The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1920-07-16
BELIEVES THE MIRACLES
CONGRESSMAN VOLSTEAD
so TOLD ATTORNEY
Lawyer Manahan Attempted to
Show That Congressman
Was An Atheist

Benson, Mimi, July discharges
that Rev. o. J. Kvale Of this city vi
olated the corrupt practices act and
is not entitled to his nomination for
republican representative from the
Seventh district hinged almost en-
tirely ON the question Of whether or
not Representative Andrew ]. Vol
stead of Granite Falls Is an atheist.
Judge Albert Johnson Of Redwing
named by Governor Burnquist to hear
the case, declared on overruling de-
murrer filed for Kvale that if it is
proved kvale's statement regarding
his opponents belief in God Is false,
then he is guilty of violating the law.
After a short afternoon session
opening at p. m, Judge Johnson
called a night session which lasted
Representative volstead was placed
on the stand at s p. n. and swore
that he believed in God and the Bible.
He also told of attending church reg
ularly all his life.
That Published Circular.
In a published circular which Kvale
admits writing, 1t is asserted that the
Benson Nonpartisan league preacher
understood Volstead to be a pro-
nounced atheist. If this statement is
proved to come under the corrupt
practices act Kvale will be prevented
legally from taking part in the con-
gressional race his fall.
Immediately on opening court.
James Manahan of st. Paul, attorney
for Kvale, filed a demurrer to the
charges on which the case is based.
Judge Johnson after a recess an
nounced that after an impartial study
of the matter he had no doubt at
all that Kvale is guilty, provided his
statements concerning Volstead can
be proved false. He then overruled
the demurrer
Counsel for the contestants at once
called Representative Volstead to the
witness stand.
Are you an atheist?" he was asked
Volstead Said "No."
Absolutely no, answered Volstead
there never was a time when such
a charge could justly be made against
NE"
do YOU believe in Christianity and
the Bible, Mr.. Volstead?"
~ do and have always done So"
Volstead told of being confined in
the Lutheran church as boy in
Goodhue county. When he married
Scotch girl he changed to the Con-
gregational church.
Attorney Manahan subjected him
TO merciless cross examination dur
ing which the witness and lawyers
lost their tempers frequently.
"Do you believe literally that Christ
fed 5000 people with two little fishes
and five loaves?" demanded Mana
han.
Believes In Everything.
Yes, 1t was a miracle" answered
Volstead.
do you believe all the statements
In the Bible?"
II believe in God and that the
Bible was inspired by Him.
Ortonville, Mimi, July 13-Repub-
licans of the Seventh congressional
district met in a special convention
here yesterday and unanimously in
dorsed A. j. Volstead, incumbent to
make the run for reelection to con
| gress.
This was decided today when coun.
sci for both sides in conference with
Judge Albert Johnson of Red Wing
who is presiding. agreed to confint
arguments in the suit to the specifi,
charge of atheism made against Mr.
! Volstead by the Rev. Mr. Kvale ant
his supporters during the primary
campaign.
1t was agreed, upon motion o
James Manahan of st. Paul, one Of
the attorneys for Mr.. Kvale, to strike
: from the record all testimony bearins
upon the questions of profiteering and
| the Sedition bill