Eagle River Democrat. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1893-1896, 1895-09-09
THE MOTIVE Is FOUND.
Vealed His Rlans to a
Friend.

San Francisco, Cal, Sept. AT the
mony was begun. The first witness was
DR.. Barrett, who performed the autopsy
on Blanche Lamont.
The Examiner says the prosecution
as a witness whose testimony will show
motive for the understanding
hat Ehs been lacking here Oh account
of Durrant's standing in society and re-
ligious circles. The name of the witness
i'll Elmer Wolfe, and it is said that he
will swear that on April ?, one day be-
fore Blanche Lamont was murdered, he
and Durrant had conversation which
explains with terrible significance the
young students motive for killing the
unfortunate girl.
Wolfe has told the police and will tell
the jury, that on the afternoon of April
2 he and Durrant held the conversation
which meant so much to the pretty girl
whom both knew only for a few months.
Durrant commented upon the beauty of
Blanche in tone of eXultation and not of
respect, and he informed Wolfe of his
plans to destroy her honor. This explains
the tragedy of the following day.
This Overwhelming testimony which
Wolfe will give has been kept a pro-
found secret by the prosecution. The
defense and the public have been led to
believe that the young friend of the
accused would take the stand only to
speak a good ward for the man whose
life is at stake Intimat tons were given
that Elmer Wolfe would be dra gged into
the case in a manner little to his liking,
but there was no suspicion that Durrant
had confided to his friend the ignoble
purpose which inspired him. At that
time Durrant spoke in words that left no
possible doubt Of what he meant.
al, = J. I,D
opinion of Capt. Lees. one of the strongest
proofs of its reliability Had some one
who enjoyed no more than a simple ac-
Quaintance with Durrant come forward
with it there might be some doubt, but
it's sponsor here is 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 a
thunderbolt.
One Of the most interesting and sensa-
tional probabilities in the great case which
is now in progress is that Attorney-Gener-
al Fitzgerald may be called upon to make
the closing argument fer the state. The
attorney general is known as one of the
ab,est 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 pleader
in criminal law. 1t is urged that the
great public Importance of the case de-
mands his presence and active participa-
ton. In the discussion a question of
delicacy has arisen.
Those who are urging that the attor-
ney-general should make the closing ar
gument say that it will in no way re-
feet on District Attorney Barnes. They
are frank to acknowledge his great a bill
ty, but would like to see him fortified in
a matter which touches the state so close
" as this case. Acting upon that view,
they hope that the attorney general will
be invited to make the closing argument.
Attorney General Fitzgerald has been
questioned about the matter and will
willingly take part if he is invited to do