Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-27
JOHNSTON ::I|EST|E|ES
ass or
.ss sd oIQ Q
Defendant Takes Stand in
His Own Il Behalf Eh
TELLS WHYHEUSED GUN
80 &c 1897
Els ONLY THOUGHT WAS 10 PRO-
TEcT HIMSELF.
Major Armes, He Declares, Looked
Ferocious and Made Move To-
ward Hip Pocket.

When the trial OF john Roland Johnston
for assault with intent to kill, alleged to
have been committed on Major George A.
Armes. was resumed today the defendant
took the stand as a witness In, his own be-
halt.
After stating that he served during the
war with Spain in the volunteer army and
received an honorable discharge Mr.. john
ston said that he first met Major Armes in
April, 1902. He entered into a contract with
Armes by the terms Of which he was to
conduct the Fairfield establishment for
three years. He moved to the premises
May 1. 1902
The defendant said that differences be-
tween Major Armes and himself arose the
latter part Of May, the cause being re-
quest made by Johnston that Armes should
enter the dining room In a gentlemanly
manner. Armes, the witness went on to
say. filed suit against him in q justice Of
the. peace court about June Is. and another
In July. Finally they agreed to settle their
differences by arbitration. The proposed
arbitration did not follow.
Told Of His Leaving Fairfield.
lishment, IN view Of the unpleasant attitude
Of Armes. Johnston testified he left Fair
field August A, and moved to a cottage on
from Armes' place.
The 10th Of August Mrs. Payne, one Of
the boarders at Fairfield, called to see the
witness. he declared, to see If he could ac-
commodate her with room and board. He
told her he could do 3d. The morning OF
land told the witness that Major Armes had
gone to the city, and that Mrs. Payne was
getting ready to move.
Solely for the purpose of seeing Mrs.
WI fhnr, cd
field. He was surprised to see Major Armes
seated on the porch. The witness spoke to
Mrs Payne, who was also seated on the
porch. She excused herself in order to
quiet her little boy, who was crying. john
ston moved to the corner of the porch and
picked up magazine. Armes had gone into
the house. A moment later the major APP
peared and, advancing toward the witness,
said:
Called Johnstons "Cattle."
II don't want any such cattle as you and
your wife around here Get off,
Johnston, testified that The made reply to
the effect that the major must cease scam
dalizing and insulting himself and his
family.
Armes thereupon made quick forward
movement at the same time putting his
right hand to his hip pocket. .rs
Noticing ayferocieus look On his face, and
knowing his reputation to be that of dan
gerous man, my only Thought was to pro-
tect myself so I quickly drew my pistol
and fred" Johnston testified. "The next
thing remembered awasethat 1 was leaving
the porch the way I, had entered"
A large number Of witnesses testified late
yesterday afternoon that the reputation of
Major Armes for peace and order and for
truth and peracitye was bad, and that the
reputation of Johnston along the lines in
Dictated was excellent, az,
DR.. w. P. Carr, testifying as an expert.
said that when the pistol that figures in
the case was fired Il was very near Major
Armes. 1t was held obliquely to the body,
the muzzle being about six inches from
the point the bullet entered, The direc-
ton Of the bullet was from left to right.