The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-03-17
BRYS0N TO HANG.
George Duncan BrysOn Adjudged
Guilty Of The Murder of His Mis-
tress, Annie Lundstrom.
Judge Mcconnell Sentences Him to
Hang Aug. 9, First Stating the
Prisoners Rights OF Appeal.
No Emotion shown by the Prisoner Either
at the Verdict or when Sentenced
ATaiL with the Condemned.

BOULDER, March l6.-[Special TO the
Independent THE Bryson case, which
occupied the attention of the court during
the entire week, is now matter OF history.
The jury, after fifteen hours deliberation,
came into court this morning and returned
q verdict Of guilty Of murder In the first de-
gree. Although the evidence was well
nigh conclusive In establishing his guilt.
yet from the fact that 1t was entirely cir.
cumstantial In character, there were many
who believed that the trial would result In
the disagreement of the Jury. The general
sentiment prevailed, however, that an
acquittal was out OF the question, and when
the jury was seen leaving the room this
morning at Y o'clock, In which they had
deliberated for SO long time, there was a
unanimous accord In the belief that the
defendants doom was sealed. The fact Of
agreement was made manifest TO those In
the court room by the general rush which
the outsiders made 10 get In, 80 that they
might be- observers Of the impressive scenes
which were about TO be enacted. At this
time the trial OF another case was In pro-
gress, and when the fact became known
that the jury was about TO enter the court
ings. When the jury entered. although
the room was filled 10 Its utmost capacity,
the most intense quiet prevailed. The
defendant not being present, the sheriff
was directed to bring him. After the lapse
of few minutes the door opened, and in
stinctively every eye was turned In that
direction. Preceded and followed by dep
uty sherffs, the defendant appeared, and
neither looking to the right nor 10 the left,
he walked forward and took the seat
which he has occupied during the entire
progress OF the trial, and with an air OF in
difference, as II entirely oblivious OF the
surroundings, he assumed an attitude OF
complacency, which Is CHARACTERISTIC OF the
man. The interr0gating prop0unded by
the court 10 the foreman OF the jury as 10
whether or not they had agreed upon a
did not seem 10 affect him. At the time
his eyes were downcsst, with his hands
resting on his knees. Knowing, as he did.
that the concentrated gaze of the entire
audience was upon him, he did not betray
the slightest evidence Of emotion. The
reading of the verdict by the clerk, which
dispelled the illusiveness of the hope enter
tanned by him, and which had hitherto
helped 20 buoy him up In the face OF the
damniDg facts which confronted him, did
not seem TO affect him. At this crucial and
critical moment he was the same George
Duncan Bryson that he was when watch
ing the proceedings as the trial progressed,
or when upon the witness stand,
detailing facts which he thought would ex-
tricate him from the consequences which
the terrible crime which he had committed
time TO be In deep reverie, and although
the court in an audible tone directed the
sheriff to retake him TO the jail IL required
an intimatiOn on the part OF the sheriff to
bring him 10 q consciousness OF the fact
that he was not free agent, and was sub.
ject 10 the stern be1ests of the law.
Immediately after the reading OF the ver-
dict his attorney gave notice Of an inten-
tion 20 move for new trial, and that dis
posed OF the defendant was taken from the
courtroom.
This being the last day OF the term of the
court II became known that sentence would
be pronounced some time In the afternoon,
and there seemed 10 be q general desire u
witness the last act In the drama prepara
tory TO his execution. AT S3clock he was
again brought into court, and although dis
playing no evidences OF perturbation or
emotion there was apparent perceptiblt
change. IL WAS quite evident from the
dehthly pallOr which Overspread his face
that the few hours which interviewed from
the time of the rendition Of the verdict, un
I'll then, were hours of disquietude OF the
most distressing character. This, how
ever. was the only change observable,
In his mind at that time. II
must have required great effort on his
| part 10 exhibit the cool exterior which he
| did, which TO any other than George Dun
can Bryson would be well nigh impossible
As at the morning hour the audience was
all that the apartment could have con
tanned. He took seat beside bis counsel
II ~. L... Y.l l.
| and awaited the developments OF the ensu
| ing moments with an expression Of coun
/ tenance In which there was q blending OF
anxiety and apathy. His attention was
| aroused when his name was pronounced
| by the court, and turning his eyes In that
| direction they remained fixed In that man
ner during the progress OF the events
which followed. With solemnity which
| only an occasion Of that kind could bring
about, the scene was one OF the most pro
| found impressiveness. The court, as ex
| planatory OF the necessity OF pr0n0nncinq
| Judgment then, said: "The court will ad
journ to-day, which is the reason why II II
necessary 70 pronounce sentence at this
| time. Your attorney has entered a motion
for n new trial. He will not have
time 10 prepare that motion until after the
adjournment OF court but that can lie
heard at chambers, and the question a. u
whether you will be granted q new trial OF
not will be determined when that motion
comes up 10 be heard. | expect 10 be re.
lieved OF my position In few days, ana II
IA not likely that 1 will hear the motion, 50
that you will get the benefit of a review OF
these proceedings by another jldge al
chambers. Should that judge see fit 10
oyerrule your motion for a new trial, you
can then have a review Of these proceed.
ings by the supreme court OF this territory
In the month OF July; and IL will only be
when the Judge at chambers shall think
you are not entitled 10 new trial, and the
supreme court shall accord in that judg.
ment that the execution Of the sentence,
which II Is my duty under the law now to
pronounce, will take place"
SENTENCE OF DEATH.
"Let the prisoner stand up. Mr.. Bryson,
the jury have found you guilty Of murder
In the first degree upon the fourth count In
the In the indictment, for killing Annie
Lundstrom, In the vicinity OF the city OF
Helena, on the night Of the 2lst OF August
A N Ie(S Kau haya haA . o. nd f.x.