The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1896-11-20

motive. are some Of the things that
caused me often to hesitate and doubt.
Many things occurred on the trial
prejudicial to the defendant. and it is
hard to tell their weight on the jury in
fixing the death penalty"
Coming, as these messages did, from
the man who presided over the trial,
they may very probably influence the
governor.
Judge Mcconnell wired Attorney
Hildreth as follows: II hardly think
1t necessary for me to go to Bismarck.
l nave just sent the following mes
sage to Gov. Allin:'' Here he repeats
the message that is given above. This
telegram undoubtedly influenced the
governor to grant the respite. 1t is
generally believed that the sentence
will, be committed. to life imprison-
ment.
Takes 1t Coolly.
Fargo, N. D.. Nov. 13.-This morning
p. B. Pelton, a resident Of Fargo, came
to Mayor johnson and said he would
make affidavit that he had heard one
OF the jurors ut the Kent trial make
the statement. before being sworn in
as a juror, that he thought Kent
should hang. This was wired Gov.
Allin. The respite is a great relief in
Fargo, where sympathy is almost en-
tirely with Kent. Hundreds of tele-
grams and letters have been sent to
Gov. Allin asking executive clen,ency.
When Kent heard Of the respite he
took 1t as n matter of course, MS he
has always expected something would
intervene and prevent his execution,
merely remcrking: THANK God for
small favors."
Kent still maintains ris innocence,
and firmly believes he won't hang. He
has hundreds of friends all over the
state who are moving heaven and
earth to prevent the execution.
Believes He Should Hang.
Minneapolis. Nov. Pit is probable
that the movement on foot to have
the sentence of NJ. r. Kent. the Man
IAN murderer. committed will receive
very little encouragement from this
city. ms those who know anything
about the case believe the convicted
man to be guilty beyond Il shadow Of
q doubt.
A short time ago several ATTORNEYS
came to tbts city to see what could he
done with Robert B. Laird aud Frank
q. Laird, the brothers Of Kcnt's wife.
and they left without accomplishing
much. The attorneys. two Of whom
were Jud In Moure and W. B. Hauser.
saw prominent attorney and laid the
object Of their visit before him. he
told them TINT he could not do any,
thing, but that they had better see
County Attorney Nye, who really rep
resented the Lnirds. Mr.. Nye was
seen. and an effort was made to hold
conference with the Lairds. The
visiting attorneys believed that there
might exist doubt as to Kent's guilt.
and they thought that Kent should not
receive henvier sentence than the
Polander. Swinenky, the actual muir.
derer. 1t is known that County At
torney Nye Is opposed to the death
penalty. but that lie would not take
any steps without the Lairds were
willing. An effort was made to see the
Thirds yesterday morning but without
success. 1t ia understood, however.
that they would not consent to q con.
ference, and that the attorneys re-
turned to North Dakota without get
ting any satisfaction. It is further I'M
derstood that they are bitter against
Kent aud believe that he should pay
the extreme penalty Of the law FOR the
murder Of their sister.