The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1909-11-08

Mankato, MINI, NOV. S.-The grand
jury of the November term of the dis
trict court has been summoned for 9
p. m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10. The
most important matter to come be-
fore that tribunal will be the murder
of H. J. Ledbeter, and the considera-
ton of the evidence that the state
will present against the four persons
accused or causing his death or being
implicated in the crime.
The widow OF the murdered farmer
Mrs. Grace Ledlbeter, and the hired
man, Frank Smith, are held to the
grand jury on the charge of murder in
the first degree and Mr.. and Mrs. will
liam Schwandt OF Sanborn are held to
the jury as being accessories after the
fact.
Evidence From Distant States.
Numerous Witnesses are to be ex-
amined, and two days at least are ex-
ected to be consumed in this way
Some of the witnesses are from a dis
lance. The public is not informed as
to who all of them are, and mystery
surrounds some Of the states more re-
cent work
Sheriff Donahue returned several
days ago from a ten days trip 20
Pennsylvania, but beyond the fact that
it was in connection with the Ledbeter
case the state will make no adrnis-
sions. Deputy Sheriff G. G. Philips
has been similarly employed In North
Dakota for Two weeks. In fact, the
state has been unusually active the
past three weeks, and seems to be
confident that 1t will be able to make
a strong case. That itsl principal er-
forts are being directed 20 the wind
ing of the various strings of evidence
around Mrs. Ledbeter is not doubted
Frank Smiths oft repeated story
Of the crime win cut a large figure IN
the case. It is believed that the stare
has been bending every effort to OBJ
tanning corroborating testimony, for
the story of itself could hardly be ex-
pected to prove Mrs. Ledbeter's guilt,
beyond a shadow of a doubt. especial '
in view OF Smiths record as to vera
city.
Judge Quinn May Preside.
The county attorney will be assisted
in the trial by w. r. Geddes Of this
city and George w. Peterson of ong
Prairie, assistant attorney general.
and possibly C, L. Benedict of Man
kato. Mr.. Peterson viii not appear
until the actual trial opens, which is
not expected to be until after Dec. /.
If Judge Pfau pgesides Ii is thought
his preferences would be to have ii
begin not earlier than the middle of
December, provided, of course, that
indictments are returned, as no one
doubts will be the case.
1t is not definitely known that Judge
Pfau will preside, when the matter
Of Mrs. Ledbeter's application for bail
came up for a hearing, Judge Pfau
called In Judge Quinn to hear It, and
some believe he will do the same at
the trial of the cases. So far as the
public knows at the present time,
however. he has no such intention.
Next in Interest TO Koch Trials.
This week the heroic figure of Jus
tice, over the tower OF the county
courthouse. was perfected by restoring
to 1t the scales that storm some years
ago blew of. A steeplejack from the
twin cities did the job. The old scales
had been stored in the basement Of
the building and were stolen by some
miscreant from almost under the feet
OF the blindfolded goddess. New
scales than had to be designed and
manufactured
The restoring of the scales to the
uplifted hand Of the figure was made
at q very appropriate time, for the
trial Of the Ledbeter case will involve
the careful Weighing of testimony of
great Importance. and It's outcome will
be watched with more general inter-
est In Minnesota and sections of other
states than any trial since the famous
DIR. Kock trials
Defense Takes No Chances.
While the state has been active, the