The producers news. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1918-1937, 1919-04-11
LEAGUE MAN
FREED in FED
ERAL COURT
No Foundation for Charges Made
Against Walter Thomas Mills OF
SeditiOn. -

Walter Thomas Mills, writer and
lecturer of International reputa-
ton. has been freed of the charge of
sedition placed against him when he
delivered a speech for the Nonpar-
tisan league in North Dakota dur
ing the last campaign.
Doctor Mills acquittal came as the
result of trial in the federal dis
trict court at Fargo, lasting several
DAYS. in which the enemies of the
Nonpartisan league were offered ev-
cry opportunity to bring In facts to
sustain their case. Doctor Mills was
charged with saying that the sons
of the rich did not fight the war;
that it was the sons of the farmer
and laborer that bore the brunt of
the conflict. 1t was shown, howev-
er, that Doctor Mills added the
qualifying statement that it was the
sons of the farmer and laborer who
fought the war sin the overwhelm-
ing majority" perfectly correct
statement.
The animus actuating Doctor Mills,
prosecution was shown when enc of
the business men who were witnesses
declared that If President Wilson,
during the war, had criticized prof.
,teers. President Wilson would have
beer disloyal.
DIRECTED VERDICT
After all the testimony OF the
persecution had been introduced and
had failed absolutely to show any
criminal action, Judge Amidon dl-
rncted the Jury to bring in verdict
Of mot guilty" No other course was
possible. .,,
Tho prosecution in the Mills case
claimed that he had discouraged en-
Estments." How far this was IRON
the truth is shown by the tact tna'
ms ances were submitted OF mer
who had heard Doctor Mills speecE
and thereafter enlisted, and OF an
other. a conscientious objector, VIII:
had decided to withdraw his obJec
tipns and submit to the selectlV
service act as the result OF hearn'
Doctor Mills statements as to on
governments purposes.
Doctor Mills has been ldentltle
with every large progressive move
ment in the United States, havln
campaigned for William Jennlng
BRYAN, for prohibition and for nun
erous other causes. lie has studio
social and economic conditions i
England, Australia and other cou1
tries and is the author OF books
international repute. Ills patrlotlsl
never was questioned until he b.
came associated with the Nation:
Nonpartisan league year ago.
The acquittal of Doctor NIL
brings to a successful conclusion I'll
last federal case brought again
any person associated with Il
League. There We're. five cases
all. every one ending'in acquittal,
dismissal of the charge. j. w. Bri
ion. accused of sedition, was fre'
by q unanimous verdict Of 81
guilty. BY the jury Of II men WI
heard the case at Bismarck, N.
John V. Free, charged with t
same crime, was acquitted by q u
in The federal court at St. Paul. l.
case AGAINST Leo Horst, an organic
in North Dakota, charged with int
1eIing with enlistments, was q
miss q when the federal grand jill
refused % i1lttiCt. IIoI S@~S as.
f0Eaar organized working in ldal
charged with disloyal utteranct
also was freed by dismissal OF
charges against him as soon as I
prc5ud.ced agents of the departing
Of justice had q chance to MAKE
Investigation.
1t is understood. however, that
department Of justice has under CT
sidcIaton a number OF charG
against opponents Of the Leag
who tarred and faathered some far
els and deported others. Th'
cases probably win be prosecuted
soon as the supreme court Of
United States makes rulings ~
Soma test cases that are pending
fore that tribunal.