The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1920-07-16
MINISTER WAS PEENSA.
REV. o. J. KVALE ANGRY
WHILE ON THE STAND
HEARING IS CONCLUDED
Briefs in the Custer Case to Be
Submitted to Court On
Friday

Benson, Mimi, July 14.-Rev o. J.
Kvale Of this city will be ousted as
republican nominee for congress
from the Seventh district because of
his alleged violation OF the corrupt
practices act, it was indicated at the
close of the contest hearing late
yesterday.
Andrew ]. Volstead, incumbent,
who was defeated by Kvale and the
Nonpartisan league In the primaries
will be awarded the nomination by
the court, it is believed.
Judge Albert Johnson adjourned
the court after presentation of tes-
timony and arguments had been fini-
shed. He announced that both sides
will have until Friday to file writ
ten arguments. It is expected that
Judge Johnson will make his deci-
sion either Saturday or early next
week.
The Loser Will Appeal.
There is little doubt in the minds
OF attorneys and others closely in
terested that the decision will dis
qualify KVale. No matter which way
he decides, however, the loser will
appeal to the supreme court. While
numerous points were cited in the
complaint contesting the nomination
it was Kvale's charge of anteism
against Volstead which broke his de-
Tense in court.
This district is strongly religious
and few charges could do more in
jury TO candidate than that of be-
ing an unbeliever. politicians declare.
After two days of wandering oratory
and argument by Kvale's ATTORNEYS
they failed to Offset Volsteads oath
that he is and always has been a
Christian.
Preacher On The Stand.
Kvale was put on the stand this
afternoon by the defense. He adj
mitted receiving the political indorse
ment OF the Nonpartisan league De-
Tending his charge of atheism against
Volstead, Kvale said he had been told
by several friends that his opponent
was not Christian. He also argued
that his attack was provoked by an
alleged sneering allusion to the mir
acle of the loaves and fishes by Vol
stead. AS another excuse the Luz
theran clergyman said he had been
told that Volstead called him a vile
name. He expressed the opinion that
the word atheism carries no oppro-
brium and that his statement was not
slanderous anyway because he be-
lieved it was true. Objections by
Volstead's counsel prevented several
witnesses from testifying they had
told Kvale that Volstead had no re-
ligion.
Congressman's Daughter Testified.
Miss Laura Volstead, daughter of
the representative, and II. 8. Lamp
man and H. j. Debermeyer, both
trustees Of the Granite Falls Con-
gregational church testified to Vol
stead's Christian Character During
Kvale's testimony the Judge had to
threaten to clear the courtroom to
preserve order Feeling among the
spectators was strongly in the clergy
mans favor.
Kvale several times lost control of
his temper under lashings of cross
examination and made dramatic de-
mands of the court for Justice
Rev: G. 7. Leg of Minneapolis and
J. A. Lee of Behson were among wit
nesses called by the defense who
were unable to help prove the athe-
ism charge against Volstead. After
both sides rested Judge Johnson gave
each thirty minutes for argument.
James Manahan, opening for Kvale,
made an oratorical argument consist
ing largely ofsppolitical ammunition
against Volstead's record in office. He
touched only lightly on the main
issue. D.
Bert Loe of Granite Falls made the
argument for the opposing side.