Project Editor: Jeffrey Miller, History 470: Digital History, Spring 2008

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NAB EX-STUDENT IN LIQUOR RAID AT N. U. PARTY

Two Professors Found in Room Where Arrest Made.

SAY CHAPERONS

Lincoln, Neb., Feb. 14.—A liquor raid in the University of Nebraska coliseum early today, following an all-university party, revealed a small quantity of liquor, officers announced, and resulted in arrest of a former student found in the room. He faces a liquor possession charge.

In the room at the time of the raid were also two members of the faculty, the wife of one of them, and two other women.

The former student arrested was Alan Williams, 1931 graduate who gained prominence as leader of nonfraternity students.

Say Checking Building.

The faculty members, Prof. L. C. Wimberly and N. E. Eliason, who were asked to confer with Assistant United States Attorney Van Pelt Tuesday, announced through an attorney that they had been chaperons at the party, and at the time of the raid were engaged in checking the building to see that all had left and that everything was in order.

Their attorney, J. A. Hayward, said they had just entered a small janitor's room, during this checkup, discovering Williams and the alleged liquor there, a moment before the raiding party of federal, county and city officers broke in from outside.

Instructors Not Accused.

Hayward said they wanted to make it clear that no charge has been placed against any member of the faculty. he said they had not been in the part of the building where the raid occurred until the final checkup, and that they were without any prior knowledge of what they found there.

Officers said they found seven quarts of beer, a pint of whisky and some wine in the small room.

Student Gives Bond.

A federal possession of liquor charge has been filed against Williams, who was released Sunday afternoon on the thousand dollars bond after appearing before Federal Commissioner Whitmore.

Prof. Wimberly, who is editor of the Prairie Schooner, and Mr. Eliason were asked to appear with Williams before Assistant District Attorney Robert Van Pelt Tuesday afternoon.

The women-Mrs. Eliason, Miss Lucille Mills and Miss Viola Butts-were also asked to report to Van Pelt's office Tuesday with the others.

Van Pelt said Sunday night the matter may be turned over to the next federal grand jury, which convenes early in March, for investigation.

Burnett Withholds Action.

A statement was authorized from Chancellor Burnett's office that he will take no action in any way until after Van Pelt's investigation of the matter is completed.

Officers, visiting Williams' apartment after arresting him, say they found an additional five gallons of wine. Miss Mills is a graduate student and Miss Butts is a former coed for whom Williams campaigned in the 1930 May queen election, advancing her as the "barb," or nonfraternity candidate.

Mr. Eliason has been an instructor in English since 1929. Prof. Wimberly has been connected with the English department since 1917.

The all-university party, which ended just before the liquor raid, was intended primarily for nonfraternity students.

Williams was a member of the Innocents honorary society last year.

He is now and [sic] insurance salesman.