The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1909-07-09
FIGHT FOR A FARM
LEDBETERS TO WREST PROPERTY
FROM THE DEFENSE.
They Will Apply Immediately to Have
A. H. Schroeder Removed From
Position of Administrator; Exami-
nation of Dust From the Foor of
Bedroom and Barn Has Been Made:
Blood Traces Found.

The Ledbeter family have decided to
wrest the Ledbeter farm from the pos
session of the defense They believe
that it ought to be in charge of some
disinterested party who will give both
the state and the defense a fair show.
They will apply Immediately to the
probate court to have the special ad-
minstrator A. H. Schroeder, removed,
and replaced by man who will treat
both sides fairly.
The states attorneys announced this
afternoon that they and the officers
would make thorough examination of
the Ledbeter farm, and that it would
not be made in the presence of any
one who might be spying upon them in
the interest of the defense, to report to
the defense anything that they might
be able to ascertain. They have been
unable to do this since the special adj
ministrator took charge, and they feel
that the state has some rights in its
attempt to sift the matter to the bot
tom and ascertain who are the probably
guilty parties.
The hearing on the application for
the appointment of Louis Anderson as
guardian for the Ledbeter children has
been set for July Is at 2 p. m.
Sheriff Donahue made a mysterious
trip to Minneapolis this morning on the
early train. There is no reason known
why ne should 60 unless it is in con-
nection with the murder case, and it is
believed that he has some important
mission to perform.
Traces of Blood
The defense, it is understood, has had
the dust from the floor of the Ledbeter
bedroom examined and also debris from
the floor of the barn, and it is reported
that microscopic examination has
failed to reveal any signs of blood in
the bedroom dust, but that traces of
human blood were found in the stable
debris. AS it is so long since the muir
of this kind would have much weight,
as the stable debris has probably been
many times since May 5.
Smith Still Intact.
Reports that Frank Smith is break |
ing down or showing signs of insanity |
IRE laughed at at the county Jail. He
is Il man who has been used to out |
Of door work. and the confinement has
-old somewhat upon his health, parti-
;ularly his appetite, and it was thought
,est to have medicine given him to
-one up lis stomach. He is practi-
ally in solitary confinement, and this
s also naturally depressing, but his
rind is So i'd to be Us clear as it ever
vas. -
Brooks Retained By Defense.
County Surveyor Brooks has been re-
aimed by the defense. He has not yet
eceived any instructions as to what
% do. The states attorneys are de-
irous of employing Mr.. Brooks, also,
md dividing the expense. They look
lpon it that engineering is an exact
eience, and that measurements ought
o be accepted by one side as well as
lie other if made by competent man.
f Mr.. Brooks was to make plats of
he farm and buildings, they contend
hat these ought to be accepted by {
18th sides as accurate, and that there (
5 no reason to "retain" engineer,
S O. lawyer or detective might be re-
aimed.
Deputy Sheriff Phillips went west
esterday afternoon, expecting to re-
urn this afternoon, but it is thought
hat his trip is in connection with his
use at Ballaton.
Chief Pond and Attorney Geddes
,ere out on an evidence hunting trip
.st evening.