The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1911-04-15
WITNESSES FOR
COWAN DEFENSE


impeachment trial Of Judge John F.
Cowan, following the brilliant address
of the accused jurist, were marked
with several exciting incidents which
may be some indication as to what
may be expected before the question is
put to the senate for final vote for
impeachment or acquittal
The six witnesses put on the stand
yesterday after the conclusion OF
Judge Cowan's hig speech at 2:40
o'clock, were eagerly listened to by
an anxious gallery full OF people,
craning their necks over the railing
to catch every word of refutation to
the testimony already given by the
prosecution. John Anderson, a hotel
keeper sat Churchs Ferry, was the first
called for the respondent, and he was
followed by Dr. Flath of Churchs
Ferry, Judge Palda of Minot, F. G.
Snow, custodian of the federal build
ing at Devils Lake. Fred Scott, a
clerk in the Devils Lake postoffice,
and DIR. w. HI. Cuthberts county
physician of Ramsey county.
Quarrel Over Judge Palda.
Probably the most striking feature
of the days proceedings, with the
exception of the accused jurist's adj
dress was the tilt between counsel for
the prosecution and defense and re-
spondent over the release of Judge
Palda of Minot who was called to
the stand to testify to the two indict-
ments in his city, one at the stock
yards and the other in his office.
The purpose Of the defense in calling
the former jurist Of Minot, just at that
time, was in order to personally ac-
commodate him by allowing him to
leave on the evening train for st.
Paul, where Judge Palda stated he
had a pressing business engagement
which involved a transaction of sew
eral thousand dollars. Tracy r.
Bangs made this announcement to the
senate just after the judge had taken
the stand, so that all would know
just the exact reasons for bringing
in his testimony out of the ordinary
order Of the various specifications in
regard to the drunkennesses charges
George A. Bangs stated that he
would not promise to release Judge
Palda because he might have f3rthel
use for him. His brother Tracy, Then
proposedthat the Minot jurist be per-
mAtted ITO leave the stand without
testifying and return to Bismarck
after he had finished his business il
the twin cities.
Judge Cowan, however, desired tt
hear Judge Palda's testimony at once
and asked the counsel for the prose
cution If he had understood the exact
reasons why they were placing the
Minot judge on the stand. Mr.. Bangs
stated that he would not agree tc
Judge Palda being released. He sale
he extremely regretted that such q
condition should be forced on him. but
that he could not at that moment
agree that he should be Immediately
released.
Il will return if have to stay q
month" announced Judge Palda
pleasantly from the stand.
There was little discussion on the
side between Judge Cowan and hi.
counsel, Mr.. Bangs 1t began frs
in an undertone and then grew IouC
enough for the majority Of the mem.
bers of the senate to overhear. L
appeared that Judge Cewan was urg.
his word that there was possibility
that Judge Palda might leave on the
evening train.
Senator Simpson inquired the speci
fication it was intended the witness
should testify to. and Tracy Bangs re.
piled that he had not the slightes
objections to telling the specification
but that he was figuring out whethel
Judge Palda could get through hi.
business and return to Bismarck. H,
made it clearly understood that h,
had matters down there that involved
a great deal of money.
IT cannot get back before THURSDAY
or Friday" said Judge Palda.
After another consultation between
Tracy Bangs and Judge Cowan, Georg,
A. Bangs said that inasmuch as counse
was speaking SO loudly with hi
client that he would state that h,
wouldn't let Judge Palda go until h,
had an opportunity to examine anC
ascertain whether he wanted him o,
not.
EFT may be he can 90 tonight" salt
Mr.. Bangs, but can't agree unit
after he has been examined. 1 thinl
my records will show pretty clearly
that do not unaccommodate people
II do not believe VS. VIII take any
chances" returned Tracy Bangs witt
his famous little chuckling laugh
which has won him such warm plac,
in the hearts Of all those who hav,
attended the trial.
Burdick Ordered Recess.
'sYou can do as you like" retortet
George Bangs. "One OF the reasons
I might say. is that that register has
not been introduced which has beer
demanded repeatedly. Judge Cowar
stated that Judge Palda would bE
called with respect to the Rugby in
cident."
Judge Cowan explained that thu
register had been in the city severa
days and was left with Judge Nc
Glory to attend to. but he presumed
failure to hand it over was mere
oversight.
'Then why don't you get it?T again
asked George Bangs. and at tina
President Burdick pounded his gave
and announced that the senate would
take a recess until the register wal
brought up from the Cowan head
quarters in the Mckenzie hotel.
Must Not Delay Proceedings.
Just as soon as recess was taken
President Burdick was seen to go a
once to the board Of managers tabl.
and speak to Counselor g. Al. Bang
where he was heard to caution TIL,
leading counsel for the prosecution tina
the holding up Of witnesses wouldn'
so.
After the hearing had resumed
Tracy Bangs formally turned over tn
Cramond hotel register to his brothe
On the opposite side. and the rest 0
the witnesses were heard. However