New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1920-02-25
EDITOR ERICKSON
MADE RIDICULOUS
AUDITOR VOGEL GETS OFF WITH
FINE OF $40 AND COSTS.
APPEAL FILED.
OPERA HOUSE JAMMED FULL. OF
FARMERS AND CITIZENS.
MUCH HILARITY.

Springfield was the scene of large
gathering Of farmers, Friday, they
having come from far and near to attend
the preliminary hearing in connection
with the criminal proceedings brought
by Editor Aug. G. Erickson Of the
Springfield Free Press against County
Auditor Louis G. Vogel of this city
for petit assault. It is said to be the
biggest crowd which has assembled in
that enterprising village since the Fourth
Of July celebration last year, and, ap-
parently, everybody enjoyed themselves
about as much.
Change of Venue Taken.
When the New Ulm delegation, COM
posed of County Auditor Vogel, the
defendant, Attorney Alfred w. Mueller,
his counsel. and County Treasurer Henry
J. Berg, Clerk of Court Carl P. Man.
derfeld and City Justice Geo. Hogen,
who had been subpoenaed as witnesses
by the Springfield editor-lawyer, ar
rived in that village by auto, Friday
morning, they were greeted by large
number of farmers and citizens who had
been patiently awaiting their arrival,
and when MIR. Vogel stepped out of the
car, he was given hearty ovation. As
soon as the enthusiasm subsidized, the
party repaired to the Office of Justice
J. J. Ray, before whom Mr.. Vogel had
appeared the previous Friday, and
Attorney Mueller, on behalf Of his client,
filed demand for a change of venue,
which the justice was obliged to grant
as matter of course. The matter was
then taken before Justice C. S. Petersen.
Rent the Opera House. q.
In the meantime, the farmers and a
number of citizens who were eager to
attend the hearing, realizing that JUS
tice Petersen's office was by far too
small to accommodate the large throng,
prevailed upon him to allow them to
secure a suitable place for this purpose.
hevillage council chamber was suggest
ed, but this, too, was inadequate, and it
was finally decided to rent the opera
house. The necessary sum was quickly
provided by means of a collection, each
person interested contributing rs cents
to defray this expense. After the hear
ing many of those, present stated that
they had derived more real fun out Of
the proceedings than they could posi-
bly, get by attending circus.
ESQ to 800 Were Present.
The Opera house was filled to capacity,
every seat in the main auditorium, as
we'll as on the balcony, being occupied,
and number of visitors were obliged
to stand, as there we're no more seats
available. The attendance during the
forenoon's proceedings is conservatively
estimated at about ESQ, while the after
noon session brought out about so more.
Farmers were present from all the
surrounding townships, many having
travelled considerable distance to attend
the hearing.
Erickson on Witness Stand.
Editor Erickson was the star witness
for the prosecution and gave minute
description of the fracas. He was
examined by his law partner, Geo.
LOOMS. Not until he was taken over
for cross-examinaion by Attorney Muel-
Ter, Mr.. Vogels counsel, did the real
fun commence. To Mr.. .Mueller's .ques-
lions, the editor-lawyer replied that he
did not know that Thursday, Feb. IL,
the day of the fracas, was Lincoln's
birthday, which, coming from sup
posedEy loyal American citizen and one
claiming to be patriotic in the highest
degree, certainly does not give evidence
of an over abundance Of patriotism
The fact that the Stars and Stripes
were floating in the breeze from the top
of the hotel in which the Springfield
scribe makes his headquarters when in
New Ulm, as well as from place Of
business directly across the street from
this hotel, did not seem to impress him
with the fact that it was a special pa
triotic holiday. Further evidence of this
holiday should have become apparent
to him on bis way to the courthouse,
for on this building, as well as on the
high school, Old Glory was flung to the
breeze.
breeze. A number of local business
buildings also floated the National
emblem from their flagstaffs.
Caused Much Merriment.
The answers which the Springfield
editor-lawyer gave to some Of Attorney
Continued on last page.)