Monday, 6th April 1914: Burns Intimates Frank Did Not Commit Crime, The Atlanta Journal

Detective William J. Burns is completing the details of his report on the Phagan murder case and has again strongly intimated that his report will not name Leo M. Frank as the murderer of Mary Phagan. Discussing the report Monday morning, Mr. Burns said, "I am not going to hurry my report for it is extremely important to the defendant, and it is also extremely important that the report will be such that it will convince Solicitor Dorsey and the court."

When asked if he thought Mr. Dorsey needed to be convinced, Burns replied, "He certainly does." The detective was then asked, "If Dorsey needs to be convinced, then why not just name Conley as the murderer?" Burns laughed and responded, "You are trying to get a newspaper sensation."

Burns indicated Monday that his report might be delayed until the end of the week. He remarked, "About the report, I will say only this, that I will stick right on the job until it is completed. I have already spent more time than I would like in Atlanta and other matters are waiting for me, but I shall stay right here until it is over."

While the important work of Burns and his agents on the case is said to be completed, there are said to be several minor matters requiring time. In addition, the report, when it is finally made public, will be quite a voluminous document, the actual writing of which will require considerable time.

While Mr. Burns still expects to arrange an interview with the Negro Conley through Attorney William M. Smith, he said he would not take up the matter on Monday.