The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1919-05-22

|19
dent ceased attacking him concerned
the suit brought by Youmans against
former Governor Hanna, the latter's
bank examiner, and others, for $780,
600 damages, because Hanna had
closed Youmans' bank and had driven
him out of the banking business.
Youmans on cross-eXamination on
the witness stand admitted having
practiced banking methods which are
generally considered crooked, but ex-
cused himself by saying all bankers
did the same. The lower court de-
clded against him, and so did the su-
preme court. However, after the
farmers administration and court
took office, Youmans asked for re-
hearing. He now says that Townley
offered to get him the rehearing in
consideration of $4,000. The rehear-
ing was denied by the new supreme
court, and Youmans was finally beat
en- in the case.
William Lemke and James Mana
han were two of Youmans' attorneys
| in the case, and two of the leaguers
who recently received Youmans'
| threats to tell the bribery story about
Townley. In his letter to Lemke,
Youmans apologized for not telling
his attorneys about the matter until
two years afterwards, although in an
other of the letters he says he told
his lawyers.
Lemke in Position to Know
81 never heard even whisper of
such q deal, although l was one of
Mr.. Youmans' attorneys before the
supreme court" said Mr.. Lemke when
questioned about the matter. eff
there was any such offer by Townley,
certainly |, who was Youmans' at
torney and also attorney for the Non
partisan league, and close to Town
ley, would have known Of it. You
mans case was prosecuted on the
square, and would not have had any
connection with it for minute had
I, there been even the slightest attempt
to improperly influence the court
elected by the farmers of the state.
Furthermore, we have court that
would Instantly punish and publicly
.denounce any attempt to influence it.
| am surprised and astonished that
Mr.. Youmans should think that he
ran discredit Mr.. Townley, the league
or the supreme court OF this state by
peddling such story"
"Mr. Youmans, in his letter to me-
said Mr.. Manahan, assumed that 1
remember his telling me about Town
!ey's OFFER at the time the suit was
before the supreme court. YoumansI
never told me any such thing, al
though l was one of his attorneys,
and the story fell like a thunderbolt
on me when ! got his recent letter.
He also goes so far as to pretend
to quote my words, when he says he
told me about it over two years ago.
That is absolutely false, and looks to
me like an attempt to frame me up.
He never at any time until last week
informed me of this crazy story. You
mans trial before the supreme court
was absolutely fair and above board.
His attorneys were on the square and
so was the court. Youmans' attempt
ed use OF this false yarn, apparently
to intimidate Townley, is one Of the
most contemplate things ! ever heard
Of"
Letters Made Public
President Townley Of the league al
so makes public two letters he re-
ceived,> from Youmans containing
Christmas present checks for Mrs
Townley "and family" One is dated
December "a, 1917, and the other De-
cember %, 1918. Both were sent by
Youmans after the alleged offer of
Mr.. Tow1lley was made. The checks
are each for $25. On receiving the
checks Mr.. Townley wrote in red ink
across their face Cancelled, and
never cashed either of them. Mr..
ToWnley produced the letters and I'M
cashcd checks from his files as proof
that after the time Youmans claimed
an improper offer was made to him
he wrote highly complimentary let
ters and sent checks to the person he
now says made that offer.
AT this Christmas and holiday
time" Youmans wrote to Townley in
December, 1917, 81 want you and your
family to think of me as one Of your
many friends who appreciates what
you have done and what you-are do
ing for the common people of this
state and other states. Kindly accept
the inclosed draft for $500 as a
Christmas present from one who dou-
bly, appreciates the privilege to be
classed as one of your friends"
On December %, 1918, year later
Youmans wrote to the league presi-
dent as follows: "Once more l wish
to express to you in a way stronger
than words my appreciation of what
you have done and are doing and will
do for the common people as a leader
of the farmer league workers. II
send you herewith my check for a.
Christmas present for yourself and
family"
Holds Townley Responsible
Youmans' letter to Bank Examiner
u. R. Waters asserted that Townley
was responsible for and ordered" the
examination of Youmans' bank last
fall by the state examiners office,
when much bad paper was found IN
the bank. He alleges that Townley
did this out of spite In reply to this,
Bank Examiner Waters has written
to Youmans as follows:
II want to say that Mr.. Townley