Saturday, 21st February 1914: Jim Conley Case To Come To Trial Week From Today, The Atlanta Constitution

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Jim Conley, principal witness in the Leo Frank trial and now held in jail as accessory after the fact in the killing of Mary Phagan, come to trial a week from today before Judge Ben Hill, of the criminal division of the superior court.

Jim has materially changed since he appeared before the jury which convicted Frank.

The negro is so dirty and unkempt, according to his attorney, William Smith, that he is at present scarcely recognizable.

Since his last appearance before the public, Jim has been kept all but incommunicado in the Tower.

He has consorted but little with the other negro prisoners.

Jim's wife, with whom he lived until his arrest, has visited him once during the past two months.

Solicitor General Dorsey in conference with the negro's attorney on Friday declared that the case would be heard a week from today.

Attorney Smith declared it to be his intention to visit the jail, "have Jim take a bath and get shaved" before he brought his client into court.