◆ SpookStack

Manson suggested that aitertieys Luke McKissack and Lawrence W. Stein- berg be substituted for the publie defender's office "to help me." - MecKissack and Stein- herg argued in support of Manson's proposal. McKis- sack asked the judge to rule on it immediately "so we ¢an get started at once." Ruling Delayed Keene said he was not rejecting Manson's re- quest, in delaying a ruling until Monday, but that he could not determine if Manson were competent to act in his own behalf until "some interrogation by me." Asked later by newsmen jf Manson, whose long criminal record has led him in and out of many courtrooms, possessed such competency, McKis- sack replied: "He's capable of making | # substantial con{ributian | ‘tthe défense team." __That "team," sai “sion requires a separa’ id the. lawver, would be com- prised of McKissack, Steinberg, investigator ‘Michel McCowan and two other criminal attorneys, Ronald W. Hughes and George FE. Shibley. Changes Position Meanwhile, the district attorney's office said it had changed its position and will not oppose a separate trial for Susan Denise Atkins, 21, if such a motion is made by attorneys for any of the other defendants. Miss Atkins' testimony hefore the County Grand Jury last week reportedly implicated Manson, her- self and the five other defendants in the murders and was believed to be the major factor leading to their indictments. A severance of her case would be required if prosecutors wish to use -her as a witness against the other defendants. A = State Supreme Court deci- te trial if statements made ‘by one defendant incri- fiinate,, others jointly charged.