The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1912-10-19
WHAT HAS BECOME
OF BICKFORD CASE

Bismarck Tribune: What has be-
come of the Bickford case?" is the
question which now seems to be turn
ing over in the minds of the public
throughout the state. The question
has become a very common one of late
in all circles. A day does not pass that
the politicians and citizens from all
quarters of the state who drop into the
capital city do not ask this question.
Two or more gentlemen meet in the
hotel lobby and settle down for a little
visit. One asks, whats new" and
invariably the next question is, What
has become of the Bickford case?
Who is holding it up? Is it the at
torney general, the states attorney, or
the defendants attorneys?" Such are
the questions being carried around in
the minds Of the people of the state.
The Tribune, in order to get a COM
p~rshensive idea of the situation for
the enlightenment of the public,
made a thorough investigation of the
matter, and in simmering it down
finds that nothing has been done for
the a that the clerk of court of
Mclean county, a failed to certify
the case UP to the supreme court.
Section 10147 of the code makes this
mandatory upon the clerk, but The
II = ~ 80 50 A0S ~ 61 WY NAAR
condition exists. This is necessary
before the briefs are to be filed. BY
reason of the fact that this delay has
been made, it is now doubtful If the
case can get in at this term of the
| supreme court n in all probability
it will have to go ove to the April
term, which will undoubtedly be very
satisfactory to Mr.. Bickford,
Delay Does Not Effect Status,
However. the delay does not affect
the status Of the case in the least,
and the object of the appeal is but to
| secure another trial, which of course
chance to get clear, Should the court
refuse the petition in the appeal the
| sentence of Imprisonment now stand
ing against the ex-treasurer would be
enforced and he would have to go TO
prison. On the other hand If the
court sustains the contentious Of the
appellant he will be given another
trial. Hence, when the case finally
gets around to the supreme court, one
Of two things will happen: Mr.. Bick-
ford will either be granted a new trial
and be compelled to u the gauntlet
again, Or he will go to the pen. That
is the SUM and substance of the whole
affair.
Two Other Charges.
Two other charges stand against
Mr.. Bickford, embezzlement and falsi-
flying of the records. The former has,
probably been adjudicated, though the
| other stands ready for hearing at any
time. AT the very best the ex-treas-
urer is not haunted by freedom star
ing him in the face.
Clerk May Act Soon.
It is understood that the clerk of
court Of Mclean county has been
punched up on the matter and that
he will probably get busy within a
few days, and certify the case up to
the supreme court. This will call for
the briefs from both sides. Should
this be done now, and should the
court allow the case to be entered
upon the calendar of the present
term there is a possibility Of its be-
ing heard some time during the coln-
ing winter; otherwise it cannot pos
sibly be disposed of till the spring
term which convenes in April.
Some claim the case has not drag
eed unusually long, as cases go in
the higher court. As a rule cases in
the higher court take a long time to
for certain reasons, anxious to have
| the matter settled, or in cases where
| questions must he determined at
| once, such matter pertaining to cleo
ton, etc. This class of cases, and
especially those demanding immediate
attention, are given preference, while
cases like the one in question gen.
orally take their routine and all the
time possible, hence no immediate ac-
ton of note mas be expected. And
there you are.