The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-12-06
TEAR UP EVIDENCE
Fight on States Case Against
Walter Wilson Today.
"Hopkins Has Failed to Show
Law Vi0Iation--Hunt.
COMMITTED NO ILLEGAL ACTS
Custer Defense Shows That
Wilson Was Within Law.
Arguments on Motion to Quash
Are Up Today.
COMMITTED no lLLEGAL ACTS

Evidence presented by the attorney
generals office in the custer suit
against Walter z. Wilson. state bank
commissioner. is being attacked today
under a motion to quash. John Hunt
of Topeka, of counsel for Wilson. is
leading the fight on the states case
before James Challis of Atchison. COM
missioner.
Every phase of the evidence pre-
sented by Richard J. Hopkins, attor-
ney general, is under fire. That the
state has failed entirely to show that
Wilson either violated the law, was
guilty of fraud in any manner or that
he used the prestige or influence of his
department for personal gain, was the
text of Hunts argument. This after
noon the Topeka lawyer went into de-
tail in discussing issues in the Salina
bank case. He argued that the states
own testimony showed Wilson had
shown diligence and had sought to
save the stockholders and depositors
from loss.
Not a word of testimony showing
that Wilson had committed an Illegal
act in connection with issuance of the
bank holding corporation charter and
permit, was offered by the state. Hunt
asserted. He also said that of the
many charges that Wilson was stock
ters, the state had failed to make
showing in any of them. He admitted
that the commissioner had subsequent
ly bought stock in several new banks.
( II assume that was a discretionary
right" said Commissioner Challis.
| Hunt Knows Linn Case.
| Charges that Wilson had eXtorted
money from officers of the Linn Coun-
j ty bank when it failed, were discussed
, by Hunt
| THE only charge is that money was
paid by officers of the bank to a law
yer." said Hunt. Il think I know all
about that since the $500 was paid to
the firm of which 1 am a member.
There isn't a thing about that which
anyone should want to conceal Will
/ be very glad to go into details under
ioath"
while there has been testimony
about the payment of this fee, said
! the commissioner, there isn't a word
! that I can recall which connects Will
son with the. transaction.
t Richard J. Hopkins, attorney gen.
eral, was clearly disturbed and nervous
during a portion of Hunts argument.
Once or twice he arose from his seat
and walked the floor or sought coun-
sci with assistants. His attitude was
clearly apparent in Hunts discussion
of the bank holding corporation case.
Hopkins Approved Charter.
"The things of which the attorney
general complained were accepted
later by him when he approved the
company's charter by a mere change
of name" said Hunt. His own testi-
mony was to the effect that no wrong
full act could be shown in this case.
Records show there was no stock for
sale and there is nothing in the rec
ords to show just why blue sky per-
nit should be desired
do you claim that 1 testified there
was no wrongful act in connection
with the company's affairs 2" asked
Hopkins.
Maybe you didn't testify under
OATH" replied Hunt. "'I am really not
certain. You talked so much both as
a sworn witness and an attorney for
the state that do not recall your re-
lationship at the time you made the
statement
1t is probable the entire day will
be spent in arguing the motion to
uuash. Every phase of the state S
testimony is being discussed by Hunt
in his application. The attorney gem
erals office has not announced the
manner in which the attack will be
met or who will seek to answer Hunts S
argument. Should the motion be
overruled in whole or in part, it is pro-
bable Commissioner Wilson will him
Golf he an ga rlv witness