Monday, 15th September 1913: Thaw Lawyer Uncle Of Mrs. Leo M. Frank, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal,

Monday, 15th September 1913,

PAGE 3, COLUMN 1.

Samson Selig, an Atlantian by birth and well known locally.

Samson Selig, one of Harry K. Thaw's legal advisers in his fight to prevent extradition from New Hampshire to New York, is an Atlantian by birth. He attended school here in his youth, later moving to the metropolis with his parents, and completing his education there. He is at present a member of the law firm of House, Grossman & Vorhause, of New York City.

Samson Selig is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Selig, aunt and uncle of Mrs. Leo M. Frank.

Samson Selig, in an interview in a New York paper received by relatives in Atlanta, declared that Thaw's chances to frustrate the attempt to place him again in Matteawan asylum are better in New Hampshire than in Canada. High British government officials were behind his recent sudden deportation, the attorney said in an interview.

PAGE 5, COLUMN 5

DR. HOLDERBY TALKS ON BE INDICTED FRIDAY

Also Makes Plea Against Capital Punishment Trial Not Impartial

A discussion of the Frank case held a prominent part in Dr. A. R. Holderby's sermon, A Square Deal for Every Man, delivered Sunday morning at the Moore Memorial church.

The minister made the assertion that Leo M. Frank did not receive an impartial trial because of alleged prejudice against him and the inflamed condition of the public mind.

Dr. Holderby declared that the church is not concerned with the question of Frank's guilt or innocence, but only with the question of the fairness of his trial.

The minister introduced the subject of the Frank case by saying: I wish to speak a word of caution to you today as regards your attitude toward one of our citizens, who has been convicted of a most atrocious crime. It is not for me or you to affirm that he is innocent or guilty, for the jury has rendered its verdict, but there is a question which concerns the church. It is, Did Leo M. Frank have a fair trial?'

Dr. Holderby asserted trial of Frank was not impartial, because of a popular cry and clamor for vengeance.

It is a dangerous experiment, said the pastor, to convict any man of a crime at the time when the public mind is unduly excited and prejudice is at its height. It is far better to wait until sober judgement can prevail and better by far to let a dozen guilty men go unpunished than to take the life of one who is innocent of crime.

In the course of his remarks Dr. Holderby scored circumstantial evidence, saying: When the state hangs a man who is innocent of a crime, it is guilty of a judicial murder. No man's life or liberty is safe when either can be taken away upon merely circumstantial evidence or because public sentiment demands vengeance. Jesus Christ was crucified under just such conditions.

It is clearly the duty of the church to demand moderation, sober judgement, justice and fair dealing for every man, whatever his station in life may be. I have no axe to grind in this matter, but am speaking in the name of God and in behalf of our common humanity.

Monday, 15th September 1913: Thaw Lawyer Uncle Of Mrs. Leo M. Frank, The Atlanta Journal

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