The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-03-30
ECHO OF POLITICAL FEUD
IS SILENCED BY COURT IN
CASE OF J. WALTER BROWN
Thirteenth District Fight Men
toned, but Question to Adver-
sary Is Ruled Out
OLD EVIDENCE HEARD
Points Covered by Government in
Brodrick Trial Renewed for
Alleged Accessory.
DEFENSE MAKES FIGHT
More Hope Appears for the Pres
ent Defendant than for His
Predecessors.
OLD EVIDENCE HEARD
DEFENSE MAKES FIGHT

For a few minutes yesterday it appeared
that politics would become involved in the
trial of ]. Walter Brown, former Repub-
lican chairman of the Thirteenth district,
who is lighting in the Federal Court sixty
seven charges of aiding j. L. Brodrick in
the financial Vaccinations which brought
about the crash of the Indiana National
Bank of Elkhart.
A question by w. A. Ketcham, one of
Browns attorneys, during his cross-exam-
ination of Wilson Roose, receiver of the
defunct Indiana National Bank, aimed di-
rectly at the latter's political relationship
with the defendant, Roose did not answer.
District Attorney Healing was on his
feet before the question was finished OBJ
jecting on the grounds that politics was
irrelevant and should not enter into the
case. His objection was sustained by Judge
Anderson.
Roose was introduced as a witness about
8 o'clock yesterday afternoon by the pros
ecution. Mr.. Healing asked him several
questions concerning notes which he found
in the bank when he took charge of it as
receiver, and then turned him over to the
defense for cross-examination. Mr.. Ketch-
am asked:
rivalry or antagonism between yourself and
Mr.. Brown? You have always been good
friends? L mean there has been no political
differences between you?"
II think not replied Roose; mot that
1 can remember
Brown at this point produced a letter
which he handed. opened. to Ketcham.
who glanced at it and, glaring over his
spectacles. demanded:
Mr. Roose. didn't you go down into Con-
cord township and organize that township
against Mr. Brown"
POLITICAL QUESTIONS END.
Healing objected stoutly and. being sus-
tained, the incident was dropped and po-
litical references did not again enter into
the days proceedings. The incident had
a tendency to cause a stir of excitement in
the courtroom yesterday, as Brown had
many political enemies in Elkhart
The trial was fairly put under way yes
terday and the prosecution began its intro
duction of evidence. 1t is apparent that
the trial will be almost as long as that of
j. l.. Brodrick. and may not be concluded
for two weeks. Much repetition of evidence
brought out in the former trial is neces-
Sary and consequently lacks the startling
elements of Brodricks unsuccessful fight.
One of the features of yesterdays pro-
ceedlngs was the strong presentation of
the case from the point of view of the de-
fense. This was made by w. a. Ketcham
in two hours speech at the opening of
court yesterday morning
That lack of intent will be the point
around which the defense will make it's
stand was also brought out yesterday.
NEPHEW ON THE STAND
The testimony of Ward o. Collins, nephew
of Walter Brown. and Wilson l.. Collins
who as cashier of the wrecked bank has
pleaded guilty to all charges but that of
embezzlement, a witness in the trial yes
terday. had tendency to eniven the court
room. Collins was no. witness in the
former trial, although he testified before
the grand jury. He formerly worked for
Brown as superintendent of the National
Manufacturing Company. of which Brown
was owner and controller When placed
upon the stand. Mr.. Healing, exhibiting
two notes. asked:
MIR. Collins, did you, in October. 1000.
while you were employed for Mr.. Brown.
sign these two notes?"
Il signed those notes." replied Collins.
"Who made those figures of $1,000 and
$4,000 continued Healing.
81 don't know"
'Who gave the notes TO you?"
'.Walter Brown
Did you get any part of this S1O,0O0?"
Not a cent Collins explained that he
had been called upon to pay the notes to
the bank but had not and had entered pro-
ceedings in bankruptcy in Chicago.
On cross-examination Ketcham asked
Collins if, when he signed the notes, he
expected to get any money for them
He said he did not.
''Was it not stated when you signed the
notes that they were accommodation notes
of the National Manufacturing Company?"
asked Mr.. Ketcham. Collins replied that
he was under the impression that the