The Glasgow courier. [volume] (Glasgow, Mont.) 1913-current, 1919-07-11
LONG GEORGE FRANCIS
GIVES HIMSELF UP
Fugitive from Justice for Sixteen
Months Walks into Sheriff's
Office and Surrenders.


dropped from the clouds, "Long
George" Francis walked into the sher-
iff's office at 10:57 today, and sur
rendered.. after being fugitive from
justice 16 months, following his con-
viction on a charge of horse stealing.
Judge Rhoades Immediately senten-
ced Francis to term of not less than
six years nor more than twelve years
in the penitentiary. ]. P. Donnelly, as
attorney for Francis, then asked for
a certificate of probable cause, which
Judge Rhoades refused, but he grant
ed stay of proceedings, giving the
defense fifteen days to apply to the
supreme court for certificate Of
probable cause. Application for bail
for Francis was also denied by the
court pending his application for a
writ of probable cause in the supreme
court, on the ground that Francis was
a fugitive from justice.
AS soon as it became noised around
Havre that "Long George" had re-
turned, a big crowd gathered at the
court house for glimpse of this not
ed character. Francis was attired
in neat fitting blue serge suit and
was still wearing the dark glasses he
wore at his trial. His hair had been
carefully clipped tight to his head.
Whereabouts Mystery.
Nothing has been learned as yet, as
to where Francis has spent the last
sixteen months and as yet he has re-
fused to be interviewed on the sub
ject.
On the eve of February 28, 1918,
George Francis was convicted by a
Hill county jury Of the crime of horse
stealing, after sensational trial, in
which dozens of witnesses were used
by both sides.
At this trial Francis was ably de-
Tended by Frank Carleton and Joe
Donnelly of Havre and Mr.. Donnelly
is still representing Francis. George
Hurd, one of the noted criminal at
torneys of the state, assisted Assist
ant Attorney General Groorud in the
prosecution Of the case.
Tuesday morning, March 5, 1918,
Francis was supposed to come into
court for sentence. Judge Rhoades
was on the bench and everything was
in readiness for his appearance but at
the appointed time the convicted man
failed to appear.
His bonds were declared forfeited
and bench warrant was issued for
Francis apprehension, but he was not
located until this morning, when he
walked into Sheriff McLain's office
From time to time stories had appear
ed of his having been seen and it was
even rumored that he came to Big
Sandy for his mail and that he was
hiding in the Marias river country
but wherever he was he kept securely
out of sight. Governor Stewart on be-
half of the state, Hill county and the
| Montana Stock association all Offered
liberal rewards for his capture. Jack
Mabee and George Coulter, bondsmer
for Francis, were sued in the civi
court of Hill county for the amount
of the bail bond and they lost the
case and were compelled to pay the
money.
On account of his height, being
about six feet, eight inches, Francis
was marked man, but it is not likely
that if he had been seen, he woule
have been taken into custody easily az
he bore the reputation of being quicl
with the trigger and there were no
many who cared to meet him alone.
His appearance today caused no lit
tie excitement in Havre and many peo
pie called at the sheriff's office tt
see Francis in person and be sure tina
the real man had surrendered.
NASHUA OVER THE TOP.