New-York tribune., 1921-03-10
Clara S. Har1on
On Trial for
Murder To-day
Selection of Jury Begins
in Case of Woman Ac-
cused of killing Oil
Operator and Politician
May Plead justification
Widow of Man Mentioned
for Harding's Cabinet
Expected TO Testify
sreesal Dlsratch to TIE Tribune

ARDMoRE. Okla, March e.-The
little CITY OF Ardmore. In southern
Oklahoma, near the Texas border.
within few hours will be the scene
e what many predict will prove one
es the most sensational murder trials
IN the country's history in recent
years.
Tomorrow morning the selection Of
Jury TO sit IN judgment on Clara
Smith Eamou, who goes on trial in
answer to the states charge that she
murdered Jake L Hamon, millionaire
ell onerator. railroad builder and Re-
rubLcan National Com mmitteeman, will
star. il the District Court Of Carter
County TIE young woman is the di-
vorced wife 81 nephew OF Hanon.
While sentiment here has changed TO
degree there are few persons willing
TO predict that Clara Smith Hsmon will
he convicted. After the shooting Of
uarlon there was no demand that Clara
Smith Eamon be returned and tried
Even close friends Of Hsmon wanted
the entire affair guieted and forgotten
Bnt persistent search for the young
woman, WHO became a fugitive. was In
stituted and finally she surrendered
s;nce then the states Attorney Gen
ersl. at the instance Of the Governor.
hss stepped n and will direct the
prosecution.
Clara Smith lannon's defense un-
Justification and self-defense. She will
cisted, how she helped him in his rise
70 fame and recount alleged abuses she
was forced 70 undergo in that time.
The state. It IA known. will attempt to
prove ST entirely different version of
what occurred on the tragic Sunday
afternoon in the little hotel where
Hamor and the young woman for years
occupied adjoining rooms.
The vital part Of the states case will
bs based on q dying verbal declaration
the prosecution charges was made by
Eamon IN the presence o. six or seven
friends. physicians and hospital at
tendants. It is asserted that Hamon.
when he realized that he was going to
die, admitted to those at his bedside
that Clara Smith Hamon shot him
while he was lying on the bed.
Eamon, until the time OF his alleged
tanned that ne dentally shot himself
A written declaration was never taken
The state will lay foundation by
which Il hopes TO show the prem edita-
ton OF Clara Smith lannon's act.
Il is reported on reliable authority
that the state will introduce evidence
to the effect that. on the day of the
shooting. Clara Smith Hamon and the
lsts Republican national committee
man were at the parting of the ways.
Hamon wanted TO be rid Of the young
woman. so the story goes, and an
agreement containing terms of settle
ment had been effected between them.
Eamon bad risen rapidly in wealth and
il political position. President Har-
ding was friend and Mrs Harding
and Mrs. Jake L. Hamon are second
cousins. Hamon believed he stood in
a good way to become member Of the
Presidents Cabinet. possibly Secretary
Of the Interior. With those things in
mind the presence Of the young woman
constantly was a source of embarrass-
nent, his friends frankly admit.
Nrs. Harlon is here. She IS bitter in
her denunciation Of the young woman
who stepped in her place in the heart
Of her husband and the father of their
twn crildran