Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-09-04
TO SHOW A MOTIVE
Purpose Of a Witness in the Dur
rant Case.
TAKING OF TESTIMONY BEGUN
A Damaging Conversation With
the Accused.
REVEALED FOR FIRST TINE

SAN FRANCISCO, September AT the
Durrant trial today the taking of testi-
mony was begun. The first witness was
DR.. Barrett, who performed the autopsy
on Blanche Lamont
The Examiner says the prosecution has
a witness whose testimony will show. a
motive for the understanding that
has been lacking heretofore, on account of
Durrant's standing in social and religious
circles. The name of the witness IS C1ar-
ence Wolfe, and it is said that he will
swear that in April, one day before Blanche
Lamont was murdered, he and Theodore
Durrant held the conversation which ex-
plains with terrible significance the young
students motive for killing the girl. Wolfe
has told the police and will tell the jury
that on the afternoon of April he and
Durrant held the conversation which meant
SO nuch TO the pretty girl, who both knew
only for a few months.
Duirant commented upon the beauty Of
blanche. In tone of exultation, and not
of respect, he assured Wolfe that she was
pure girl, and that he intended to rob
her OF that virtue which she so priced
Ihe girl priced her honor more than her
NE; that explains the tragedy of the fol-
lowing day.
Kept a Secret.
This overwhelming testimony which
W VA "AiA Give mas Det!i kept q
secret by the prosecution. The defense and
the public have held that the young friend
OF the accused would take the stand only
to speak a good word for the man whose
life is at stake. limitations were given
that Elmer Wolfe would be dragged into
the case in manner little to his liking
but there was no suspicion that Durrant
had confided to his friend the ipnabIe mr.
pose which inspired him.
He spoke in words far palmer than those
Wh.ch nave been published. He left no
possible doubt of what he meant
The source of this evidence is in the
opinion OF Capt. Lees, one of the strongest
proofs or its reliability. Had some one en-
Joyihg no more than simple acquaintance
with Durfant come forward with it there
might be some doubt, but its sponsor here
is one who possessed the students conf
dence. shared with his pleasures and took
R hfre IN much OF the daily routine of his
nle. FROM mis- own circle his condemna-
ton has come like thunderbolt.
Attorney General May Appear.
One of the most Interesting and sensa-
tiohal probabilities in the great case which
Is now in progress is that Attorney General
fitzseraid may be called upon to make the
closing argument for the state. The at
torney general is known as one of the
abiest criminal lawyers in the state. . He
has been a member of the supreme. court
OF the state and is thoroughly familiar with
every snag which awaits the pieadar in
Criminal law. 1t is urged that the srrea |,
fiohc Importance of the case demands his
presence and active participation.
IN the discussion question of del:cacy
las arisen. 1hose who are urging that the
attorney general should make the closing
argument will in no way reflect on District
Attorney Barnes. -
Iney are frank to acknowledge his great
ao.lity but would ike to see him fortified
IN matter which touches the stat, 60
closely as this case. Acting upon that view
they hope chat the attorney general win
De invited to make the closing argument
attorney General Fitzgerald has been cues
toned about the matter ard will willingly
take part If he be invited to do so.