The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-10-19
STILL AFTER GIBSON.
Durrant Defense Will Implicate the Min
lister if Possible.


SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 19-Durrant's
attorney is still figuring on the possibili-
ty of the Rev. George Gibson being i'm
plicated in the murder of Blanche La
mont. They make no direct accusations
against the minister, nor do they connect
his name with the church crime; they
merely say his handwriting is strikingly
similar to that on the paper wrapper
which enclosed Blanche Lamonts ring.
The defense intends to make the most
of the alleged similarity of DR.. Gibsou's
writing and that on the wrapper. They
will put no handwriting experts on the
stand to swear that DR.. Gibson'5 hand
writing is identical to that on the wrap
per sent to Mrs. Noble. but the signiti-
canoe of the similarity will be enlarged
upon in the arguments of the defense.
Attorneys Dickinson and Deuprey know
all about the peculiarities of the Rev.
Geo. Gibson. They have been in posses
sion of specimens of his penmanship for
months, and have not failed during that
time TO study it carefully.
Gen. Dickinson who is greatly inter
ested in deciphering the characteristics
of the minister's writing, spent several
hours with W. G. Monteith at the city
hall examining specimens. Mr. Monteith
considers himself a handwriting expert
and he gave the penmauship of Durrant
we'll as that of Gibson careful scrutiny.
The examination was conducted with the
aid of powerful magnifying glass.
At the conclusion of the investig
hontieth gave it as his opinion that the
writing on the wrapper was identical
with the specimens of DR.. Gibson's pen
lnanship Montieth will prepare a re
port of his examination of the specimen
and turn it over to the defense some
time today.
Attorney Deuprey is is,rapidly recover
ing and will in all proba bility be able TO
take his place as leader in the defense
when court convenes on Monday. The
defense have come to a conclu sion
in regard to the Williams case. At the
termination of the present case :hey will
Insist on an immediate trial of the Will
Jams case. The verdict in the Lamont
case will cut no figure with them.
The attorneys for the defense do not at
the present time contemplate moving
for Il change of venue for the Williams
case. They are thoroughly satisfied.
General Dickinson said that a fair
and impartial jury can be Sc
cured in this city. In case Of
a change of venue the state will have 10
pay all the trans por;atiSn and hotel ex-
penses OF the witnesses.
In speaking of the case tie general
Salu: II ne line OF evidence VIII De en-
tirely different from that of the Lamont
case. Whatever prejudice, if any might
exist in the public mind as Il result of the
Lamont trial. will soon be dispelled. The
defense is satisfied that an acquittal will
easily be secured.
1T is absurd 10 think Durrant knows
who committed the murders. He abso-
lutely knows nothing of either case. lie
has not the least idea who is responsible
for the crimes Had he known anything
he would have communicated his in
formation to the police. The defense is
at loss to know who committed the
fiendish deeds. We have received no
enlightenment from Durrant on the sub
iect"