The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-11-26
ARbUCKLE
ORGIES To
Be Barred
"Housekeeper" and Film Folk
Called to Testify-Oefense
Attacks Evidence.
By ELLIS III. MARTIN.
International News Service.

Aus<buotsouHI NeWs ccfStce.
1 SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 26.-
The defense Of Roscoe ("Fatty")
Arbuckie today turned its guns on
the fingerprint evidence adduced
by the State to support its charge
Of n1anslsaghter against the film
comedian. o..
Charge Called Ridiculous.
Several experts were summoned.
They were to testify in brief that the
claim Of DIR. E. o. Heinrichs that he
had discovered an impression on the
hand OF Virginia Rappe with that Of
Arbuckle superimposed over it on the
door to room 1919 at the st. Francis
Hotel. where the fatal party was held,
was ridiculous"
While the main barrage today was
to be directed at this point, the de-
Tense planned to keep up a supporting
fire OF evidence to that given yester-
day by Irene Morgan, trained nurse
and Harry b. Barker, one time
sweetheart" Of the dead girl, that on
many occasions she suffered great
pain from attacks Of bladder trouble
and on these occasions tore off her
clothing in her paroxysms.
The Saturday half holiday prevented
the defense from closing its case as
planned today. However. Gavin Nc
Nah announced as he went into court
this morning that, barring the unex-
pected the defense would rest some
time Monday.
Barker . Surprise Witness.
Whether Arbuckle will take the
stand remains to be announced. While
his attorneys give the impression that
ii has been decided to have him take
the stand, 1t may be regarded as
doubtful.
The surprise witness Of the entire
case was Barker. 1t revealed a ro-
nance of the early days Of Virginia
Rape in Chicago. Barker. who now
has a ranch in California and real
estate business in Gary, Ind, was then
ION the road" He met Virginia Rape,
he said. in 1910-when the State con-
tends she was but thirteen years OF
age-and a warm friendship sprahg
Up which lasted four and half years"
Barker made Chicago often," and
when he did he went with Virginia"
When her grandmother lived, she
usually accompanied them to dinner
and to the theater, he said. He de-
scribed dinners ranging from an Italian
restaurant, where Virginia partook OF
too much red wine, to the Lasalle
Hotel. where he met her the last time
he saw her in Chicago. He declared
he had seen her the last two months
before her death.
Severely Cross Examined.
At that time, he admitted on cross
examination, "she was looking her old
self, always bright, high spirited, and
full of fun"
Barker underwent a grilling cross
examination and will likely be ques-
toned further today.
The State may return to the stand
also Miss Morgan. She tainted while
under cross-examination yesterday.
but despite her weakness, held to her
story and sprung a sensation by init
mating detectives for the prosecution
had attempted to prevent her testi-
flying.
Considerable speculation reigned to-
day over the action of the State In
subpoenaing Miss Catherine Fitz-
gerald, OF Los Angeles. II Is under
stood Miss Fitzgerald is the beautiful
housekeeper in charge Of Arbuckle's
palatial Los Angeles home-until Mrs.
Arbuckle arrived. II Is believed she
was summoned to be used as a rebut.
tai witness in the event Arbuckle takes
the stand.
The prosecution is understood to be-
lieve she could relate stories OF gay
parties at Arluckle's home IL she
cared to do 50. They, however, have
not stated their purpose in issuing the
subpoena which also calls for the
appearance of five others from the
Los Angeles movie colony.