The Bowbells tribune. [volume] (Bowbells, Ward Co., N.D.) 1899-1969, 1921-07-29

the mandamus case of the state Of
North Dakota VS.. former County
Treasurer Lawrence Larsen and 10
bankers where an attempt, is being
made by the state to have Larsen
and the bankers return to the coun-
ty about $165,O00 of public funds
which Larsen loaned to such banks
Just before he went out OF office
last April, has just started there Is
little of interest to say in connec-
ton with the case yet. As we go
to press evidence is still being TAX
en-, and we are told that the case
may last almost another week.
The state is being represented by
County Auditor G.. ). Kopriva, who
brought the suit in the name OF the
state as the county commissioners
refused to act, and is being prose-
cuted by Attorney p. r. Sinkler OF
Minot who has been appointed spe-
cial assistant attorney general.
Larsen and the bankers have en-
ployed- Attorney L.sJ. Palda, Jr., OF
Minot to look after their interests.
Mr.. Palda has been the legal ad-
wiser of the bankers ever since this
money was diverted to their use
| last April, and as an action OF this
kind had been expected for some
time the case was already prepared
| by defense and no delay was asked.
A conference of the bankers, Mr.
Larsen and Mr.. Palda was held At
the First National Bank Of this city
last Friday evening, shortly after
the papers had been served, and
there 1t was decided on just what
the defense would offer.
Judge John G. Lowe and ms
stenographer with the attorneys
drove up from Minot Monday
morning and court was called 10
order a short time after the party
arrived here. The bankers had
some kind of proposition of set
Element to offer, wherein they OF
fered to return a part of the money
| in case they were allowed TO keep
/ the rest. but as this was far from
being satisfactory, 1t was turned
down by the prosecution.
The first witness called was
Comfy Auditor c.. j. Kopriya who
was examined as to his authority 10
hiring the action. Next Treasurer
Jensen was called, and Mr.. Paida
took pleasure in asking him a@num-
Der OF puzzling questions which ne
was unable to answer. Later some
OF the same questions were asKeo
OF Mr.. Larsen. and he was pretty
much in the same boat in spite OF
the fact that he had served as coun-
ty treasurer for four years, and Jen-
sen held the Office less than three
months. Where the bankers ex-
nected to bring out some sensation
al dope was in regard to the thou-
sands Of dollars worth OF cas- shIers 2
checks issued by the First STATE
Rank dc Bowbells which bankers
| had always insisted Mr.. Jensen nad
IN his safe. Jensen was asked IoI
: list of the checks which ne nad
procured from this bank, and the
amount ran up pretty high. After
he had gotten a complete nst VT.
Palda finally in sneerins Wy
asked where these checks were lvw,
and the Jaws Of the many bankers
present as well as that OF Palda niIl-
self fell several inches when len
can answered that he had sent them
~ the Bank or North Dakota, ana
the only ones he had on hand a.
this time was about 5000 which ne
had accumulated within the last day Z
or two. He said that as soon az
he got enough to make the amount
worth while he would make anotn-
81 shipment to the hank owned Dy
the state. 1t Is needless to say tnat
there was not very much moro saia
about the cashiers checks after
that. although the bankers July
lexpected to play them up big. IN Z
stead OF sending the currenGy % g
bismarck Mr. Jensen had been %
the habit 81 buying cashiers caecKs
here. and sending them away ae
4 not equipped To carry any large
amount Of currency on hand
The bankers also Intended @
make Big showing Ok the seed ana
feed fund, and also failed miserably
n that They attempted 70 SHOW
that the money loaned to them Dy
| Larsen Tor, the longest periods con
afsted of seed and feed money, con
sistinr 81 about $50 90, and which
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