The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-05-02
MEMBERS
STAND To
APPLAUD
Congressman Takes Part In
Rousing Demonstration as
He Appears After Trial

A rousing reception was ac-
corded Congressman Harold Knut-
son of Minnesota, when he ap-
peared on the floor of the House
today following his acquittal yes
terday in Arlington county, Vir-
ginia, courthouse on a grave
charge.
Congressman Knutson appeared
on the floor a few minutes after
the House convened and members
rose to their feet and applauded
him for several minutes, follow
ing which an impromtu reception
was held, scores of members
crowding to grasp his hand.
Haggard After Ordeal.
Knutson was attired in a natty
light spring suit. He appeared a
trifle nervous and haggard after
his long ordeal.
Il never had the slightest doubt
about the ultimate outcome OF the
case. Mr.. Knutson said in a pre-
pared statement today. ct knew
that when a fair-minded jury would
get all the facts I would be com.
pletely and promptly indicated. l
received a fair trial both from the
judge and jury. It was what I ex-
pected from a Virginia court.
Thanks His Friends.
"The awful ordeal through which
/ have passed, no man can imagine.
I would not wish my most bitter
enemy such modification.
my friends and colleagues never
lost confidence in my innocence.
Their loyalty 1 can never repay. I
am especially grateful to my COL
leagues from Minnesota, who stood
so firmly by me. My gratitude to
my counsel who so ably brought
out the facts and so eloquently pre-.
scented them to the jury is without
bounds.
Il want to thank my constituents
for their manifestation of confidence
in my innocence. They who knew
me best could not, and would not,
believe me guilty Of the crime
charged. Their confidence in me
has been confirmed by the prompt
decision Of the jury"
Defended BY Colleagues,
Congressman Walter H. Newton
and o. j. Larson, both of Mime.
sofa, who with State Senator Frank
L. Ball, of Virginia, defended Knut.
son, issued the following state.
ment today:
THE day following the arrest we
made a thorough investigation into
the facts. We were convinced of
Mr.. Knutson's innocence and that
the arrest was made upon mere
suspicion and that 1t could have
happened to any one else under
similar circumstances. The yer.
dict which was rendered prompt.
ly, was strictly in accord with the
evidence and was what we had
from the start"
The Knutson case went to the Jury
shortly before 4, o'clock yesterday
afternoon in the courthouse of Ar.
ltngton county, Va, at Clarendon.
The jury deliberated until 5 o'clock,
announcing a verdict Of not guilty.
Cheered by Spectators
Despite warnings by Judge Sam.
uel G. Brent hat he would permit
no demonstration, the $50 specta.
tors cheered loudly when the &C.
quittal became known.
knutson was in the courtroom
at the time. He rushed over to
William c. Cloth, commonwealth
attorney, shook his hand and then
falriy ran to the jury. He was all
smiles. He gave each Juror a
hearty handshake. Next he shook
hands with his counsel.
Inc spectators gathered about
MIN, more than fifty people seek.
ing a chance to shake hands with
the Congressman. This was the
second demonstration of the day
In favor Of Knutson.
The case against Leroy M, Hull.
Government employee, indicted with
has been nolle pressed.