The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-03-13

After deliberating for two hours and
40 minutes the jury before which
Frank c. Hall, formerly city treasurer
of the city of Missoula, was tried on
the charge of statutory rape on the
person of Ellen Lucetta Pruyn, re-
turned a verdict of guilty and left the
punishment to be fixed by the court.
The minimum penalty which can be
fixed by the court is two years and
the maximum SO years.
The fact that the jurys deliberations
occupied such short time was a sur
prise to all who had been intimately
connected with the case. Judge Dun
can, County Attorney Angevine, Frank
Hall and his attorneys were summoned
courtroom.
Hall Unmoved.
The scene there was the exact an
tithesis of the hectic arguments and
the tense crowds which had preceded
the second act of the drama SO closely.
A few scattered night owls had heard
the news and stood breathless await
ing the reading of the verdict which
was to culminate the sensational trial
of the last few days. OF all those
present Frank Hall seemed the most
unperturbed. Even when the deputy
clerk Of the court read the verdict
which opened to him the gates of the
state penitentiary there was not sign
of emotion visible. Not even q finger
twitched and it was hard to realize
that he was the man just convicted
of the hideous crime with which ne
was charged.
After the verdict had been read, the
attorney for the defense asked that the
jury be polled. This was done and as
the roll was called each stated that
his verdict was as read. But few bal
lots We're required by the jury to set
tie the guilt of the accused and the
main discussion arose over the ques-
ton of punishment, which was finally
left to the court
Judgment Saturday.
Judgment will be pronounced Satur-
day morning at 10 O'clock Judge Dun
can setting this date on Attorney Null
roneys representation that it would be
impossible for him to be present at
any earlier date as he has been called
out Of the city.
Frank Hall was permitted to return
tonight to his home when his attorney
appealed to the judge that this Glenn
ency was asked on account of the Sc
rious physical condition of Mrs. Hall
and also because the bond which had
been filed was a continuing bond and
still was in effect. Agreeing to this
contention Judge Duncan stated that
he felt that the case had now assumed
a different aspect ana that he would
have to increase the amount of bail to
$4,000. He gave the convicted man
until o'clock this afternoon to file
additional bail. County Attorney Ang-
evine called the attention Of the court
to the fact that Immediately after the
trial Mr.. Hall had accosted him in the
: corridor and had used threatening
/ language. He stated that he felt no
/. fear Of his personal safety, but thought
!, that the court should be informed OF
this action. AS he opposed no serious
objection to the request of Attorney
Mulroney. Judge Duncan then permit
ted Hall to return to his own home
with the understanding that he appear
at o'clock tomorrow that his bond
might be increased, or the prisoner
remanded to the custody of the sheriff
Duncan Thanks Jury.
"Only once before have ] thanked a
jury when in the act of dischargine
It," said Judge Duncan, but do sc
in this instance and desire to thank
you for the painstaking care with
which you have followed the long trial
You may return to your homes If you