The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-04-08
WIFE DEFENDS HUSBAND,
HOLDING AS FALSE THE
STATEMENTS OF AFFORD
Testimony of Contractor Is Re
called in Bank Trial by Fair
Witness.
MISS TOUSLEY'S STORY
Stenographer at Elkhart Factory
Explains Bank Paper-Daniel
E. Storms Testifes.
TALKED WITH AFFORD
Both Had Executed Notes to
Financial Institutions Which
Later Collapsed.
MISS TOUSLEY'S STOR7
TALKED WITH AFFORD

After ten days of prolonged and hard
fought prosecution. the government rested
its case against Walter Brown in the
Federal Court yesterday afternoon at 3:45
o'clock. Within less than ten minutes later
the defense had its case we'll launched and
Mrs. Walter Brown was the stand tes-
tifying in behalf of her husband. to the
great amazement of jurors. prosecutors and,
with but few exceptions, the many court
visitors. Her appearance as a witness was
as unexpected a turn as the trial has
taken
Mrs. Browns name, called loudly by At
torney w. A. Ketcham. spokesman of the
defense. sent a movement of surprise
through the crowded but quiet court room.
For second questioning looks were passed
among the court visitors and then all eyes
were fixed upon the dark and graceful fig
ure or Mrs. Brown as she arose and walked
firmly upon the stand, holding high her
head
Clad entirely in black her dark gown re-
heved by single bit of white lace about
the neck, Mrs. Brown entered the court
room yesterday afternoon at 3 O'Clock for
the second time since the trial of her
husband began. She was accompanied by
Mrs. George A. Briggs and within the two
were met by Mrs. George b. Pratt, richly
gowned. The trio sat Just inside the court
railing, whence they watched the govern
ment close its formidable prosecution. Be
hind them without the court railing and
among the court visitors was young Gilbert
Brown, attired in a red jersey and military
trousers.
SMILES AT HUSBAND.
Mrs. Brown sat perfectly still. save for
nervous fumbling of a ring upon her
finger. When the defense began its case,
her face became noticeably pale and the
troubled expression of her dark eyes deep
ened. However. as she took her seat upon
the stand she smiled sweetly at her hus-
band, who sat just below her between his
attorneys and the color Immediately came
into her cheeks. No sign of nervousness
was betrayed, although once during the
she showed uncertainty and hesitancy. Her
answers 10 questions were given in low
but firm accent, which were audible in
every part of the court room
AS Attorney Ketcham put forth his first
question there was no other sound IN the
court attention being centered upon the
defendants wife.
Mrs, Brown, you were present. were
YOU not at q conversation which took place
between your husband and man named
Mel Afford some time before the failure of
the Indiana National Bank of Elkhart?'
You mean the day Mr.. Afford came to
our house?
YES"
During that conversation, Mrs Brown
did Afford say to Mr.. Brown: I've got to
thinking and my wife have talked a
good deal about those notes l signed ana
we got to thinking that If those notes
hadn't been taken care of we might have
been cleaned up. They could have made d
lot of trouble. "
NOTES ARE EXHIBITED.
"Yes he said that" answered Mrs Brown
"Did Mr. Brown thereupon exhibit the
notes and place them in Affords hands?"
Ketcham asked.
YES"
Ibid Afford then read them?''
HE surely had chance to; he held them
some time"
This was part of the questioning which
Ketcham in his cross examination, pressed
upon Afford Sc harshy and which the lat
ter denied with loud and vigorous emphasis,
saving that he had never seen the notes.
Mr.. Ketcham then brought forth the ID. c.
Brown note. a note signed by Mrs. Brown
herself
Mrs Brown continued Ketcham, -
will ask you If you signed this note?"
Yes, I signed it..
''Who brought you that note to sign?'
day afternoon and asked me If L would
sign it, The next morning Mr.. Collins
came in on his way to the bank and L
signed it and he took it away.
'Did you receive any consideration for
the note. Mrs Brown
Il did not.
win tnlS answer hetcndm cloSeu MS
questioning of Mrs. Brown and told the
prosecution to cross-examne her.
Mrs. Brown, how do you generally sign
your name?" demanded Attorney Healing
in a loud and portentous voice.
MISS TOUSLEY ON STAND.
when / sign business ietters-D. c.
Brown; other times Mrs. Walter Brown, -
answered the witness calmly.
Did you ever sign your name d. c.
Brown before?' fired Healing.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 COL. e.