The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-04-26

ments of Weaver that he knew
Weaver had forged notes to
cover the sums he took out Of
the bank s assets and handed
over to Walb to help Walb in
various financial difficulties.
The former State chairman said
he heard rumors Of forgeries in
the bank before June, but could
get no satisfaction about the mat
ter from Weaver, who said every
thing was in good shape.
Showdown Demanded
He said at directors meeting,
June 25, 1927, he demanded that
Weaver bring in all bad paper and
Weaver did so, placing it in groups,
admitting that it was forged, and
setting out about $4,000 worth that
Weaver claimed went to Walb.
There was another group that he
said went to his company, the Bet
ter Service Company" Walb said. Il
asked him why he didn't tell me
about his taking care Of me and
he didn't answer.
81 never knew Of any other notes
than those that he brought out that
time until L came to the trial in this
court. never advised him to eX-
ecute any notes for my benefit. He
said the total of all forged paper
in the bank was $4,000.
Promise to Give Security
"I told the board it was the first
I knew of it, and 1 would be there
two days later with legitimate Sc
curity."
Walb said he was there with
bonds and other notes to take the
place of those that Weaver claimed
we're his. He said among the Sc
curity was a note from Jack Lewis,
collector OF the State Republican
committee.
Walb asserted he entered the
bank as stockl older and director in
1919 at Weaver's request. He testi-
fed that in last four years he was
in La Grange only one-fourth Of
his time.
He stated that although his con-
Struction business was profitable, it
was necessary to borrow money. He
said much of his time was spent at
Republican headquarters.
II overdrew my accounts several
times in the last few years." Walb
admitted. 81 talked to Weaver and
other officers about overdrafts while
waiting for money on construction
business, and sent memorandums
to the bank"
Saw Note Signed
Walb admitted he prepared note
of $4,000 and that he saw Emil
Thieves and Neil Johnson sign the
note. They have denied signing the
note, saying they we're in Florida.
Walb testified they signed it be-
fore going to Florida. He said when
they signed it the amount had not
been filled in. The note was to
raise money for his company.
On cross-examination by Ward,
Walb continued denying forgeries.
Ward hammered question after
question into the witness. AS this
continued, Walb became nervous
and irritated.
He ran his hands through his
hair, talked fast and loud, and kept
changing his position in the chair.
Ward brought admission from
Walb that his personal and COM
pany overdrafts would be on bank
records. Ward then had Walb read
entries for several months on over
drafts, getting the defendant to
admit all we're correct.
Jurors smiled at this procedure.
Walb admitted he knew Weaver
was furnishing from $4,000 to $751;
500 a month to him, but denied
knowing the money came from the
bank.
Weaver went on the stand for
the Government after pleading
guilty, and told how he and Walb
to forge names of wealthy
citizens in and around La Grange
to hundreds of thousands Of dollars
worth of notes to cover up advances
of money to Walb, some of Walb's
companies and Weaver.
The defense is attempting to
show that most of the forgeries
were negotiated without Walb's