Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-06-23
ToWNLEY GOES ON TRIAL.
Conspiracy Hearing Of Nonparty Head
and Gilbert to Develop Fireworks.

and Stpert 10 OeSeiop F"eWoTSS.
Jackson. MINI. June 23.-Trial Of
Arthur c. Townley. president of the
Nonpartisan league, and Joseph Gil
bert, former Minnesota manager, and
now one of the chief organizers, on
charges of conspiracy to violate the
state disloyalty statute began here at
. o. m. today before District Judge
e C. Dean.
In addition to being charged with
conspiracy, Gilbert in an additional in
dictment is<alleged to have violated tn.
antisedition law in speech at Lake
field, Jackson county, in February,
1918.
The conspiracy charge against
Townley is based on the states con-
tention that, as Gilbert's employer, the
president Of the league was responsible
for his utterances, as well as those OF
a league organizer named Freitag, who
is said to have opposed the govern
ment's war program in addresses de-
livered in Jackson county.
The trial is expected to mark the
close of a long fight between Jackson
county officials and loyalists and the
Nonparflsan league. brought about by
the speeches Of Gilbert and Freitag.
Early in 1918. after F'reitag had
spoken in the county the county Pub
lie Safety commission notified the
league that no more meetings would
be permitted. This. it is said. resulted
IN Gilbert coming to Lakefield and an
nouncing that he would speak in def
ance Of the order. He said he would
oof ho Of or nc
sion to stop him according to reports
at the time.
The Gilbert speech at Lakefield re-
suited in a small riot during which
Attorney James Manahan, repreSent-
ing him. fed from the city. Gilbert was
arrested. convicted of unlawful assem-
bly, and sentenced to ninety days in
the county Jail. He appealed the case
and final decision has not been
handed down.
According to evidence at the trial for
unlawful assembly. Gilbert told his
Lakefield audience this war was the
first time the government had ever
drafted men for service and that it
would be a good deal better to keep
the boys on the farm than to send
them 5000 miles away to fight in the
trenches where there would be no way
to feed them. He also was alleged to
have stated that the farmers had been
forced to buy Liberty bonds and sub
scribe to the various war drives, and
now the government was going to take
their boys. 81.
The conspiracy indictments were un-
successfully attacked in the state su-
rreme court by nonpartisan league at
torneys, recent decision directing
that they be tried.
The case for the defense will be
handled by Attorneys George Hoke and
T. V. Sullivan. of st. Paul, the latter
the leagues candidate for attorney
general in the last election. .
County Attorney E. H. Nicholas will
represent the state. Mr.. Nicholas Is an
aggressive prosecutor, and court Off
Gals predict there will be plenty of
fireworks turnout the trial, which Is
expected to last about two weeks.
Officials expect the selection Of a
jury will require about three days.
League attorneys few days ago OBJ
tanned copy Of the jury list and pre-
sumably are having 1t well analysed.
There is great interest In the trial
thruout this part of the state, and 1t is
predicted hotel accommodations here
will be severely taxed by the influx of
! spectators Ii, addition to persons CON
nected with the case.
Townley a few days ago asked for a
postponement Of the case. on the plea
that he is busy campaigning in North
Dakota, but Judge Dean would not
consent.