The jury in the case of Lee Moore returned a verdict of guilty last Friday about 10 o'clock and gave him a life sentence in the state penitentiary. The lawyers concluded their arguments in the case Thursday night, Prosecuting Attorney Anderson closing with a powerful arraignment of Moore for his diabolical crime.

After the verdict had been rendered it was stated that the jury was unanimous on the first ballot as to the guilt of the defendant. It is also said that four favored hanging when the second ballot was taken as to his punishment. After arguing the case among themselves a few hours Thursday night, the jury retired and resumed consideration of it Friday morning. It was a few minutes before 10 o'clock when the last man of the four who favored hanging agreed to consent to vote for a life sentence, which was the result of the tenth ballot.

Moore's attorneys presented a motion asking for a new trial, which Judge Harris promptly overruled. The prisoner was called before the bar of the court at noon and was asked by Judge Harris, "Is there any reasons why I should not now pronounce this sentence upon you?" The convicted man replied in a very low tone, "There is not."

Judge Harris then pronounced the sentence and shortly thereafter Moore was returned to jail. He was taken to Jefferson City Saturday morning and incarcerated in the penitentiary.

In due time his attorneys will perfect an appeal to the State Supreme Court.

There is universal approval of the verdict of guilt in this case, the only criticism from any source that we have heard being the failure to sentence the defendant to be hanged. Many who believe in the guilt of the prisoner say that for so heinous a crime he should certainly suffer the death penalty.