Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1911-06-29


Miller did not assist in the prosecu-
ton, however.
Smiths assistants were his partner,
F. E. McCurdy, and Judge Engerud
of Fargo. George Bangs of Grand
Forks conducted the defense, assisted
by the law firm of Niles & Koeffel Of
Bismarck.
More than a day was taken up in
the empaneling Of the. jury, particu-
lar attention being paid, by the de-
tense at least, to the political affilia-
lions Of the prospective jurors ex.
amined.
The state had twenty-five witnesses
subpoenaed, but only used ten, rest
ing it's case with an abruptness that
was a surprise to those who had been
Informed as to the number of wit
nesses for the prosecution on hand.
The defense had nearly as many
witnesses as the state.
During the trial exhibits number
ing nearly two hundred were offered
in evidence. For the most part they
were checks, drafts, etc.
Because of its technical nature, the
evidence was for the most part very
hard to follow. Most of the testf-
mony was direct from records, and
to comprehend it all one must needs
have been an expert accountant.
Few sensations developed during
the trial, contrary to the expectations
of those who went to Washburn to
witness the hearing of the case.
The testimony of Mrs. Ellen Nit
chell, for eight years chief clerk in the
office of the state treasurer, rpoduced
a mild sensation when she testified
that she had strenuously objected to
counting as cash some memoranda
slips the defendant had put in the
drawer to account for the withdrawal
of some twenty thousand dollars.
Gunder Olson's testimony was also
of a sensational nature and his rela.
ton of mis- conversation with Bickford
relative to the Bowbells bank deposit
certificates, was very important to
the prosecution.
Most of the jueors who had the
fate of Bickford in their hands were
farmers, and for the most part repub-
licans in politics.
Nearly all of the books and files Of
the state treasurer's Office were pro-
duced as evidence during the trial.
Mrs. Mitchell brought with her al
steel trunk full of everything from a
massive collection register to an un.
important appearing check which had
been apid many months ago.
Many of the witnesses were past
or present state officials or deputies.
The thoroughness of the attorneys
in the work of gathering evidence is
illustrated by the fact that as sort
of preliminary the great table of cleo
ton figures prepared by the official
board of election canvassers was Of
fered in evidence.
Washburn, the county seat of Nc
Lean county, profited materially in
financial way, as result of the trial
being held there. One hotel alone
served sixty dinners nearly every day
during the trial.
county on change of venue from Bur.
leigh county. Judge w. c. Crawford
of Dickinson sat in the case, being
called in by Judge Winchester against
whom an affidavit of prejudice had
been filed.
Bickford took the stand in his own
defense, the examination and cross ex-
occupying more than a day.
The cross examination by the state
was very severe. and materially
the prosecutions case.
During this cross examination the de-
PENDANT made admissions that were
believed by many to be damaging
n the extreme
Mrs. Bickford attended the trial dur
ng the latter part of the hearing.
After Bickford's arrest purchasers
If his Bowbells bank took up the GER
ifcates of deposit Olson objected to.
20 that the state lost no money by the
alleged manipulations Of Bickford, ex-
,ept that probably the interest on a
)art of the amount in question. The
License made this a strong point.
EXCURSION LAUNCH TRIPS.
Two Gasoline Launches will give
on the Fourth of July from
boat landing to Rock Haven and to
Did Fl. Lincoln. Round trip, SOC each.
CLEARANCE SALE OF MILLINERY
Your choice Of any trimmed hat or