The Man Who Forgot His Own Murder

There was an air of expectancy in the criminal courtroom this morning when the case of the State vs. Edward Spencer, charged with the murder of Ella Mundt, was resumed. It had been given out that the defendant would be placed on the stand in his own behalf, and the audience room was well filled with a curious crowd, among whom were a large number of women.

Spencer appeared, if possible, more pale than usual, except for a hectic flush on his cheeks, and it is evident that the severe strain is telling on his health.

"Mr. Spencer will now take the stand," said Mr. Graves.

The defendant arose and walked to the witness chair, aiding himself in passing up the steps by holding to the judge's desk. He was asked to state when he first met Ella Mundt, and replied that it was a year ago last February, in Spokane. It was at a show at the Auditorium. He went to a dance with her in the spring and saw her at different times until in March, when he left Spokane.

He returned about the 8th of December last and went to work at Davenport's restaurant. Worked there until the middle of January, when he was discharged for drinking beer from a can in the kitchen.

From the time of his return to the city in December he met Ella Mundt frequently, at dances and at her home. He also took her to shows and met her on the streets. Her friends were with her frequently when he met her. After his discharge he accompanied her to a dance. This was on Saturday night.

Sunday afternoon she called him up by telephone and he met her by appointment. That evening he took her to the Cineograph theater. Then he told her he was going to Walla Walla Monday morning.

He Got to Drinking.

Witness said he had intended to go to Walla Walla, but got to drinking and did not want to go home in that condition. When he took her home from the theater Sunday night he stood at the door and talked with her for perhaps five minutes. They talked of nothing in particular. After leaving her he went down to the Snowshoe saloon, first stopping at the Club, where he got a drink of whisky.

It was about 12 or half past when he reached the Snowshoe.

Wasn't In Love With Her.

He said he liked the girl because she was jolly and was good company. Had never had any words or feelings toward her other than as a friend. He had heard she was engaged to be married to Hud McLain. He was engaged to marry Mary Mullins of Baker City, Or.; had been engaged about a year.

"When I went to the Snowshoe I had eaten nothing and had slept but little and felt pretty bad. Then I took a drink with absinthe in it and sat down. I have no knowledge of what occurred after that. Don't know when I left the Snowshoe or where I went."

Didn't Remember Them.

Witness was shown three letters one directed to his mother at Walla Walla, one to Delia Burton at Pendleton, and one to Mary Mullins at Baker City. He said they appeared to be in his handwriting, but he did not remember writing them.

"Have you any remembrance of going to the Schulein house and shooting Ella Mundt and shooting yourself?" was asked by Mr. Graves.

"None whatever," was the reply.

"The first I can remember was when I was at the hospital, when my brother came to see me there."

"Had you any reason for killing the girl?"

"I had not."

Put it in His Pocket.

The shopping bag which was taken from his pocket after the shooting was shown him, and he identified it as one he took from Ella Saturday night, put in his pocket and forgot about it. The revolver found on the floor at the Schulein residence was shown him and was identified as one he purchased at Baker City. He said after coming to Spokane he left it with the night bartender at the Hoffman house and got it again Sunday night before the shooting.