The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-01

From Tuesdays Daily.
Oliver P. Ballinger, charged with
arson in the second degree, was in
the witness chair in his own behalf
yesterday afternoon. He was the
headlier in the drama that has been
staged in the district court during
the past few days. Oliver made a
fine witness for himself during the
first act and as long as his own
attorneys were questioning him, but
when he was in the throes of cross
examination he got his lines crossed
at times, and there were no prompt
ings from the wings.
On the direct examination some
time was devoted to the history of
divers life and that of his family.
1t was shown that he had served in
the United States navy at two differ
ent times and made himself a good
record and that he had been honor
ably discharged, the last time be-
cause of illness, which Ballinger
stated was the same sort OF illness
which he had when he signed the
alleged confession which was intro
duced during the examination of the
states witnesses. In his direct test!-
money Ballinger stated that he had
never been under arrest before.
Tells Story of Henry.
When asked about his connection
with the crime for which he is now
under arrest Ballinger said substan-
TALLY that he went to the home of
his brother Henry, in ST. Paul, after
returning from Canada where he
| had sought employment Henry asked
him if he had any money, and wanted
to borrow $50 or SIS. Oliver Ballinger
said he had no money and then
Henry asked if he had his household
goods at Lake Crystal insured Oliver
! told him that he carried $500 insur-
ance on his household furniture.
Henry then suggested burning the
house and getting $50 OF the insur-
ance money. Oliver refused to con-
slider this and went home to Lake
Crystal. A few days later he received
letter from Henry stating that he,
Henry, was coming to Lake crystal
on Saturday night, and told Oliver
to burn the letter. When he came to
Lake Crystal he said that he was
there to burn the house that night.
Henry Pulled a Gun.
Oliver begged him not to do 1T
and told him that the consequences
were apt to be serious for both or
them. Oliver took him through the
house and when they were upstairs
according to divers testimony, Henry
pulled a gun on him and said he
meant business. Oliver was brighten
ed. He said that once before, when
~,
gether in st. Paul, Henry threatened
to kill him, and went after MN
with a butcher knife, but his wife
interviewed. Finally, Oliver told Henry
that he and his family would leave
Lake Crystal and that he could set
fire to the house.
! Threatened "Another Koch Case"
| A letter was introduced which it
was claimed to have been written by
Henry Ballinger to his mother at
Forest Lake after the two brothers
had dissolved partnership in the meat
market The letter stated: Tell
Oliver that he had better send the
pillow and pillow slips and the ham
mer back or there is apt to be an
other DR.. Koch case if | have to go
after them" The letter was signed
Henry Ballinger and was said to have
been given to Oliver Upson's wife by
his mother.
Questioned About Confession.
When questioned about the con
fession which was made he said that
Deputy Sheriff Ario had taken him
downstairs; that Mr.. Ario showed
him the record of the other prisoners
who had been confined in jail and
advised him to tell what he knew
about the fire. Ballinger asked To
see Attorney S. B. Wilson. Aro said
he would see. Ario later said &c
Ballinger, so witness said, that VIII
son was busy man and could not
come. The deputy sheriff then asked