Evening star., 1928-04-01
FIST FIGHT NEAR
AS BLANTON AND
ATTORNEY DEBATE
Texan Says He Was MnSuIt-
ed" Time After Time as Sta
piles Trial Progresses.
ATTEMPTS TO BREAK UP
TRIAL BOARD MEETING
Accuses Court Stenographer, Who
Muttered Il Know Ny Busi-
ness" of Incivility.

A near fist fight between Represent
ative Blanton Of Texas and Attorney
c. Fl. Fowler. followed Immediately by
a misunderstanding" between the frate
Texan and the official court reporter
that temporarily halted the proceed
ings while an apology was being de-
manded for insults" featured the clos
ing session of the first week Of the
trial of Policeman Orville Staples yes
terday afternoon.
Mr.. Blanton and Attorney Fowler pro-
vided the sensation that the spectators
who crowded the small hearing room
had been awaiting when the outside
counsel employed by two police wit
nesses charged his opponent with re-
sorting to dirty ways" in trying to get
Policeman Fred A. Schenck involved
more than he already is in the case.
BIanton Livid With Rage.
That's just what 1 told this board
would happen" Blanton exclaimed
angrily. jumping to his feet. Some
little cheap skate attorney would come
in here and insult me-" Mr.. Blanton
was hvid with rage and his fist was
doubled up.
He added something about not being
here"
Chairman william H. Wahly was try-
ing to restore order in the courtroom
as the spectators began edging to the
front while the two men advanced Oh
each other. A table separated them.
I'm not cheap attorney" Fowler
declared. And III fight you anywhere
at any time" His fist was doubled I'D,
too.
II know what you are" slanton
answered. Simply because your brother
Is the health officer here
He has nothing to do With 1t.
Fowler interrupted
Mr.. Wahly tried to get q word IN
edgewise. AT this time I think there
is no necessity for counsel to make 4
statement" he injected. but Mr. BIan-
ton. getting more excited. kept on
talking.
Waves Chairman Aside.
"That IS al on earth coaasei uarts
to do. To get up here and insult me-"
That Is not true" the attorney re-
piled The two men we're closer to-
gether by this time. but separated
safely by counsel table.
Turning to the spectators, who lined
the walls four or FIVE rows deep. Blan-
ton said dramatically:
Il don't know the sentiments OF
these people here but I win guarantee
that they are willing to say that coun-
sci tried to insult me"
Chairman wallly was trying TO ex-
plain that the spectators we're not con-
Quoting the case. but Blanton waved
him aside. Turning again to the spec
tatorS he asked.
How many persons think the at
torneys remarks were made 70 insult
me. All who think so rise.
Now there 1t is" Blanton said
triumphantly as nearly overy one seated
got TO his feet. Nov there is the
temper of Washington and live 2,O00
miles away in Texas and they live right
here where this lawyer lives"
Is "Insulted'' Again.
Two minutes later when Blanton
asked the court reporter to mark two
pictures of Schenck's burned automo-
bile for proper Identification. the
harraSSed stenographer who had been
trying to catch rapid fire remarks on
the wing, muttered, i know my husi-
ness" Blanton was on his feet shout
ing that he had been "inSulted" again.
Here's another man who has come
here TO insult me, he protested to the
board.
Turning to the stenographer he de-
nlanded; Did you take that down
as part Of the record9" When the re-
porter, who appeared amazed at the
sudden outburSt replied that he had
not, Blanton launched into 3 verbal
assault
Il object to this reporter insulting q
member of Congress" he declared. If
he can find ii In his heart To insult O
member Of the body that pays the
peoples money for his work. I'll ASK
the board TO instruct his firm 10 send
some one else lie will set no more
business from Congress"
Chairman wahly tried to pacify the
indignant Blanton and said he felt sure
the reporter meant nothing dtSccurte-
Gus or insulting In his remark.
Tried to Rreak Up Session.
Rlanton determined IL break up the
meeting and the chairman hastily Sug.
geSted a recess,
II won't 30 ON unless the reporter
apologies to me for what he said, he
shouted. ''IE was a direct insult"
Because Rlanton had q witness Who
would not he available Monday. he
cooled down BIT,
u can't talk and write as the same
time II youll Just stop long enough 10
let me explain" the reporter inter
rupted. throwing down his pen,
When Rlanton had subsidized the
Stenograrher explained that IN ideati~
Tying exhibits he had 60 follow the rules
generally accepted by the courts and
that was not what Mr., Rlanton had
asked him 10 do In marking she pic
lures, The talk MAS going fast and
furious; there was a MISUNDERSTANDING
he explained
Then YOU didn't intend 60 Insult
nAeR" hlanton demanded.
OF course net" the stenographeg re-
piled,
Then lets ~ OH. Rlanten told tne
hoard and things settled down 60
routine testimony.
ASsaiis Mystery House 0wnex.
Before packing his brief case as the
end of = hectic proeeednlg, which viii
resume Monday at 10 o'elAck. Mr., Rlan~
tom had at least solved the mystery
house which has figured 81 prominently
throughout the trial. THE owner af the
house, at ls4a Nineteenth street. Edward
J. HaStahle. responded to court
subpoena and faced MIR. Rlanten IN the
Witness chair his business hASeAhAe
explained Was a registered pharmacist.
hlanton asked him numerous QeleS-
ITEMS about his activities outside of The
drug store and GinalN the wltnxsS ad-
mitted ne Was clerk in the Washing
ton Gas Light CO,
In the same efftee As Martin d Mc~
sNaae, foreman ct the grand Iury, Nha
tysantinla@d an nAae 4 fAahlnAn a.