Norwich bulletin., 1917-12-20
NEW LONDON MAN
 FACES SERIOUS CHARGE
Former Norwich Girl Testifies in Case of the Government Against H. H. Armstrong.

Sensations are expected every min ute in the case of the government against Herbert H. Armstrong called for trial in the United States court at Hartford on Wednesday afternoon on an indictment charging him with keeping a house of bad repu- tation at the corner of Green ana eioi- den streets. in New London. within five miles of an army post or fort. A dozen or more New London citizens have volunteered to appear as witness es to Armstrong's good character put United States District Attorney Thom- trict Attorney John Crosby say they have plenty of evcidence of the char acter of ArInstrong's place. Armstrong is about 60 years old, has one son in the navy and another recently discharged from service. He accumulated some property and own ed three roon1ing houses which he conducted in New London. He lived in one and managed the others. He of the occurrences in the house at Green and Golden streets, the only one mentioned in the indictment. The inv dictn1ent carries two counts.
 Abel F. Tanner of New London and Allyn L.. Brown of Brown & Perkins, Norwich, are attorneys for Armstrong. Girl Held as Witness.
 Eva Watson, an attractive brunette of 20 years, has been in jail about ten days awaiting trial on charge of keeping a questionable resort in New London within five miles of an army post. It is said, however, that the girl was merely an agent and she is being held by the federal authorities as a witness in the Armstrong case. When she was first arraigned she pleaded guilty, but the plea was changed to enc of not guilty and she has been held at the Hartford jail in default of s100 bond. An unknown man appear ed Tuesday and wanted to go surety of the district attorney the bond was. increased to S2,000. Testimony was offered in the Arm strong case at it's opening this after
 noon to show that his house in ques-
 ton was within the barred zone re- Iating to places where soldiers and
 sailors were stationed.
 Viola Burr Tells Her Story.
 Viola Burr of New London. testi-
 fled she had known Armstrong since
 last August when she secured a room
 at his house and occupied it with
 male companion. She told the court and jury about similar visits later. de- claritig that Armstrong went with them in each instance from his residence at No. 60 Golden street to the Green and Golden street house, unlocking the doof letting them in and showing them to a room
 In November she said she rented a room for three nights from Eva
 Watson at the same house and had seven different male companions.
 Characterization brought out that
 Viola Burr had a different name in her youthful days, but the court did not require her to divulge it. She said she was born in Norwich Town twen- ty-six years ago, but was taken away when an infant She has lived in New London seven years. She testified she learned about Armstrong's house through man who rooIhed at No. 76 Green street ''He's been sworn in as railroad cop. I don't know his name. never ask people their names in my business" Viola said.
 During her testimony the girl said that Eva Watson was married to a man named Ralph and lived with him in .Armstrong's house.