The Washington times., 1922-04-03
Len Small, Illinois Governor,
On Trial In Conspiracy Case
Rotund Executive Accused Of
Defrauding State Of $780,
619.31 Interest Money-De-
clares Arrest Is Work Of His
Political Enemies.
a.. uANsES L EuI CAUIIN
BY JAMES X. KILGALLEN.
International News Service.

WAUKEGAN. H., April SIN the
roomy light wainscoted Lake county
courtroom. where portraits of Iill-
nois lumintries look down under
meath an American flag, Len Small,
the governor OF the State, will go
on trial today on the charge OF con-
spiracy to defraud the people out OF
S819,69l.3l interest money, provid'
lug that the frequently delayed case
is not again postponed.
But only the most cynical of dyed
in-the-woof politicians are expecting
a delay this time. Judge Claire c.
Edwards has declared that he will
grant no more postponements.
1t will be the greatest day in the
life Of Len Small, the genial, ro.
tund, middle sized chief executive
Of the State; greater. indeed, than
the supreme moment in his life,
January 10, 1921, when he took the
oath of office as the governor of H.
linois amid impressive ceremonies
at the State capitol In Springfield.
Name Under a Cloud.
For Governor Small his name un.
der a cloud. his entire future hang
ing in the balance, will be face TO
face with the opportunity to prove
that the charges against him are
false and the work Of his political
enemies.
II is expected that the governors
relatives and close friends will rally
to his side. At the governors side
throughout the court proceedings
will be his son. Leslie, managing
editor Of kankakee newspaper,
whose confidence in his father has
never wavered since the day he was
indicted in Springfield. Sangamon
county, last July.
Mrs. Small. the governors wife,
il due to come here next week. She
will be accompanied by her daugh-
ter-in-law. Mrs. Leslie Small. and
Leslie Small's two lively sons-Len
III, aged seven. and Burrill. aged
four.
The governor already has entered
a plea in court of mot guilty" Pub.
licly and privately he has asserted
that the charges against him were
faction for the purpose Of killing him
off politically.
Accuses Attorney General.
He accuses Edward j. Brundage
attorney general of Illinois, a Re-
tnt TICKET
with him, of being the chief con.
spirator against him. lie alleges
that Attorney c. Fred Mortimer, OF
Sangamon county. has been induced
to align himself with Brundage in
the conspiracy" He denies that he
ever got a cent OF the public's money
illegally.
Attorney General Brundsge says
he will leave 1t to the jury.
I'VE are trying Len Small. the
man, not Len Small. the governor, ,"
he said.
The prosecution will make every
effort TO keep politics out of the
trial, il was said. But this is believed
almost impossible. In some quarters
the case Is referred to as a political
trial"
1t will be the first time in the his
tory of Illinois that a governor will
20 on trial on criminal charges. Two
other governors. John p. Altgeld and
John r. Tanner, have been indicted
But the charges against them did
not question their personal integrity
or honesty.
The alleged conspiracy began, II Is
charged. during the term OF Small 3
State treasurer. in 1917. The con-
carried on by Small's successor.
Fred w. Sterling, the present
lieutenant governor.
During Smalls term as State treas
urer, 1t is charged. sl7,91S, 900 wa 9