Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-14

Burr, inspector. 21O 10th street south
west: James Roache, plumber, 1921 Z
street southeast; Charles S. Hilbert, sigr
painter, 3OS 10th street; Thomas w. Scott
1916 18th street southeast: Samuel Nc
Cauley, carpenter, 1927 9Th street south
east; William P. Murdoch, insurance
agent, 543 18th street southeast.
Appearance Changed by Mustache
Smith entered court wearing a thick
mtstache. which makes a great change
by Chicago detective as ''Kabusta.''
Attorney Claude w. Owens, assistant
counsel for Smith, challenged talesmen
separately. His questions were directed
toward whether the newspaper reports OF
the famous Smith case" had affected
the juryman's opinion of Smiths guilt OF
innocence.
James A. Hall declared he had never
read a line of the case, and Juror Rich
ardSon said he had never heard of the
case until today. Others were closely
questioned on material points.
governments Opening Statement.
Assistant United States Attorney
Proctor made the opening statement to
the jury, saying that there are four
counts in the Indictment against Smith,
three of assault and one of highway
robbery.
I'VE expect to establish the guilt of
James Smith,, Mr.. Proctor announced.
Gus assault on Morris Bennett, and took
his watch and money, November 20.
while on a lonely road.
Mr. Bennett lived at Fairmont Heights
and conducted grocery store there.
Smith lived not far away. Bennett knew
hi, io~hf Kennel
knew that he visited this city regularly
to make purchases.
Sunday evening, November ID, he ap-
peare at Bennets home and asked him
If he was going to Washington the fol-
lowing morning, and, If SO, would he carry
a chest of tools to a certain place. Ben
net agreed, and next morning at O'Clock
Smith came to him, and by Smiths sug-
gestion it was arranged that he, Smith,
should go ahead, get the tools and meet
the wagon en- route. Ihdt arrangement
was carried out.
.'Smith got into the wagon on the way
and said he would get the tools farther
on.
Story of the Assault.
"At a point near Gitchie Springs Smith
grabbed Bennett and beat HIM with
Ratchet. / should have said Bennet had
a roll of bills, about $3.50. he had
watch also.
..snith struck the man down and robbed
him. and to destroy the evidence OF the
living witness of his crime ne raiheo
brutal blows upon has victim; ~ w" .i,,,a Do
shown Bennett was struck ooAeh tniieS'
"a sustained terrible fractures.
.s,nith then took devious course pacK
.. his home. stopped at store on the
way and made small purchases. anu ma S
finally arrested at mouse a,r mn1 home ne "''
NJ proctor outlined the accusations
- aeniaIs and the cold indifference OF
smith i'm those strenuous DAYS when ne
MS sleeping on a hard bench In ponce
station cell. -, ho said "tbat
Smith made most hui W. =
ms s+tnrnav owen objected to the language
,sad and Justice Anderson tod Mr..
Proctor to Genuine hlnseA "
somewhat less colored'
Bennett the First Witness.
Norris Rennet was called as the first
witness. United States Attorney clarence
p wilson questioned him, and Bennett
began his testimony: His battered Jaw
made II difficult for him to speak above
whisper. -
"I knew Smith six months before he
h,,tchered me up" said Bennett when he
was asked how, long he had known the
defendant He said Smith came to his
house Sunday night. November 10. and
asked to have chest of tools taken to
town neyt day. He said Smith called
the next day and got into the wagon. and
he drove down the road toward Capitoi
Heights.
town. He said he was going to get his
tools at Gitchie Springs"
At this point Mr.. Wilson asked about
the assault.
"He was in the wagon, In the back