Monday, 13th April 1914: Lanford Evidence Not Convincing, Says Lehon, The Atlanta Journal

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Dan S. Lehon, Burns' lieutenant in the investigation of the Mary Phagan murder case, declares that the character evidence against Frank, held by Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford, is "not satisfactory." When Burns, before he left the city Saturday afternoon, offered a $1,000 reward for anyone who would furnish him with satisfactory evidence that Frank is a pervert or a man of immoral habits, Chief Lanford immediately stated he could furnish Burns with all of the evidence he wanted, and probably more.

Lehon, in the absence of his chief, visited police headquarters Sunday afternoon and spent an hour in conference with the head of the city detective department. When the subject was broached, according to Mr. Lehon, Chief Lanford stated that he referred to the evidence now in the possession of the solicitor, which was used at the Frank trial. He added that he had additional evidence, not used at the trial, which he would furnish Mr. Burns. "The chief told me the nature of that evidence, however," Mr. Lehon added, "and I found it to be the same stuff we have already investigated, and we find that it is not satisfactory."

Mr. Lehon declared that his conference with the chief of the city detectives was entirely friendly and pleasant. "The chief assured me," said Mr. Lehon, "that he would be glad to co-operate with us in our efforts to get at the truth. He said that he was still open to conviction, and that if he could be shown that he had been misled by any of the witnesses or by his men, that he would be the last person on earth to ask for the execution of an innocent man."

Burns will not return to the city during the day Monday, Lehon declares, and he will not say when the detective is to be expected. Chief Lanford, when told of the statement of the Burns agent, said he had divulged none of the character evidence he claims to have against Frank, except by a hypothetical statement. "While I am willing to give this evidence to Burns himself," said the chief, "I do not intend to divulge it to any of his agents."

Attorneys for Frank are still busy getting the extraordinary motion for a new trial, which will be filed on next Thursday, into shape for the argument. Frank, who still declares that he is confident of ultimate vindication, is soon to be cheered by the arrival from Brooklyn of his mother, Mrs. Rae Frank. Mrs. Frank was present at the trial and in the court room with her son practically every day. Soon after the trial, she returned to her home. She is expected here in the next twenty-four hours.