South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-06-25
VERDICT
AFTER ONE HOUR
AND35 MINUTES
Spectators Cheer and Whistle
When the Decision Is
Announced.
GIVES OUT STATEMENT
Governor Says People of
Illinois Have Their An
swer'-Thanks Citizens.

WAUKEGAN. IL. June 24.-(By
A P)-GOv. Len Small was aczuit-
ted today OF conspiring with Lieut..
Gov. Fred z. Sterling. the late Sen.
Edward c. Curtis and Vernon Cur
tbs. Grant Park banker. 10 defraud
the state Of interest money on public
funds. The jury was out one hour
and 50 minutes.
How many ballots they took is IN
question. different reports ranging
from two 10 nine.
Following announcement OF the
verdict 500 spectators were on their
feet. Many poured over the railing
and into the bar enclosure. Men
shouted and whistled while women
laughed. cried or clapped their
hands.
While the jury was celebrating.
the governor, confident Of acquittal.
dictated a statement 10 his private
secretary. II said.
The verdict OF not guilty is
result I was always sure would fol
low in the trial OF abe case against
me, and this for the reason that
knew there was no guilt.
Il was particularly DESTROYS that
the people OF the state OF Illinois
should know fully and in detail each
and every transaction which was IN
the hands OF the persons who in
spired this prosecution.
The people OF Illinois have their
answer.
II will return 10 my official duties
and II these people who have been
seeking 10 destroy my usefulness will
take the verdict OF this jury as a re-
pudiauon Of their methods I will,
with the help of God. give to the
people Of illinois the best admins
tration l am capable Of
Len SMALL
The statement also included ex-
pressions Of gratitude to the people
and counsel
Charles Leforge. OF Decatur, who
conducted the governors defense.
issued a statement commenting on
the fact that the case was unique in
that the governor decided TO present
no evidence in his own behalf, but
TO go 70 the jury on the testimony
produced by the states witnesses.
C. Fred Mortimer. states attorney.
entered a motion to continue the
case OF Vernon Curtis, indicted with
the governor until the October term
OF court. and Judge EdN ards granted
It. Il Is possible that Mr.. Curtis may
not be tried
History OF Case.
The case against Gov. Len Small
OF Illinois, started nearly a year
ago. when the grand Jury Of Sanga-
mon county began an investigation
at Springfield. the capital. july 9.
Lieut. Gov. Fred Sterling and Yer
non Curtis. a banker OF Grant Park,
Ills. and brother Of the late Sen.
Edward Curtis. were indicted.
There were four indictments. The
three defendants were charged with
embezzling 100000. GOV. Small
alone was charged with embezzling
$500. 900 during his term as state
treasurer. Lieut. Gov. Sterling was
charged with embezzling 100000
while he was treasurer. The fourth
Indictment charged the three jointly
with conspiracy and operating a
confidence game. involving s. 000.-
900 Of state money.
Gov Small announced he would
refuse 10 submit 20 arrest and after
the court al Springfield had received
the indictments. the governors
counsel contended that he was inn
mune by reason Of his official posi-
ton and set up the claim OF ancient
monarchial law, that the king can
do no wrong" Judge Smith over
ruled the plea
Finally Sheriff hester besieged the
capital building on Aug .. and the
governor submitted 20 arrest az the
executive mansion and gave bond
Later the governor and Mr. Curtis
obtained change OF venue 20 Lake
county. and the case was shifted
here where eventually au the In
dictments. except the conspiracy
bill. were dismissed
The case went 20 trial nine weeks
ac1 and three weeks were spent IN
selecting a jury. The case was
marked by much legal jockeying.
The essence OF the states charges
was that the governor. while state
treasurer. consplred with Sen. Cur
tbs 20 loan state funds 20 the Chicago
packers on short term notes. payins
as high az sik percent interest oi
which only two percent was alleged
20 have been paid 20 the state.
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