Jamestown weekly alert. [volume] (Jamestown, Stutsman County, D.T. [N.D.]) 1882-1925, 1911-07-06
B|CKF0RD VERDICT
A COMPROMISE
NEW TRIAL MOTION TO BE AR
GUED AND POSSIBLE
APPEAL

Washburn, N. D., June 29.-On
August 81, Judge Crawford will hear
motion for retrial and arrest of
judgment in the Bickford case, pro-
viding the transcript of the testimony
can be prepared in that time. Bangs
for the defense, says in the event of
retrial being denied, an appeal will
be taken. The state expresses dis
appointment over the amount fixed
by the jury in the verdict. The small
sum was fixed as a compromise to
bring over one juror holding out for
| acquittal.
Attorney George Bangs for the
defense, said: THE verdict is pal
pably contrary to all evidence Of
| fered in the case. An appeal VIII
| most assuredly be taken"
Washburn, June 28.-The trial Of
G. l.. Bickford former state treas
urer, charged with the embezzlement
of 100000 of the states funds, Was
concluded today after having occu-
pied the attention of the courts since
Monday, June 10.
Becauses of the fact that at times
the political spectre made it's ap-
pearance behind witness, the case
has attracted the attention of poll
ticians over the state, beyond that
occasioned by the prominence Of the
defendant and the seriousness Of the
| charge.
Bicxford was elected state treasur-
er on the republican ticket in 1908,
being the choice of the insurgent
wing of the party. His arrest fol-
lowed the installation of his success
sor, Gunder Olson, into the Office.
Olson testified at the trial that
| when he found in the cash drawer
certificates of deposit on the First
State bank of Bowbells to the amount
of 100000, he refused to accept
them as cash. Bickford was at that
time. president. of the BoWbells bank.
| Olson said that Bickford called him
into his private office and asked him
to carry the Bowbells bank certifi-
Gates as cash for ninety days, saying
that the bank was unable to take
| them up at that time, as he (Bick-
ford), had loaned some money to his
brother, also made some bad invest
ments himself.
This Olson refused 10 DO.
Bickford was arrested twice on tie
same charge. States Attorney G. l..
Smith made the complaint in the
first case and Bickford was arrest
ed.
Later, Attorney General Miller
swore out warrant against Bickford
and he was again arrested.
Miller did not assist in the prose-
cution however.
Smiths assistants were his lart-
ner, F. E. McCurdy and Judge Fnge-
rud of Fargo George Bangs of
Grand Forks conducted the 1efsnse
assisted by the law firm of Niles and
Koeffel of Bismarck.
Bickford took the stand in his own
defense, the examination and cross
examination occupying more than
day. The cross examination by the
state was very severe and materially
strengthened the prosecutions case.
During this cross examination the.
defendent made admissions that were
believed by many to be damaging
in the extreme.
Mrs. Bickford attended the trial
during the latter part of the hear
ing.
After his arrest purchasers of his
Bowbells bank took up the certifi-
Gates of deposit Olson objected to,
so that the state lost no money by the
alleged manipulations Of Bickford,
except that probably the interest on a
part Of the amount in question. The
defense. made this strong point.