The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1911-04-14
-C0WAN FINISHES
THE STATEMENT
OF RESPONDENT
Declared the Story Of Getting
Even By Him Was un-
founded
DEVOTED TIME TODAY LARGELY
TO DELAYED Case CHARGE
Declared That Before Delays Could
Be Improbable It Must BE Shown
That He Had Done So For UIterior
Modves--Exonerates Kerlin.

That He Had Done So For UIterior
Motives-Exonerates Kerliu.
(EI. d. Paulson.)
Bismarck, N. D., April 14-Today
saw the conclusion of what is ad-
mittedly the most remarkable address
ever delivered in the state of North
Dakota. being that Of John F. Cowan
before the court of impeachment, be-
fore which he is on trial on articles
OF impeachment presented by the
house Of representatives. Opening
yesterday morning and occupying the
entire day, 1t was not until today that
ho completed his statement and
closed, ready for the submitting Of
testimony in support Of the state
ments made by himself.
In many features this address has
been unusually remarkable. Judge
Cowan, charged with being a habitual
drunkard to such an extent that he
has impaired his mental facilities. as
we'll as his physical being, has demon
the presenting Of slight details Of the
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specification has been taken up in
divtdually and dealt with, and in each
the fmpeached jurist has shown just
will testify In his behalf will testify
to when placed on the stand.
Delayed cases were reached late
yesterday afternoon and were re-
sumed this morning, and each case
was given individual attention. Cowan
showed most remarkable memory in
these cases by bringing before the
court the various points of law that
we're involved in each of them, what
attorneys for opposing sides contend
ed, and what action he took with ref
erence to them.
At times the impractical jurist grew.
sarcastic In his reference to this or
that piece Of evidence that had been
brought against him; at. times he
would deal with them in humorous
manner, but more often he would
bring forth the feature of personal
animosity and political maneuver in
an effort to show wherein lay the
explanation for evidence that had
been adduced during the trial.
Ever since the case of Judge Cowan
has been brought before the people
Of the state, his side of the question
has never been presented, this being
the first opportunity that has been
given him to speak in his own be-
half. While the senate rules pro-
vided that only three hours should
be allowed in the opening statement,
there was no disposition to invoke the
rule against the respondent in this
case, and throughout the entire time
the gallaries and foyers have been
packed.
The charges that he had frequented
drug stores notoriously known to be
places where liquor was dispensed
was passed over briefly by Cowan, he
making refutation Of such charges,
at the same time contending that even
II they were true the offenses in ques-
tion were not impeachable. He did
state that on one or two occasions he
had taken drinks of liquor in such
stores and those instances would be
brought forward. The claim that he
had been drunk in the Devils Lake
court room during tho hearing Of the
drug permit cases was also branded
as an untruth. Assistant Attorney
General Zueger is one Of the wit
nesses whom he says will appear on
the stand for him.
Kerlin's Denial
At noon today A. B. Kerlin of Dew
lis Lake gave out statement with
reference to his connection with the
Devils Lake Civic league spoken of by
Judge Cowan this morning. Kerlin
states that he did not in the CONVEX
Sation with Cowan last night criticize
that league nor any Of its. members, !!
but that he believes that 1t has al
right to operate along consistent lines
for civic Righteousness a. we'll as does
the Judge have the privilege OF an
honorable defense.
There were two rather interesting |
events at the opening of this MORN
ing's session, when Judge Cowan re-
sMmed the statement Of the case for
the defense. He announced immc-
diately upon arising that after the cd
journment yesterday hts attention had |
been called by fellow citizen to a |
remark made yesterday which he
wished to correct. such remark being |
20 the effect that A. B. Kerlin was
member Of tue Civic league in Dew
lis Lake. Cowan said: "Mr. Kerlin
h.d remarked that he had enough |
Gins to answer for anyway"
These remarks brought from Coun- !
sci George Bangs for tie prosecution |
the query as to whether or not the |
membership and papers Of the Civic
league would he allowed % evidence
but was informed that this matter
would be treated in its proper order