The weekly times-record. (Valley City, N.D.) 1912-1922, 1914-02-26
Local Man, Tried in Fargo on
Statutory Charge, Cleared
After Brief Deliberation
GREAT INTEREST LOCALLY
Verdict Pleases Vastly Great
Majority of Friends and
Business Associates
in Valley City.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY q, 1914.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY q, 1914.
Following trial lasting just
week, in which the best legal talent in
Valley City was arrayed, a jury Of
twelve men, last night in Fargo re-
turned verdict of acquittal for Frank
Flora, of this city, charged with sta
tutory offense against Bertha Bonen.
also Of Valley City.
Apparently it took the jury but
| short time to reach decision. Leav~
ing the court room at about 4:30, FRI
day afternoon, they apparently did not
give the case deliberative considera-
tion until after the supper hour. It
| was at about eight o'clock in the even
ing when they had returned to the jury
room and ballot was called for. Only
one was needed for the twelve to fin.
ish their work, and it was mot guilty."
The news of the jury's verdict was
received in Valley City with variety
of expressions, but by far the vast ma
jority expressed their pleasure and
satisfaction at the result. The Times
Records arrangement to furnish the
verdict no matter at what hour re-
ceived was taken full advantage Of by
the public, and during the course Of
the evening nearly 300 telephone calls
were received, inqufring as to the re-
suit.
A variety of expressions followed
the announcement of the jury's' YER
dice.
Praise the Lord" cried one man.
when he heard the news.
Great! Great!" shouted another. Il
knew it was impossible from the very
first"
There were few who on hearing
the result hung up their telephone re-
ceivers with a resounding bang, and
no comment, but these were minor
ity, therefore they were negligible
quantity in ascertaining the sentiment
Of the public.
While the evidence in the case was
closed so far as the public was con-
cerned, there is no doubt but that the
great majority Of witnesses who heard
the proceedings brought back with
them the impression that an innocent
man was on trial. Evidence by the
prosecution which, 1t was expected,
would prove strong against the accus-
ed failed to materialize, or else was
controverted.
Much evidence which was thought
to be strong proved to be only hear.
say, and consequently was not ad.
mitted Many witnesses were called
from Valley City by both the prosecu-
ton and defense to testify to the gen.
eral reputation of the accused in this
community. Almost without exception
they testified that it was of the best.
Attorneys Richie and Combs for the
defense, and Englert and Olsberg for
the prosecution, put up the strongest
fight in their power. Neither side con-
ceded point to the opposition where
it could be avoided and every feature
of the trial was watched. from the day
it opened.
It was noticeable to local people who
did not attend the trial, that there
were witnesses who went from here in
doubt as to the guilt or innocence Of
the accused, who returned convinced
that he was a man prosecuted.
Mr. Flora did not return from Far
go this morning as did some Of the
others, but remained until this even
ing, when he Is expected on No. 5. It
is stated that he has not as yet made
his plans for the future definitely. Re-
Gently there has been some talk Of his
selling out his interests here, and re-
moving from the city, but those best
acquainted with him state that he has
had nothing of this character in mind,
but that he will remain and continue
in business as in the past.
The great majority of those who
comment upon this feature Of the case
express their blief that Vally City and
Barnes County will give practical ex-
preston of their confidence in the &C.
tion of the jury and the lack of evi"
dence in the case. They state that so
far from affecting Mr. Tora's business
relations, injuriously, the effect will be
quite the contrary.
New Evidence kumored.
A new feature to the case was
brought out Friday when it was report
ed here that man, Legree, who testi.
fed in both the Mackey and Flora
cases, had just received a letter from
South Dakota which will set at rest
the dispute as to the age Of the Bonen