Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 100, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 April 1919 — WALLACE EVANS IS ACQUITTED [ARTICLE]

WALLACE EVANS IS ACQUITTED

JURY FREES MAN CHARGED WITH HAVING FILED FALSE CLAIM AGAINST COUNTY. Fowler, Ind., April 28.-—After deliberating seventeen minutes a jury in the Benton county circuit court acquitted Wallace W. Evans, wealthy land owner and contractor, of a charge of having filed a false' claim for money said to be due his firm on the Fleming gravel road contract. 'Seven attorneys argued eight hours. It was a sensational case and attracted state-wide interest. Wallace W. Evans listened today through long hours of argument’ in which the attorneys for the state and attorneys for the defense discussed with great oratorical ability, the question of his guilt or innocence of having filed a false claim in connection with the construction of the Fleming gravel road iji Pine township, Benton county, Ind. r There was a great deal for the attorneys to talk about. It was an unusual case, and there were an unusual set of circumstances for discussion. The Evans case has shown that certain county officials have not followed the law in their methods. They have been “accommodating” to the contractors. They have endeavored' to everyone connected with the construction of the road. They have not been faithful officials in the eyes of the law, but it is only fair to say that these officials have followed precedents, and there is not a single word of evidence in the case that even indicates that any them are grafters. From the evidence introduced in the Evans case, the only sins committed by any public official are those of neglect to do what the law requires them to do.