examina ton was
waived.
The next witness WAS DR.. J. 8. Bar
rett, autopsy physician at the morgue,
who described the autopsy. He said
death was due to asphyxiasion. On the
left cheek were several marks made bv
finger nails. Asphyxiation was caused
oy strangulation. He expressed the
opinion that the finger marks on
Blanche Lamonts throat were made by
only one person. There we're no solids
ana very little liquid in her stomach,
THIS statement carrying out the theory
that the girl was murdered between 4
and o'clock In the afternoon.
The discoloration OF the girls neck
gave evidence OF there having been q
violent struggle. The cross examine-
tion was continued until she noon re-
cess and occupied the larger part of the
afternoon session, but elected no points
OF advantage to Durant. The police in
the afternoon brought TO tho courtroom
model OF Emanuel Church, exact in
every detail, to be used in the trial 70
Illustrate the testimony of witnesses.
Tho Daily Examiner says that
the prosecution has witness whose
testimony will show q motive for the
Notwithstanding that has boon lack
ing heretofore, on account OF Durant's
standing In social and religious circles.
The name OF the Witness is Clarence
Wolfe and 1t Is said that he will swear
thas In April, on the day be fore Blanche
Lamont was murdered, he aud Theodore
Durant held the conversation which ex.
plains with terrible significance the
young students motive for killing the
girl. Wolfe has told the police ard will
tell the jury thas on tho afternoon of
April he and Durant held the CONVEX
sation which meant so much to the
pretty girl, who both know only Tor
few months.
Durant commented upon the beauty
or Blanche. In o tone of exulsatton.
and not OF respect, he assured Wolfe
that she was pure girl, and that he in
tended to rob her OF that virtue which
she so priced. The girl priced her
honor more than her life that explains
the tragedy OF the following day. This
overwhelming testimony which Wolfe
Will give has been kept q profound
secret by the prosecution The defense
and the public have held that the
young friend of the accused would take
stand only to speak good word for
the man whose life Is at stake
lntimations were given that Elmer
Wolfe would be dragged into the case In
manner little to his liking, but there
was no suspicion that Durant had con-
hded to his friend the ignoblo purpose
which inspired him. He spoke in words
far palmer than those which have been
published. He loft no possible doubt OF
what he meant Tho source of this evil
dence is, in the opinion OF Captain Lees,
one OF the strongest proofs OF its re-
liability.
Had some one enjoying no more than
simple acquaintance with Durant
came forward with it there might be
some doubt, but it's sponsor here ia one
who possessed the Students confidence,
shared with his pleasures, and took part
In much OF the daily routine Of his life.
From his own circle his condemnation
has come like thunderbolt