100 years ago in Montana: Newspaper speculates on roles of lawyer, editor in Edith Colby murder case

From our archive, 100 years ago

The Edith Colby murder trial was suspended for the weekend, but it was still making front-page news.

A story discussed the culpability of attorney A.S. Ainsworth, who had been accused of egging Colby on by telling her she was a coward if she didn’t attack A.C. Thomas. He was also accused of telling Colby that he would stand by her “in whatever she did,” but then reneging on that pledge after the shooting. Colby called him “yellow.”

Ainsworth was charged with being an accessory to the crime and was out on bond. Prosecutors said they were still waiting to hear more evidence before deciding whether to take the case to trial.

The story also discussed the possible culpability of her editor, J. Manire. Colby testified Manire had urged her to shoot Thomas because he needed a good front-page story. However, Manire already had gone to trial on charges of being an accessory before the shooting and had been acquitted.

From the music beat: Richard Jose, an American singer who had “probably sung to more persons in America in his 23 years on the stage than any other singer,” was recuperating from an illness at the Davenport Hotel.

He said his illness was “not serious,” but he would have to cancel some engagements. He was best known for the song, “Silver Threads Among the Gold.”