Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-25
THE HEARING RESUMED
TRIAL OF JOHN ROLAND JOHN
sToN IN CRIMINAL COURT.
With Murderous Assault Upon
Major George A. Armes, q. s. A.,
Retired-The Evidence.

When the trial of John Roland Johnston,
charged with assault with intent to kill
Maj George A. Armes. United States army,
retired, by shooting him August p last,
while at Maj. Armes' suburban hotel, Fair
field, was resumed this morning before JUS
tice Anderson and a jury in Criminal Court
No. it was announced that the complain
ing witness was Ill and unable to appear In
court. He was under cross-examination
until a late hour yesterday afternoon. his
military record being made the subject OF
an inquiry. conducted by Attorneys Greed
NJ. Fulton and ]. w. Cox. counsel for the
defendant. BY the proceedings yesterday it
developed that Johnston will contend that
in the shooting of Maj. Armes he acted in
self-defense, as he had been attacked by
the latter.
The first witness called this morning by
the government was Benjamin F. Spates,
who was in the employ of Maj. Armes last
August at Fairfield. Spates was inside the
hotel at the time the shooting occurred. he
testified. He heard two shots. and there
upon ran out on the porch. The witness
met Ma. Armes, who was followed by
Johnston. The major called to the witness
to keep Johnston back.
Charles Hungerford. colored, the next
witness, related that the morning Of August
q he was driving along Connecticut avenue
extended. He stopped at the United States
mail box at the foot of the stairway built
up high terrace to Fairfield The witness
noticed Johnston and Major Armes on the
porch, talking, and. he testified, Johnston
produce q pistol and shot Armes.
In substance the testimony Of Frank D.
Payne, the next witness, was that he met
Johnston August p, and was informed by
the defendant that the latter had shot
Major Armes.
Governments Case Closed.
After Policemen Blake and Burrows had
told of locating and securing possession of
the weapon with which the assault had
been committed the government announced
its case closed. AS the defense desired to
further cross-examine Major Armes, re-
cess for two hours was taken. in order for
Armes was able to appear in court this
afternoon
Threatened With Appendicitis.
Assistant United States Attorney Taylor.
at the opening of the afternoon session, ex-
planned that Major Armes is threatened
with appendicitis, and at that time was I'M
able to leave his home.
Counsel for the defendant tfereupon sug-
gested an adjournment until such time as
Major Armes shall appear for further
cross-examination. The court desired to be
informed as to what counsel expected to
show by further inquiry Of the complain
ing witness.
The jury was excused from the room, and
Attorney Fulton explained that he proposed
to undermine Maj. Armes crediblity as a
witness by proving from War Department
records that he had been convicted by
court-martial of coercing soldiers under his
command to make false oath, Of making
false statements to superior officer re-
garding the ownership of a morning re-
port" book, and of making false accusations
against army officers. A long argument
followed.
= Jury Excused. 49, ..sz--s ~,
At o'clock this afternoon the jury was
excused until 10 o'clock tomorrow morning,
counsel proceeding with their discussion OF
the question regarding the further cross
examination of Major Armes. 3d..