located I found one of
the worst and most corrupt political rings on the face of the earth.
This combination had controlled the politics of the county for almost a
quarter of a century. Soon I became involved in a terrific newspaper war
with the members of this political organization. An election of county
and State officials was soon to take place. In order to test the
strength of the contending elements, in my newspaper, I presented
the name of Hon. W. D. Gilbert as a candidate for district judge in
opposition to the ring candidate. A sharp fight ensued. Mr. Gilbert
was elected by an overwhelming majority. This was the first time for
twenty-five years that this ring had been defeated. The members of
it were very sore. Looking upon me as the principal spirit, I was the
object toward which they directed all their shafts of spite.

Some time before this an insurance company had been organized in the
city of Atchison. I was invited to become its president. I examined the
books of the corporation, and found it to be organized according to the
laws of Kansas; that the company had a charter from the State, and also
certified authority to issue policies of insurance, granted by the State
insurance commissioner. I accepted the presidency on condition that
the company was simply to have the use of my name, and that I was not
expected to give any of my time to the company, as I was otherwise
engaged. I was editor of a daily newspaper, and could not attend to
anything else. While this company was doing business a printed circular
was used, stating that the corporation had one hundred thousand dollars
PAID up capital. This circular was sent out through the mails over
the State advertising the business. It was charged this circular was
fraudulent; that the company did not have that amount of capital paid
in. My name was attached to this printed circular. For this, I was
indicted in the United States District Court, on the charge of using
the mails for fraudulent purposes. The advertised capital of this
corporation was SUBSCRIBED, but not all paid in, as it was not needed in
the business of the company. After indictment I was arrested, and gave
bonds for my appearance at the next term of court, which was held soon
after.

Not being able to secure the attendance of all my witnesses, my attorney
wrote the prosecuting attorney asking his consent that my case be
continued. The request was granted. When the case was called, my
attorney