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

knowledge and that when Walb did
find out that forgeries had been
perpetrated he made efforts to
straighten things out.
Frank j. Dunten, La Grange at
torney, and John w. Hanan, for
mer Federal judge, took the stand
Wednesday afternoon in WalbS de-
Tense, explaining that a statement
signed by Weaver was for the pur-
pose of breaking down rumors that
were in circulation about the banks
condition in 1927, so Walb could
gather $4,000 for his construction
business.
Denies It's His Statement
Weaver, in his testimony, said the
statement produced in court was
not the one he had signed. Hanan
and Dunten said it was, and that
Weaver read it over two or three
times and finally approved it.
The defense plans completion of
its case by tonight, which, if there
are no bitches, will place the case
before the jury late Friday.
Closing arguments by Defense At
torney Homer Elliott and prosecu-
ton counsel will oe made Friday,
it is expected, along with the in
structions Of Federal Judge Walter
Lindley.
The Government rested it's case
shortly after 4 o'clock Wednesday.
This was done after Weaver testi-
fed. He was the last of forty wit
nesses for the Government.
Just as Silas D. Weaver, brother
of the defendant, who Walb called
"Valty," when discussing forgeries
and false entries with him, COM
pleted testifying, Weaver's attorneys
announced their client would change
his plea to guilty.
Weaver Swaps and Mods
In answer to the courts question
directed at Weaver, the defendant
came slowly to his feet and nodded
assent to his attorneys remarks. He
swayed slightly from side to side,
gripping the table for support.
Immediately, Walb's and prosecute
ing attorneys called hurried confer
enceS and announced they were
ready to hear Weaver.
His hair that has turned white
in the last few months glinted in
the afternoon sun. The man who
once was the idol of his community;
who fathers pointed out to their
sons; who belonged to every Or
ganization in the county and who
was active in church work, now
broken financially, physically, and
in spirit, was ready to tell his story.
One side of his mouth dropped
slightly, the effects of stroke Of
paralysis he suffered last week,
brought on by worry and nervous
strain.
Weaver Tells Story
Here is his story:
Starting in 1922, Walb came to
him and said there were many
people of good financial standing in
the county and that overdrafts
could be covered by dropping in"
forged notes and making false
entries.
Under questioning by Ward, he
traced several fake notes and entries,
reluctantly branding them forgeries.
There were many overdrafts in
Walb's personal and company &C
counts" he said. Forged notes were
put in to even them up. 1 signed
many of the false notes and so did
Walb.
81 made all the false entries.
Time after time Walb came to me
and mentioned names Of wealthy
persons in the neighborhood and
suggested sign their names to
notes. And l did"
Weaver declared that Walb made
several promises that fake notes
would be replaced by good security
in q short time.
The witness said Walb told him
he was going to procure State
deposit fund and that this would
aid in putting the bank back to
normally.
But he kept telling me to take
care of overdrafts the same way
and I used names of my friends to
sign the fake notes" Weaver said.
II told him the business was
dangerous, but he said it would be
cleared up. Walb and I continued
this practice for four years, or
maybe it was longer than that"