TRANSCRIPTS: ATLANTA CONSTITUTION

  • Monday, 28th April 1913 Girl is Assaulted and then Murdered in Heart of Town

        Atlanta Constitution Monday, April 28th, 1913 Chum Identifies Victim as Mary Phagan, of 146 Lindsay Street, Then Swoons. Girl Had Just Resigned From National Pencil Company, in Which Plant Her Body Was Found. MOTHER AND FATHER STAY UP ALL NIGHT WAITING HER RETURN Negro Watchman Is Under Arrest on Suspicion—Police Believe That She Was Lured to Building by Three Young Companions, Assaulted Despite Her Vigorous Struggles, and Then Killed to Shut Her Lips. While mother and father anxiously waited her return home Saturday night, pretty 14-year-old Mary Phagan lay dead in a corner of the dark basement of
  • Monday, 28th April 1913 Mullinax Held in Phagan Case

    National Pencil Co. Building at 37-39 S. Forsyth St. in which the Phagan girl was slain Atlanta Constitution Monday, April 28th, 1913 Former Street Car Conductor Arrested as He Leaves the Home of His Sweetheart on Bellwood Avenue. As he was leaving the home of his sweetheart, Miss Pearl Robertson , on Bellwood avenue, early last night, Arthur Mullinax, a strikingly handsome youth, was arrested by Detective Rosser and carried to police headquarters. He is being detained under suspicion of having been implicated in the slaying of Mary Phagan. E. R. Sentell, a resident of 82 Davis street, came to
  • Tuesday, 29th April 1913 $1,000 Reward

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 The assault and murder of 14-year-old Mary Phagan comprise the most revolting crime in the history of Atlanta Homicide is bad enough. Criminal assault upon woman is worse. When a mere child, a little girl in knee dresses is the victim of both there are added elements of horror and degeneracy that defy the written word. This outrage with all its gruesome and pitiful settings occurred in the very heart of Atlanta. It was committed by some human beast with more than jungle cruelty and less than jungle mercy. The detective force and the
  • Tuesday, 29th April 1913 “Every Woman and Girl Should See Body of Victim and Learn Perils”

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 A middle-aged woman, with signs of care and sorrow stamped on her features, pushed through the mob of people which crowded around the entrance to the Bloomfield undertaking establishment in which lay the body of Mary Phagan. She made her way determinedly, shoving and pushing. Reaching the doorway she was stopped from entering by Policeman Tribble who stood on guard. "You can't go in, ma'am. Nobody's allowed to see the body." "What?" she exclaimed. "Not letting anybody see her?" She stepped back as if aghast. For a moment she hesitated, apparently undecided whether to
  • Tuesday, 29th April 1913 I Am Not Guilty, Says John M. Gantt

      Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 "I Was Not in Love With Mary and She Was Not With Me," Asserts Man Accused of Murder. "I did not kill Mary Phagan. I haven't seen her within a month. They accuse me falsely. I'm innocent and will swear it by heaven above." John M. Gantt, the youthful bookkeeper arrested on the charge of murdering Mary Phagan, sat in the detective chief's office at police headquarters last night, looked his questioners squarely in the eyes, and sweepingly denied all accusations. "I went to Marietta to take charge of a farm I have
  • Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Pinkertons Hired to Assist Police Probe the Murder of Mary Phagan

      John M. Gantt, former bookkeeper of the National Pencil company, and acquaintance of Mary Phagan, who is under arrest, and was put through a grueling third degree last night at police station. He maintains his innocence.   Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 For Hours Detectives Labor With James Milton Gantt, Former Employee of National Pencil Company and Alleged Admirer of Pretty Mary Phagan. SISTER OF PRISONER ADMITS SHE DECEIVED ATLANTA DETECTIVES Told Them Gantt Had Not Been Home When He Declared He Was in Bed. Now Admits Story Untrue. Gantt Caught in Marietta, With Suit Case Filled With
  • Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Was Victim of Murder Lured Off on Joy Ride Before She Met Death?

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 Evidence obtained by Detectives Black and Rosser Monday afternoon has led the detective department to suspect that little Mary Phagan was lured away by her murderer Saturday afternoon by the pleasures of a joy ride during which she was drugged or made drunk with whisky. This new aspect of the case came from R. B. Pyron, telegraph operator at the signal tower on the Central of Georgia railroad at the Whitehall street crossing. Pyron told the detectives Monday afternoon that about 10 o'clock Saturday night he was standing at the entrance to the signal
  • Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Who Saw Pretty Mary Phagan After 12 OClock on Saturday?

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 A remarkable fact in connection with the murder of Mary Phagan is that no one has thus far come forward stating they saw her after she drew her pay at the National Pencil factory shortly after 12 o'clock. Several persons have stated that they "believed" they saw her or that they "saw a girl answering her description," but positive statements are lacking. The Atlanta detective department is particularly anxious to trace every movement of the girl from the time she left the factory, and is particularly desirous of obtaining the names of all who
  • Wednesday, 30th April 1913 City to Offer $1,000 for Slayers Arrest

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 Mayor Woodward Declares the Stain of Blood Must Be Wiped Out. Atlanta, April 29, 1913 To the General Council, City of Atlanta: The general council of the city of Atlanta is hereby called to convene in special session tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, April 30, 1913, to take cognizance, in an official way, of that most brutal crime that was committed in this city on last Saturday night. I think it proper that the city government should take some befitting action as regards this most deplorable matter, which, as it is, is liable to
  • Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Did Murderers Plan Cremation?

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 Detectives Believe That They Intended to Burn Body of Little Mary Phagan in the Furnace of Factory. Did the murderers of Mary Phagan lower her body into the darkness of the pencil factory basement with the intention of cremating the corpse in the furnace of that plant? Such is the belief of detectives. The dead girl was discovered only a few feet from the furnace. Her body had been dragged first to the fire box, circled around its base, then abandoned in the desolate recess in which it was found. Investigation revealed that the
  • Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Factory Clock Not Punched for Hours on Night of Murder

    Scenes at the funeral services of victim of Sunday's brutal crime. In one picture is shown casket being borne from church; in another, her brother, Ben Phagan, who is in the navy; and in the bottom one, the beautiful floral offerings covering the newly-made grave. Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 Newt Lee, Negro Watchman, Had a Record for Punctuality in Registering Time Until Night of the Killing—Bloody Shirt Found in His Home by Detectives, but Negro Asserts That He Had Not Seen It for Two Years—Blood Was Fresh, Assert Officers. MORE ARRESTS WILL BE MADE TODAY, SAY MEN ON
  • Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Gantt Turned Over to Sheriff of Fulton

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 After a hearing before Judge George L. Bell of the superior court in which his attorney George T. gave a scathing denouncement of the police and detective department for what he termed the grilling system. J. M. Gantt, held on a warrant charging the murder of Mary Phagan was taken from the police and turned over to the sheriff to be held in the Tower. Judge Gober stated that he would arrange for a hearing early today before Justice F. M. Powers before whom the original warrant was sworn out. The coroner's inquest is
  • Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Inquest This Morning.

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 Coroner Donehoo last night set the time for the inquest at this morning at 8:45 o'clock. It will be held in Bloomfield's undertaking establishment on South Pryor street. A thorough investigation will be made into the mystery. It will then be determined if the evidence at hand is sufficient to commit Frank and the negro watchman to higher courts. * * * Atlanta Constitution, April 30th 1913, "Inquest This Morning," Leo Frank case newspaper article series
  • Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Leo M. Frank Holds Conference With Lee

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 After Talking With Him an Hour, Factory President Fails to Secure a Confession. Sitting alone in the detectives' office at headquarters, Frank, the factory president, and Lee, the negro night watchman, both suspects held in connection with the Phagan murder, conferred for an hour shortly before midnight. The conference was made at the request of detectives. It was believed Frank would be able to wring a confession from the negro. At midnight, he emerged from the room. "I can't get a thing out of him. He tells the same story over and over." It
  • Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Mayor Confers with Chief; Says Extras are Misleading

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 "I don't want a disturbance on the street of Atlanta. The town has been stirred over the Phagan tragedy, and I fear that sensational and misleading extras may cause mischief. I have requested Chief Beavers to use great caution in giving out news." Mayor James G. Woodward made the above explanation of his visit to Chief James L. Beavers, at police headquarters, shortly after 8:30 o'clock last night. The mayor said that he made a tour of the city and found the people in all sections in a highly nervous state. He charged that
  • Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Murder Analyzed By Dr. MKelway

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 "If Children of Such Tender Years Were Not Forced to Work, Mary Phagan Might Be Living," He Says "If social conditions in Atlanta were of the best—if conditions in factories were of the best and lastly if children of such tender years were not forced to work little Mary Phagan would probably never have been murdered," declared Dr. A. J. McKelway, president pro tem of the Southern Sociological congress speaking at the final meeting held in Wesley Memorial church last night. "Let us take this murder and analyze it. A little child of tender
  • Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Shot Fired Near Lee May Break His Nerve

      Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 Walter Graham Discharges a Derringer in His Cell at the Police Station. Will Newt Lee, the negro night watchman accused of the murder of Mary Phagan, be unnerved today as a result of the firing of a double-barreled derringer in a nearby cell last night. Will his nerves become so shattered at the thought of death that he will confess, admitting the crime, or implicating others? This is what the police will determine today in further third degree work with Lee. Walter Graham, a young white youth of 76 Marietta street, smuggled a
  • Wednesday, 30th April 1913 While Hundreds Sob Body of Mary Phagan Lowered into Grave

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 While relatives hysterically wept, while hundreds of friends, with wet eyes and bowed heads, mourned, while little circles of grim visage men talked in hushed voices of all that remained of little 14-year-old Mary Phagan, victim of Saturday night's atrocious crime, was lowered into a grave at the city cemetery at Marietta yesterday morning. "The Lord hath given, the Lord hath taken, blessed be the name of the Lord," said Rev. T. T. G. Linkous, pastor of the Christian church at East Point, as tears streamed down his cheeks. And the grave-diggers grasped their
  • Thursday, 1st May 1913 City Offers $1,000 Reward for Capture of Phagan Slayers

    Atlanta Constitution Thursday, May 1st, 1913 Atlanta's city council met at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning, adopted a resolution appropriating $1,000 as a reward for information which may lead to the arrest and conviction of the party or parties responsible for the death of Mary Phagan, and immediately afterwards the aldermanic board met and approved the action of council. The resolution went to Mayor Woodward before noon and he immediately attached his signature to it giving it official approval. The money is now available. * * * Atlanta Constitution, May 1st 1913, "City Offers $1,000 Reward for Capture of Phagan Slayers,"
  • Thursday, 1st May 1913 Frank Not Apparently Nervous Say Last Men to Leave Factory

    Miss Ella Maud Eubanks, stenographer for Leo M. Frank Atlanta Constitution Thursday May 1st, 1913 Following Mechanic Barrett's declaration that there were two men at work Saturday at noon on the top floor of the factory building, Coroner Donehoo ordered detectives to accompany the machinist to the plant and bring the two employees to police headquarters. They were brought immediately into the inquest. Their names were given as Harry Denham and J. Arthur White. Denham was first placed on the stand. His examination began immediately upon arrival. "Did you see the blood on the lathing machine?" "I saw it Monday."
  • Thursday, 1st May 1913 Frank Tried to Flirt With Murdered Girl Says Her Boy Chum

    At the left top is Detective Black, of the city, and at the right Detective Scott, of the Pinkertons. Below is a scene of the inquest. At the bottom is a sketch by Henderson of the negro, Newt Lee, whose straightforward story at the inquest has tended to lift suspicion from him. Atlanta Constitution Thursday, May 1st 1913 Mary Phagan Was Growing Afraid of Advances Made to Her by Superintendent of the Factory, George W. Epps, 15 Years Old, Tells the Coroner's Jury. BOY HAD ENGAGEMENT TO MEET HER SATURDAY BUT SHE DID NOT COME Newt Lee, Night Watchman, on
  • Thursday, 1st May 1913 Girl Was Dead Ten Hours Before Her Body Was Found

    Atlanta Constitution Thursday, May 1st, 1913 Mary Phagan had been dead ten hours or more before her body was discovered in the basement darkness of the factory building. This is the opinion of expert embalmists of Bloomfield's undertaking establishment, who made a thorough examination of the corpse immediately after it had been removed to the shop, less than thirty minutes following the discovery. This disclosure may shift the investigation of detectives to new channels. * * * Atlanta Constitution, May 1st 1913, "Girl Was Dead Ten Hours Before Body Was Found," Leo Frank case newspaper article series
  • Thursday, 1st May 1913 Has a New Explanation

    Atlanta Constitution Thursday, May 1st, 1913 A letter to the editor of the Atlanta Constitution Editor Constitution: I notice with interest the reward your most worthy paper, is offering for the brutal murderer of Mary Phagan. To say words of praise for you would only be adding to what many others have said, and it would only be another testimonial of your love for your city and state, which you have always shown, and which you show now in trying to avenge the death of this pure girl. I truly hope the murderer will be caught and convicted, and in
  • Thursday, 1st May 1913 Newt Lee Tells His Story During Morning Session

    J. A. White Harry Denham. The two mechanics who were the last workmen to leave the National Pencil company on Saturday afternoon. Leo M. Frank was in the building when they went out. Photo by Francis B. Price, Staff Photographer. Atlanta Constitution Thursday May 1st, 1913 Was the man who first assaulted and then brutally killed Mary Phagan last Saturday night hiding in the basement of the National Pencil company when the watchman, Newt Lee, came down and discovered the girl's mutilated body early Sunday morning? This is the question that rose to everyone's mind, following the testimony of the
  • Thursday, 1st May 1913 Pretty Young Sweetheart Comes To the Aid of Arthur Mullinax

    Atlanta Constitution Thursday May 1st, 1913 Pearl Robison, the pretty 16-year-old sweetheart of Arthur Mullinax, came nobly to his defense with testimony that corroborated that suspect's alibi. She was placed on the stand late in the afternoon. "Do you know Arthur Mullinax?" "I am well acquainted with him." "Do you go with him?" "Yes!" "Were you with him Saturday?" "Yes! At supper and to the theater." "What time did you get home?" "About 10:30 o'clock." "Was he with you at that time?" "He was." "Did he go in when you returned home?" "No. He left for his home." "Did you
  • Friday, 2nd May 1913 Frank and Lee Held in Tower; Others Released

    This snapshot was taken just as the factory superintendent got out of auto in which he was transferred Thursday afternoon from the police station to the county jail. Atlanta Constitution Friday, May 2nd, 1913 Grand Jury May Take Up Phagan Investigation Following Conference Between Dorsey, Beavers and Lanford. MULLINAX AND GANTT ARE GIVEN FREEDOM Coroner's Jury Will Resume Hearing on Monday, Following the Subpoenaing of 200 Witnesses. Thomas B. Felder, member of the firm of Felder, Anderson, Dillon & Whitman, has been engaged to assist the solicitor general in the prosecution of the murderer of Mary Phagan. He was retained
  • Saturday, 3rd May 1913 Not Guilty, Say Both Prisoners

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 3rd, 1913 Leo M. Frank and the Night Watchman, Newt Lee, Reiterate Declarations of Innocence in Phagan Crime. Leo M. Frank yesterday morning in his cell in the Tower reiterated his plea of innocence to a reporter for The Constitution. "I swear I'm not guilty," he declared. "I could not conceive of such a hideous murder, much less commit it. I am accused unjustly. The report that I have made a confession is totally and basely false. I have no confession to make." Newt Lee, the suspected night watchman, also repeats his statement that he is
  • Sunday, 4th May 1913 Impostors Busy in Sleuth Roles in Phagan Case

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 4th, 1913 Representing Themselves as Pinkertons, Two Men Are Interviewing Leading Witnesses in Mystery. DETECTIVES WORRIED BY PLANTED EVIDENCE Men Working on Case Believe That Some Interests May Be Trying to Fix the Crime on Suspects. What interests are promoting the planting of evidence in the Mary Phagan mystery? This question confronted police headquarters yesterday. Further evidence of mysterious forces underhandedly at work on the baffling case was revealed when it became known that imposters, representing themselves to be Pinkerton detectives had been questioning leading witnesses. This new disclosure, coupled with past discoveries of obviously "framed-up"
  • Sunday, 4th May 1913 The Case of Mary Phagan

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 4th, 1913 At the top is a sketch made by Henderson from the last photograph taken of little Mary Phagan, the 14-year-old girl of tragedy. Below is a photograph of her mother and step-father, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Coleman, and her sister, Miss Ollie Phagan. The other picture was taken at the funeral. Could you walk for hours in the heart of Atlanta without seeing a person you know? What did Atlanta detectives do to keep murderer from "planting" evidence against suspects? Are all the men who have been held as suspects marked men for
  • Monday, 5th May 1913 Sleuths Believe They Can Convict Phagan Murderer

    Atlanta Constitution Monday, May 5th, 1913 Detectives Are of Opinion They Have in Their Possession All Evidence That Is Needed by the Jury. INFORMATION SECURED FROM MYSTERIOUS GIRL Coroner's Jury Will Resume Inquest at 2 O'Clock This Afternoon — Factory Girls Will Be Witnesses. Detectives working on the case of Mary Phagan, the 14-year-old murdered girl whose body was found in the basement of the National Pencil company at daybreak Sunday morning a week ago, believe that today they have in their possession evidence which will lead to the conviction of the girl's murderer, according to the statement of Harry
  • Monday, 5th May 1913 Women Inspectors Urged to Protect Factory Girls

    Atlanta Constitution Monday, May 5th, 1913 Dr. Holderby took occasion during his Sunday morning service at Moore Memorial church to refer to the recent horrible Phagan tragedy, which has shocked the entire community, and urged the people not to discuss the matter with their children. He said: "It is unaccountable to me why people should be so hysterical and become so frightened because one demon has perpetrated a crime. "This unspeakable crime is bad enough, and every effort should be made to find the guilty party—and every effort is being made by the detective departments—and this should satisfy the public.
  • Tuesday, 6th May 1913 Pistol Toting is Condemned by Judge Ellis in His Charge

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, May 6th, 1913 The instructions given the new Fulton county grand jury by Judge William D. Ellis in his charge at the empanelling of that body Monday morning placed especial stress upon the call of the Mary Phagan case for the "immediate and vigorous attention" of the grand jury. He also urged the jury to investigate the locker and social clubs of Atlanta and to "find true bills against all who conduct clubs which are run for the purpose of selling liquor." In this connection he also urged that the grand jury declare war upon the Sunday
  • Tuesday, 6th May 1913 Probe Phagan Case Grand Jury Urged

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, May 6th, 1913 Crime Calls for Your Immediate Attention, Declares Judge Ellis, in His Charge. "The Mary Phagan case calls for your immediate and vigorous attention. The power of the state is behind you. What appears to be an awful crime has been committed, and the welfare of the community, the good name of Atlanta, public justice and the majesty of the law demand at the hands of this grand jury and of all officers of the law the most searching investigation and the prompt bringing to trial of the guilty party." Such was the charge made
  • Tuesday, 6th May 1913 Third Man Brought into Phagan Mystery by Frank’s Evidence

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, May 6th, 1913 Lemmie Quinn, Foreman of the Department in Which the Little Girl Worked, Was in His Office Just a Few Minutes After She Received Her Pay on the Day of the Murder, He Tells the Coroner's Jury at Inquest on Monday Afternoon. LEO FRANK INNOCENT NEW WITNESS TELLS ATLANTA DETECTIVES Quinn Declares That Officers Accused Him of Being Bribed to Come to the Aid of Superintendent — Frank Is on Stand for Four Hours Answering Coroner's Questions—Body of Mary Phagan Exhumed and Stomach Will Be Examined. The Mary Phagan murder mystery assumed a new aspect
  • Wednesday, 7th May 1913 Detective Chief Fired for Arresting Bowen as a Phagan Suspect

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, May 7th, 1913 Former Atlantan, Who Was Taken Into Custody in Houston, Texas, Early on Monday Night, Released After an Investigation by Chief of Police Department, Who Says He Is Convinced of His Innocence. BOWEN WAS IN CHINERO ON DAY OF THE MURDER HE TELLS DETECTIVES His Father, Cal Bowen, of Newnan, Georgia, Received a Message Last Night From His Son, Declaring That He Had Been Fired — Bowen Is Well Connected in Georgia and His Friends Are Indignant Over His Arrest. Paul P. Bowen, former Atlantan, who was arrested in Houston, Texas, Monday night on suspicion
  • Wednesday, 7th May 1913 Officials Plan to Exhume Body of Victim Today

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, May 7th, 1913 For Second Time in Less Than Week Physicians to Make Examination at the Graveside of Mary Phagan. REFUSE TO TELL WHY ACTION WILL BE TAKEN Search for Finger Prints and New Wounds Is Reported Reason—Inquest Resumed Thursday—Strange Man Sought. Mary Phagan's body will be exhumed today for the second time. Bertillion and medical experts will make examinations for finger prints and wounds which may have been overlooked before. Coroner Donehoo and Dr. H. F. Harris, of the state board of health, will be in charge. Between 9 and 10 o'clock is the scheduled time.
  • Thursday, 8th May 1913 Frank Will Take Stand at Inquest

    Atlanta Constitution Thursday, May 8th, 1913 Mrs. Mattie White Tells Detectives That on Afternoon of Killing She Saw Negro in Factory. Leo M. Frank will probably be the first witness to take the stand in the Mary Phagan murder inquest to be resumed this morning at 9:30 o'clock in police headquarters. He will be examined thoroughly along lines which neither the chief of detectives, coroner nor solicitor general will disclose. He was resting comfortably at midnight, and, according to reports from the Tower in which he is imprisoned, he is in fit condition to undergo the ordeal. In the first
  • Thursday, 8th May 1913 Greeks Make Protest

    Atlanta Constitution Thursday, May 8th, 1913 Object to Flaring Headlines Over Phagan Mystery. One hundred of the most prominent members of the Greek community in Atlanta gathered in their community hall on Whitehall street last night and protested vigorously against the use of the word Greek in an afternoon paper in connection with the Phagan mystery. The article in question stated that the Pinkertons had said that the murder of Mary Phagan was done in the Mediterranean style and that a certain Greek restaurant employee was being shadowed or words to that effect. "We protest must vigorously against such use
  • Thursday, 8th May 1913 Stains of Blood on Shirt Fresh, Says Dr. Smith

    Atlanta Constitution Thursday, May 8th, 1913 City Bacteriologist Makes His Report After Examination of Garment of Negro Which Was Found in Trash Barrel. LEE'S CELLMATE MAY TESTIFY AT INQUEST Witness Spent 24 Hours in Same Cell With Phagan Prisoner — Body of Girl Exhumed for Second Time. DAY'S DEVELOPMENTS IN PHAGAN MYSTERY Dr. Claude Smith, city bacteriologist, completes examination of negro's blood-stained shirt, and finds that the blood stains are new. Body of Mary Phagan was exhumed shortly after noon on Wednesday for the purpose of making a second examination. Mrs. Mattie Smith, wife of one of the mechanics who
  • Friday, 9th May 1913 Frank and Lee Ordered Held by Coroner’s Jury for Mary Phagan Murder

    Leo M. Frank, factory superintendent, who, with Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, was held for the grand jury. Atlanta Constitution Friday, May 9th, 1913 Sensational Statements Made at Inquest by Two Women, One of Whom Had Been an Employee, Who Declared That Frank Had Been Guilty of Improper Conduct Toward His Feminine Employees and Had Made Proposals to Them in the Factory. EVIDENCE IN BAFFLING MYSTERY THUS FAR, IS CIRCUMSTANTIAL, IS ADMISSION MADE BY DETECTIVES Frank and Lee Both Go on Stand Again and Are Closely Questioned in Regard to New Lines of Evidence and Forced to Reiterate Testimony
  • Friday, 9th May 1913 Woman’s Handkerchief Brought to Officers

      Atlanta Constitution Friday, May 9th, 1913 The detectives are investigating today a clew in the Phagan case brought to Atlanta Thursday by W. A. Smith, of Jonesboro, an employee of the Central of Georgia railroad, which was to the effect that he had just completed a thirty-hour chase, covering a trip of more than 100 miles, after two men who talked and acted suspiciously in his presence at the Jonesboro station Tuesday afternoon. The men, he said, escaped and the only tangible evidence which Smith showed the detectives was a lady's blood-stained handkerchief with a hole—apparently chewed—in the middle
  • Saturday, 10th May 1913 Girl Will Swear Office of Frank Deserted Between 12:05 and 12:10

    Monteen Stover. Little girl, former employee of National Pencil company, who swears Frank was not in office between 12:05 and 12:10 o'clock. Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 10th, 1913 Testimony Considered Important by Officers Because Frank at the Inquest Stated on Stand That He Did Not Leave Between Noon on Saturday and 12:25. When Quinn Came to See Him. SHE WENT TO FACTORY TO GET PAY ENVELOPE - POSITIVE OF THE TIME New Evidence, Just Submitted to Detective Department, Leads Chief Lanford to Believe That Mary Phagan Was Murdered in the Basement — Woman Says She Heard Screams on Saturday Afternoon.
  • Sunday, 11th May 1913 Mystery of 14-Year-Old Mary Phagans Tragic End Adds One to Long List of Atlantas Unsolved Crimes

      Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 11th, 1913 BY GORDON NOEL HURTEL. The mystery surrounding the murder of Mary Phagan, the young factory girl who met a tragic and a terrible death in the heart of a city whose streets were thronged with holiday crowds, may add another chapter to Atlanta's record of unsolved and unpunished crimes. Can such things be? is asked. Can murder, red-handed, find a victim in the midst of a populous city when the sun is smiling in God's skies of blue and where the protecting power of the law and the vengeance of justice are near,
  • Sunday, 11th May 1913 Officer Swears He Found Frank With Young Girl

    Robert House Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 11th, 1913 Robert House, Now a Special Policeman, Tells the Atlanta Detectives of an Incident of Over a Year Ago. SEES FRANK IN TOWER AND RECOGNIZES HIM Three More Pinkertons Are Put on the Phagan Case, Under the Supervision of Harry Scott. Detectives have procured in Robert P. House, a special policeman, a witness who has testified that he once apprehended Leo M. Frank, the suspect in the Mary Phagan mystery, and a young girl in a desolate spot of the woods in Druid Hills Park. The policeman declares he obtained admission from Frank
  • Monday, 12th May 1913 Find Guilty Man, Franks Lawyer Told Pinkertons

    Atlanta Constitution Monday, May 12th, 1913 "You Are Employed to Hunt Down Murderer, It Matters Not Who He Is," Luther Rosser Informs Detectives. GRAND JURY TO PROBE MYSTERY NEXT WEEK Solicitor Dorsey States That He Wants All the Evidence Ready to Submit to Jurors Before Opening Hearing. Officials of the Pinkerton National Detective agency, who were brought into the Phagan case through Leo M. Frank, recently went to authorities of the National Pencil company. It is stated, and in the presence of Leo M. Frank's counsel, Luther Z. Rosser, said: "We want to make our position clear. The Pinkertons have
  • Monday, 12th May 1913 The Phagan Case Day by Day

      Atlanta Constitution Monday, May 12th, 1913 The history of the baffling Phagan mystery, daily recorded, is briefly as follows: Sunday April 26—Girl's body found in basement of pencil factory. Newt Lee, negro night watchman, who made discovery, arrested. Arthur Mullinax, street car employee, also arrested. Both held on suspicion. Monday—Leo M. Frank, factory superintendent, detained, but later released. J. M. Gantt, former bookkeeper of pencil concern and friend of dead girl, arrested in Marietta. Negro elevator boy also taken into custody. Pinkertons enter case. Tuesday—Bloody shirt found at negro watchman's home. Planted evidence theory advanced. Mary Phagan's body buried.
  • Tuesday, 13th May 1913 My Son Innocent, Declares Mother of Leo M. Frank

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, May 13th, 1913 "I Am Confident That He Will Be Proven Not Guilty of This Terrible Crime," She Tells Reporter HAS NOT SEEN HER SON SINCE HE WAS MARRIED W. J. Burns Secured to Take Charge of Phagan Mystery Investigation—Engaged by Friends of Murdered Girl ANOTHER ARREST EXPECTED IN PHAGAN MYSTERY CASE It was reported on good authority this morning that officers working upon the Mary Phagan murder would make a new arrest today or tomorrow which is expected to throw an entirely new light upon the case. None of the officials have discussed this new phase
  • Tuesday, 13th May 1913 Mystery Within a Mystery Now Baffling Newspaper Men Working on the Phagan Case

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, May 13th, 1913 By Thomas Byrd Magath A veil of mystery so dense as to completely shut off the light from all newspaper men surrounds the identity of the detective who has been employed by Solicitor General Dorsey. So far nothing can be learned except that the mysterious detective has worked on the case only one week and is now not in Atlanta, but some distance away working on another case. "This detective, one of the best in the country," quotes Mr. Dorsey, "did not give up the case because of inefficiency for," says the solicitor general.
  • Wednesday, 14th May 1913 Clue is Sought in Handwriting of Mary Phagan

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, May 14th, 1913 Reporter of The Constitution Is Summoned by Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey for Conference. OFFICIALS INVESTIGATE THEORY OF MYSTERY Much Interest Is Created by the Report That a New Arrest May Be Made in the Near Future. The handwriting of Mary Phagan is likely to play a prominent part in the investigation of her murder. Rumors came Tuesday from the solicitor general's office that new clues had been discovered in the form of notes or letters, and that much energy was being concentrated in investigation along that line. Handwriting experts have been summoned before
  • Thursday, 15th May 1913 Victim of Murder Prepared to Die, Believes Dorsey

    Atlanta Constitution Thursday, May 15th, 1913 Identification Slip Carried by Mary Phagan in Her Pocketbook Causes Theory That the Victim Had Been Threatened With Violence. Either threatened with death or warned by some dread premonition of an untimely end, Mary Phagan is believed by Solicitor Dorsey to have prepared for her tragic fate by writing the identification slip discovered hidden in a compartment of the metal pocketbook which she carried daily. The slip was given the solicitor Wednesday morning by a reporter for The Constitution. The reporter also made an authorized statement of the source from which it was obtained.
  • Friday, 16th May 1913 Coming of Burns is Assured, Says Colonel Felder

    Atlanta Constitution Friday, May 16th, 1913 To Solve Phagan Murder, Joseph Hirsch, Capitalist, Starts Public Subscription to Assure Fund for Burns. SOCIETY WOMEN AID MOVEMENT FOR FUND Local Detectives in Conference and Are Believed to Have Secret Documents Bearing on Case. With The Constitution's donation of $100 as a nucleus, Atlanta today begins building a fund with which to employ to ferret the mystery of Mary Phagan's murder Detective William J. Burns, America's most successful detective. Assurance that subscriptions will be plentiful and generous came to Attorney Thomas E. Felder last night in telephone messages from numerous public-spirited business men,
  • Friday, 16th May 1913 Constitution Starts Fund to Bring Burns Here to Solve the Mary Phagan Murder Mystery

    Atlanta Constitution Friday, May 16th, 1913 By all means employ William J. Burns to solve the Mary Phagan murder mystery! It will cost several thousand dollars to get the world-famous detective to come to Atlanta, and The Constitution herewith starts the subscription with $100. As soon as Homer George, manager of the Atlanta theater, learned of the subscription he subscribed $10. Never in the history of Atlanta has there been such an insistent demand that a murderer or murderers be apprehended. For days and weeks the Phagan murder has been the sole topic of conversation. Now that the subscription has
  • Saturday, 17th May 1913 In Loop of Death Dorsey May Have Clue to Murderer

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 17th, 1913 Noose Found Knotted Around Neck of Mary Phagan Being Carefully Examined by Officers. BURNS RIGHT-HAND MAN NOW PROBING MYSTERY Fund Started by The Constitution for Purpose of Bringing Noted Detective to Atlanta Has Reached $1,500. In the noose found knotted around the throat of Mary Phagan's lifeless body, Solicitor Dorsey and headquarters detectives aver they possess a valuable clue to the girl's murderer. It is being inspected by experts, who also are examining specimens of cord picked up here and there in the factory building in which the child was slain. Expecting to find
  • Sunday, 18th May 1913 Three Arrests Expected Soon in Phagan Case

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 18th, 1913 Members of the Staff of the Solicitor General Are Now Keeping Trio Under Strict Surveillance. LANFORD HAS EVIDENCE TO CONVICT, HE SAYS Will Not Divulge Its Nature to Anyone, He Declares. Court Postponed to Allow More Time to Probe Case. SATURDAY'S DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PHAGAN MYSTERY Rumors from office of solicitor general say that three arrests will be made of attaches to pencil plant before case goes to grand jury. Trio will be jailed, it is said, within next few days. Chief Lanford, of police headquarters, announces he possesses documentary evidence which will convict
  • Monday, 19th May 1913 Detectives Seek Clue in Writing of Negro Suspect

    Atlanta Constitution Monday, May 19th, 1913 Another Employee of the National Pencil Company Now Held at Police Headquarters. VALUABLE EVIDENCE FOUND BY BURNS MAN For Hours the New Detective, Col. Thomas B. Felder and Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey Discuss Case. In the first report of his investigation of the Mary Phagan tragedy, William J. Burns' agent informs Solicitor General Dorsey that he already has obtained a valuable clue, and that a new phase of the mystery, upon which he is basing his operations, will be productive of early and startling results. Sunday was a day of vigorous activity in all
  • Tuesday, 20th May 1913 Women Declare Phagan Murder Must Be Solved

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, May 20th, 1913 "Freedom of Murderer Is a Menace to Honor and Life of Every Woman," Writes Mrs. James Carr. Optimistic over the prospects for solving the Mary Phagan mystery, C. W. Tobie, chief of the William J. Burns criminal department, told a reporter for The Constitution yesterday morning that he was confident the girl's murderer would be apprehended and convicted in a surprisingly short while. "What if Mary Phagan were your child?" is the subject of an eloquent plea made to the women of Atlanta by Mrs. Jane F. Carr for the apprehension of the slyer.
  • Wednesday, 21st May 1913 Tobie is Studying Mary Phagans Life

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, May 21st, 1913 Burns Operative Finds New Theory in Detailed Study of Life of Girl Who Was Murdered. Investigation into the life of Mary Phagan from the time she was a child until the day upon which she was murdered has been the work for the past several days of C. W. Tobie, the investigator who is preceding William J. Burns in the attempt to find the perpetrator of the crime. The detective will not reveal his specific reasons for accumulating a record of the girl's life, but steadily he has been familiarizing himself with every detail
  • Thursday, 22nd May 1913 Experts Are Here on Finger Prints

    Atlanta Constitution Thursday, May 22nd, 1913 Two Investigators Are Added to Wm. J. Burns' Forces Already in Atlanta—P. A. Flak in City. The William J. Burns forces in the investigation of the Mary Phagan mystery have been reinforced by two expert investigators who recently arrived in the city and are assisting Chief C. W. Tobie in his work. Their identity is being withheld. Both began work Wednesday. One is a noted handwriting and finger print expert, and his first object was to examine the notes found beside the girl's body and to obtain finger prints at and around the scene
  • Friday, 23rd May 1913 Rooming House Sought by Frank Declares Woman

    Atlanta Constitution Friday, May 23rd, 1913 Mrs. Mima Famby Swears Suspected Man Wanted a Room for Himself and a Girl on Murder Night. TO PRESENT AFFIDAVIT TO GRAND JURY TODAY Mysterious Telephone Message Caused Detectives to Interview Woman Who Conducts Rooming House. Mrs. Mima Famby , who conducts a rooming house at 400 Piedmont avenue, near Currier street, has signed an affidavit to the effect that on April 26 Leo M. Frank called her up repeatedly by telephone and endeavored to secure a room for himself and a young girl. The affidavit was signed Monday, May 11, but had been
  • Saturday, 24th May 1913 A. S. Colyar Makes Answer to Charges of Col. Felder

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 24th, 1913 A. S. Colyar, when seen last night by a representative of The Atlanta Constitution, gave out the following statement: "I have just read Colonel T. B. Felder's card in the bedtime edition of The Atlanta Georgian, in which he sees fit to call me, behind my back, a liar and a crook. Knowing the colonel as I do, and as his intimate friends know, he is a past grand master on explanations. The Atlanta Journal, in its Friday afternoon home edition, published every detail of the case, with the sworn statements of Mr. February
  • Saturday, 24th May 1913 Bribery Charges False Declares Col. Felder; Calls Them Frame-Up

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 24th, 1913 Affidavits and Alleged Dictagraph Record Are Made Public, Accusing Prominent Lawyer, of Offering Bribe of $1,000 to Secretary Febuary, of Police Department, to Secure Affidavit Made for Police by J. W. Coleman, Stepfather of Mary Phagan, in Regard to Felder's Connection With Case. ALLEGATIONS ARE MADE TO FORESTALL A PROBE OF POLICE, SAYS FELDER Mayor Woodward Also Dictagraphed , According to Report—Admits He Was Called Into Conference by A. S. Colyar, Who Offered Him, He Says, Evidence That the Police Department Is Giving Protection to Disorderly Houses in Atlanta—"I've Done My Duty, It's Up
  • Saturday, 24th May 1913 Career of A. S. Colyar Reads Like Some Story In the Arabian Nights

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 24th, 1913 The criminal career of A. S. Colyar reads like a story from the Arabian Nights. Probably no man in Tennessee has imposed so successfully upon the public and has escaped so lightly. The son of Colonel A. S. Colyar, in his day one of the most prominent citizens of Nashville and a grandson of ex-Governor Albert S. Marks with a family connection that includes many of the aristocrats of this section, he has been exceptionally fortunate in escaping the law although on various occasions he has done time. He has probably been arrested more
  • Saturday, 24th May 1913 Chief Beavers Not Surprised at Col. Felders Statements

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 24th, 1913 "I am not surprised," said Chief Beavers when asked to give an expression on Colonel T. B. Felder's alleged statement regarding graft and immorality in the detective department. "I am not surprised in the least. "However, I don't think it would be very nice of him to have me ridden through the streets naked, as he is reported to have threatened. Besides being not nice, he might lay himself liable to prosecution for public idecency." Further than this, Chief Beavers maintained the sphinx-like attitude which has characterized him ever since a certain memorable occasion
  • Saturday, 24th May 1913 Coleman Affidavit Which Police Say Felder Wanted

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 24th, 1913 State of Georgia, Fulton County: The affiant, J. W. Coleman and wife, citizens of Atlanta, Georgia, who reside at 146 Lindsay street. The affiant is the stepfather of Mary Phagan, deceased, the child who was foully murdered by a hellish brute on April 26, 1913. The affiant is in the employ of the City of Atlanta in the Sanitary department. The affiant, while at the police station during the coroner's inquest, the exact day he does not remember, was approached by a man somewhat under the influence of liquor, and said to the affiant,
  • Saturday, 24th May 1913 Felder is Charged with Bribe Offer for Phagan Papers

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 24th, 1913 City Detective Department Holds Statements Alleging Attorney Made Attempt to Secure Coleman Affidavit. SAY FELDER OFFERED $1,000 FOR THE PAPER Report of Conversation Between Col. Felder, Secretary Febuary and A. S. Colyar Taken Down by Gentry Colonel Thomas B. Felder—the man who brought the dictograph south and used it with such telling effect in the Blease investigation in South Carolina—has himself and a charge of against him and which the department declared . Charges are made that Colonel Felder offered a bribe of $1,000 in order to have affidavits Phagan murder case stolen from
  • Saturday, 24th May 1913 Frank Not Home Hours on Saturday Declares Lanford

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 24th, 1913 On Night of Murder Prisoner Was Not at Residence, as He Says He Was, States Head of Detective Dept WITNESSES WILL SWEAR TO THIS, HE ASSERTS Leo Frank Swore at Coroner's Inquest That He Reached Home at 7:30 O'Clock and Did Not Leave House "I can prove that Frank was not at home during the hours of Saturday night, the night of the murder that he claimed he was. I will have witnesses to swear to this." Such was the startling statement by Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford to a reporter for The Constitution
  • Saturday, 24th May 1913 Girl Strangled, Says Indictment

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 24th, 1913 Grand Jury is Now Engaged in Conducting Investigation of the Murder of Mary Phagan. That the state in its bills of indictment for the murder of Mary Phagan, brought separately against Leo M. Frank and Newt Lee, charges that the girl was strangled, was learned yesterday afternoon following the adjournment of the grand jury, which took up the case at 11 o'clock in the morning and went into its details until 1:45. Shortly after the adjournment of the grand jury Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey expressed himself as well pleased with the results of the
  • Saturday, 24th May 1913 Mayor Woodward Reported Caught by the Dictograph Seeking Police Evidence

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 24th, 1913 The little dictograph cunningly hidden in Detective Colyar's room in the Williams House No. 2 is said to have caught a conversation between Mayor James G. Woodward, Secretary G. C. Febuary of the detective department and Edward Miles, Wednesday afternoon, between 3 and 4 o'clock. Detective Colyar who drew Attorney Thomas B. Felder into the conspiracy was also present at the interview. Colyar sent Miles to the private office of Mayor Woodward in the Empire building, with an invitation that he examine affidavits which Colyar alleged to have in his possession charging police graft.
  • Saturday, 24th May 1913 Solicitor General Dorsey Talks of the Bribe Charge

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 24th, 1913 A merry laugh was the first comment made by Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey when told of the reported dictograph evidence in which Colonel T. B. Felder is quoted as saying that he could control the mayor, the criminal court judge and Hugh Dorsey. Solicitor Dorsey was at his home at the time, endeavoring to find rest and recreation after the morning's work of placing the evidence in the Phagan case before the grand jury. Hugh Dorsey, Jr., was in his arms at the time and from the lad's continuous efforts to express his joy
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Becker of South Lanford is Branded by Col. Tom Felder

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 System of Corruption as Poisonous as That of the Mafia Exists in Atlanta, According to Statement Made by Attorney Accused of Trying to Bribe Secretary G. C. Febuary to Steal Affidavit in the Phagan Case—Says Detectives Are Trying to Shield Murderer of Girl. COLONEL FELDER IS MAKING HIMSELF LAUGHING STOCK, SAYS LANFORD; HINTS AT NEW BRIBERY CHARGES A. S. Colyar, Leading Figure in Bribe Charges, Is Placed Under Arrest on Warrant From Knoxville, But Is Released on Bond—Connally , Negro Employee of the National Pencil Factory, Tells Officers He Wrote Notes at Dictation of
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 C. W. Tobie, Burns Agent, Tells of the Conferences He Held With A. S. Colyar

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 following affidavit concerning his connection with the Phagan case and with A. S. Colyar. Georgia, Fulton County—Personally appeared before the undersigned, an officer authorized by law to administer oaths, C. W. Tobie, who, first, being duly sworn, deposes and says: That he is a citizen of Chicago, with offices in the First National Bank building of that city, and that he is manager of the criminal department, west, of the William J. Burns National Detective agency; that he has occupied this position for the past ten months; that he has been connected with the
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Charge Framed Up by a Dirty Gang

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 That's the Way Mayor James G. Woodward Made Answer Saturday to Published Dictagraph Record. After Mayor James G. Woodward and read the published dictagraph record of the conversation alleged to have been held between him, A. S. Colyar, G. C. Febuary and E. O. Miles, in room No. 31, Williams House, Wednesday afternoon, he declared that it was a "frame-up by a dirty gang." The mayor told The Constitution that he would be willing to start a fund to employ Burns detectives to trace the motive which inspired Colyar and his companions. "I haven't
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Colyar a Success in Preacher Role

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 Professed Conversion During Revival at Cartersville and Married Rich Widow Before the Meeting Was Over. Athens, Georgia, May 24.—(Special.)—A. S. Colyar, now in the public eye in the Felder matter, had a short, hot, meteoric career in Athens in 1905. He came here representing himself as a former law partner of Hon. Andrew Lipscomb, of Washington, ingratiated himself with the bar, passed a forged check on his father at the Georgia National bank, secured the indorsement of Colonel C. H. Brand, then prosecuting attorney for the state, on a fraudulent draft and disappeared. He
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Colyar Declared Criminal and Not Worthy of Belief in Four Sworn Statements

    A. S. Colyar Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 Four sworn statements concerning the career of A. S. Colyar, and declaring him a criminal and unworthy of belief, have been furnished The Constitution by Colonel Thomas B. Felder. They are as follows: Record in Nashville. State of Georgia, County of Fulton—Personally appeared before the undersigned, an officer authorized by law to administer oaths, C. R. Atchison, who, first being duly sworn, deposes and says: That he was born and reared in the city of Nashville, Tenn., and lived there until January 1, 1913, when he removed to the city of
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Felders Charges of Graft Rotten

    George Gentry. Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 Lanford Declares No Printable Words Can Be Found to Describe Lawyer's Attack. "As for Tom Felder's charges of graft in the police or detective departments," said Chief Lanford last night, "they are as rotten as we have shown his character to be. There is no printable words that might be used to describe them. All Atlanta knows they are untrue, unfounded and are but the explosions of a distorted brain—a brain deformed by years of treachery, and they call him ‘Colonel' Felder. "He directs most of his charges of corruption toward the
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Frank Indicted in Phagan Case

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 He Will Not Go to Trial Before the Latter Part of June, According to Solicitor General Dorsey. Leo M. Frank, indicted Saturday afternoon for the murder of Mary Phagan, the 14-year-old girl whose dead body was found at 3 o'clock on the morning of April 27 in the basement of the National Pencil factory, will not go to trial before the latter part of June, according to a statement which Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey made last night. Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, who called the police to the place, was left under
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Frank is Praised by John O. Parmele

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 National Pencil Company Director Gives Written Statement of Confidence in Superintendent. Declaring that he cannot too strongly indorse Leo Frank's moral character or business capacity, John O. Parmele, president of the Parmele company, manufacturers and importers, and a member of the board of directors of the National Pencil factory, last night gave The Constitution a written statement: "I am a member of the board of directors of the National Pencil factory," he writes. "My duties require me to be at the factory and in the private office of our superintendent, Mr. Leo M. Frank,
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Frank the Guilty Man, Declares Chief Lanford

    Leo Frank, an undated family photograph Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 "Frank will be convicted. He is the guilty man, and we will show it beyond a doubt. Evidence that we hold but will not reveal will startle those who believe his innocence into conviction of his guilt. It will not be disclosed until the trial. "I have been confident throughout the investigation of his guilt. I am satisfied now. Colonel Felder's charges that we have shielded Frank can find no substantiation. The evidence we have unearthed is proof to the contrary. "The detectives of police headquarters have solved
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Here Is the Dictagraph Record of Woodwards Conversation

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 Going to A. S. Colyar's room in Williams House No. 2, on Forsyth street, Wednesday afternoon to make efforts to get information of alleged grafting on the part of Chief of Police Beavers and Chief Lanford, Mayor James G. Woodward walked into as neat a trap as was ever devised. The same dictagraph which was alleged to take down the statements of Colonel T. B. Felder, is said to have been working while the mayor of Atlanta was in conference with E. O. Miles, a private detective; Febuary, Chief of detectives Lanford's clerk, and
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Knew It Was Coming, Declares Cole Blease

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 Columbia, S. C., May 24.—(Special.—Governor Cole Blease, on whom the dictagraph was first sprung in the south, and by a strange coincidence through the instrumentality of Colonel T. B. Felder, feels that his time has come, and recent events are pointed to by him as his complete vindication. "'He that putteth on the sword by the sword he shall perish'—or words to that effect—is my biblical authority for the paraphrase that ‘he who uses the dictagraph against another and fails to prove anything by it, by the dictagraph himself shall be crucified,'" said Governor
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Others Will Be Involved In New Bribery Charges Intimates Chief Lanford

    G. C. Febuary, Secretary to Chief Lanford. Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 The probability of bribery charges to be made against others as well as Colonel Felder was intimated last night by Chief Lanford to a Constitution reporter. Documentary evidence involving one or more men is rumored to be in Lanford's possession. Also, his dictagraph is said to have reported secret conferences relating to the use of bribe money in the Mary Phagan case. This new phase of the bribery charges is said to pertain only to the bribing of witnesses in the Phagan investigation. Rumors to this effect
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Police Chairman Confident of Honesty of Officials

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 "Except to say that I have absolute confidence in the honesty and integrity of Chiefs James L. Beavers and Newport Lanford, I do not care to express myself," said Carlos Mason, chairman of the police commission, yesterday when asked for an official expression in regard to the charges made by Colonel T. B. Felder that the police and detective departments are full of graft and corruption. "All that I know of the case has been learned through the evidence and statements made public," he said added, "and as I have not been drawn into
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Says Chief is Able to Care for Himself

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 Marion Jackson Has No Comment to Make on Beavers-Felder Controversy. Marion Jackson and John J. Eagan, leaders of the Men and Forward Religion Movement were seen strolling down Decatur street last night about 9:30 o'clock. With them was N. A. Best, editor of The Continent, a religious journal published in Chicago. That Mr. Jackson and Mr. Eagan should be seen going down Decatur street in the direction of the police headquarters, at this time, when a new attack on the chief has been made, naturally caused considerable comment. Mr. Jackson denied, however, that his
  • Sunday, 25th May 1913 Thomas Felder Brands the Charges of Bribery Diabolical Conspiracy

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, May 25th, 1913 Thomas B. Felder, the Atlanta lawyer who is accused of having offered a bribe for an affidavit of J. W. Coleman, stepfather of Mary Phagan, now in the possession of the police, yesterday issued the following statement: To the People of Atlanta: The publication of the sensational "story" in The Atlanta Journal on yesterday afternoon relating to myself and my connection with the Phagan case is but the symptom or manifestation of one of the most diabolical conspiracies ever hatched by a venal and corrupt "system" to protect crime in a civilized community. To
  • Monday, 26th May 1913 Frank is Guilty, Says Pinkerton

    Atlanta Constitution Monday, May 26th, 1913 Sufficient Evidence Found to Convict Him, Declares Man Hired by the National Pencil Company. Announcing that he had secured evidence sufficient to convict his employer Harry Scott, assistant superintendent of the Pinkertons, who has been retained by the National Pencil company since the second day of the Phagan tragedy, said to a reporter for The Constitution Sunday night that it was his intention to help prosecute the suspected superintendent. Scott has been in command of the Pinkerton forces working on the investigation. His employment came about in answer to a telephone call from Frank
  • Monday, 26th May 1913 New Witnesses in Phagan Case Found by Police

    Atlanta Constitution Monday, May 26th, 1913 Reported Two Telephone Operators Will Swear to Conversations Held Over the Pencil Factory's Line. GAVE THEIR TESTIMONY BEFORE THE GRAND JURY A. S. Colyar Confers With Chief Beavers on Bribery Allegations—Case Now in Its Infancy, Says Chief. With the entire city aroused over the recent sensational Felder bribery charges and counter charges of graft and corruption in the police department, investigation of the Mary Phagan mystery continues. Police headquarters was elated Sunday over the progress and over new developments which have arisen. New testimony has been given by girl telephone operators relative to conversations
  • Monday, 26th May 1913 Thousands in Atlanta Living the Life of Mary Phagans MurdererRev. W. W. Memminger

    Atlanta Constitution Monday, May 26th, 1913 "Thousands of people in Atlanta are living the lives today that the murderer of Mary Phagan lived, and which culminated in the atrocious crime," declared Rev. W. W. Memminger, pastor of All Saints' Episcopal church. In a sermon yesterday morning which he devoted in great part to pleading for a better standard of morals in the daily life of man and woman. The woman who uses paint and powder, who dances the turkey trot and who dresses in a suggestive manner came in for scathing remarks from the rector, but the man who boasts
  • Tuesday, 27th May 1913 Burns Agency Quits the Phagan Case; Tobie Leaves Today

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, May 27th, 1913 Dan P. Lehon Holds Conference With Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey and Other Officials and Then Makes Announcement of Severance of Connection With Case. FELDER TO CONTINUE PROBE, HE DECLARES; NO STATEMENT SOON "One of the Girls" in the Pencil Factory Brings Statement to The Constitution Defending the Character of Employees — Bribery Attempts Are Denied. As a startling climax to the sensational turn of affairs in the Mary Phagan murder investigation, it was announced yesterday by Dan P. Lehon, superintendent of the Burns southern offices, that his agency had retired from the investigation of
  • Tuesday, 27th May 1913 Chief James L. Beavers Reply to Mayor Woodward

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, May 27th, 1913 "If Beavers and Lanford permitted Febuary, ‘a trusted man,' to go out and circulate lies about corruption in the police department in an effort to trap someone, they have debauched their officers, and the sooner they are put out the better it will be for the men who work under them." Mayor James G. Woodward made the above reply to Chief James L. Beavers in a statement to The Constitution late Monday afternoon. They mayor declared that Febuary's part in the conspiracy has destroyed his usefulness with the department, and he is not fit
  • Wednesday, 28th May 1913 Conley Reported to Admit Writing Notes Saturday

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, May 28th, 1913 Negro Sweeper, It Is Stated, Acknowledges That He Erred in Former Statement to the Detectives. POLICE NOW SATISFIED WITH NEGRO'S EVIDENCE Conley Is Taken to Frank's Cell, But Prisoner Refused to See Him Except in the Presence of His Lawyer. In a gruelling three-hour third degree at police headquarters last night, James Conley, the negro pencil factory sweeper, is reported to have made the statement that he erred in the date of his original confession and that he wrote the murder notes at Leo Frank's dictation at 1 o'clock on the Saturday of Mary
  • Thursday, 29th May 1913 Negro Sweeper Tells the Story of Murder Notes

    Atlanta Constitution Thursday, May 29th, 1913 James Conley Makes New Affidavit, Swearing That He Wrote at the Dictation of Leo M. Frank. EVIDENCE CHAIN NOW COMPLETE, SAY POLICE Conley Declares Frank Gave Him $2.50 for Writing the Notes—He Writes "Night Witch" for Night Watchman. James Conley, the negro sweeper at the National Pencil factory, in which little Mary Phagan was murdered, made a new affidavit Wednesday morning in which he threw additional light on the case, incriminating Leo M. Frank, and which detectives think will solve the long-drawn-out mystery. "Write ‘night watchman,'" he is said to have been commanded by
  • Friday, 30th May 1913 But One Thing is Proved in Mary Phagan Mystery

    Atlanta Constitution Friday, May 30th, 1913 Amid the warp of falsehood and the woof of conjecture, one thing stands out like a scarlet thread in the Mary Phagan murder mystery—for mystery it still is and still will be until a jury of twelve men fixes the guilt on some man or men. That one thing—startling in its vivid contrast to the murky maze of contradictions—is the fact that James Conley, the negro sweeper employed at the National Pencil factory, wrote the notes which were found beside the mutilated and lifeless body of Mary Phagan early in the morning of April
  • Friday, 30th May 1913 Conley Says He Helped Frank Carry Body of Mary Phagan to Pencil Factory Cellar

    Atlanta Constitution Friday, May 30th, 1913 Helped Frank Dispose of Mary Phagan's Body Conley Now Confesses Negro Sweeper Who Swore to Detectives That He Wrote Murder Notes Found Near Dead Girl's Body Now Admits His Complicity in Case, According to Statements Which Have Stirred Police Headquarters as Nothing Since Murder. LANFORD AND BEAVERS PLEASED OVER RESULT OF GRILLING NEGRO, THEY ANNOUNCE TO REPORTERS. Police and Detective Heads Refuse to Go Into Details of Negro's Statement Or to Discuss What He Said, But Declare That It Will Prove a Big Factor in the Murder Case—Negro Will Be Subjected to Another Third
  • Saturday, 31st May 1913 Conley Tells Graphic Story of Disposal of the Dead Body

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 31st, 1913 Following is the complete signed confession of James Conley, the negro sweeper employed at the National Pencil factory, which was made to Chief of Detectives Lanford, Chief of Police Beavers, Harry Scott, of the Pinkertons, and others, late Friday afternoon: "On Saturday, April 26, 1913, when I came back to the pencil factory with Mr. Frank I waited for him downstairs, like he told me, and when he whistled for me I went upstairs and he asked me if I wanted to make some money right quick, and I told him, yes, sir, and
  • Saturday, 31st May 1913 Mary Phagans Murder Was Work of a Negro Declares Leo M. Frank

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 31st, 1913 "No Man With Common Sense Would Even Suspect That I Did It," Prisoner in Fulton Tower Tells Attache. "It's a Negro's Crime Through and Through." Asserts His Innocence to Turnkeys and to Fellow Prisoners. "IT'S UP TO MR. FRANK TO TELL THE TRUTH," ASSERTS JAMES CONLEY "I Believe He'd Let ‘Em Hang Me to Get Out of It Himself if He Had the Chance," Says Negro Sweeper—Chief Lanford Is Pleased With Work of Department and Ready for the Case to Come to Trial Immediately. "No white man killed Mary Phagan. It's a negro's crime,
  • Sunday, 1st June 1913 Conley is Removed from Fulton Tower at His Own Request

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, June 1st, 1913 Friends of Leo Frank Have Tried to Intimidate Him, Negro Sweeper Tells Detective Chief as Reason for His Transfer to the Police Station. LANFORD RAPS SHERIFF DECLARING HE IS NOT ASSISTING THE POLICE "He Appears to Be Placing Obstacles in Our Way," Asserts Chief, in Speaking of Attempts to Interview the Suspected Superintendent. Mangum Denies Intimidation Attempts. Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford is authority for the statement that James Conley, the negro floor sweeper of the National Pencil factory, who, in his latest affidavit, has admitted his complicity in the Mary Phagan murder, after
  • Monday, 2nd June 1913 Frank Asked Room to Conceal Body Believes Lanford

    Atlanta Constitution Monday, June 2nd, 1913 Detective Chief Forms New Theory as to Reason Why Prisoner Is Said to Have Phoned Mrs. Formby. HER DISAPPEARANCE PUZZLING TO OFFICERS Lanford Says He Will Find Her in Time for Trial, But Does Not Know Where She Is Now. That Leo M. Frank telephoned Mrs. Formby on the night of Mary Phagan's murder for a room to which he would be able to remove the victim's body and thereby lessen suspicion against himself, is the theory on which Chief Newport Lanford is basing a search for Mrs. Formby, which is extending over the
  • Tuesday, 3rd June 1913 Grand Jury Calls for Thos. Felder and Police Heads

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, June 3rd, 1913 Subpoenas Served Monday Night on the Principals in Dictagraph Case and in Charges of Corruption. GRAND JURY TO HOLD INVESTIGATION TODAY Mayor Woodward, Col. Felder, Chief Beavers, Chief Lanford, Carl Hutcheson and Jno. Black Subpoenaed That the Fulton county grand jury will undertake today an investigation of both sides of the Beavers-Felder controversy was made apparent by the formal summons issued last night to all the principals in the affair. An added element of mystery to the investigation comes in the attempt made to summon Mrs. Mima Formby, the woman who made affidavit that
  • Tuesday, 3rd June 1913 Leo Franks Cook Put Under Arrest

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, June 3rd, 1913 Reported That She Is Being Held as Witness—Defense of Prisoner in the Tower Outlined. Another arrest was made yesterday in the Phagan mystery. Minola McKnight, cook and servant in the Leo Frank household, was sent to police headquarters by Detectives Starnes and Campbell when she hysterically created a scene at Pryor and Mitchell streets, sobbing and moaning that "they were going to hang her for something she knew nothing about." She is being held under a charge of suspicion. Chief Lanford said last night, however, that she will likely be used as a witness
  • Wednesday, 4th June 1913 Servant of Frank is Liberated After Long Examination

        Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, June 4th, 1913 Despite Gruelling Third Degree, Woman Maintains Denial of Having Told Conflicting Stories. FACED BY HUSBAND, SHE CONTRADICTS HIM Her Release Came After Her Attorney Had Threatened to Take Out Habeas Corpus Proceedings. Minola McKnight, the servant girl held in the Mary Phagan case, was given her freedom early last night, and left police headquarters for her home on Pulliam street. She was not liberated, however, until the detectives had obtained her signature to an affidavit telling what she knew of Frank's actions the day of the murder. Her husband, who was also
  • Wednesday, 4th June 1913 Vice List Wanted by Chief Beavers; Promises Probe

    Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, June 4th, 1913 Head of Police Department Invites Carl Hutcheson to Furnish Him With List of Houses. MORE WITNESSES WILL GIVE TESTIMONY TODAY Grand Jury Determined to Go to Bottom of Vice Allegations, But Will Not Touch Bribery Charge at Present. Renewed activities on the part of the police "vice squad" have come with the taking up vice probe by the grand jury, which was started yesterday morning, when a number of principals in the Felder-Beavers controversy were summoned to tell what they know of alleged operation of vicious houses and hotels in Atlanta. The grand jury
  • Thursday, 5th June 1913 Frank Wanted Gun to Take His Life, Says Negro Cook

    Atlanta Constitution Thursday, June 5th, 1913 Sensational Affidavit Made for the Police by Minola McKnight, Servant in Leo Frank's Home. Fully as startling as the recent confession of James Conley, an affidavit purporting to have been sworn to by Minola McKnight, the servant girl of the Frank household, was given out to the newspapers yesterday afternoon by Chief Lanford. The detectives assert it is the "final straw" in the mass of evidence they boast of having accumulated. Attesting to a statement that Frank was nervous and excited on the tragedy night, the negress swears Mrs. Frank told of having to
  • Thursday, 5th June 1913 Jury Will Probe Dictagraph Row

    Atlanta Constitution Thursday, June 5th, 1913 A. L. Colyar, Jr., George M. Gentry and G. C. Febuary Summoned at Request of Chief Lanford An investigation of the separate phases of the row resulting from the dictagraph traps laid by city detectives for Attorney Thomas B. Felder and Mayor James G. Woodward is believed to be forecast on the grand jury by the summoning before it of A. L. Colyar, Jr., George M. Gentry and G. C. Febuary. All these men played an important part of the performance and were summoned it is claimed at the request made by N. A.
  • Friday, 6th June 1913 Dorsey Replies to the Charges of Mrs. L. Frank

    Atlanta Constitution Friday, June 6th, 1913 Says the Wife of an Accused Man Would Be the Last to Learn of Her Husband's Guilt. MRS. FRANK BITTER IN HER CRITICISM Detective Department Not at All Disturbed Over Denial of the McKnight Woman That She Signed Affidavit. The wife of a man accused of crime would probably be the last person to learn all of the facts establishing her husband's guilt, and certainly would be the last person to admit his culpability, even though it be proved by overwhelming evidence. Perhaps the most unpleasant feature incident to the position of prosecuting attorney
  • Friday, 6th June 1913 Felder and Lanford Come Near to Blows

    Atlanta Constitution Friday, June 6th, 1913 Personal Encounter in Solicitor's Office Is Narrowly Averted by Bystanders. What threatened to be a serious personal encounter between Colonel Thomas B. Felder and Detective Chief Newport Lanford was narrowly averted Thursday morning in Solicitor Hugh Dorsey's office by the interferences of bystanders. The two men who for several weeks have been hurling ugly charges at each other were facing each other at the time after the passage of a few words when they were seized and hustled away from each other. Out of the seriousness of the near fight grew a laughable incident
  • Friday, 6th June 1913 Grand Jury May Drop Vice Probe

    Atlanta Constitution Friday, June 6th, 1913 Foreman Beck Delines to Talk of Probable Action of Jury—Felder to Issue a Public Statement. "The grand jury has finished its questioning of witnesses with its adjournment, and unless members of the jury should desire that those of the several witnesses summoned, who have not been heard, should be brought before them, there is nothing more to do." This was the statement made yesterday by L. H. Beck, foreman of the grand jury, which adjourned at 2 o'clock after a three-day probe in vice conditions in Atlanta. Foreman Beck stated that the body would
  • Friday, 6th June 1913 Grand Jury Probes Detective Leaks

    Atlanta Constitution Friday, June 6th, 1913 Court Officials Worried Over News Growing Out of the Phagan Murder Mystery. It is understood on good authority that the grand jury has been called upon to make a searching investigation in the apparent "leakage" in the detective department, which has enabled the newspapers to publish every important development in the Phagan murder mystery before such development had, often times, been brought to the official attention of the solicitor general's office. It is said that certain court officials deemed the matter of such importance that they called the attention of the grand jury to
  • Saturday, 7th June 1913 Current in Effect on Day of Tragedy

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, June 7th, 1913 Report That Elevator in Pencil Factory Was Not Running Proves Groundless. Following a widely-prevalent rumor that Leo Frank's defense will strive to prove that the current was shut off from the pencil factory plant on the day Mary Phagan was slain, and that, for this reason, James Conley could not have lowered the girl's body to the basement on the electrically-driven elevator as he claims in his confession, it was established conclusively last night that the Georgia Railway and Power company's electric service was in effect on the tragedy day. This statement was made
  • Saturday, 7th June 1913 Lanford Claps Lid on Detective News

    Atlanta Constitution Saturday, June 7th, 1913 All Information in Future Must Come Through Office of the Chief. Chief Newport Lanford yesterday morning issued a special order prohibiting the disclosing of information to newspaper reporters. It was stated in The Constitution in its story Friday morning the investigation in the Phagan case had been seriously hampered by the publication of developments, many of which were made public in premature form. Solicitor Dorsey wrote Chief Lanford requesting him to clap on the lid. Chief Lanford, in a talk with reporters, said that much of the publication of developments was not caused through
  • Sunday, 8th June 1913 Felder Makes Answer to Dictagraph Episode

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, June 8th, 1913 Well-Known Attorney Writes Four Cards Covering All the Phases of Situation and Answering All Charges. DICTAGRAPH TRAP JUST "FRAME-UP," HE SAYS Col. Felder Asserts George Gentry, Who Took Down the Stenographic Notes, Will Return and Expose the Deal. Colonel Thomas B. Felder has written four cards—to Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford, Chief of Police Beavers, James R. Gray, editor of The Journal, and Foster Coates, manager of The Georgian—all bearing on the late pictograph incident which was published in the three papers of Atlanta. He states the whole thing was a "frame-up" from beginning
  • Sunday, 8th June 1913 Lanford Answers Felder’s Charge

    Atlanta Constitution Sunday, June 8, 1913 Declares That He Has Never Seen Gentry But Once in His Life. "Tom Felder is a contemptible liar," blazed Chief Lanford last night when informed of the contents of Colonel Felder's letter directed to him through The Constitution. "I never saw this Gentry but once in my life, and that was before this dictagraph exposure ever happened. I have never seen him since. "Gentry telephoned police headquarters Saturday, a week ago, however, and asked for Febuary, my secretary. Febuary happened not to be in at the time. I answered the telephone. Gentry wanted to
  • Tuesday, 10th June 1913 Leo Frank Reported Ready for His Trial

    Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, June 10, 1913 Many Witnesses Are Being Examined Every Day by Attorneys for the Defense That counsel for Leo Frank is ready for trial was freely reported over the city Monday. Attorney Luther Z. Rosser, his lawyer, when asked regarding this report, gave the reply that has been characteristic of his attitude during the Phagan case. "I have nothing to say." He would in nowise commit himself. It is understood, however, that Mr. Rosser has informed friends that the defense is ready and that there will be no delay in putting it before the jury, which is
  • Wednesday, 11th June 1913 Dictograph Records Crooked, Says Gentry

    The Atlanta Constitution June 11, 1913 NOTEBOOK WILL PROVE REPORTS WERE ‘PADDED,' HE SAYS IN AFFIDAVIT Young Stenographer, Who Made the Report of the Conversation in Room No. 31 Williams House, Voluntarily Makes Statement Before a Notary Public in the City of Washington D. C., Where He Is Employed. ASSERTS THAT HE LEFT ATLANTA WHEN INFORMED OVER TELEPHONE HE MIGHT BE PUT UNDER ARREST Swears That A. S. Colyar Has Made Effort to Purchase His Original Notes, Which Are Now in Possession of His Brotheró"Grand Jury Should Make an Investigation" Declares Mayor James G. Woodward. The sworn charge that the
  • Wednesday, 11th June 1913 Lanford Silent on Rosser’s Card

    The Atlanta Constitution June 11, 1913 Detective Chief Says He Has No Reply to Make to the Charges of Counsel for Leo M. Frank. Following the public letter written yesterday by Luther Z. Rosser, counsel for Leo Frank, Detective Chief Newport Lanford said that he had no reply to make to the charges and that hereafter he intended to adopt a policy of silence. The chief smiled frequently while reading the attorney's statement, but be positively declined to comment on it. "Henceforth," he stated briefly, "It will be the attitude of the detective department to avoid publicity. It should have
  • Thursday, 12th June 1913 Grand Jury Will Probe Affidavits About Dictagraph

    The Atlanta Constitution June 12, 1913 Investigation of Charges and Counter Charges Will Begin at Early Date and Will Be Exhaustive One. LANFORD SAYS GENTRY WILL DENY AFFIDAVIT Affidavit Is Made Declaring Dictagraph Instrument Was Secured by Chief Lanford For Use in Phagan Case. Following close on the heels of the publication of the George M. Gentry affidavit, in which the young stenographer states that his typewritten report of the dictagraph conversation was padded, and says that he left town after he had discovered that he had fallen in with a "crowd of crooks," comes the assurance that the grand
  • Friday, 13th June 1913 Beavers Trying to Find Gentry

    The Atlanta Constitution June 13, 1913 Felder Says He Will Be Produced at the Proper Time. Notary Declares Affidavit Is Genuine. Miss Jeannette Henning, the notary public whose official seal was attached to the affidavit made recently by George Gentry, has informed The Constitution that she took the document from him last Monday, and that although it is genuine, she does not know its contents. She states that she had never met Gentry prior to the time he made the affidavit. Chief Beavers, who has for the past several days been attending the convention of national police chiefs in Washington,
  • Friday, 13th June 1913 Negro Conley May Face Frank Today

    The Atlanta Constitution June 13, 1913 Hearing Before Judge Roan Today Will Decide Whether Negro Will Be Sent to Tower. Whether James Conley, the negro sweeper, who swears that Leo Frank got his aid in disposing of Mary Phagan's body and made him write the notes found near her, will be held as a material witness in the county jail or turned free and re-arrested by detectives as a suspect and then kept at police station, is due to be decided at 10 o'clock on the hearing of the rule nisi before Judge L. S. Roan. The question of Conley's liberty
  • Saturday, 14th June 1913 Col. Felder Asks Early Jury Probe

    The Atlanta Constitution Saturday, June 14, 1913. Requests Investigation of the Gentry Affidavit—A. S. Colyar Is Not in Atlanta Now Colonel Thomas B. Felder yesterday requested that the grand jury make an early investigation of the affidavit submitted by George Gentry in which he declared that the dictagraph records were padded. On Friday afternoon he forwarded a letter to L. H. Beck, foreman of the jury, in which he asked that body to look into the matter as early as possible. Offering to appear before the jury at any time, Colonel Felder assured Mr. Beck that he could place before
  • Saturday, 14th June 1913 Conley Released, Then Rearrested

    The Atlanta Constitution Saturday, June 14, 1913 After a short hearing in his chambers yesterday Judge L. S. Roan, of the superior court, revoked his former order holding James Conley, the negro sweeper, as a material witness in the Phagan case, and ordered his release from the custody of the state. The negro was immediately rearrested and held by city detectives on a charge of suspicion. By this the detective department and Solicitor Hugh Dorsey won their first point, as had the negro been ordered held by the state, he would have been transferred to the Tower and placed in
  • Sunday, 15th June 1913 Detective Chief Tells Grand Jury of “Third Degree”

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, June 15, 1913 Questions Put to Lanford Indicate That Investigation of Police Methods Is Being Conducted. TORTURE ERA IS PAST, CHIEF INFORMS JURY Science and Skill Now Employed by Detectives in Securing Confessions From Criminals, He Says. The police "third degree," which has created such widespread discussion during the Mary Phagan murder investigation, has been thoroughly explained to the grand jury by Detective Chief Newport A. Lanford, who appeared before that body at its request. Detective John Black, of headquarters, who has been an active figure in the Phagan case, is also said to have been
  • Sunday, 15th June 1913 Frank Hooper Aids Phagan Prosecution

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, June 15, 1913 Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey Announces His Associate in Big Case. Just before leaving yesterday afternoon for New York, Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey announced that Attorney Frank A. Hooper would be associated with him in the prosecution growing out of the murder of Mary Phagan. Saying that Mr. Hooper was his personal choice, Dorsey also stated that Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Coleman, parents of the victim, had been consulted and had directed him to employ such counsel as he desired and that his choice of Mr. Hooper satisfied the Colemans. Attorney Hooper
  • Sunday, 15th June 1913 Solicitor Dorsey Goes to New York

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, June 15, 1913 Grand Jury Will Probably Take Up the Dictagraph Probe While He Is Away. With the departure of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey for New York yesterday afternoon, whither he declares he is going for a week's rest, and the announcement of Foreman L. H. Beck, of the grand jury, that only routine criminal business will be taken up at the meeting on Tuesday, comes a peculiar situation, as hitherto the solicitor's pretense has been considered necessary for the indictment of the regular class of criminals, and only when investigating on their own accord
  • Monday, 16th June 1913 Col. Thomas Felder Goes to Cincinnati

    The Atlanta Constitution Monday, June 16, 1913 Says Trip Has Nothing to Do With That of Solicitor Dorsey Following the departure of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey for Atlantic City Saturday afternoon, Col. Thomas B. Felder left Sunday afternoon at 5:10 o'clock for Cincinnati. He said that his trip had no connection whatever with that of the solicitor general. He would not disclose his object in going to Cincinnati, however, and said only that he would be in the Ohio city for several days. Business was his motive in leaving, he declared, although he would not tell what business he
  • Monday, 16th June 1913 Constitution Picture Will Figure in Trial

    The Atlanta Constitution Monday, June 16, 1913 Solicitor Wants Photograph of Spot Where Mary Phagan's Body Was Found A flashlight picture, made by The Constitution's staff photographer is to be used as evidence by the prosecution in the trial of Leo M. Frank. This was made evident Sunday afternoon when Detective John Starnes applied to a Constitution reporter for the photograph of the spot in the pencil factory basement, where Mary Phagan's body was discovered. Starnes would not state why he wanted the picture, saying only that it would be used by the prosecution. He was extremely desirous of getting
  • Wednesday, 18th June 1913 Two New Witnesses Sought by Officers

    The Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, June 18, 1913 Former Girl Employee and a Machanic May Testify Against Frank. Two new witnesses may be used by the state in the prosecution of Leo Frank when his trial is held on June 30. Chief Lanford is investigating the reported statement of a young girl living near Roswell and of a mechanic who resides near East Point. The former, a lass of 17, is said to have been employed in the pencil factory two years ago. For the past year or more she has been living with her parents at their home just outside
  • Thursday, 19th June 1913 Mrs. Formby Here for Phagan Trial

    The Atlanta Constitution Thursday, June 19, 1913 Woman Declares She Will Appear in Court and Will Corroborate Sensational Affidavit to Police. Mima Formby, the rooming housekeeper of 400 Piedmont avenue, who made the affidavit declaring that Leo Frank had telephoned her on the night of Mary Phagan's murder in an endeavor to rent a room to which he could bring a girl, has returned to Atlanta after a disappearance of several weeks. To a reporter for The Constitution she stated yesterday afternoon that she intended remaining in the city until time of the Phagan trial and that she would appear
  • Thursday, 19th June 1913 Reuben Arnold May Aid Frank’s Defense In Big Murder Trial

    The Atlanta Constitution Thursday, June 19, 1913 When questioned last night as to the truth of the rumor that he will be associated with the defense of Leo M. Frank, indicted for the Mary Phagan murder, Reuben R. Arnold, one of Georgia's most prominent attorneys, refused to either affirm or deny the rumor. "I am not associated with the defense yet," Mr. Arnold said. "I cannot make any statement at the present time in regard to this matter." When questioned closely as to whether he would be engaged by the defense later on, Mr. Arnold made the same statement. Luther
  • Friday, 20th June 1913 Formby Woman May Not Be A Witness

    The Atlanta Constitution Friday, June 20, 1913 State Declares Its Case Against Frank Is Now Complete Dorsey Still Absent Because of the inconsistency of her statement with the state's outline of prosecution, Chief Lanford intimates that Mima Formby , the roominghouse keeper of 400 Piedmont avenue, will not be called to the stand in Leo Frank's trial. He does not state this positively, however, but it is the general opinion that such will be the prosecution's action. Mrs. Formby has stated to a Constitution reporter that she is ready to testify against the factory superintendent and that she will remain
  • Saturday, 21st June 1913 Postponement Likely In Leo Frank’s Trial

    The Atlanta Constitution Saturday, June 21, 1913 Doubt is expressed around the Fulton superior court that Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the National Pencil factory, now under indictment for the murder of Mary Phagan, an employee, on the afternoon or night of April 26, will go to trial during June. This date was the one upon which the solicitor had suggested that the trial might be held, but it is believed that if the state should prove to be ready at that time, that the defense would move to postpone the trial, pending further investigation and preparation on their part.
  • Sunday, 22nd June 1913 Col. Felder Returns From Trip to Ohio

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, June 22, 1913 Journey Had No Relation to the Phagan Mystery or Dictagraph Incident, He Says. Colonel T. B. Felder returned Saturday from a six-day trip to Cincinnati. Much speculation was created by his departure for Ohio last Sunday and it was hinted that he had made the journey in interest of his recent connection with the famous dictagraph plot. It was also reported that he had gone behalf of the Mary Phagan investigation, in which he has been an active figure. His departure within less than twenty-four hours after Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey had left
  • Sunday, 22nd June 1913 Frank Not Guilty of Phagan Murder Declares Arnold

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, June 22, 1913 Prominent Atlanta Lawyer Engaged to Aid in Defense of Pencil Factory Superintendent. NO WHITE MAN KILLED GIRL, ASSERTS LAWYER Formby and Conley Statements Should Not Be Given Credence So Far as They Tend to Incriminate Frank, He Says. Reuben R. Arnold, perhaps the best-known attorney in Georgia, has been engaged to aid the defense of Leo M. Frank, the suspected pencil factory superintendent, in the Mary Phagan mystery. This announcement was made from his office yesterday afternoon. In a statement that was furnished each of the newspapers, Mr. Arnold attacks the detectives for
  • Sunday, 22nd June 1913 Leading Law Firms Have Joined Forces

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, June 22, 1913 Of especial interest in legal circles is the announcement that two of the leading law firms of Atlanta have joined forces, under the firm name of Rosser, Brandon, Slaton & Phillips. They will begin operation with offices on the west end of the seventh floor of the Grant building on July 1. Associated with the firm will be Luther Z. Rosser, Morris Brandon, John M. Slaton, Benjamin Z. Phillips, J. H. Porter, I. S. Hopkins, L. Z. Rosser Jr., V. B. Moore, J. J. Ragan, and James J. Slaton. Governor elect Slaton has
  • Monday, 23rd June 1913 Leo M. Frank’s Trial June 30, Says Dorsey

    The Atlanta Constitution Monday, June 23, 1913 Solicitor General Hears Report That John Moore Will Assist in the Defense. "Unless something now turns up of which I have no knowledge at present, I will set Leo Frank's trial for June 30," said Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey yesterday on his return from a week's stay in New York city. While the solicitor's announcement has set at rest the rumors that the state would wait and set the trial for July 14 or 28, it does not necessarily mean that the trial will actually be held on that date, as the
  • Tuesday, 24th June 1913 Frank’s Trial Set For Next Monday

    The Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, June 24, 1913 Indications Are Case Will Begin on That Day—Jury Panel Not Yet Drawn by Judge Roan. The trial of Leo M Frank, superintendent of the National Pencil Factory, now under indictment for the murder of Mary Phagan on April 26 in the factory, has been definitely set for next Monday. This was the announcement of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey last night after he had been working upon the court calendar for the coming week. Solicitor Dorsey announced Sunday upon his arrival from New York city where he had spent the past two weeks
  • Wednesday, 25th June 1913 Reported Hoke Smith May Aid Leo Frank

    The Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, June 25, 1913 Rumor He Will Appear for Defense Emphatically Denied, However, by Senator. By John Corrigan, Jr. Washington, June 24.—Reports that Senator Hoke Smith will be associated with Luther Rosser and other lawyers for the defense in the trial of Leo M. Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan were current here today. These reports followed the visit to Washington on last Saturday of Luther Rosser, leading counsel for Frank and Ike Haas, president of the National Pencil company, which employed Frank as superintendent of the factory. Investigate Early Life. Mr. Rosser and Mr. Haas
  • Wednesday, 25th June 1913 Trial of Leo Frank Postponed by Judge

    The Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, June 25, 1913 Date of Trial Changed From June 30 Until July 28 at Plea of Attorneys for Defense. The first appearance in open court of the indictment against Leo M. Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan came yesterday afternoon when Judge L. S. Roan, presiding over the criminal division of superior court, summoned attorneys for both sides, and after a hearing changed the date of trial from June 30, as set by Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey, to July 28. This and the legal move by the defense in serving upon Solicitor Dorsey, Police Chief
  • Saturday, 28th June 1913 Lanford and Felder Indicted for Libel

    The Atlanta Constitution Saturday, June 28, 1913 Indictments Grew Out of the Dictagraph Episode and the Letters Which Followed. Formal investigation into the invectives hurled between Colonel Thomas B. Felder and Detective Chief Newport Lanford resulted yesterday in indictments of criminal libel being returned by the grand jury against each of them for their cards and interviews in the daily papers in which they attacked each other's character, after the dictagraph row. Colonel Felder is held under two indictments on a bond of $500, while Chief Lanford has one indictment against him, and is free on the same bond. The
  • Friday, 4th July 1913 Effort Will Be Made to Free Newt Lee

    The Atlanta Constitution Friday, July 4, 1913 Attorney Chappell Declares Belief That Lee Has No Knowledge of Guilty Parties. An early effort is likely to be made to free Newt Lee, the negro night watchman who discovered the body of Mary Phagan, and who has since been held for suspected complicity in the crime. This is intimated in a statement issued by the negro's counsel, Bernard L. Chappell, who says he has arrived at the conclusion that his client knows absolutely nothing about the murder, except his grewsome discovery. Lee was not indicted, although his name was submitted before the
  • Wednesday, 9th July 1913 Caught Drinking, Three Policemen Fired Off Force

    The Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, July 9, 1913 Three Officers Are Suspended for Ninety Days, and Two Exonerated and Their Pay for Lost Time Restored. WOOD, BORN, FOLDS DISCHARGED BY BOARD Mayor Intimated He Would Ask Charges Be Preferred Against Moon, Who Said He Drank to Secure Evidence. The scandal in the police department which grew out of revelations that eight policemen visited the resort of Ola Bradley, a negress, at No. 129 Auburn street resulted in the dismissal of three, exoneration of two, and suspension of three for ninety days, by the police board, at 1:30 o'clock this morning. The
  • Wednesday, 9th July 1913 Vice Scandal Probe Postponed for a Day

      The Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, July 9, 1913 Because the attorney of Lena Barnhart, who is accused by Hattie Smith of being a white slave procuress, pleaded for time in which to obtain witnesses to the effect that the Barnhart woman had been introduced to the girl and had been her benefactress, the recent hotel vice scandal which was to have been given an airing yesterday in police court was postponed until today at 2:30 o'clock. Chief Beavers ordered detectives Tuesday morning to summon C. V. Kistner, proprietor of the Hotel Cumberland, to appear in recorder's court and bring the
  • Thursday, 10th July 1913 Hotels Involved By Story of Vice Young Girl Tells

    The Atlanta Constitution Thursday, July 10, 1913 Soda Water Stands, Chop Suey Joints and Automobile Rides Figure in Her Narrative. NAME OF BUSINESS MAN BROUGHT INTO SCANDAL Hattie Smith Says She Registered With Men in Cumberland and Brittain—Recorder Binds Over Three. A story of vice that is unprecedented even in the sorbid history of police court, was poured into the ears of Judge Broyles Wednesday afternoon, when Hattie Smith, the 17-year-old "Girl of the Streets," was called to the stand. She made no attempt to withhold anything. She gave names and addresses with startling willingness, and told of her own
  • Thursday, 10th July 1913 Mary Phagan’s Pay Envelope is Found

    The Atlanta Constitution Thursday, July 10, 1913 Discovery Made by Detectives Weeks Ago, But Is Just Announced The discovery of the pay envelope given Mary Phagan on the day of her murder is believed by detectives to furnish the missing link in the chain of circumstancial evidence they declare they have forged. The envelope was found by Detectives Harry Scott and John Black. It is now in possession of the solicitor general. It was discovered on the first floor of the plant building behind a radiator that is situated in immediate vicinity to the spot at which James Conye ,
  • Friday, 11th July 1913 Conley Not Right Man, Says Mincey

    The Atlanta Constitution Friday, July 11, 1913 Insurance Man Who Made Affidavit Says Conversation Was With Some Other Negro—Saw Conley at Station. It was disclosed Thursday afternoon that William H. Mincey, the insurance agent who has made an affidavit to the effect that Jim Conley on the date of the Phagan murder drunkenly admitted that he had slain a girl had appeared at police headquarters during Conley's grilling and had positively failed to identify the negro. This was told a Constitution reporter by Detective Harry Scott of the Pinkertons and Detective Chief Newport Lanford. The insurance agent, they declared, had
  • Sunday, 13th July 1913 Detective Harry Scott’s Hunch Thrilling Story of How it Secured James Conley’s Confession

    Caption reads: Detective Harry Scott (in Panama hat), of the Pinkertons, who played the hunch that Jim Conley, the negro, knew something of the girl's murder. The accompanying figure is Detective John Black, of police headquarters, whose work in co-operation with the Pinkerton man did much to solve the crime. Great dependence will be put in their testimony at the coming trial of Leo Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan. The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, July 13, 1913 By Britt Craig. Have you ever had a hunch that there wasn't anybody around the table that held a higher hand
  • Sunday, 13th July 1913 Former Story True, Says Negro Sweeper

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, July 13, 1913 Jim Conley Declares Positively That He Has Made No New Admissions. Jim Conley, the negro sweeper, who was reached for a moment by newspaper reporters last night, reiterated his former story and declared positively that he had made no new statement of admission. The police have taken special pains to keep Jim secluded from reporters. Early Saturday night they managed to find him in a cell in "Drunkard's Row." He answered a few questions put to him, and seemed very willing to talk. An early arrival of the turnkey, however, prevented the newspaper
  • Sunday, 13th July 1913 Lee Must Remain Behind the Bars

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, July 13, 1913 Solicitor Dorsey Does Not Believe the Negro Guilty of Any Part in Crime. That Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey does not believe that Newt Lee, negro night watchman at the National Pencil factory, who was bound over by the grand jury with Superintendent Leo M. Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan, is guilty, was the only matter of importance brought out yesterday at the hearing of the habeas corpus before Judge W.D. Ellis by which Lee's attorneys, Graham & Chappell, sought to free him. Judge Ellis denied the motion for habeas corpus
  • Sunday, 13th July 1913 Parents Are Blamed for Daughters’ Fall

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, July 13, 1913 Girls of Fourteen and Sixteen Tell Recorder Revolting Stories of Vice. After relating a revolting tale of a career of vice on the streets and in the suburbs of Atlanta, Dora Rothstein and Corinne Wilson, two girls aged 14 and 16 years, stood unabashed in the recorder's court Saturday afternoon. Recorder Pro Tem Preston, shocked by their testimony, called for the parents of the prisoners. Two aged men and a woman stepped forward and stood before the judge. They were Mr. and Mrs. A. Rothstein, parents of the younger girl, and W.B. Engesser,
  • Wednesday, 16th July 1913 No New Indictment Says Jury Foreman

    The Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, July 16, 1913 State Has No Intention of Changing Plan of Action in Phagan Case. The declaration of W.D. Beattie, foreman of the grand jury, that the grand jury had no intention of taking steps to indict James Conley, and a statement from Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey that as far as he was concerned the state would continue its present plan of action in regard to the Mary Phagan murder, apparently put a block to the rumor that the grand jury would go over the solicitor's head and indict the negro sweeper for murder. The
  • Friday, 18th July 1913 Many Rumors Afloat Regarding Grand Jury

    The Atlanta Constitution Friday, July 18, 1913 Among These Is One That Effort Will Be Made to Indict Conley. That the grand jury would meet possibly today or tomorrow and take steps toward indicting James Conley, the negro sweeper of the National Pencil factory, was a persistent rumor in circulation Thursday. From Foreman W.D. Beattie came the statement that he had not called for a meeting of the grand jury and that as far as he knew there would be no such action taken. Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey also declared that he had issued no call for the grand jury
  • Friday, 18th July 1913 Wordy War Over, Says Woodward

    The Atlanta Constitution Friday, July 18, 1913 In Final Fling at Broyles the Mayor Declares He Is Through With Controversies With City Officials. The word war raging between Mayor James G. Woodward and Judge Nash R. Broyles, police magistrate, which grew out of the mayor's use of the pardon prerogative, grew tense yesterday, when both sides hurled bitter excoriations at the other. Mayor Woodward took a final fling at Recorder Broyles in a statement last night. "I sympathize with Broyles," Mayor Woodward said. "He is, in my opinion, a political accident. No one takes him seriously. He is mad with
  • Saturday, 19th July 1913 Grand Jury Meets to Indict Conley

    The Atlanta Constitution Saturday, July 19, 1913 Call Is Issued After Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey Had Flatly Refused Request of Foreman. A call for the Fulton grand jury to meet at 10 o'clock Monday to take steps leading to the indictment of James Conley, the negro sweeper of the National Pencil factory who accuses Leo M. Frank, its superintendent, of the Mary Phagan murder was issued yesterday by Foreman W.D. Beatie after Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey had flatly refused the foreman's request to call the meeting. The move to indict Conley is wrong and should not be made, the
  • Saturday, 19th July 1913 Scott Believes Conley Innocent, Asserts Lanford

    The Atlanta Constitution Saturday, July 19, 1913 Chief's Statement Follows the Publication of Report That Pinkertons Are Now of the Opinion Sweeper Is Guilty. "OPEN TO CONVICTION," SCOTT TELLS REPORTER "Our Testimony in Case Will Be Fair and Impartial," He Says—Grand Jury Called to Consider Indicting Conley. DEVELOPMENTS OF DAY IN MARY PHAGAN CASE Meeting of grand jury called to take steps leading to indictment of James Conley on the charge of murder, over protest of Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey, who declares that indictment of Conley will be useless procedure. Reported on Friday that the Pinkertons have changed their opinion
  • Saturday, 19th July 1913 Woodward Uses Clemency Again

    The Atlanta Constitution Saturday, July 19, 1913 Asserting That He Considers Recorder Mentally Irresponsible, the Mayor Announces Controversy Closed. With the declaration that no utterance by Recorder Nash R. Broyles will induce him to resort to blackguardism or swerve him in the matter of exercising clemency, Mayor James G. Woodward yesterday reduced the sentence of George Poulas, a Greek retsaurant keeper, who was fined $100 or thirty days in the stockade for alleged violation of the near beer laws. The extent of the mayor's clemency was to reduce the fine assessed against Poulas to $49 or twenty-nine days in jail.
  • Sunday, 20th July 1913 Frank’s Lawyers Score Dorsey For His Stand

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 20th July 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.Luther Rosser and ReubenArnold Declare He is Go-ing Out of His Way to Dic-tate to the Grand Jury.EXCEEDS PROVINCEOF SOLICITOR GENERALGrand Jury Will Meet at 10O'Clock Monday Morningto Take Up Conley Case.Call Is Sent Out.In reply to Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey's statements in regard to the proposed indictment by the grand jury of James Conley, the negro who has confessed complicity in the murder of Mary Phagan, Attorneys Reuben R. Arnold and Luther Z. Rosser issued a statement Saturday afternoon in which they openly attacked the stand taken by the solicitor
  • Sunday, 20th July 1913 Frank’s Lawyers Score Dorsey for His Stand

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, July 20, 1913 Luther Rosser and Reuben Arnold Declare He Is Going Out of His Way to Dictate to the Grand Jury. EXCEEDS PROVINCE OF SOLICITOR GENERAL Grand Jury Will Meet at 10 O'Clock Monday Morning to Take Up Conley Case. Call Is Sent Out. In reply to Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey's statements in regard to the proposed indictment by the grand jury of James Conley, the negro who has confessed complicity in the murder of Mary Phagan, Attorneys Reuben R. Arnold and Luther Z. Rosser issued a statement Saturday afternoon in which they openly
  • Sunday, 20th July 1913 Grim Justice Pursues Mary Phagan’s Slayer

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, July 20, 1913 As Famous Murder Case Nears Trial the Public Mind Again Reverts to the Discovery of the Crime; and Again the Great Question Comes Up: "What Happened in the Pencil Factory Between Noon Saturday and 3:15 Sunday Morning?" By Britt Craig. Automobile in which detectives and newspaper men went to the scene of the murder. In the machine are Detective Starnes, Harry Scott, W. W. (Boots) Rogers and John Black. There are things that happen right before our eyes that defy the pen of a god to describe. The mind of a master would
  • Sunday, 20th July 1913 Mrs. Nina Formby Will Not Return for Trial

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, July 20, 1913 Woman Swore That Leo M. Frank Tried to Engage Room on Night of Murder Mrs. Nina Formby, who signed an affidavit in the Frank case in which she swore the superintendent has endeavored to engage a room at her house, 400 Piedmont avenue, during the Phagan murder night to which he might bring a girl has fled to Chattanooga and will not appear at the coming trial on July 28. This announcement was made to a Constitution reporter last night by the woman's legal representative, John Gossett. Gossett states that she is fearful
  • Sunday, 20th July 1913 Prison System of Georgia Attacked by Episcopalians

    The Atlanta Constitution Sunday, July 20, 1913 The Episcopalian diocese of Georgia, at its annual convention, appointed a social service commission, which has since met and formulated the following special report on prison and child labor conditions in this state. "Resolved, That the prison system of the state of Georgia, and the methods of punishment now in use and as commonly administered, are unworthy of an enlightened and progressive state. "Resolved, That we hereby indorse the splendid efforts of the Prison Reform association of this state, and offer to them our hearty co-operation in securing needed reforms. "Resolved, That we
  • Tuesday, 22nd July 1913 Date Of Frank Trial Depends On Weather

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 22nd July 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.Will Be Called Monday, ButMay Be Postponed if as Hotas Last Saturday.Continued From Page One.That the trial of Leo M. Frank depends to a great extent upon the weather was the indication given last night by Judge L. S. Roan, who will preside when the case is called next Monday. When the temperature went over 99 degrees last Saturday Judge Roan stated that he would not like to hold court in such weather and should it prove that hot next Monday he would be willing to a postponement of the Frank case.Judge
  • Wednesday, 23rd July 1913 Bloody Club Lends New Clue to Mystery

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 23rd, 1913 Defense of Leo Frank Attaches Importance to Find Made by Pinkerton Detectives. The discovery of a bloody bludgeon on the third floor of the National Pencil factory has added greater mystery to the Phagan case. It became known yesterday that Leo Frank's defense is in possession of the weapon and that it will be used as one of their strongest points in the coming trial. The club is a short, thick stick with small spots of blood at the end. It was found by Pinkerton detectives on May 10 after headquarters detectives had searched every spot
  • Wednesday, 23rd July 1913 Give Right of Way to Case of Frank

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 23rd, 1913 Attorneys for Relatives in the Crawford Will Hearing Are Willing to Yield Their Claim of Priority. The conflict between the dates of hearing the litigation over the $250,000 estate of the late Joshua B. Crawford, and the trial of Leo M. Frank, charged with the Mary Phagan murder, may cause a postponement of the Frank trial, as Attorneys Reuben R. Arnold and Luther Z. Rosser are connected with both cases. The Crawford hearing will be renewed today and by right of priority takes precedence over the other trial. It is expected, however, than an arrangement will
  • Wednesday, 23rd July 1913 Mayor May Hold Up Dictagraph Warrant

    The Atlanta Constitution, Wednesday, 23rd July 1913, PAGE 5, COLUMN 2. Objects to Paying Expenses of Installing Instrument in Williams House. A. R. Colcord, chairman of the police committee, has been asked to approve a warrant for $19 which represents the expense to which the detective department was put to install the dictagraph in room 36, Williams house. Chairman Colcord said Monday that he did not approve of the use to which the dictagraph was put, but explained that he has been informed that it was never intended to entrap Mayor Woodward or any other city official. "I think that
  • Thursday, 24th July 1913 Conley and Lee Meet in Tower

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 24th, 1913 For First Time Since Mary Phagan Was Killed Two Negroes Are Brought Face to Face. James Conley, a sweeper at the National Pencil factory, and Newt Lee, night watchman, who carried the police to where Mary Phagan's body lay on the morning of April 27, were brought face to face yesterday afternoon in the tower by Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey and Frank A. Hooper, an attorney who is aiding the solicitor. J. M. Gantt was taken there by the attorneys, as he knew Conley while both were working for the pencil factory. Attorney Hooper stated after
  • Thursday, 24th July 1913 Is It Lady-like To Look Like A Lady On Atlanta’s Streets?

      The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, 24th July 1913, PAGE 1, COLUMN 2. Is it proper, also is it legal, for a real ladylike man to further simulate femininity and appear on the streets dressed in women's garb, provided this man be a professional female impersonator? This is a question which is troubling Miss beg your pardon Mr. Auriema, who is nightly appearing at one of Atlanta's moving picture show houses. Also, it is troubling Chief Beavers. If it is proper and legal for a woman to cut her hair and don male costume as did Belva Lockwood and Dr. Mary
  • Thursday, 24th July 1913 Phagan Mystery Club Examined by Experts

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 24th, 1913 Report Says That It Has Been Sent to Northern City to Be Put Under Microscope. That the bloody club found in the National Pencil factory after the murder of Mary Phagan is in some northern city undergoing microscopic examination after having been inspected by local experts, is a rumor that prevailed at police headquarters yesterday. Upon being examined by an Atlanta expert, who, it is said, declared that it would be impossible to determine whether or not the blood spots were from animal or human, the weapon was sent north for more minute examination. Frank's lawyers
  • Friday, 25th July 1913 Chiefs Will Probe Removal of Conley

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 25th, 1913 Negro Was Taken to Tower Without Knowledge of Beavers or Lanford. Action is likely to be taken against Detective John Starnes and Pat Campbell, who Wednesday afternoon carried Jim Conley, the negro in the Phagan case, from police headquarters to the Tower without permission of either Chief Beavers or Chief Lanford. When asked by a Constitution reporter Thursday afternoon what steps he would probably take against the detectives, Chief Beavers declined to talk. He inferred, however, that an investigation would likely result and that action would be taken. Conley was taken from the station house prison
  • Friday, 25th July 1913 Try to Corroborate Story Told by Conley

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 25th, 1913 Negro Is Taken in Chief's Auto to Sections He Claims to Have Visited on Murder Night. Jim Conley, the negro sweeper and most important figure in the Phagan case, was taken from police headquarters in the automobile of Chief Beavers yesterday afternoon and carried over the ground on which he accounts for his whereabouts during the afternoon of the murder. He was in charge of Chief Beavers and Detectives Pat Campbell and John Starnes, headquarters men who have been attached to the solicitor's office throughout the investigation. He was driven through the Peters street neighborhood in
  • Friday, 25th July 1913 Veniremen Drawn for Frank Trial

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 25th, 1913 One Hundred and Forty-Four Names Drawn From Jury Box—No Effort So Far at Postponement. The veniremen from which it is expected to choose the jury for the trial Monday of Leo M. Frank, charged with the Mary Phagan murder, was drawn yesterday afternoon by Judge John T. Pendleton, at the request of Judge L. S. Roan, who returned from Covington, Georgia, slightly ill. The names of 144 men were drawn from the petit jury box, and as far as is known no actual attempt was made to have them drawn from the grand jury box, as
  • Friday, 25th July 1913 Work on Phagan Case Brings Promotion to Pinkerton Man

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 25th, 1913 As a reward for his success in the Phagan mystery, Detective Harry Scott, assistant superintendent of the Atlanta Pinkerton offices, has been promoted to the superintendency of the Houston, Texas branch, to which he goes immediately following the close of the Frank trial. Scott's work has been declared to have been the most successful in the entire Phagan investigation. It was a result of his efforts that the famous Jim Conley confession was obtained, in which admission the negro acknowledged complicity and accused Leo Frank of the actual murder. The search was at Scott's direction, which
  • Saturday, 26th July 1913 Frank’s Lawyers Ready for Trial

    The Atlanta Constitution July 26th, 1913 They Have Started Summoning Witnesses and Are Quoted as Having Agreed to Go to Trial. That Attorneys Reuben R. Arnold and Luther Z. Rosser, representing Leo M. Frank, charged with the Mary Phagan murder, have decided to go to trial Monday when the case is called was information made public Friday from an apparently reliable source. Coupled with this, and apparently making the trial doubly sure, is the news that the defense has started summoning its witnesses and making final preparations for the actual trial. Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey reiterated Friday his statement in
  • Sunday, 27th July 1913 All in Readiness for Frank’s Trial Monday Morning

    Atlanta Constitution July 27th, 1913 Greatest Legal Battle in the History of Dixie Is the Prediction of Atlanta Attorneys ATTORNEYS FOR STATE HOLD FINAL CONFERENCE Representatives of Leo Frank Still Non-Committal About Report That Postponement May Be Asked Practically every detail for the trial of Leo M. Frank has now been completed and with the state declaring its readiness and determination to go to trial and the defense maintaining its same silence in regard to the much mooted matter of postponement every thing awaits the calling of the case at 9 o'clock Monday morning in the criminal branch of superior
  • Monday, 28th July 1913 Jurors in Leo M. Frank Case Must Answer Four Questions

    The Atlanta Constitution July 28th, 1913 Chief interest in the case of Leo M. Frank, which is scheduled to begin today, centers in the selection of a jury, the first 144 veniremen, having been drawn last Thursday and published in The Constitution on Sunday. It seems to be the general opinion that this panel will be exhausted and others summoned before a jury is secured. Attorneys for both sides are of the opinion that it will take about a day to select a jury, which would let the hearing of evidence begin on Tuesday, or on Wednesday, if it should
  • Monday, 28th July 1913 Leo Frank’s Trial on Murder Charge Booked for Today

      The Atlanta Constitution July 28th, 1913 Judge L. S. Roan Announces That He Will Call Case at Nine O'Clock This Morning. LAWYERS BELIEVE JURY WILL BE NAMED IN DAY Legal Representatives Take Good Rest on Sunday in Preparation for Struggle That Begins Today. After weeks of preparation by some of the most skilled legal minds in the state and after every point in the affair that has been made public has been discussed and threshed out by thousands of citizens, the case of the state v. Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of little Mary Phagan, will be
  • Tuesday, 29th July 1913 96 Men are Called Before Getting Jury

    The Atlanta Constitution, July 29th, 1913 Attorneys for Both Sides Had Good Line on All Men Examined. According to an unofficial account kept as the matter of striking the Frank jury was carried out, ninety-six men were called into the box and examined before the twelve men to try the case were finally selected. These men were divided into eight panels of twelve each, and came in a panel at a time. Every bit of information that could be got together in advance about the men whose names were on the venire list of 144 men drawn last week, had
  • Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Burglars Try to Enter Home of Frank Juror

      The Atlanta Constitution July 29th, 1913 But F. V. L. Smith's Wife Calls Police and Intruders Flee. Two big, burly, black negroes who evidently had taken a decided interest in the Frand murder trial, and knew that F. V. L. Smith, of 481 Cherokee avenue, had been chosen for the jury yesterday and would not be home last night, attempted to enter his home. No one was there but Mrs. Smith and her little 4-weeks' old child. Seeing the negroes on the porch, she made a step toward them, and they fled. Within a few minutes they returned, and
  • Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Mincey, on Arrival Reaffirms Affidavit, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution, July 29th, 1913 W. H. Mincey, who made the famous affidavit in which he declared that Jim Conley had told him on April 26 that he had killed a girl, arrived late last night for the Frank trial. In a statement made to The Constitution, Mr. Mincey reaffirmed his affidavit in its entirety and declared that he would tell this story on the witness stand. He was accompanied by Colonel Ben E. Neal, of Ringgold, Georgia, a lawyer who has known him for years and who states that he will testify as to Mincey's good character, should
  • Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Numerous Witnesses Called in Frank Case

    The Atlanta Constitution, July 29th, 1913 List Indicates That Prisoner Is Prepared to Put Character in Evidence. Numbers of witnesses were summoned to court by both sides and when the names were called so that all could be sworn it developed that scores of Leo Frank's friends had been called upon. From the fact that there is not a possibility of one in this number knowing anything of the crime, it appears that the defense has made preparation, at least, to put Frank's character in evidence and has secured these of his friends to testify for him. Of the number
  • Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Reporter Witnesses are Allowed in Court

    The Atlanta Constitution, July 29th, 1913 Men Who May Be Called to Stand Report Trial by Attorney's Agreement. Just as the state was about to open formally its case against Leo M. Frank, Attorney Reuben R. Arnold interrupted by declaring to the court that he expected to have to call on a number of newspaper men to testify as the case went on. "They know a great deal about this case, and we have complete files of the papers here and will be able to tell to a certain extent from them whom we will want," he said. "I may
  • Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Trial of Leo M. Frank on Charge of Murder Begins; Mrs. Coleman, George Epps and Newt Lee on Stand

    The Atlanta Constitution, July 29th, 1913 WATCHMAN TELLS OF FINDING BODY OF MARY PHAGAN Trial Adjourns for the Day While Lee Is on the Stand, and His Cross-Questioning Will Be Resumed Today. MOTHER AND THE WIFE OF PRISONER CHEER HIM BY PRESENCE AT TRIAL Jury Is Quickly Secured and Mrs. Coleman, Mother of the Murdered Girl, Is First Witness to Take Stand. With a swiftness which was gratifying to counsel for the defense, the solicitor general and a large crowd of interested spectators, the trial of Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan on April 26, in
  • Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Unusual Interest Centers In Mrs. Frank’s Appearance

    The Atlanta Constitution, July 29th, 1913 Up to the hour of the trial, Mrs. Leo M. Frank, wife of the young man now on trial for his life, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, had kept in the background of the case. Daily she visited her husband at the jail, and brought him delicacies. She came quietly, and when she departed she created no stir of excitement among the hangers-on around the jail. She was accorded the most chivalrous treatment, and her desire to avoid notoriety was respected. Only once did an expression from her appear in the public
  • Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Watchman Tells Of Finding Body Of Mary Phagan

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 29th July 1913,.Trial Adjourns for the DayWhile Lee Is on the Stand,and His Cross-QuestioningWill Be Resumed Today.MOTHER AND THE WIFEOF PRISONER CHEER HIMBY PRESENCE AT TRIALJury Is Quickly Secured andMrs. Coleman, Mother ofthe Murdered Girl, Is FirstWitness to Take Stand.With a swiftness which was gratifying to counsel for the defense, the solicitor general and a large crowd of interested spectators, the trial of Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan on April 26, in the building of the National Pencil factory, was gotten under way Monday.When the hour of adjournment for the day had
  • Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Will Leo Frank’s Lawyers Put Any Evidence Before the Jury?

    The Atlanta Constitution, July 29th, 1913 Will Frank's lawyers put any evidence before the court? That is a question that was much discussed on the opening day by a score or more of lawyers who secured seats in the courtroom in order to hear the trial and to watch the way in which the skilled attorneys on both sides handled the case. The fact that so many witnesses have been summoned by the defense does not mean to the legal mind that Attorneys Rosser and Arnold will put up any evidence any more than the summoning of scores of the
  • Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Clash Comes Over Evidence Of Detective John Starnes

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 30th, 1913 When Sergeant Dobbs was called from the stand Detective J. M. Starnes, prosecutor of Frank and a detective attached to police headquarters was called in. He has been associated with the solicitor general throughout the Phagan investigation. The defense and prosecution clashed in perhaps their most spectacular battle over an attempt of Attorney Rosser to force the detective into recalling the exact words of a portion of his testimony at the coroner's inquest. An argument was advanced by both Attorneys Dorsey and Hooper and each member of Frank's counsel Attorneys Arnold and Rosser. The apparent motive
  • Wednesday, 30th July 1913 First Two Days of Frank Trial Only Skirmishes Before Battle

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 30th, 1913 During the two days' progress of the Frank trial public interest has centered around the case and all eyes seemed turned to it. To date, the interest has really been in watching the struggle between the skilled attorneys who are fighting for position and whose clashes over the preliminary witnesses are merely the skirmishes of the pickets before two mighty armies come together. Thus far the interest, while to a certain extent centered on the maneuvering, has been mostly of the future tense. Every one is looking forward to what is to come. A fierce skirmish
  • Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Lee, Dull and Ignorant, Calm Under Gruelling Cross Fire

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 30th, 1913 Newt Lee, the negro night watchman of the pencil factory, who telephoned police headquarters of the finding of Mary Phagan's body at the pencil factory, was again placed upon the stand when court convened Tuesday for the second day's session. Attorney Luther Z. Rosser renewed his cross-fire of questions by which he sought to confuse the negro and secure new admissions or change valuable points in his testimony, and thus expose a vulnerable point for a concentrated attack upon his entire statement. Mr. Rosser took up practically where he had left off the afternoon before. "Newt,
  • Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Mother and Daughter in Tears As Clothing of Mary Phagan Is Exhibited in Courtroom

        Atlanta Constitution July 30th, 1913 Solicitor Dorsey stood before Detective Starnes at the witness box yesterday afternoon and held to view a lavender frock with a bit of pink ribbon at each shoulder. In the hand that was lowered at his side he held a wee slipper. "Do you recognize this dress?" he put to the witness. "I do." "To whom did it belong?" "To Mary Phagan, the girl who was killed in the National Pencil factory." Mother and Daughter Sob. A moist-eyed woman, gray beginning to fleck her hair and betray her fifty years looked sadly upon
  • Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Officer Tells About Discovery Of Body of Girl in Basement

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 30th, 1913 Sergeant L. S. Dobbs, one of the policemen who answered Lee's call to the factory, was put on the stand, after Lee was dismissed. He told of the call at about 3:20 a. m. on April 27, and of how he and Officers Anderson and Brown, with "Boots" Rogers, an ex-county policeman, and Britt Craig, of The Constitution, went to the factory and found the body. The officer declared, among other things, that Lee was not frightened or trembling when they got there, that they had difficulty in telling at first whether the girl was white
  • Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Sergeant Dobbs Resumes Stand At Tuesday Afternoon Session

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 30th, 1913 Sergeant L. S. Dobbs took the stand again at the afternoon session. "Did you help take the girl's body from the basement?" Attorney Rosser questioned. "I was there when the undertakers came," answered the sergeant. "Who cleaned the girl's face?" "Sergeant Brown, I believe." "How?" "With a piece of paper." "How was the body removed?" "In a corpse basket." Here the examination was taken up by the solicitor general. "What is the distance from the ladder to the spot where the body was found?" "About 150 feet." Found Slipper and Hat. "Did you discover anything on
  • Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Three Witnesses Describe Finding Mary Phagan’s Body

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 30th, 1913 NEWT LEE STICKS TO ORIGINAL STORY DESPITE ATTEMPTS TO CONFUSE NEGRO Striking Feature of Day's Proceedings Was the Evident Effort on Part of Luther Rosser to Connect Watchman With Crime, or Show He Knew More Than He Has Told. DORSEY SAYS DEFENSE IS TRYING TO IMPEACH TESTIMONY OF STARNES Mr. Rosser Declared, However, That All He Was Trying to Do Was to Test the Memory of Detective Who Was Among First to Investigate the Murder of Mary Phagan in Factory. During the second day's proceedings of the Leo M. Frank trial the sensation for which the
  • Thursday, 31st July 1913 Bearing of Black and Lee Forms a Study in Contrast

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 31st, 1913 By Sidney Ormond Comparisons are odious, but to the close observer of events following the Mary Phagan murder and the trial now in progress one cannot help contrasting the impression made on the jury by Newt Lee, the negro night watchman of the National Pencil factory, and the testimony of John Black, detective, who worked up a large part of the evidence being used against Leo M. Frank by the state. It was only a short while ago that John Black, according to the statement of Lee, was ‘blunblamming' at him night and day in an
  • Thursday, 31st July 1913 Daintily Dressed Girl Tells Of Daily Routine of Factory

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 31st, 1913 Grace Hicks, a sister-in-law of ‘Boots' Rogers, whom he carried to the factory the morning of April 27 to tell if the dead girl was an employee of the factory was put upon the witness stand by the state after Rogers had been excused. She was a daintily dressed slender girl of 17, and declared that she had worked there for the past five years. To the solicitor's questions she answered that she had known Mary Phagan for about a year at the pencil factory and that the dead girl had worked on the second floor.
  • Thursday, 31st July 1913 Defense Riddles John Black’s Testimony

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 31st, 1913 SLEUTH CONFUSED UNDER MERCILESS CROSS-QUESTIONS OF LUTHER ROSSER Just Before He Left the Stand He Confessed That He Was "Mixed Up" and That He Could Not Recall What He Had Testified a Moment Before—Tangled on Finding Bloody Shirt. FRIENDS OF PRISONER HAVE HIGH HOPES NOW OF FAVORABLE VERDICT "Boots" Rogers, Grace Hicks, Mrs. J. W. Coleman and J. M. Gantt on Stand During Day—Mobs of Curiosity Seekers Besieging Doors to Gain Admission to Frank Trial. When Wednesday's session of the Leo M. Frank trial had come to a close, the friends of the accused were filled
  • Thursday, 31st July 1913 Detective Black Muddled By Keen Cross-Examination Of Attorneys for Defense

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 31st, 1913 Detective John R. Black, the officer who went in Rogers' machine from the factory to Frank's residence on the Sunday morning that Mary Phagan's body was discovered, was next put up by the state. He took the stand at 11:45 o'clock, and was still there when court adjourned for lunch. In answers to Solicitor Dorsey's questions he said he had been on the police force for six years and previous to that had worked as n cooper for the Atlanta Brewing and Ice company. "Do you know any of the directors of this company?" began the
  • Thursday, 31st July 1913 Gantt, Once Phagan Suspect, On Stand Wednesday Afternoon

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 31st, 1913 J. W. Gantt, who once was a suspect in the famous case, followed Mrs. Coleman to the stand at the afternoon session. "Have you ever been connected with the pencil company?" "From January 1st, 1918, until April 7, I was employed with that concern as shipping clerk. I was discharged by Mr. Frank for an alleged shortage." "Did you know Mary Phagan?" "Yes—I knew her as a little girl." "Did Leo Frank know her?" "Yes." "How do you know this?" Knew Mary Pretty Well. "On Saturday she came into the office for a time record. Frank
  • Thursday, 31st July 1913 Idle and Curious Throng Court Despite Big Force of Deputies

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 31st, 1913 In spite of the largest force of deputies that has ever been brought together in Fulton county for a similar purpose, the greatest difficulty is being experienced in keeping out the idle and morbidly curious at the Leo M. Frank trial. A glance around the room is sufficient to show that the deputies have been imposed on. Scores of professional loafers—men who have had no visible means of support for years, and who could have possible interest in the trial—throng the room. Many women, who are in no way connected with the case either through friendship
  • Thursday, 31st July 1913 Mrs. Coleman Is Recalled To Identify Mary’s Handbag

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 31st, 1913 Mrs. J. W. Coleman was recalled to the stand for only a moment's interrogation regarding the mesh handbag which she carried with her upon leaving home on the day of the tragedy. Attorney Rosser asked, "What kind of bag did Mary carry with her that day?" "A mesh bag." The solicitor asked that she describe its size and shape. Her description was that of an ordinary mesh bag, unornamented and manufactured of silver. She also identified the handkerchief and parasol as having belonged to the slain child. Thursday, 31st July 1913 Mrs. Coleman Is Recalled To
  • Thursday, 31st July 1913 Photo By Francis E Price, Staff Photographer.

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 31st July 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.Miss Grace Hicks, an employee of the National Pencil factory, and a friend of Mary Phagan, who testified on Wednesday morning; Detective John Black (Wearing derby), who was put through severe cross-examination Wednesday afternoon by the defense, and Harry Scott, of the Pinkertons, who has had charge of this agency's investigation of the Phagan mystery. He will go on the stand today.PAGE 1, COLUMN 5NEW WITNESS SOUGHTBY SOLICITOR DORSEYCharles M. Wilt, Former Pris-Oner in Fulton Tower, MayTestify in Frank Case.Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey, it is understood, has wired to North Carolina for
  • Thursday, 31st July 1913 Rogers on Stand Describes Visit of Frank to Undertakers

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 31st, 1913 When court convened and before the jury had been brought in Attorney Luther Rosser entered an objection to the drawing of the pencil factory which Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey had rehung upon the wall after removing the descriptive lines. Objection had previously been made to the lines and the solicitor had caused these to be erased. Attorney Rosser and his colleague Reuben Arnold declared that the dotted lines which shows the state's theory of how the girl's body was carried from the second floor to the basement were not part of the building and hence were
  • Thursday, 31st July 1913 William Gheesling First Witness Today

    Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 31st, 1913 Harry Scott, Pinkerton Detective Will Also Be Called to Stand During Day William Gheesling, the P. J. Bloomfield undertaking attachee who made the first examination and emblamed the body of Mary Phagan will probably be the first witness called to the stand in the Frank trial this morning. He will be followed by Harry Scott, the Pinkerton detectives who worked with Detective John Black in the murder investigation and who engineered the third degree which resulted in Jim Conley's confession. Dr. Hurt, county physician who made the medical examination upon the corpse and who it is
  • Friday, 1st August 1913 Acquitted In The Same Court, She Believers Is Innocent

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 1st August 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 7.Photo by Francis E. Price. Staff Photographer.Mrs. Callie Scott Appelbaum, who was tried before Judge Roan for the murder of her husband. Jerome Appelbaum, and declared "not guilty," and Leo M. Frank, who is now on trial charged with the murder of Mary Phagan. Mrs. Appelbaum was an interested spectator at Frank's trial Thursday afternoon.PAGE 3, COLUMN 1REPRESENTING STATE IN FRANK TRIALLeft to right: Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, Assistant Solicitor E. A. Stephens, and Attorney Frank A. Hooper.PAGE 4, COLUMN 1Spots Were Large As Fan,Declares Woman Who Saw ThemMrs. George W.
  • Friday, 1st August 1913 Attorneys for Both Sides Riled by Scott’s Testimony; Replies Cause Lively Tilts

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 1st, 1913 When court convened on Thursday morning, J. M. Gantt, formerly employed in the bookkeeping department of the National Pencil factory, was placed on the stand for two questions, and he was followed by Harry Scott, Pinkerton detective, who worked as a partner of John R. Black, of the city detectives, in searching for the murder of Mary Phagan. Solicitor Hugh Dorsey had Gantt swear that he was arrested on April 28 and hold until the following Thursday. During Scott's testimony, there were lively tilts of all sorts. At one time Scott became angry with the solicitor
  • Friday, 1st August 1913 Blood Found by Dr. Smith on Chips and Lee’s Shirt

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 1st, 1913 Dr. Claude A. Smith, the medical expert who made microscopic examinations of the blood-spotted chips chiseled from the floor of the pencil factory and of the bloody shirt discovered in Newt Lee's home, was next called in. He was asked by Solicitor Dorsey: "What is your business?" "I am city bacteriologist and chemist." He was handed the chips from the pencil factory flooring. "Did you test these chips?" "Yes. Some detectives brought me these specimens and asked me to examine them. They were considerably dirty and stained. On one of them I found blood corpuscles." "Was
  • Friday, 1st August 1913 E. F. Holloway Testimony

    The article below is just a piece of the printed testimony of E. F. Holloway from the Atlanta Constitution. Unfortunately, most of the beginning part of this article is missing from our archives. Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 1st, 1913 "Who was the next man?" "Mr. Darley." "Who was the next man or woman?" "Mattie Smith." "Did you turn the building over to Newt Lee?" "Yes." "How many negroes worked in the building?" "Seven or eight." Always Sweeping. "Did you ever hear of a man named Stanford who had a mania for sweeping out and couldn't stop until he had swept the whole
  • Friday, 1st August 1913 Finding of Hair and Envelope Described by Factory Machinist

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 1st, 1913 R. B. Barrett, a machinist at the National Pencil factory, who declares that he found strands of hair similar to Mary Phagan's on his machine after the murder, and who also told of finding a torn piece of pay envelope in the same room and under the machine where the hair was found, followed Monteen Stover on the stand. He was asked if he had testified before the coroner's and the grand jury, and replied that he had. "What did you see near Mary Phagan's machine?" "A peculiar spot on the floor," he replied. "Was the
  • Friday, 1st August 1913 Frank’s Presence in Office at Time He Says He Was There is Denied by Girl on Stand

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 1st, 1913 Following the Pinkerton detective testimony the state introduced Miss Monteen Stover, who worked in the factory when Mary Phagan did. The girl was rather abashed when she first appeared, but turned out to be a witness who could relate exactly what she started out to tell and who did not seem to get confused. "Where do you work?" asked the solicitor of the girl. "Nowhere." "Were you work on April 26?" "No." "When did you last work before the murder?" "On the Monday before the murder," she answered. "Were you in the factory on April 26?"
  • Friday, 1st August 1913 Haslett Describes Visit to Home of Leo Frank

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 1st, 1913 Detective B. B. Haslett, who went with Detective John Black on Monday morning, April 27, to Leo Frank's home to summon him to police headquarters for a statement Chief Lanford wished him to give, was next called to the stand. "Did you go to Leo Frank's home at any time?" the solicitor asked. "Yes. At 7 o'clock Monday morning we were sent to see Frank and have him come to the detective bureau." "What did you tell him?" "That Lanford wanted to see him." "Do you know whether he was liberated or not?" "Yes." "When you
  • Friday, 1st August 1913 Holloway Denies Affidavit He Signed for Solicitor

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 1st, 1913 NEW TESTIMONY GIVEN AT TRIAL OF LEO M. FRANK BY R. B. BARRETT Machinist at Pencil Factory Tells Jury of Discovery of Murdered Girl's Pay Envelope and of Strands of Hair Near Her Machine in Metal Room on Second Floor. HENRY SCOTT PUZZLES BOTH SIDES OF CASE BY EVIDENCE THURSDAY E. L. Holloway, Who Swore in Affidavit That Elevator Was Closed on Saturday, the Day of the Murder, Admits on Stand That He Was Mistaken—"I've Been Trapped," Cries Dorsey. The first piece of new testimony of any importance which has developed since the beginning of the
  • Friday, 1st August 1913 Leo Frank Innocent, Says Mrs. Appelbaum

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 1st, 1913 Acquitted in Same Courtroom, She Is Now Eager Spectator at Big Trial. A little woman, neatly dressed and wearing a dark hat crowned with a flowing aigrette, slipped quietly into the rear of the courtroom at the afternoon session of the Frank trial yesterday afternoon, and sat down near the press table unnoticed. Presently, a reporter looked up from his notes, caught sight of her and instantly walked to where she sat. Soon reporters swarmed around her. The press table and trial proceedings were almost deserted for the moment by the Fourth Estate. She was Mrs.
  • Friday, 1st August 1913 Mrs. Arthur White Takes Stand Today

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 1st, 1913 Will Testify She Saw Negro Idling in Shadows of Stairway. Mrs. Arthur White, wife of Arthur White, the witness who will testify that on Saturday morning when she appeared at the pencil factory to see her husband, she saw a negro idling in the shadows of the stairway on the first floor, will be the first called to the stand this morning. A moment before adjournment yesterday afternoon she was summoned to testify, but Judge Roan ordered the session closed before she could reach the witness stand. Mrs. White, it is stated, has already declared that
  • Friday, 1st August 1913 Sweeper Swears No Spots Were on Floor Day Before Murder

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 1st, 1913 Mel Stanford, a sweeper and plater at the factory, was put on the stand at 12:20. He testified that he had worked there for about two years and was there on Friday, April 25, on the second floor. "What did you do on Friday?" asked the solicitor. "I swept up the entire floor in the metal room." "Were you there Monday, April 28?" "Yes." "See anything at water cooler near girls' dressing room?" "Yes; a spot which had a white substance over it." "Was it there Friday?" "It was not there when I swept the floor
  • Friday, 1st August 1913 William Gheesling, Embalmer, Tells of Wounds on Girl’s Body

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 1st, 1913 William Gheesling, the undertaker who embalmed Mary Phagan's body, was next called in. "What is your business?" queried Solicitor Dorsey. "I am an embalmer." "How long have you been in that advice?" "Fifteen years, or more." "Did you see the body of Mary Phagan?" "Yes, I first saw it at 15 minutes to 4 on the morning of April 27." "Where was it?" "In the basement of the National Pencil factory." "Describe it." How Body Was Lying. "It was lying on the face, arms crossed, and with a piece of wrapping twine and part of her
  • Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Frequent and Angry Clashes Between Attorneys Mark the Hearing of Darley’s Testimony

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 2nd, 1913 N. V. Darley, mechanical head of the National Pencil factory and directly in charge of the Georgia Cedar company, an adjunct concern, was put on the stand by the state, after Mrs. White had finished. "How long have you been with the company, and are you still employed here?" asked Solicitor Dorsey. "I've been there about five years, and am still employed there." "Who is your immediate superior?" "I consider Sig Montag my immediate superior," he replied. "What is your relation to Frank?" "We are co-laborers, on an equal basis." "With whom do you more often
  • Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Gay Febuary Tells Frank Jury About Statement Prisoner Made

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 2nd, 1913 Gay C. Febuary, secretary to Chief Newport A. Lanford, of the detective bureau, and recent figure in the sensational dictagraph episode, was called to the stand to testify to a statement made by Leo Frank on April 26 in Chief Lanford's office. It was during Febuary's testimony that Frank's statement was permitted to be produced before the jury. It was read by Attorney Stephens, an associate of Solicitor Dorsey. Mr. Dorsey questioned Febuary: "You were present at Lanford's office when Frank and Luther Z. Rosser were there?""Yes.""Do you remember having made stenographic report of a statement
  • Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Husband of Minola McKnight Describes Movements of Frank

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 2nd, 1913 Albert McKnight, colored, the husband of Minola McKnight, who made a startling affidavit for the police in regard to circumstances at the Frank home on the night of the murder, followed Febuary to the stand. "What is your wife's name?" the solicitor asked. "Minola McKnight." "What does she do?""Cooks at Mrs. Selig's home.""How long has she held that place?" "For two years.""Where were you about 1 o'clock on the afternoon of April 26?" Saw Frank April 26. "I was at Mr. Frank's home."(The Franks have been living with the Seligs, Mrs. Frank's parents.) "Did you see
  • Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Mary Phagan Murdered Within Hour After Dinner

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 2nd, 1913 DR. H. F. HARRIS GIVES STARTLING EVIDENCE ABOUT TIME OF MURDER Wound on Eye of Girl Victim of Pencil Factory Crime Looked as if It Came From Blow of Fist, Secretary of State Board of Health Tells the Jurymen. WHILE ON THE STAND DR. HARRIS COLLAPSES FROM RECENT ILLNESS Frequent Clashes Take Place During Testimony of N. V. Darley, Assistant Superintendent of National Pencil Factory, Over the Alleged Nervousness of Frank. Within three-quarters of an hour after she had eaten her frugal breakfast of cabbage and bread, Mary Phagan was dead. This startling fact was brought
  • Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Negro Lurking in Factory Seen by Wife of Employee

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 2nd, 1913 Mrs. Maggie White, wife of John Arthur White, who was at work on the fourth floor of the National Pencil factory part of the day upon which Mary Phagan was killed, was the first witness the state called to the stand Thursday morning in the Frank trial. The witness told of going to the factory twice on that day to see her husband, and of seeing Frank on both occasions, and also of seeing a negro lurking behind some boxes on the first floor. "How long has your husband been working for the National Pencil factory?"
  • Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Policeman W. F. Anderson Tells of Newt Lee’s Telephone Call

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 2nd, 1913 W. F. Anderson, the policeman who answered the telephone when Newt Lee called police headquarters on the morning of the discovery and who went with the police squad to the scene, was next called to the stand. "About 3 o'clock on the morning of April 26 where were you?" he was asked by the solicitor. "At police headquarters." "Did you have a telephone call about that time?" "A man called from the National Pencil factory and said a woman had been killed. I asked was it a white woman or negro, and he answered that she
  • Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Startling Statements Made During Testimony of Dr. Harris

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 2nd, 1913 Making the startling declaration that Mary Phagan had been killed within thirty or forty-five minutes after she had eaten dinner, Dr. Roy F. Harris, state chemist, took the stand during the afternoon session yesterday. It was Dr. Harris who made the autopsy upon the body when it was disinterred in Marietta on May 5. He brought with him into court specimens of predigested cabbage which had been removed from the slain girl's stomach. He also testified to the effect that the girl had suffered violence before death and recited the condition in which he had found
  • Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Stenographer Parry Identifies Notes Taken at Phagan Inquest

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 2nd, 1913 Stenographer Parry, the official court stenographer, was next called to the stand to identify a number of notes he took at the coroner's inquest held in police headquarters shortly after Frank's arrest. He was asked by Solicitor Dorsey: "Did you report the coroner's inquest over the body of Mary Phagan?" "Yes." "Did you take a statement from Leo Frank?""Yes." The solicitor showed the stenographer's notes. "Is that your report?""Yes." "Is it correct?""It is correct to the best of my ability.""You are an expert?""I am a man of twenty-five years' experience."Attorney Rosser took the examination: "Look at
  • Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Witnesses Called To Stand To Testify Against Frank

    The Atlanta Constitution, Saturday, 2nd August 1913, PAGE 1, COLUMN 3. Phone by Francis E. Price. Staff Photographer. From left to right: Mrs. George W. Jefferson, who was a witness on Thursday morning; R. P. Barrett, who testified to finding Mary Phagan's pay envelope and strands of her hair, and Mrs. Maggie White, who told of seeing strange negro in pencil factory on afternoon of crime. PAGE 2, COLUMN 4 Two Members of Jury Photo by Francis E. Price. Staff Photographer. On the left F. V. L. Smith, and on the right Beder Townsend. PAGE 3, COLUMN 4 HE IS
  • Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Women and Girls Thronging Court for Trial of Leo Frank

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 2nd, 1913 Fully one-fourth of the big audience at yesterday afternoon's session of the Frank trial was composed of women and girls. It was the largest crowd of the entire case, and, to the credit of Deputy Sheriff Miner and his force, was handled more effectively than at any preceding session. There were many strange faces. The women sat in conspicuous seats, fighting many times to obtain a location in view of the witness stand and the tables at which sat the state's lawyers and counsel for the defense. Many were small girls, especially one, who did not
  • Sunday, 3rd August 1913 Break in the Frank Trial May Come With the Hearing Of Jim Conley’s Testimony

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 3rd, 1913 By Britt Craig. Jim Conley isn't a cornfield negro—he's more of the present day type of city darkey—and that's the only difference between him and Newt Lee. Outside of that there is but little variance. However, Jim's ancestors hewd cotton and plowed bottom lands long before Jim had an idea of existing. He's got the good old country strain in him and he's as black as tar. Some folks say he'll make a witness as good as Newt, and others say he won't. That all remains to be seen. One thing is sure: There'll be plenty
  • Sunday, 3rd August 1913 Chief Beavers Tells of Seeing Blood Spots on Factory Floor

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 3rd, 1913 Police Chief James L. Beavers followed Dr. Hurt upon the witness stand. Mr. Rosser immediately asked him if he had been in the courtroom, as he had not been named by the state when other witnesses were named, sworn and put under the rule. He replied that he had for a short time and Mr. Dorsey explained that in the beginning of the case he had no intention of using him. "Were you present at the National Pencil factory on the Monday following the finding of the dead girl?" asked Mr. Dorsey. "I was there not
  • Sunday, 3rd August 1913 Condition of Girl’s Body Described by Dr. J. W. Hurt

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 3rd, 1913 Dr. J. W. Hurt, county physician, who examined the body of Mary Phagan, took the stand following Detective Waggoner. Dr. Hurt not only made an examination on the Sunday morning that the body was found, but he was present several days later when the girl's body was disinterred at Marietta by Dr. Roy Harris. "How long have you been a physician?" asked Solicitor Dorsey after he had put the formal questions to establish the physician's connection with the case. "Since 1884." "What are your duties as county physician?""To attend all inquests and examine the bodies of
  • Sunday, 3rd August 1913 Detective Waggoner Describes Extreme Nervousness of Frank

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 3rd, 1913 City Detective D. L. Waggoner was called to the stand following Miss Ferguson Attorney Rosser immediately raised the objection that he had been in the court room and the solicitor declared that he did not know whether or not the detective had Waggoner stated that he was present for about 20 minutes Wednesday. "He was not sworn and put under the rule," explained Solicitor Dorsey, "because I did not know that I would need him." The defense made no further objection and the examination began. "How long have you been on the force, Mr. Waggoner?" the
  • Sunday, 3rd August 1913 Dorsey Pleased With Progress

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 3rd, 1913 Solicitor Will Put Dr. Roy Harris on the Stand Again on Next Tuesday Afternoon. While Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey declined to make an expression of what he believed would be the outcome of the case against Leo M. Frank, which he has been prosecuting all the week, he expressed himself yesterday afternoon as thoroughly satisfied with the present progress. The solicitor held an extended conference immediately after court adjourned with his assistant, E. A. Stephens, and with Attorney Frank A. Hooper, who is aiding him, and together with the lawyers went over what had been done
  • Sunday, 3rd August 1913 Finding of Dead Girl’s Parasol is Told by Policeman Lasseter

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 3rd, 1913 Following Chief Beavers the name of Detective Bass Rosser was then called, but he was not present and Policeman R. F. Lasseter was put on the stand. "Did you go to the National Pencil factory on Sunday morning, April 27?""Yes." "Did you ever see this parasol before?" asked the solicitor, holding up the which was found in the elevator shaft and identified as Mary Phagan's. "Yes, I found it that morning at the bottom of the shaft." "What else did you find? Any other wearing apparel?" "No." "Well, did you find anything else?""Yes, some twine.""You saw
  • Sunday, 3rd August 1913 Fixing Hour of Girl’s Death Through Aid of Modern Science The Prosecution’s Greatest Aid

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 3rd, 1913 By Britt Craig. When Mrs. J. W. Coleman, mother of Mary Phagan, related a simple story on the witness stand the first day of the Frank trial of the slain child's frugal meal of cabbage and biscuit which she ate upon leaving home that fateful day, she paved the way for the most thrilling development thus far in the entire case. Her story was as devoid of thrills as any yet told. It was an ordinary recitation of a common meal and told in the mother's plain, simple manner. Had she not broke into tears her
  • Sunday, 3rd August 1913 Girl Asked for Mary Phagan’s Pay But Was Refused by Frank

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 3rd, 1913 Miss Helen Ferguson, formerly employed at the National Pencil factory, but now working for Marcus Loeb and company, was the first state witness put on the stand Saturday morning. She proved to be a litle girl in short dresses with her hair hanging in two braids down her back. Her age she gave as sixteen. On the stand she was rather timid and answered questions in an almost inaudible voice, but replied positively to each one. She was only kept on the stand about fifteen minutes. For two years previous to the murder she declared that
  • Sunday, 3rd August 1913 Good Order Kept in Court by Vigilance of Deputies

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 3rd, 1913 Despite the throng that has gathered each day around the courthouse where a man is on trial for his life, and despite the number of people who have crowded in to fill every seat, there has been on the whole good order in the courtroom, due to the vigilance of the deputies in charge. Sheriff C. W. Mangum sits daily in the room and with him are practically every deputy and bailiff that the courtrooms afford. To handle the large crowd and to take care of the entrance all of them are needed. In charge of
  • Sunday, 3rd August 1913 Mistrial Near When Jury Saw a Newspaper in Judge’s Hands

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 3rd, 1913 Inadvertent Action of Judge Roan Caused Quick Conference Between Attorneys for the Defense in Frank Case. PRACTICALLY NOTHING NEW WAS INTRODUCED IN SATURDAY TESTIMONY Dr. J. W. Hurt, County Physician, Takes Stand to Tell of Examination of the Dead Body of Girl—Testimony Conflicts With Harris' at Times. Practically nothing new was adduced from the testimony at Saturday's session of the Leo M. Frank trial. But by far the session—which lasted from 9 o'clock until 1 o'clock, adjournment being had until Monday—was fought with the keenest interest of any thus far held. This was due to the
  • Sunday, 3rd August 1913 Resume of Week’s Evidence Shows Little Progress Made

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 3rd, 1913 Place and Time of the Murder Only Big Facts Brought Out in the Mass of Evidence. One week of the battle Leo M. Frank, accused of the murder of Mary Phagan in the factory of the National Pencil company, for his life has elapsed, and his fate is yet a question for future developments to decide. The first week of the trial has been markedly free from sensations. The two big facts that the week's evidence would seem to show are that Mary Phagan was murdered in the second floor of the pencil factory, and that
  • Monday, 4th August 1913 Dr. H. F. Harris Will Take Stand This Afternoon

        Atlanta Constitution August 4th, 1913 Secretary of State Board of Health Will Resume Testimony Interrupted by His Collapse on Last Friday. STATE TO USE PHOTO OF SPOT WHERE BODY WAS FOUND BY NEGRO Friends and Relatives Besiege Prisoner in Cell on Sunday. Shows Little Evidence of Strain of Trial, Say Jail Officials. The state will open this afternoon's session of the Frank trial with Dr. Roy Harris on the stand, it is stated, if the physician's health is as much improved as it was on Sunday. The solicitor had not finished his examination of Dr. Harris on Friday
  • Monday, 4th August 1913 Every Man on Franks Jury Gets Nickname for Trial

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 4th, 1913 Quiet Sunday for Twelve Jurors By Vernon Stiles. As completely cut off from knowledge of the happenings of the outside world as though they were marooned in an island of the South seas, and yet tantalized by the swirling life around them, twelve men have lived for the past week in the heart of Atlanta. Their days has been spent in a crowded courtroom, where they listened to the wrangle of lawyers and the more or less conflicting statements of the witnesses, and their nights have passed in three crowded rooms behind locked doors, where the
  • Monday, 4th August 1913 Frank on Stand Wednesday Week

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 4th, 1913 Defense Intimates Trial Will Run Into Middle of Third Week With Defendant Final Witness. It will probably be Wednesday or Thursday of next week before Leo Frank takes the stand to explain his actions on the day Mary Phagan was slain. This was intimated last night by attorneys associated with the defense, who stated that the trial very likely would run into the middle of the third week, and that, from present plans, the defendant would be the final witness. It is understood that the defense will introduce much expert testimony, and that it will be
  • Monday, 4th August 1913 Leo Franks Trial Is Attracting Universal Interest in Georgia

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 4th, 1913 By Britt Craig. There has never been a trial in Georgia's records rivaling the Frank case in general interest throughout the state even the Grace case being a poor second. The Myers trial—the famous Will Myers murder case which is yet to receive its final chapter—created considerable interest both locally and throughout the state but was a mere shadow beside the present case. The Appelbaum case was a short one, was put through the courts more as a matter of routine than anything else. Mrs. Appelbaum is still in Atlanta and attending the Frank trial. Will
  • Monday, 4th August 1913 Their Testimony Is Important In The Trial Of Leo M. Frank

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 4th August 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 5.EMIL SELIG.DETECTIVE D. L. WAGONER.DR. H. F. (ROY) HARRIS.CHIEF NEWPORT LANFORD.Photo by Francis E. Price. Staff Photographer.Chief interest in the Frank case today centers int eh appearance at this afternoon's session of court of Dr. H. F. Harris, who collapsed on Friday afternoon while giving testimony fixing the murder hour of Mary Phagan. Detective D. L. Waggoner was on the stand Saturday morning. Emil Selig, father-in-law of Frank, will probably be called by the defense. Chief Lanford has been an interested spectator since the trial began. It was under his direction the
  • Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Amazing Testimony of Conley Marks Crucial Point of Trial; Says Frank Admitted Crime

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 5th, 1913 The crucial point of the entire case of the state versus Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of little Mary Phagan, an employee in the National Pencil factory, of which he was superintendent, came Monday morning when after putting one or two witnesses back on the stand to bring out minor points, Solicitor Hugh Dorsey called out, "Bring in Jim Conley." The state had been gradually paving the way for the testimony of the negro sweeper who declares that Frank called on him to hide the body of the dead girl and told him that
  • Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Conley Grilled Five Hours By Luther Rosser

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 5th, 1913 REMARKABLE STORY IS TOLD BY NEGRO IN ACCUSING FRANK OF PHAGAN MURDER Chief Witness for State Admits, Under Cross-Examination, That He Has Been Under Arrest Seven or Eight Times, and That Many Statements Made in His Three Affidavits Are False. Hangs His Head and "Fools With His Fingers" When He Lies, He Says. LOOPS MURDER NOOSE AROUND HIS OWN NECK TO ILLUSTRATE STORY By Order of Judge the Court Is Cleared of Women and Children at Afternoon Session Owing to Revolting Testimony Given by Conley—Dr. Roy Harris, It Is Understood, Will Be Closing Witness Summoned by
  • Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Conley Is Mercilessly Grilled At Afternoon Session of Court

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 5th, 1913 ARRESTED 7 TIMES, HE ADMITS Jim Conley remained on the stand throughout the afternoon session. Attorney Rosser continuting his cross-examination after the noon recess. "Who saw you, Jim, at police headquarters?" "Chief Beavers." "Who else?""Mr. Smith, my lawyer." "Was anybody else present?""Yes, Tawney." "Did he hear what was said?""I guess so. He could have heard." "You talked to no one else?""No, sir." Conley Doesn't Remember. "Did you watch for Mr. Frank since the time in January?""I think not." "What did you do the Saturday afternoon you watched for him?""I don't remember." "What did you do the
  • Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Flashlight in The Constitution Introduced in Trial of Frank

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 5th, 1913 Police Sergeant L. S. Dobbs was the witness who followed Grice. The officer had already testified on the first day of the trial and was brought back for only a few minutes. "Did you find a handkerchief that Sunday morning in the factory?" "Yes, sir, in the basement near a trash pile." "That's all," said the solicitor. Mr. Rosser then asked the officer several questions in regard to the detail of the basement and said he was through. Mr. Dorsey then showed the officer a flashlight photograph of the spot in the basement where the girl's
  • Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Frank Very Nervous, Testifies L. O. Grice

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 5th, 1913 Witness Had Gone to the Pencil Factory After Reading The Constitution Extra L. O. Grice was the first witness put on the stand when court convened Monday morning. He was kept there but a few minutes. He stated that he is employed by W. H. Smith, auditor of the Atlanta and West Point railroad, and that he lives at 270 Houston street. "Where were you on Sunday, April 27, about 8 o'clock?" Mr. Dorsey started out. "I was in front of The Constitution building and I saw one of their extras and went on down to
  • Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Handsome Woman Seeks in Vain For Witness at Franks Trial

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 5th, 1913 Shortly after the courtroom had been cleared of women during the trial of Leo M. Frank Monday, Detective Harper entered the room with a handsome woman and the two took a leisurely survey of those in the courtroom. It was learned that the woman is a waitress at a well-known restaurant, and that shortly after the murder she is supposed to have overheard a conversation with two men who were discussing the killing. It is said they were friends of Frank and that they made admissions which would prove important to the state. The two men
  • Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Scenes In Courtroom Monday While Conley Was On Stand

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 5th August 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3."JIM. CAN YOU PUT THIS CORD AROUDN YOUR NECK LIKE YOU FOUND IT ON MARY PHAGAN'S BODY?"SOLICITOR DORSEY.WOMEN SPECTATORS.JIM CONLEYOn the STAND.Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Scenes In Courtroom Monday While Conley Was On Stand
  • Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Stanford Recalled By Solicitor Dorsey

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 5th, 1913 Declares There Were Bars Across Door on Second Floor on Day Before Murder. Following Sergeant Dobbs, Mell Stanford, a factory employee, who had previously testified, was recalled for a few minutes. "Was the door on the second floor back locked or unlocked on Friday, April 25?" asked Mr. Dorsey. "There were bars across it," said Stanford. "Was there any way to get down back there?" "Only by the fire escape.""Was the area of the metal room cleaned up after the murder?" "Yes, sir, during the following week." "Did you clean it up?" asked Mr. Rosser, who
  • Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Witnesses in Franks Trial In Role of Marriage Witnesses

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 5th, 1913 While T. Y. Brent, notary public and ex-officio justice of the peace, was waiting in the witness room of the Frank murder trial yesterday, the "big and little of it" came to him to pronounce the magic words which would make them forever man and wife, one and inseparable. Cleve Ware, weighing at the most 120 pounds, and Mattie Turner, who could easily muster 250 pounds, if required, were the parties, being from the swell section of Darktown. The judge performed the ceremony in the most approved style, and Frank murder trial witnesses acting as the
  • Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Women of Every Class and Age Listen With Morbid Curiosity To Testimony of Negro Conley

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 5th, 1913 By Britt Craig. There was a chorus girl who sat next to an aged and withered woman who is undoubtedly a grandmother—a great-grandmother, maybe; there was a painted-cheeked girl with hollow eyes who bore the unmistakable stain of crimson, who sat between a mother who held in her lap an eager 13-year-old. There was a wrinkled and worn old woman with the lines of care stamped indelibly, who hobbled into the room on a crutch and sat beside a man who chewed tobacco and whispered profanity. Over in a corner there was a graceful young woman
  • Wednesday, 6th August 1913 Conley Remains Calm Under Grilling Cross-Examination

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 6th, 1913 ROSSER ADOPTS NEW TONE MONDAY Jim Conley, upon whose story practically the entire result of the Frank case is believed to rest, went on the stand at 9:03 o'clock and when court adjourned for lunch at 12:30 he was still being cross-examined by Luther Rosser for the defense. The lawyer had reached that point in his cross-fire of questions where he had begun to hector the witness and to take him up whenever he made a mistake, but it appeared that he was only about half through with his work. When the adjournment was taken Conley
  • Wednesday, 6th August 1913 Conleys Main Story Still Remains Unshaken

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 6th, 1913 GRILLED 12 HOURS BY LUTHER ROSSER JIM CONLEY INSISTS FRANK GUILTY MAN Declaring That "I Don't Remember," or, "No, Sir; I Didn't Say That," or Simply Affirming Blandly That He Had Lied on a Previous Occasion, Negro Sweeper Sticks to Story Told on the Witness Stand on Monday Morning Despite Most Rigid Cross-Examination of Trial. AFFIDAVIT BY MINCEY OF CONLEY CONFESSION IS DENIED BY WITNESS Apparently Despairing of Breaking the Negro, Attorneys for Defense Appeal to Judge Roan to Strike All Evidence Relating to Alleged Previous Conduct of Frank Before Day of Murder on Ground of
  • Wednesday, 6th August 1913 Defense Asks Judge Roan to Strike From Records Part of Conley Testimony

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 6th, 1913 At the opening of the afternoon session, Attorney Reuben Arnold arose, asking that the jury be sent from the room. When the twelve men had passed into their rom, he made a motion asking the court to exclude from Conley's statement that testimony pertaining to Conley having watched previously for Frank and to an unprintable scene the negro said he had witnessed between the superintendent and a young girl in Frank's office. The motion was made on grounds of irrelevancy. "First," said Mr. Arnold, "I desire to ask the court to rule out that testimony of
  • Wednesday, 6th August 1913 Ignorance of Negro Witnesses Helps Them When on the Stand

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 6th, 1913 By Britt Craig. Sometimes it is lucky to be ignorant. Most people don't believe this, but it has been proven true in the cases of Newt Lee and Jim Conley in facing the nerve-racking cross-examination of Luther Rosser. The average white man in Jim's fix would last just several minutes it is likely - perhaps even less. And if he were a cigarette fiend– There have been many interesting features to the Frank trial but chief of them all is the manner in which these two negroes have stood grilling of attorneys for the defense proving
  • Wednesday, 6th August 1913 Mincey Affidavit Is Denied By Conley During Afternoon

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 6th, 1913 SMITH ALLOWED ACCESS TO CLIENT After Judge Roan had ruled out the Conley testimony relating to alleged previous actions of Frank, the jury was returned to the courtroom, and Attorney Rosser resumed his cross-examination of Conley. "Jim, you took the body of that girl, you say, and wrapped her in a cloth, didn't you?""Yes, sir." "Was the cloth all around her?""No, sir, it didn't go over her whole body." "Did it cover her head?""No, sir." "Her feet?""No, sir." "How much of her body was projecting out of the cloth?""I don't know, sir." "You tied the cloth
  • Wednesday, 6th August 1913 Women Are Playing Big Part In Trial Of Frank

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 6th August 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 2.From left to right: Striking photograph of Mrs. Leo Frank as she entered the courtroom Tuesday afternoon; grandmother of Mary Phagan. Two women spectators, who were excluded from the trial during Jim Conley's testimony.Photos by Francis E Price, Staff Photographer.PAGE 3, COLUMN 2Conley Leaving Courtroom After TestimonyPhoto by Francis E Price, Staff Photographer.Left to right: Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford, Jim Conley and Chief of Police James L. Beavers.PAGE 4, COLUMN 4Mayor Opposes Women Police.Mayor Woodward regards as doubtful the plan of Chief Beavers to appoint women on the police department. His
  • Thursday, 7th August 1913 Applause Sweeps Courtroom When Dorsey Scores a Point

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 7th, 1913 Following Conley's departure from the stand the jury was allowed a five minute recess and on their return Solicitor Dorsey tendered in evidence a picture of the pencil factory basement which was taken by Francis B. Price, The Constitution staff photographer on the morning that the body was found a of which appeared in The Constitution. He also tendered a scratch pad sample of one of those around the factory the murder notes and the pad found near the body. There were no objections from the defense. "Bring in C. B. Dalton," called out the solicitor.
  • Thursday, 7th August 1913 Because He is Patriotic Mincey is Here for Trial

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 7th, 1913 W. H. Mincey, witness for the defense in the Leo M. Frank trial whose substantial affidavit that Jim Conley had told him of killing a white girl on the day Mary Phagan was murdered was published some weeks ago was a conspicuous figure in front of the courthouse Wednesday. Mincey is a country school teacher and has been for twenty years. He is not used to city ways, he says, and the excitement of the crowd around the courthouse seemed to worry him. "I have great patriotism," said Mr. Mincey, "and that is the sole reason
  • Thursday, 7th August 1913 Hugh Dorsey Wins His Spurs; Crowd Recognizes Gameness

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 7th, 1913 By Sidney Ormond When the spectators at the Frank trial Wednesday broke into a ripple of applause, after Judge Roan had announced his decision that the damaging evidence of Jim Conley that he had "watched out for Frank on several occasions prior to the murder and had encountered him in an attitude which set him apart from normal men would remain in the records—when this applause came—it was not that any man contributing to it necessarily thought Frank guilty. It was simply a spontaneous tribute to Solicitor Hugh Dorsey who has fought so doggedly against such
  • Thursday, 7th August 1913 Judges Decision Admits Conley Testimony in Full

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 7th, 1913 At the continuation of the argument on the subject of Judge Roan's reserved decision, Solicitor Dorsey cited extracts from many legal volumes, many of which pertained to the untimeliness of objections in just such cases as the one which he argued. "It makes no difference if the act in question was a separate or distinct crime," he said, "just so it shows a course of conduct and has sufficient value to the case on trial. It is absolutely admissible. "We contend that the defense has stopped at this late hour, after examining extensively, and along the
  • Thursday, 7th August 1913 Mary Phagan Was Strangled Declares Dr. H. F. Harris

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 7th, 1913 Dr. Roy F. Harris, the pathologist, head of the state board of health, and the expert who exhumed and examined the body of Mary Phagan, went on the stand at the close of the argument over Judge Roan's reserved decision to continue the testimony from which he was interrupted Friday by a fainting spell in the courtroom. He still suffered from weakness and was allowed to sit in a heavily-upholstered armchair. He was questioned first by Solicitor Dorsey. "Dr. Harris, what is your particular branch of medicine?""My usual line is pathology, chemistry and chemical work, as
  • Thursday, 7th August 1913 Mrs. Coleman Tells of Cooking Cabbage for Dr. H. F. Harris

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 7th, 1913 Mrs. J. W. Coleman, mother of Mary Phagan, followed Dr. Harris to the stand. She told of cooking an amount of cabbage at the chemists request for his experiments with the four men. She stated that it had been ground finely as she had prepared it on the day of Mary's last meal and had boiled it for an hour. She remained on the stand but for a few minutes and was asked but a few questions by either the state or defense. She was asked to describe Mary's pocketbook answering that she had already given
  • Thursday, 7th August 1913 Spontaneous Applause Greets Dorseys Victory

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 7th, 1913 JUDGE ROAN DENIES MOTION OF DEFENSE TO STRIKE PART OF CONLEY TESTIMONY Reuben Arnold Threatens to Call for Mistrial if There Should Be Recurrence of Applause Which Marked Reception of the Decision. Judge Announces That the Court Room Would Be Cleared if There Was Any More Disorder. BAFFLED BY ATTITUDE OF CONLEY ON STAND, DEFENSE ENDS GRILL Dr. Roy Harris Testifies in Afternoon, Declaring That Death Was Caused by Strangulation—Tells of Experiments With Four Men in Digestion of Cabbage Cooked by Mrs. Coleman, Mother of Girl Who Was Murdered—C. B. Dalton Testifies Today. When, shortly after
  • Thursday, 7th August 1913 Their Testimony Will Have Direct Bearing On Leo Frank’s Case

    The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, 7th August 1913, PAGE 1, COLUMN 2. Conley Leaving Courtroom After Testimony Photo by Francis E Price, Staff Photographer. Left to right: Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford, Jim Conley and Chief of Police James L. Beavers. PAGE 4, COLUMN 2 SOLICITOR HUGH DORSEY. Thursday, 7th August 1913 Their Testimony Will Have Direct Bearing On Leo Frank's Case  
  • Thursday, 7th August 1913 Unable to Shake Conleys Story Rosser Ends Cross-Examination

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 7th, 1913 On the opening of court Wednesday morning when Judge L. S. Roan announced that he would postpone his final decision in regard to the admissibility of Jim Conley's evidence in regard to Leo Frank's alleged misconduct and also to the negro's acting on previous occasions as his "lookout," Luther Rosser began his final effort to break the negro down. Conley stayed on the stand until 10 o'clock and was then excused. He had been testifying for fifteen hours in all and of this thirteen hours had been under the merciless grilling of Attorney Rosser. The negro
  • Thursday, 7th August 1913 While Murder Trial Goes on Witnesses While Away Time With Old Camp Meeting Songs

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 7th, 1913 By Britt Craig. There is one woman with no connection whatever with the Frank case who sits undisturbed in an obscure corner of the courtroom. Throughout Jim Conley's testimony, she remained in her seat while court deputies removed women from all parts of the place and sent them outside at order of the judge. She is Mrs. Hattie Barnett, a detective, and a woman who has seen more of the world and knows more of its multivaried phases than many of Atlanta's most successful business men. She has seen and heard enough not to be touched
  • Friday, 8th August 1913 Dalton Corroborates Statements Contained in Conleys Testimony

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 8th, 1913 C.B. Dalton a railroad carpenter who was heralded as one of the star witnesses for the defense was called to the stand by Solicitor Dorsey whe court convened Thursday morning. The most startling statement uttered by Dalton from the stand was that he used the basement of the National Pencil company factory for clandestine meetings with girls and women. Although not an employee of the factory and although his acquaintance with Frank was a Dalton testified that the factory superintendent knew of his visits to the basement with women. Dalton named three females with whom he
  • Friday, 8th August 1913 Defense May Call for Character Witnesses Today

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 8th, 1913 C. B. DALTON TELLS ABOUT VISITS HE PAID THE PENCIL FACTORY WITH MANY WOMEN Declares He Used Basement for Immoral Purposes at Same Time That Frank Was in Building, But Did Not Attempt to Say What the Superintendent's Relations With Women Were—Declares Conley Acted as Lookout for Him. DR. LEROY W. CHILDS CALLED BY DEFENSE TO REFUTE DR. HARRIS Harry Scott Is Also Put on Stand by Defense to Prove That Conley Lied on Many Occasions—Detective Was on the Stand When Court Adjourned for Day—Cross-Examination Fails to Shake Dr. Harris. Shortly after Dr. H. F. Harris
  • Friday, 8th August 1913 Dorsey Forces Childs to Admit Certain Portions of His Testimony Could Not Be Considered Expert

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 8, 1913 Dr. LeRoy W. Childs who was the first witness placed on the stand by the defense underwent a rigorous cross examination by Solicitor Dorsey. The solicitor showed a keen knowledge of medicine and chemistry in the volley of questions he fired at the medical expert, and, upon one occasion elicited the admission from the witness that he was not informed of a certain phase of laboratory work on which great stress had been laid by Dr. Roy Harris who preceded Dr. Childs to the stand. In concluding his testimony Dr. Childs when asked by the solicitor
  • Friday, 8th August 1913 Dr. Childs Differs with Harris As to Processes of Digestion

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 8th, 1913 Following Dr. H. F. Harris, the final witness of the state, DR. L. W. Childs also an expert on matters pertaining to the various processes of digestion was placed on the stand by the defense to refute what Dr. Harris had said about the food in Mary Phagan's stomach showing that she had been killed in about half an hour after she ate. Dr. Childs took a decidedly opposite stand from that of his brother physician and declared that he would hazard no guess within two hours of the time that death occurred after eating and
  • Friday, 8th August 1913 Dr. Frank Eskridge Aiding Prosecution

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 8th, 1913 Dr. R. T. Dorsey Also Comes to Assistance of Solicitor in the Frank Case Dr. Frank L. Eskridge, a well-known physician, is assisting Solicitor General Dorsey in the solicitor's examination of expert chemists and medical men and in cross-examinations of experts presented by the defense. Dr. Eskridge is widely versed in various branches of medicine, chemistry and surgery, and has proved an invaluable aid to the solicitor, especially in the examination of Dr. Roy Harris. In the cross-examination of Dr. Leroy Childs, in the afternoon session Thursday, the solicitor was valuably assisted by his brother, Dr.
  • Friday, 8th August 1913 Harris Sticks to Testimony As to Time of Girls Death

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 8th, 1913 Dr. H.F. Harris, the state's final witness against Leo M. Frank, was put on the stand for cross examination shortly after 10 o'clock Thursday morning, and through a series of questions Attorney Reuben Arnold, for the defense, sought to make him less definite in regard to the time of Mary Phagan's death after eating the meal of cabbage and bread about 11:30 on the day she was killed. Dr. Harris was asked a number of questions about digestion, and while he admitted it to be a subject that is not thoroughly understood by scientists, he clung
  • Friday, 8th August 1913 Rosser Swears Bludgeon Was Not In Factory Day After the Murder

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 8th, 1913 City Detective Bass Rosser, who worked on the Phagan mystery, followed Dalton on the stand Thursday morning to tell that Mrs. Arthur White, whose husband, father and brother work for the National Pencil company, had not told him of seeing a strange negro in the factory on the day of the crime, although he questioned her about her knowledge of what went on there that day, and she had also told her brother, Wade Campbell, of seeing the negro. "Have you worked on this case?" asked Solicitor Hugh Dorsey. "Yes, sir," replied the detective. "Did you
  • Friday, 8th August 1913 Scott Called by Defense To Refute Conleys Story

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 8th, 1913 SHOWS NEGRO LIED MANY TIMES The defense sprang a surprise during the afternoon session whey they called Detective Harry Scott to the stand to testify to the third-degree under which Jim Conley had been placed at police headquarters and which process had exacted his three conflicting confessions. Scott stated throughout his testimony that Conley had told conflicting stories on numerous occasions during his early imprisonment, and that had failed to tell the detectives much of the story which he related on the witness stand Tuesday and Wednesday. Scott's statement created a telling of fact and it
  • Friday, 8th August 1913 Will Defense Put Character of Leo Frank Before Jury?

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 8th, 1913 Will Leo Frank's character be one of the issues in his trial for the murder of little Mary Phagan? That is the question which has been the subject of speculation since it was first known that he would be tried for the murder, and as the case has progressed the subject has been discussed frequently. Not one in a hundred defendants place their character in issue when on trial for murder, but a condition has arisen in the Frank case which may cause his attorneys to think it wise to take this step. It came when
  • Saturday, 9th August 1913 Civil Engineer and Photographer Tell of Making Plats and Photos

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 9th, 1913 Ira U. Kauffman, civil engineer, who had been employed by the defense to make drawings of the Selig home at 68 East Georgia avenue, where Frank and his wife lived, and also of the National Pencil factory, followed the street car conductor on the stand. Kauffman testified that he made the plats of the Selig home on Tuesday of this week. The plats were shown to the jury. "Could you stand in the kitchen and see the mirror in the dining room?" asked Mr. Arnold. "It is impossible to see the mirror from the kitchen." "Why?"
  • Saturday, 9th August 1913 Conductor Also Swears Epps Boy Was Not on Car With Mary Phagan

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 9th, 1913 W. T. Hollis, of 16 Western avenue, the conductor on the English avenue car on which Mary Phagan rode to town on the day she was murdered, followed the motorman on the stand. He also declared that the girl was not accompanied by a boy and that she did not get off at Forsyth and Marietta streets where he left the car. He also declared that she was not accompanied by any boy answering the description of George Epps, but that a little girl was with her. Hollis corroborated the testimony of the motorman in practically
  • Saturday, 9th August 1913 Couldnt Locate Epps Boy When Wanted in Court

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 9th, 1913 At the opening of the afternoon session the defense called for George Epps, the 14-year-old newsboy, who says he rode uptown with Mary Phagan on the day of her death. He did not answer. Mr. Arnold asked the assistance of Judge Roan in bringing the boy to court. The judge dispatched a bailiff in search of the newsie, armed with an attachment. He was not produced, however, at any time during the afternoon session. * * * Atlanta Constitution, August 9th 1913, "Couldn't Locate Epps Boy When Wanted in Court," Leo Frank case newspaper article series
  • Saturday, 9th August 1913 Defense Will Seek to Show That Mary Phagans Body Was Tossed Down a Chute in Rear of Pencil Factory And Not Taken Down by Elevator As the State Insists

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 9th, 1913 Eleven Witnesses Are Introduced Friday to Prove Discrepancies in Time Given by Witnesses for the State. Miss Daisy Hopkins Goes on Stand and Swears That She Never Visited Factory With Dalton, But on Cross-Examination She Admitted Having Been in Jail Recently—She Denied That She Knew Frank. HOLLOWAY'S TESTIMONY RIDDLED BY SOLICITOR; MEMORY FORSAKES HIM Confesses That He Had Told Detectives the Day That He Caused the Arrest of Conley That "If He's Convicted, Remember He's My Nigger"—From Present Indications the Trial Will Be Continued for Two Weeks Longer, and Defense Will Introduce Character Witnesses. The defense
  • Saturday, 9th August 1913 Epps Boy Not With Mary Phagan, Declares Street Car Motorman

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 9th, 1913 W. M. Mathews, of 459 Lee street, car motorman who declares that Mary Phagan rode to town on his car on April 26, followed Daisy Hopkins on the stand. Mathews gave a new turn to the theory of the girl's actions of that day by declaring that she rode to Broad and Hunter streets before getting off with another girl who was with her, and also by saying that he did not see George Epps on the car with her. In answer to questions the motorman asserted that Mary Phagan got on his car at Lindsay
  • Saturday, 9th August 1913 Harry Scott and Boots Rogers Recalled to Stand by the State

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 9th, 1913 When court convened Friday morning Harry Scott, Pinkerton detective, engaged by the defense in the Phagan case, was recalled to the stand by the state and asked how long it took Jim Conley, the negro sweeper, to write a copy of one of the murder notes when it was read off to him and , dictated word for word. The detective declared that the negro had taken about three or four minutes for this. "Boots" Rogers was next called and asked one question about the condition of the basement. Rogers is the ex-county policeman in whose
  • Saturday, 9th August 1913 Hinchey Tells of Seeing Frank on Car on Day of the Murder

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 9th, 1913 H. J. Hinchey, of 391 Peachtree street, a business acquaintance of Leo Frank, and manager of the South Atlantic Blow Pipe company, was put upon the stand by the defense. He stated having seen Frank on the murder date as the superintendent rode into town on a Washington street trolley car, meeting him at Washington and Hunter streets. He was questioned by Mr. Arnold. "Do you recollect April 26, Memorial day?" "Yes.""Did you see Leo Frank that day?""Yes." "Where?""Near the capitol." "Was he on foot or riding?""He was aboard a trolley car." "Were you on foot?""No,
  • Saturday, 9th August 1913 Holloway, Witness for Defense, Riddled By Cross-Examination

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 9th, 1913 E. F. Holloway, watchman and timekeeper at the pencil factory, whose testimony Solicitor Dorsey riddled on cross-examination, followed General Manager Darley to the stand. He gave his answers rapidly, making them frequently even before Attorney Arnold had finished propounding his questions. He is a man who looks older than 60, with cold gray eyes and thin lips. His general appearance causes the lover of Dickens to think that the aged witness had stepped from one of that author's novels. He became confused upon the cross-fire of the solicitor, and perspired profusely. Same Rule for All. He
  • Saturday, 9th August 1913 Hopkins Woman Denies Charges Made By Dalton and Jim Conley; Is Forced to Admit Untruths

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 9th, 1913 Daisy Hopkins, a resident of Redan, Georgia, and the woman who Jim Conley and C. B. Dalton declare frequently went to the National Pencil factory with Dalton while Leo Frank was there and was aware of her presence, was the first witness called by the defense Friday morning. The woman swore to a full and complete denial of every charge that the white man and the negro had made and declared that she only knew Frank by sight, as she had worked at the factory from October, 1912, until June 1912. When Solicitor Hugh Dorsey took
  • Saturday, 9th August 1913 N. V. Darley Denies Testimony Given by Conley and Dalton

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 9th, 1913 N. V. Darley, general manager of the National Pencil factory, who has already been used as a witness for the prosecution, was called to the stand for the defense following the pattern maker's department. He was examined by Mr. Arnold. "You are the general manager of the pencil factory, aren't you?""Yes." "Looking from a point of ground plan, isn't this a correct model of the pencil plant?" "Yes." Darley then described various furniture and fixtures in the basement and two floors depicted in the model. Plain View of Stairway. "If a body fell down the chute
  • Saturday, 9th August 1913 Witness Admits Discrepancies in Model of Pencil Factory

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 9th, 1913 T. H. Willet, a pattern maker, who built the model of the pencil factory, was next called by the defense. Under the cross-examination of Mr. Hooper he frequently admitted discrepancies in the pasteboard structure submitted by Frank's counsel. "What is your occupation?" he was asked by Mr. Arnold. "Pattern maker." "Did you make an inspection of the National Pencil factory?""Yes." "In making this model, as to its dimensions and proportions, you have followed exact figures of blue prints?""Yes." Under Cross-examination. He was then cross-examined by Mr. Hooper. "You do not know whether this is a correct
  • Sunday, 10th August 1913 Defense Will Renew Attack Upon Dr. Harris Testimony

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 10th, 1913 That the defense in the trial of Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, will continue its attack upon the testimony of Dr. H. F. Harris, who made a postmortem examination of the body and declared the girl must have died at about 12:10 in the afternoon, was the information secured Saturday. Dr. Willie Westmoreland, Dr. J. N. Ellis and Dr. T. H. Hancok are expected to be the physicians placed upon the stand to refute this declaration made by Dr. Harris. The defense has already made an attack upon the state's claim
  • Sunday, 10th August 1913 Epps Boy Denies Trying to Avoid Being Called to the Stand Again

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 10th, 1913 C. B. Dalton, who was used by the state to corroborate some of Jim Conley's testimony against Leo Frank, was the first witness called by the defense Saturday morning. He did not respond and George Epps, the newsboy who claims to have ridden to town with Mary Phagan the day she met death, was next called. The lad, who could not be found Friday, was present and took the stand. State and defense clashed over the lad as Solicitor Hugh Dorsey stated that Attorney Reuben Arnold had tried to give the impression Friday that he had
  • Sunday, 10th August 1913 Frank A. Hooper Is Proving Big Aid to Solicitor Dorsey

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 10th, 1913 ROSSER CALLS HIM BEAU BRUMMEL OF BAR By Britt Craig. He has a kind and genial face that makes you feel he is the friend of everybody in the world, but in the midst of a big trial he might be compared with a Gatling gun, except for the fact that there doubtless are witnesses who would prefer facing the Gatling. There is a liberal sprinkling of gray in his hair, and Luther Rosser has often truthfully, although sarcastically, referred to him as the Beau Brummel of the bar. You would never suspect that he was
  • Sunday, 10th August 1913 Introduction by Defense of Host Of Character Witnesses Probable

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 10th, 1913 The introduction of character testimony in behalf of Leo Frank at present seems very probable. It is not thought, however, that witnesses of this nature will be put on the stand until the middle of the week. Attorneys for the defense, as in the past, who have withhold their plans until the exact moment of performance, have refused to discuss whether or not character witnesses will be called. It is the general impression, however, that a wealth of this evidence will be presented—more, in fact, than has been produced in any trial in the state. At
  • Sunday, 10th August 1913 Is Defense Planning Telling Blow At Testimony Given by Jim Conley?

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 10th, 1913 Will the defense strive to show by witnesses that the pencil factory elevator was not run on April 26 as told by Jim Conley in his remarkable story? Since a question put to General Manager Darley by Luther Rosser when Darley was placed on the tand Friday, much speculation has been created in this regard. Although attorneys for the defense will not discuss the subject, it is the prevalent belief that an effort will be made to show by mechanicians that the elevator was not in operation at any time during that fateful afternoon. Darley was
  • Sunday, 10th August 1913 Reporter Makes Denial of Charge That Reports Have Been Flavored

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 10th, 1913 J. M. Minar, a reporter, was put on the stand by the defense after the Epps boy left. By him the defense sought to prove that the boy had talked of Mary Phagan and had not mentioned seeing her on the car. Before he had finished cross-examining him Attorney F. A. Hooper sought to create the impression on the jury that The Georgian, for which Minar works, had instructed him to discover as much news favorable for Leo Frank as possible, and Mr. Arnold entered an objection at once. "Did you go to the Epps' home
  • Sunday, 10th August 1913 Schiff Put on Stand to Refute Conley and Dalton Testimony

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 10th, 1913 HIS STATEMENTS HELP DEFENSE Herbert G. Schiff, assistant to Leo M. Frank at the National Pencil factory, followed J. H. Minar on the stand Saturday. His testimony was used by the defense in an efort to refute the stories of Jim Conley and C. B. Dalton to the effect that Frank frequently had women in the office on Saturdays and holidays and he also went into great detail and testified to the complexity of the financial sheet and the large amount of work necessary to complete it. He was being cross-examined by the state when court
  • Sunday, 10th August 1913 Schiff Testimony Contradicts That Given by Dalton and Negro Conley

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 10th, 1913 Saturday by Far the Best Day for the Defense Since Start of the Frank Trial Two Weeks Ago. SAYS WOMEN DID NOT VISIT FRANK'S OFFICE Lawyers for State and Defense in Frequent Clashes During the Testimony of Frank's Assistant at the Factory. By far the best day the defense in the Frank trial has had came to a close Saturday afternoon at 12:30 o'clock when a recess was taken until 9 o'clock Monday morning, at which time Herert Schiff, assistant to Leo M. Frank, will again be on the stand to undergo a thorough cross-examination at
  • Sunday, 10th August 1913 Startling Testimony of Conley Feature of Trials Second Week

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 10th, 1913 IMPORTANT WITNESSES HEARD The resting by the state of the its case against Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, came on Thursday and the defense is at present setting forth its evidence in rebuttal. Since last Sunday much that is regarded as important has been introduced by both sides and a number of bitter fights have been waged over evidence. James Conley, the negro sweeper, who makes accusations that Frank told he had struck the girl too hard, and who also told of Frank's having women in his office for immoral purposes
  • Monday, 11th August 1913 Jurors Have a Great Time Playing Jokes on Deputies

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 11th, 1913 Coats off and collars and ties flung carelessly on bedposts and convenient chairs the twelve jurors in the Frank case and Deputies Foster Hunter and Bob Deavours, in charge of them, were taking a comfortable afternoon rest Sunday when suddenly a woman's voice in a plaintive key called loudly from the street, "Oh, Bob, Bob Deavours!" The deputy leaped to his feet. He was certain he had heard his wife's voice, and though the suite of rooms in the Kimball house where the jury is quartered three floors above the street, the voice came from a
  • Monday, 11th August 1913 Murder Evidence May Be Concluded by Next Saturday

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 11th, 1913 Trial May Have Reached the Point By End of This Week Where Lawyers Will Begin Their Argument. FIERCE ATTACK COMING ON HARRIS TESTIMONY The Defense Will Also Make Every Attempt to Break Down Story Told by Jim Conley, Negro Sweeper. The main points which the defense in the case of the state against Leo Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, will place before the jury in rebuttal of the prosecution will be given this week and by Saturday it is expected that the trial will have reached the point where the lawyers will begin
  • Tuesday, 12th August 1913 As the Very Wildest of Guessing Dr. Westmoreland Characterizes Testimony Given by Dr. Harris

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 12th, 1913 Dr. Willis Westmoreland, former head of the state board of health, who resigned some time ago after the board gave a clean bill to Dr. H. F. Harris, the secretary, whom he had accused of "scientific dishonesty," followed Dr. Hancock on the stand. He also made an examination of Leo Frank, stating in answer to Mr. Arnold's question that he had found the accused man to be normal. He was questioned by Arnold. "What is your calling?" "I am a physician of twenty-right years' experience." "What is your main practice?""General medicine and surgery." "Have you occupied
  • Tuesday, 12th August 1913 Defense Has Best Day Since Trial of Frank Began

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 12th, 1913 AS WILD GUESSES PHYSICIANS TERM TESTIMONY GIVEN BY DR. ROY HARRIS Assert It Is Impossible to Tell Accurately Just How Long It Takes for the Digestion of Cabbage—One Doctor Tells of Experiments He Had Made on Several Patients to Settle This Point. Doubt Value of Testimony About Violence. OLD ROW OF DOCTORS BOBS UP IN TESTIMONY OF DR. WESTMORELAND Declares That He Accused Dr. Harris of Scientific Dishonesty and Then Resigned From Board When It Refused to Discharge the Secretary—Joel Hunter Goes on Stand to Testify as to the Amount of Time Necessary on Frank's Books.
  • Tuesday, 12th August 1913 Dr. Hancock Called by Defense, Assails Dr. Harris Testimony

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 12th, 1913 MADE CABBAGE DIGESTION EXPERIMENTS Dr. T. H. Hancock, a well known Atlanta physician, was the first of three medical experts to be presented in the afternoon in behalf of the defense. Dr. Hancock is official physician of the Georgia Railway and Electric company, and is a man of twenty-two years' experience. An astonishing feature of his testimony was the statement he made in answer to a question from Attorney Arnold to the effect that he had treated 14,000 surgery cases, a record hitherto unparelleled in Georgia history. He was examined directly by Mr. Arnold. "What is
  • Tuesday, 12th August 1913 Expert Flatly Contradicts The Testimony of Dr. Harris

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 12th, 1913 Professor George Bachman, professor of physiology in the Atlanta College of Physicians and Surgeons, and formerly a demonstrator of physiology in Jefferson Medical college, was put on the stand following Schiff. By him the defense made a further attack on the deductions of Dr. H. F. Harris. He declared that the statements made by Dr. Harris amounted to guess work, according to his knowledge of the subject. "What is your nationality, professor?" Mr. Arnold asked. "I'm a citizen of Atlanta," replied the witness. "I mean, where were you born?" "I was born a Frenchman," replied Dr.
  • Tuesday, 12th August 1913 Franks Financial Sheet Would Take 3 Hours Work to Finish Joel Hunter

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 12th, 1913 Joel Hunter, an expert accountant, was put on the stand to testify to the amount of work required in the compilation of the financial sheet upon which the defense declares Leo Frank worked during the afternoon Mary Phagan was murdered. "What is your occupation?" he was asked by Mr. Arnold. "I am a public accountant." "Do you hold a position with the state board?" "Yes, I belong to the board of examiners." "Did you examine Leo Frank's financial sheet?""Yes." "Did his assistant, Schiff, acquaint you with the data contained in the report?" "Yes." "Did you go
  • Tuesday, 12th August 1913 Guesswork and Not Science Asserts Dr. J. C. Olmstead

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 12th, 1913 Dr. John C. Olmstead followed Dr. Westmoreland to the stand. He was questioned by Arnold. "What is your occupation?""I have been a physician for thirty-six years, and am a graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of New York." "Would you characterize such an opinion as the one you have read of by Dr. Harris as being a guess or a scientific conclusion?""As wild a guess as I've ever heard." Corroborates Other Doctors. He was questioned extensively along the same line of questions as were put to Dr. Westmoreland and Dr. Hancock relative to
  • Tuesday, 12th August 1913 Schiff Admits He Kept Conley Knowing He Was Worthless

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 12th, 1913 H. G. Schiff, Leo Frank's assistant in the National Pencil factory, was put on the stand for a conclusion of the state's cross examination when court convened Monday morning. "How many books and papers were there that you say had not been worked on Friday night, and that you found completed Monday?" asked Solicitor Hugh Dorsey. "The financial sheet and those papers I showed you Saturday," Schiff replied. finished Friday?""Because when I left the office Friday I had not got up the data for them," the witness said. "If Frank had started to work at 8:30
  • Wednesday, 13th August 1913 Many Witnesses Take the Stand to Refute Points of Prosecution

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 13th, 1913 Defense Calls Twenty-Two Men, Women and Boys to Give Evidence Favorable to Frank—Mr. and Mrs. Emil Selig, Parents of Frank's Wife, Declare That There Was Nothing Unusual in Conduct of the Prisoner on Day of Murder CHARACTER OF DALTON IS DECLARED TO BE BAD BY DEFENSE WITNESSES Called to Stand, He Admits Having Been Sent to Gang for Stealing Once and Having to Pay Fine on Another Occasion—Bitter Fight Is Waged Between Attorneys Over a Question Asked of Frank's Office Boy by Solicitor Dorsey, and Threat of Motion for Mistrial Is Made Calling upon a total
  • Thursday, 14th August 1913 Bitter Fight at Morning Session Over Testimony of Dr. Wm. Owen

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Dr. William Owen, physician and real estate man, followed Dr. W. S. Kendrick on the stand. By him the defense desired to show that to carry out the movements told of by Jim Conley from the time he alleges Leo Frank called upon him to help move the girl's body until he left the factory would take much longer than Conley declared he took. After establishing his identity, Mr. Arnold began the examination of Dr. Owen, which resulted in the argument. "Dr. Owen, at our request you went to the factory of the National Pencil Company
  • Thursday, 14th August 1913 Dr. William Owen Tells How Conleys Story Was Re-enacted

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Dr. William D. Owens, a well-known physician and one of the timekeepers in the re-enaction of Conley's story in the pencil factory was recalled to the stand at the afternoon session. He was questioned by Mr. Arnold and cross-examined by Mr. Hooper. "How much time did it require you to go through this performance?" asked Mr. Arnold. "Eighteen and a half minutes." "How rapidly did you go through it?""Just as fast as the directions could be read." The cross-examination began. "Where did you start the performance?" "From the second floor to the basement." "Did you read
  • Thursday, 14th August 1913 Financial Sheets Introduced At Frank Trial in Afternoon

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 The financial sheets which experts declared required from three to three and a half hours to compile were introduced in evidence after Oscar Pappenheimer, a stockholder in the National Pencil factory was examined. Mr. Pappenheimer testified that he had been a stockholder in the company since 1910. "Have you been getting comparative sheets from Frank since 1910?" Attorney Arnold asked. "Yes, sir." "Where have you been in the habit of receiving them?""Before deliveries of mail stopped on Sunday I invariably found the report in my mail box on Sunday morning. After that I received it every
  • Thursday, 14th August 1913 Former Office Boy Saw No Women With Frank on Thanksgiving Day

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Frank Paine, formerly an office boy for the National Pencil company and who claims to have been working there on Thanksgiving day of last year, was placed on the stand following the introduction of the three character witnesses. The lad stated that he and Herbert G. Schiff were at the factory on the morning of Thanksgiving day, and that Schiff sent him to the top floor to help Jim Conley straighten out some boxes, which were cluttered around there. He declared that Conley left about 10:20 and then he left at 11 o'clock or thereabouts. That
  • Thursday, 14th August 1913 Lemmie Quinn is Severely Grilled by Solicitor Dorsey

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Bending his efforts to break down the testimony of Lemmie Quinn, foreman of the metal room, Solicitor Dorsey subjected the witness to a severe grilling when court reconvened at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon. When Quinn resumed the stand he was still under direct examination by the defense. In answer to Attorney Arnold he declared that he was still an employee of the National Pencil factory. Solicitor Dorsey began cross-examination. "When was it these men bled on the floor of the metal room?" "About a year ago," Quinn replied. "What were their names?" "I remember that C.
  • Thursday, 14th August 1913 Lively Tilts Mark the Hearing Of Testimony of Dr. Kendrick

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Dr. William S. Kendrick, head of the chair of medicine of the new Atlanta Medical school and for the past thirty eight years a general practitioner of medicine, was the first witness put on the stand Wednesday morning. The physician on the stand declared the deductions of Dr. H. F. Harris, secretary of the state board of health, as to the time of Mary Phagan's death and the alleged violation as nothing more than guesswork. On cross-examination the solicitor forced Dr. Kendrick to admit that he was no expert on digestion and that he had not
  • Thursday, 14th August 1913 More Witnesses Are Called to Blacken Daltons Character

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Following the putting off of the decision in regard to Dr. William Owen's testimony, seven Gwinett county citizens were introduced to add to the thick coat of lampblack already smeared over the character of C. Burgess Dalton, the man who accuses Frank of immoral conduct in the office of the National Pencil factory. All of the men swore that they would not believe the man on oath and only one or two of them were cross-examined by the state. The men introduced were O. A. Nix, attorney and former member of the legislature; Samuel Craig; Robert
  • Thursday, 14th August 1913 Mother of Frank Denounces Solicitor Dorsey in Court

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 STIRS COURTROOM WHEN SHE RESENTS QUESTIONS ASKED FRANK'S WITNESS Solicitor Dorsey Was Cross-Examining Ashley Jones, a Witness Who Had Been Testifying to the Good Character of the Prisoner, and Had Just Asked Him if He Had Not Heard of Frank Taking Liberties With Little Girls Out at Druid Hills Some Time Ago. TEARS FILLING EYES, WOMAN LEAVES COURT WITH SON'S ATTORNEY Large Part of Wednesday's Testimony Was Consumed in an Effort on Part of the State to Break Down the Testimony Given by Lemmie Quinn—Dr. William K. Owen Takes the Stand in Afternoon to Tell How
  • Thursday, 14th August 1913 Mrs. Rae Frank, Mother of Prisoner, Denounces Solicitor Hugh Dorsey

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Mrs. Rae Frank, the mother of the prisoner, startled the courtroom shortly before 4 o'clock, when she denounced Solicitor Dorsey, when he made an attack on the character of her son. J. Ashley Jones, a local insurance agent, was in the witness chair testifying to the moral character of the accused when the incident occurred. He was asked by Solicitor Dorsey if he had over heard of Frank taking little girls out to Druid Hills, sitting them on his lap and fondling them. Mrs. Frank glanced furiously at the prosecutor, and rising from her chair, she
  • Thursday, 14th August 1913 Quinn Intimates That Spots May Have Been on Floor for Months

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Lemmie Quinn, foreman of the metal department of the National Pencil factory, was put on the stand by the defense following the ex-office boy. "Aren't you foreman of the department Mary Phagan worked in?""Yes." "Do you recall the time R. P. Barrett found the spots on the floor?""Yes." "Did Barrett ever state to you about his hope of getting a reward?""Yes, he asked my opinion." "What statement has he made about getting a reward if Frank should be convicted?" "He asked me if I didn't think he was entitled to something." "Did anybody ever see that
  • Thursday, 14th August 1913 Surprise Sprung by Introduction of Character Witnesses by Defense

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Alfred L. Lane, who stated that he lives in Brooklyn, and is a merchant of New York city, was the first witness to take the stand to swear to the good character of Leo Frank and so quietly was he introduced that not until the defense had asked him several questions did it become known what was about to take place. "You came here yesterday afternoon especially to testify about Mr. Frank, did you not?" asked Mr. Arnold after he had established the identity of the witness and drawn from him the statement that he had
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Cars Often Ahead of Schedule Declares a Street Car Man

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Following Denham, J. R. Leach, a division superintendent for the Georgia Railway and Power company, took the stand. He was asked a number of questions by the defense about street car schedules, and on cross-examination proved a good witness for the prosecution by declaring that street cars frequently arrived in town some minutes ahead of their schedule and that the motorman and conductors were often punished for this. W. M. Mathews and W. T. Hollis who swore to bringing Mary Phagan to town on the day of the murder had declared that cars never reached town
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Character of Frank Good, So Many Witnesses Declare

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 R. A. Sohn, superintendent of the Jewish Orphans home, was called to testify on Frank's behalf. The witness said that his residence was at No. 408 Washington street. He said that he has known Frank a good many years and that his character was good. He was excused without undergoing cross-examination by Solicitor Dorsey. Alex Dittler, secretary of the Jewish Alliance and an officer of the Federation of Jewish societies, also testified to Frank's good character. The witness said that he has been a resident of Atlanta more than thirty-eight years. He was deputy city marshal
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Defense Witness Admit Barrett is Sensible Fellow

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Henry Smith, a mechanic in the pencil factory, who admitted on cross-examination that he had received a raise in salary in the past two weeks, went upon the stand to tell of Barrett's attitude in the case. "What department do you work in?""The metal department." "Do you know of a man named Barrett who used to work there?""Yes." "Ever hear of him getting a reward if Frank was convicted?""I've heard him talk of it." "Did he ever go through the motions of counting money?""Yes, he used to go by me and laugh and make motions like
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Eight Character Witnesses Come to Defense of Superintendent

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Following Mrs. E. A. Marcus, eight character witnesses were placed on the stand. They were V. H. Kriegshaber, Max Goldstein, Sidney Levy, Rabbi David Marx, D. I. McIntyre, and insurance man and member of the firm of Haas & McIntyre, Dr. B. Wildauer, a dentist, and John Findley, superintendent for Dittler Brothers and formerly master mechanic for the National Pencil company. "Do you know Frank?" asked Mr. Arnold of Mr. Kriegshaber, who was first called to the stand. "Yes." "Is his character good or bad?""It is good." "How often have you come into contact with Frank?"
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Elevator Made Loud Noise Said Employee of Pencil Company

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Harry Denham, an employee of the National Pencil company, was put on the stand after the Pittsburg man had testified to the character of the defendant. Denham was asked a number of questions about what happened in the building on the day of the murder and through him the defense made the point that the elevator made a loud noise when it ran. Denham swore that the elevator shook the entire building when it stopped and when it started. "Were you at the factory on Friday, April 25?" he was first asked. "Yes." "Were you there
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Factory Forewoman Swears Conley Said He Was Drunk on April 26

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Miss Rebecca Carson, a forewoman in the pencil factory, who made the startling statement that Jim Conley had admitted to her that he was drunk on the Saturday of the murder was put on the stand. "Did you see Leo Frank at any time on April 26?" "Yes, I saw him on Whitehall street near Hunter between 2:20 o'clock and 2:25." "Did you speak to him?""Yes." "Did you come to the factory Monday morning following the murder?""Yes." "Did you see Frank?""Yes." "Jim Conley?""Yes." "Did you talk with Conley?""Yes." "What did he say?""I asked him where he
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Factory Mechanic Tells of Blood on Floor From Mans Wounded Hand

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Charley Lee, a mechanic in the pencil factory, who admitted on cross-examination that he had received a raise in salary within the past two weeks, was called to testify to a number of accidents on the second floor from which blood had been spilled in vicinity of the dressing rooms where blood spots were found after the tragedy. "Do you remember an accident in the metal room on October 4, 1912?""Yes, a man named Duffy was cut on the finger and bled freely." "Was his finger cut to the bone?""Yes." "Did he go to the ladies'
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Frank in Jovial Mood While Poker Game Was Going on at His House on Night of 26th

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Mrs. M. Marcus, a relative by marriage of Mrs. Leo M. Frank, was the first witness called at the afternoon session. She was one of the friends of the Franks and Seligs who played cards at their home, 68 East Georgia avenue, on the night of April 26. She swore Frank acted naturally during all the time that she saw him and that he even got to laughing at a baseball story he was reading in a magazine and tried to break up their poker game by reading it to them. "Did you see Mr. Frank
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Frank Not Nervous on Night Of Murder Says Mrs. Ursenbach

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Mrs. Charles F. Ursenbach followed her husband on the stand. During the cross-examination by Attorney Hooper she was asked scores of detailer questions about the words and manner of Leo Frank on the Sunday that the body was found. "What is your relation to Mrs. Leo Frank?" asked Mr. Arnold. "I am her sister." "Did you hear about the message from Mr. Frank saying he could not go to the ball game with your husband that Saturday?""Yes, I got it from the servant." "At what time?" "At about 12:30." "Did you see Frank on Sunday?" "Yes."
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Lawyers Appear Very Interested in Raincoat Lent to Leo M. Frank

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Charles F. Ursenbach, husband of Mrs. Leo Frank's sister was put on the stand following Miss Dula May Flowers. He was used by the defense to show what Leo Frank had broken the baseball engagement early on Saturday morning. He also testified to Frank's demeanor after the crime and was asked a number of questions about lending Frank his raincoat Sunday afternoon. What the importance of the raincoat was, neither side would say, but each asked a large number of questions about it. "Did you see Frank on Sunday?" asked Mr. Arnold. "I did." "Did you
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Many Men Swear to Good Character of Superintendent of Pencil Factory

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Classmates and Instructors at Cornell Come to Atlanta to Testify to His Clean Life While at College and to Show Their Loyalty to Old College Friend. DORSEY ASKS REMOVAL OF LEO FRANK'S MOTHER AND WIFE FROM COURT Judge Warns Them That Another Scene Like That of Wednesday, When Mrs. Rae Frank Denounced Solicitor, Will Result in Barring Them—Leach Proves Good Witness for the State Although Called to Testify by Defense More witnesses were examined Thursday than on any day since the trial of Leo M. Frank began. However, there was little adduced from the testimony that
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Milton Klein, Visitor of Frank, Is Grilled by Solicitor Dorsey

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Milton Klein, a wholesale lumber dealer, a frequent visitor of Frank's while he was in the tower, was the last witness of the day. He was cross-examined at length by Solicitor Dorsey, whose object apparently was to show that it was Klein who prevented the detectives confronting Frank with Jim Conley. The direct examination of Klein by Attorney Arnold was as follows: "How long have you known Frank?""Ever since he came here." "Was his character good or bad?""It was good." "When was the last time you saw Frank?" asked Solicitor Dorsey on cross-examination. "Did you see
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Miss Eva May Flowers Did Not See Any Blood on Factory Floor

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Miss Eula May Flowers, an employee of the National Pencil factory, was put on the stand following the two Cornell professors. "Were you at the factory on April 26?" asked Mr. Arnold. "Yes." "What department are you in?""The packing department." "Who got the data and when from you for the financial sheet made up on April 26?""Mr. Schiff got it from me about 6 o'clock Friday afternoon." "You say you always turned in your report on Friday afternoons?" asked Attorney Hooper, who took up the cross-examination. "Yes," the witness replied, "either on Friday afternoons or early
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Mother-in-Law of Frank Denies Charges in Cooks Affidavit

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Following the testimony of those who claimed to have played poker at the Emil Selig home on the night of April 26, Mrs. Selig, Leo Frank's mother-in-law was placed on the stand and asked a number of questions about the happenings at her house on Sunday, April 27. To most of the questions from the state on cross-examination she replied that she had forgotten. When the witness took the stand, Attorney Arnold called on the state for the affidavit which Minola McKnight, the Selig's cook, signed at police station and later repudiated. "Mrs. Selig," said Mr.
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Pittsburg Witness Tells of Franks Standing in School

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 John W. Todd, of Pittsburg, PA., purchasing agent for the Crucible Steel company, who was with Frank at Cornell university, followed Mrs. Emil Selig to the stand. He was asked if he knew the general character of Frank while at college and replied that he did and that it was good. He was let off with no cross-examination and went over and shook hands with the defendant and his wife and mother. He then passed by the press table and shook hands with a newspaper man who formerly worked in Pittsburg. After staying a while and
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Sig Montag Tells of Employment Of Detectives and Two Lawyers

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Sig Montag, president of the National Pencil company and associate in Montag Brothers, was put on the stand at the close of the morning session. He testified that during part of the time named by Jim Conley in the dates at which he swears he watched for Frank on the first floor the Clark Woodenware offices occupied that portion of the factory building. He was examined by Mr. Rosser. "What was your connection with the pencil factory from May last?""First secretary and treasurer, then president." "How often did Frank come to your office?""Once a day except
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Sister of Mrs. Leo M. Frank Tells Jury About Card Game

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Mrs. A. Marcus, a sister of Mrs. Leo Frank, followed Mrs. C. F. Ursenbach, another sister. She was among those who played cards at the Selig home on April 26. "Did Frank and his wife play cards with the rest?" Mr. Arnold asked. "No." "Where were they?""Mr. Frank sat in the hall reading and his wife was in and out of the room." "What time did they go to bed?""Something after 10 o'clock." "Was Frank nervous?""No." "Anything unusual about him?""No." "You say Frank sat in the hall reading, did you?" asked Attorney Hooper on cross-examination. "Yes,"
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Two More Character Witnesses Are Introduced by the Defense

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Another character witness was introduced by the defense in Harry E. Lewis, of Brooklyn, N. Y., former neighbor of Frank, and a former assistant to the district attorney. "Did you ever know Frank?" he was asked by Mr. Arnold. "Yes, for about twelve years." "How?""He was my neighbor." "Did you know him until he came south? What was his character?""Good." Cross-examination by Mr. Hooper. "Have you known him since he came south?""No." "You may come off."The second character witness of the Thursday session was Herbert Lasher, of Fleischman, N. Y., a former college mate of the
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Wife and Mother of Frank Are Permitted to Remain in Court

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 At the opening of the morning session yesterday Solicitor Dorsey motioned for the court to exclude the wife and mother of Leo M. Frank, Mrs. Lucille Frank and Mrs. Rae Frank, on account of the sensational outburst of the mother Wednesday afternoon, when she denounced the solicitor for attacking the character of her son. In reply to the solicitor's move to have the mother and wife of the defendant excluded from the court room, Attorney Arnold made a strong speech in their behalf, saying: "It is a new doctrine to me where a wife and mother
  • Friday, 15th August 1913 Women Tell of Seeing Frank On Way to and From Factory On Day That Girl Was Murdered

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 The first of a chain of witnesses who were produced to prove Frank's movements during the time he left the pencil factory for dinner was Miss Helen K. Curran, a pretty stenographer, who stated that she met him at Jacobs' pharmacy on Whitehall street and Alabama. She was questioned by Mr. Arnold. "Where were you on April 26?""A little after 1 o'clock I was standing at Jacobs' drug store at Whitehall and Alabama streets. It was about 2:05 o'clock." "Did you see Frank?" "I had been standing for five minutes on the corner when I turned
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Aged Negro Drayman Called As a Witness Against Conley

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Truman McCrary, an aged negro drayman, who once was an employee of the pencil factory, was put on the stand during the afternoon session. "Where do you work at present?" Mr. Arnold asked. "I run a street dray." "Where did you work up to May?" "At the pencil factory." "Did you work there on Saturdays?""Every Saturday for a year or more." "How late in the afternoons?""Sometimes until 3 o'clock and sometimes as late as 5." "On any Saturday afternoon did you ever see the front door locked?""No, sir." "Ever see Conley around the front door?""No, sir."
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Both Wife and Phone, He Says, Are Expensive and Necessary

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Ike Haas, well-known manufacturer, was put on the stand during Friday afternoon. "How long have you been in Atlanta?""Four years." "What is your business?" "I am a manufacturer." "Do you know Leo M. Frank and his general character?" "Yes." "Is it good or bad?" "Very good." "Did you hear your telephone bell ring on the morning of April 27?" "No, but I heard my wife answering it." Hooper on cross-examination: "Your wife woke you up?""Yes." "There is some little difference between a wife and a telephone, isn't there, Mr. Haas?""Yes; but both are expensive and necessary."
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Credit Man is Put on Stand to Identify Franks Writing

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 M. O. Nix, credit man for Montag Bros., of whom Sig Montag is general manager of the National Pencil company, followed A. D. Greenfield to the stand. He identified Leo Frank's handwriting on a number of the financial sheets and on the one that he claims to have made up on April 26. When shown a sample of writing Frank did for the police when they desired to compare his writing with that on the murder notes, Nix said it looked like Frank's, but he refused to swear to it. "Previous to April 26 did you
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Dorsey Questions Witness About Alleged Fund for Franks Defense

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 A. D. Greenfield, one of the owners of the building occupied by the National Pencil company, of which Frank is superintendent, followed the former office boy to the stand. He was questioned about the occupancy of the building by the Clark Woodenware company, and also about Frank's character. "How long have you been one of the owners of the building occupied by the National Pencil company?" Mr. Arnold asked. "Since 1900." "Has any new flooring ever been put in on the second floor since you became part owner of the building?""No." "Do you know Leo Frank?""Yes."
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Every Girl on Fourth Floor of Factory Will Go on Stand

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Mrs. E. H. Carson, mother of Rebecca Carson, and a forewoman in the pencil factory, was put on the stand late in the afternoon. "How long have you been employed by the pencil factory?" "Three years." "Did you ever see blood spots around the dressing rooms?" "Yes." "When did you see Jim Conely last?" Saw Conley on Tuesday. "I saw him the Tuesday after the murder. He came to my machine, and I said: ‘Jim, I see they haven't go you yet.' Thursday he came again. I told him the same thing. He said that he
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Factory Employees Testimony Causes Laughter in Court Room

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Joseph Stelker, an employee of the National Pencil company, followed the Montag's credit man to the stand. Stelker was questioned closely about conditions at the factory, and while he was on the stand both sides again took up the much-discussed question of whether or not Frank had a raincoat with him on the day of the murder. Stelker, in his testimony, made the spectators laugh when he told of how Jim Conley had swindled him out of a half a can of beer. He also remarked that he thought Jim was a better negro for having
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Frank as Innocent as Angels Conley Told Her, Says Witness

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Miss Julia Fuss, a girl about 16 years old, and an employee at the National Pencil factory took the stand to testify as to Frank's character. She not only testified that she believed the defendant's character to be good, but that she had heard Jim Conley declare that Mr. Frank was as innocent as the angels in heaven. Mr. Arnold asked Miss Fuss whether she had ever been in Frank's office when anything immoral took place. She replied that she had not. "Do you know Jim Conley?""Yes." "Did you talk with him after the murder?""Yes. On
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Host of Witnesses Declare Franks Character to Be Good

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 The greater part of the time Friday was taken up by the defense in producing witnesses to swear to the good character of Frank. One witness placed on the stand, F. F. Gilbert, an employee of Montag Mros. , swore that he did not know Frank well enough to testify to his character. The witnesses who were used solely to attest his good character were: Dr. and Mrs. J. E. Sommerfield, of 300 Washington street; F. Schiff, of 18 West Fair street; Joseph Gershon, of 390 Washington street; P. D. McCarley, of 24 Hemphill avenue, in
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Leo Frank Innocent, Said Conley, According to a Girl Operator

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Mrs. Dora Small, a machine operator for the pencil factory, was the last witness of the afternoon session. "How long have you been working with the factory?" she was asked by Arnold. "For five years." "Did you know Mary Phagan?""Only when I saw her." "Did you know Jim Conley?""Yes, I saw him the week after the murder." "Did you see him with newspapers?""Yes, he borrowed money from me to get them with." "Did he look like he was reading them?""He was reading them." "How was his coat?" Said Frank Was Innocent. "All buttoned up plumb to
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Maid in Schiff Home Tells of Phone Message From Frank

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Emma Hill, a maid in the Schiff home was called to tell of a telephone message for Herbert Schiff, made by Frank on the morning of the tragedy. "Do you remember anybody trying to call Schiff on the 26th of April?" "Yes, sir. Somebody who sounded like a boy, rang the phone and said tell Mr. Schiff that Mr. Frank wanted him at the office to do some work." "What time was it?" "It was about 11 o'clock. I woke Mr. Schiff and he said tell whoever it was at the phone that he would be
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Miss Mary Perk Tells Jurymen She Believes Conley Is Guilty

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Miss Mary Perk, a forelady in the polishing department of the pencil factory followed Mrs. Carson to the stand. "Do you know Frank and his general character?" she was asked by Mr. Arnold. "Yes, for five years." "Is it good or bad?""Good." "Do you know Jim Conley?" "I saw him Monday. I accused him of the murder and he tucked his head and walked away." "Is his character good or bad?""Bad." Mr. Dorsey on cross-examination. "You reported your suspicion of Conley to Frank on Monday, didn't you?""No." "What made you suspect Jim?""He acted like he was
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Mother of Frank Takes Stand to Identify Letter Son Wrote

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 The more or less listless curiosity of the courtroom spectators was scarcely aroused during the afternoon until the last witness was called who was Mrs. Rae Frank of Brooklyn, N. Y. The mother of Leo M. Frank. Not the slightest intimation had been given that Mrs. Frank would be called to the stand and a whisper of surprise spread over the room as the leaden-eyed mother, weary with the many days through which she has patiently sat and heard every conceivable blight cast at the name of her son slowly ascended the stand. As she held
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Mrs. Rae Frank Goes on Stand in Defense of Her Son

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 MOTHER IDENTIFIES LETTER FRANK HAD WRITTEN TO UNCLE ON MEMORIAL DAY Testimony Used by Defense to Show That the Prisoner Could Not Have Written This Letter, Which Was of Considerable Length, Had He Been Laboring Under Stress of Excitement Which Would Have Followed the Murder of Mary Phagan. PENCIL FACTORY GIRLS SWEAR CONLEY CALLED FRANK AN INNOCENT MAN Witness After Witness Declare That They Never Saw Women in Office of Superintendent—The State Brings Girl Back From Home of Good Shepherd in Cincinnati to Give Evidence Against Prisoner—Her Testimony Is Kept a Secret. The defense played one
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Never Saw Any Women in Office of Frank Says Negro Witness

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Walter Pride, a negro employee in the National Pencil factory, who is named in Jim Conley's story, was put on the stand in the middle of the afternoon. "Where do you work on Saturdays?" he was asked by Arnold. "I work every where anything is to be done on the machinery." "Have you missed a single Saturday since May?""No." "What floors do you work on on Saturdays?""From basement to the roof." "What do you do on the office floor?""Work on the toilets." "What time do you generally leave on Saturdays?""4:30 o'clock." "Ever see any women come
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Says Frank Broke Baseball Date Shortly After Girl Was Killed

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Annie Hicks, a maid in the home of Charles Ersenbach, testified to having received a telephone call from Frank to Ersenbach, breaking a ball game engagement for the afternoon of April 26. "Do you recall Memorial day?""Yes, sir." "Did you get a telephone message from Mr. Frank?""Yes, he called at 1 o'clock and said tell Charles Ersenbach that he couldn't go to the ball game that afternoon. He stopped for a minute and said, to somebody beside him, ‘Hush, honey,' and I supposed he was talking to his wife." Dorsey on cross-examination. "How long have you
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Still Another Office Boy Swears He Never Saw Women With Frank

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 B. J. Nix, of Marietta, an office boy for Leo Frank from April to October, 1912 was the first witness, outside of those testifying to character, who was put on the stand Friday. The lad who gave his age as 19 swore that he had never seen Frank having women in his office. He stated that he left the office at 1 o'clock every other Saturday during the summer months. "Were you ever an office boy for the National Pencil company?" was Mr. Arnold's first question. "Yes, sir." "When?""From April to October of last year." "Did
  • Saturday, 16th August 1913 Traveling Salesman for Montags Tells of Conversation With Frank

    Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Harry Gottheimer, a traveling salesman for the Montag firm and the pencil factory, took the stand to tell of an engagement he had made with Frank on the afternoon of the murder. "Do you remember seeing Frank on April 26?" he was asked by Arnold. "Yes, I saw him at Montag's about 10 o'clock that morning." "Did you talk with him?""Yes, I was at the desk in the office and he came over to speak to me. I asked him of two important orders which had been forwarded and he said that if I would come
  • Sunday, 17th August 1913 Prisoner’s Mother Questioned As to Wealth of Frank Family

    The Atlanta Constitution August 17, 1913 Mrs. Rae Frank, mother of Leo Frank, resumed the stand at the opening of the morning session Saturday. Under cross-examination by Solicitor Dorsey, she was forced to tell much of her business interests In Brooklyn, her home, and that of many of her relatives. She was questioned first on direct examination by Mr. Rosser. “Has your son, Leo Frank, any rich relatives In Brooklyn?” “No.” “When you opened this letter which he wrote to his uncle, where there any other papers in the envelope?” “Yes.” “Did you recognize the handwriting of your son?” “Yes.”
  • Sunday, 17th August 1913 That Pinkertons Double-Crossed Police, Dorsey Tries to Prove

    The Atlanta Constitution August 17, 1913 With the introduction of W.D. MacWorth, the Pinkerton detective who discovered the blood spots on the first floor near the trap door and the bloody club and pay envelope nearby, came the verification of a rumor that the prosecution would try to show an attempt on the part of the Pinkertons in the employee of the National Pencil factory to double-cross the police. This came when Dorsey sought to prove that the Pinkertons had tried to conceal from the police the fact of the discovery of the club, piece of buggy whip and the
  • Monday, 18th August 1913 Frank May Tell Story To Jury On Stand Today

    The Atlanta Constitution August 18th, 1913 FRANK MAY TELL STORY TO JURY ON STAND TODAY Defense Intimates This, and Also That Statement Will Vary But Little From One Given at Inquest. FRANK PREPARED FOR ORDEAL OF STATEMENT Impeachment of Conley Being Prepared For, Say Lawyer-Spectators — Defense May Succeed in Ruling Out Part. Interest in the Frank trial is heightened by the announced prospect of the defendant taking the stand sometime today in the battle for his life that has been raging for the past two weeks.         Attorneys for the defense intimated strongly Sunday afternoon that Frank would go on
  • Monday, 18th August 1913 Mary Phagan’s Grandmother Dies After Dreaming Girl Was Living

    The Atlanta Constitution, August 18th, 1913. Mrs. A. E. Benton, grandmother of Mary Phagan, who had come to Atlanta to be present at the trial of Leo M. Frank charged with the murder of her little granddaughter, died last night at 9:40 o'clock at the home of her daughter and the dead girl's mother Mary, J, W, Coleman, of 704 Ashby street. On the second day of the trial, grief and incessant worry over the death of her grand daughter carried Mrs. Benton to her bed, from which she was never able to rise. During her illness she talked always
  • Monday, 18th August 1913 Men on Frank Jury Must Be Some Mighty Good Husbands Asserts the Deputy in Charge

    The Atlanta Constitution, August 18th, 1913 “In my five years of experience as deputy sheriff in the criminal division of Fulton superior court,” said Plennie Miner, who needs an introduction to no one, “I have had to handle many, many juries in many famous murder cases, but I have never had less trouble and more ease in providing for twelve men than in the Leo Frank trial. “In the average jury, there are men from every walk of life, farmers, engineers, baggage men, clerks, merchants and professionals of all character. Some retire early at-night, some sit awake until past midnight.
  • Tuesday, 19th August 1913 Books And Papers Put In Evidence By The Defense

    The Atlanta Constitution, August 19th, 1913 Just before the close of the morning session the defense began putting in evidence various books and papers shown from time to time during the trial. The first first thing put up was the pasteboard model of the National Pencil factory. No objection was made lo this by the state, and Attorney Reuben Arnold explained that the model needs slight repairs, as during a “discrepancy” between two gentlemen in the anteroom one of them had been knocked through the elevator shaft. After offering the pasteboard model Mr. Arnold put in evidence without objection from
  • Tuesday, 19th August 1913 Climax of Trial Reached When Frank Faced Jury

    The Atlanta Constitution August 19th, 1913 The climax of the Frank trial came at the afternoon session Monday, when Leo M. Frank took the stand to tell of his actions on the day of the murder. The accused man's statement was clear, concise and straightforward. He talked in smooth, even tones, punctuating his statement with emphatic gestures of the arms and fingers. He had more the appearance of an attorney making a fury speech instead of an accused man making a plea for life and liberty. It was a dramatic story, marked by the straightforward delivery of the prisoner. A
  • Tuesday, 19th August 1913 Frank Ends Statement After Testifying Four Hours

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 19th August 1913.Page 1."Silent Man in Tower" Tells His Story to Men Who Will Decide His FateTwo poses of Leo M. Frank on the witness stand on Monday afternoon telling his story to the jury. In one picture he is shown with his notes in, his hand.Frank on the stand was cool, perfectly poised and at all times the master of himself. He showed no trace of nervousness. He looked the jury squarely in the face. He was at times explicit when explaining the details of his business, argumentative when telling of things that had looked dark
  • Tuesday, 19th August 1913 Frank’s Character Is Testified To By Long List Of Girls

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 19th August 1913.Numbers of girls and women, either now employed or formerly employed at the National Pencil factory, were placed on the stand Monday by the defense to swear to the good character of Superintendent Leo M. Frank.The following, 21 in all, declared Frank's character good: Miss M. E. Fleming, Miss Annie Howell, Miss Lillie May Goodman, Miss Cora Cowan, Miss Jimmy Mayfield, Miss B. D. Smith, Miss Lizzie Ward, Miss Ida Holmes, Miss Willie Hatcher, Miss Mary Hatcher, Miss Olive Johns, Mrs. Georgia Denham, Miss Bessie White, Mrs. Lizzie Florence, Miss Jennie Spivey, Mrs. Minnie Smith,
  • Tuesday, 19th August 1913 Harlee Branch Tells Of Conley Pantomine

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 19th August 1913.Page 23Harlee Branch, a newspaper man who was present when James Conley, the negro sweeper of the National Pencil factory, went through for the police a pantomime of what he claims occurred on the day of the murder when he says he aided Leo Frank in hiding the body of Mary Phagan, was the first witness called lo the stand Monday morning.Mr. Branch had been on the stand Saturday, but had not finished his testimony when court adjourned. Through his statements as to the time, Attorney Reuben Arnold drew the conclusion that 49 minutes must
  • Tuesday, 19th August 1913 Mrs. Wardlaw Denies Ever Seeing Frank On Car With Little Girl

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 19th August 1913.When Mrs. J. G. Wardlaw, a bride of three weeks, who was Miss Lula McDonald, recently worked at the National Pencil factory, was on the stand, Solicitor Hugh Dorsey sought to draw from her the statement that she knew that on the Saturday previous to Mary Phagan's murder that Leo Frank had carried a little girl out on the Hapeville car line and tried to get her to leave the car with him at various stops.He also tried to get the witness to say that she knew that on his occasion H. M. Baker and
  • Wednesday, 20th August 1913 Clashes Between Lawyers Mark Effort To Impeach Negro Cook

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 20th August 1913.Page 2.E. H. Pickett, an employee of the Beck & Gregg Hardware company, and the man mentioned by Roy Craven on the witness stand, was next put up as a witness for the state.To corroborated what Craven said and through him the state made an open fight to impeach Minola McKnight and also to contradict Mrs. Emil Selig, who, on cross-examination, denied the conversation she is said to have had with the cook in urging her to keep quiet about what she had seen at the Frank home."Were you present when this affidavit of Minola
  • Wednesday, 20th August 1913 Denies He Said He Was Willing To Lead Party To Lynch Frank

      The Atlanta Constitution, Wednesday, 20th August 1913. Page 3. George Kendley, a street car motorman, was put on the stand after M. F. McCoy, and on cross examination Attorney Rosser tried to draw from him the statements that he had vilified Leo Frank to such an extent that he had made himself a nuisance to passengers on his car, and that he had repeatedly said he would be willing to head a party to lynch Frank. Kendley was put up by the state and swore that he saw Mary Phagan on Forsyth street near the bridge, and that she
  • Wednesday, 20th August 1913 Dr. Clarence Johnson Is Called To Corroborate Dr. Roy Harris

      The Atlanta Constitution, Wednesday, 20th August 1913. Page 3. Dr. Clarence Johnson, a well-known specialist, who was put up by the prosecution in rebuttal of the testimony offered by the defense in attacking that of Dr. Roy Harris, was the final witness during the afternoon session. His testimony was stopped in the middle of its narration in order to give the solicitor time to investigate authorities on a medical subject on which Mr. Dorsey was questioning the witness at the time a discussion arose between the prosecution and defense. "What is your business?" he was asked by the solicitor.
  • Wednesday, 20th August 1913 Saw Mary Phagan On Her Way To Pencil Factory, Says Mccoy

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 20th August 1913.Page 2.M. E. McCoy, of Bolton, who stated that he worked part of the time as a painter and part as a farmer, was put on the stand after McEwen, the motorman. He swore that he saw Mary Phagan on Forsyth street going to the National Pencil factory at a very few minutes after the noon hour of the day she was killed.Before he had left the stand the defense had made a bitter but unsuccessful effort to break him down and confuse him and Attorney Rosser had asked him something like a hundred questions
  • Wednesday, 20th August 1913 Sideboard In Leo Frank’s Home Moved, Asserts Husband Of Cook

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 20th August 1913.Page 3.Albert McKnight, husband of Minola McKnight, the negro cook for the family of Emil Selig, with whom Leo Frank and his wife made their home, was introduced to the stand following E. H. Pickett.Mr. Hooper drew from the negro the statement that since the day he stood in the kitchen door and saw Leo Frank's reflection in the dining room sideboard glass that the sideboard had been moved.The negro was made to go over a blue print diagram of the Selig home and show what he claimed was the location of the sideboard on
  • Wednesday, 20th August 1913 State Is Hard Hit By Judge Ruling Barring Evidence Attacking Frank

    The Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, August 20th, 1913 Court Rules Out All Specific Acts of immorality Charged to Prisoner, Despite Vigorous Fight Made by Solicitor Hugh Dorsey, Who Had Called Many Witnesses to Prove His Character Bad. DR. SAMUEL BENEDICT COMES TO THE DEFENSE OF DR. ROY F. HARRIS State Makes Strong Effort to Show, That Minola McKnight Was Not Coerced Into Signing the Statement Which She Afterward Repudiated – Boy Says He Saw Frank With Mary Phagan. The state was given a big setback Tuesday when Judge Roan ruled out all specific acts of immorality charged to Frank which Solicitor
  • Wednesday, 20th August 1913 State Suffers a Severe Blow When Testimony Is Ruled Out

    The Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, August 20th, 1913 Miss Nelle Wood, a former employee of the National Pencil factory, whom the state claims left there because on the second day she was there when Leo Frank got her into his office and made indecent proposals to her, was put on the stand following the McKnight negro. After bitter wrangles with the jury out of the courtroom, Judge Roan ruled that the woman could not tell that Frank had made these proposals to her, but that all she could tell about was what she had heard others say in regard to his
  • Wednesday, 20th August 1913 Witness Swears He Saw Frank Forcing Unwelcome Attentions Upon the Little Phagan Girl

    The Atlanta Constitution, Wednesday, August 20th, 1913. The most sensational testimony of the entire morning session was produced when Willie Turner, a young farmer of Sandy Springs, Georgia, an ex-employee of the pencil factory, was called by the prosecution. He testified that Frank knew Mary Phagan, and that on one occasion he had seen the superintendent and the victim in the metal room, when the girl was striving to get away from him and return to her work. He was questioned directly by the solicitor. “Where did you work in March, 1913?” “National Pencil factory.” “Did you know Leo Frank?”
  • Thursday, 21st August 1913 Frank Hooper Opens Argument In Leo Frank Case This Morning

    The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, August 21st, 1913 Page 3. The opening argument in the Frank trial will be made at 9 o’clock this morning by Attorney Frank B. Hooper, associate counsel for the defense. Two hours probably will be occupied by each man in the closing arguments. Judge Roan, in a short talk to the attorneys for each side cautioned them against long argument, and insisted that each man dwell only on the facts of the case and the evidence. No time limit was set, although the prediction is widespread that no more than two hours will be occupied by
  • Thursday, 21st August 1913 Frank’s Character Bad Declare Many Women and Girls on Stand

    The Atlanta Constitution Thursday, August 21st, 1913. Solicitor Dorsey make a persistent effort Wednesday morning to show that the character of Leo Frank is anything but good. Ha laid particular stress upon his character as to his relations with women and girls, and introduced a large number of women who testified that in this respect his character was in their judgement bad. Among those who testified merely that his character was bad without going into details were: Mrs. Marion Dunnigan, who stated that she worked at the pencil factory two or three weeks about two years ago. She testified that
  • Thursday, 21st August 1913 Girls Testify to Seeing Frank Enter Dressing Room With Woman

    The Atlanta Constitution Thursday, August 21st, 1913. Following the introduction of the telegram Solicitor Hugh Dorsey began another attack on the character of Leo Frank and after a bitter wrangle secured the right to ask factory girls in regard to Frank's character in his relations to women. This was argued with the jury excused from the room and was the subject of a bitter fight, the state saying that when Frank on the stand had claimed himself to have always lived a virtuous life, he had opened up the way for the state to prove he was not of a
  • Thursday, 21st August 1913 Girls Testify to Seeing Frank Talking to Little Mary Phagan With His Hands on Her Person

    The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, August 21st, 1913. Page 2. Girls Testify to Seeing Frank Talking to Little Mary Phagan With His Hands on Her Person The evidence brought out on Tuesday that Frank had frequently been seen talking to Mary Phagan and that while so doing had placed his hands upon her person, was corroborated by several witnesses on Wednesday. The first of these corroborative statements came when Miss Ruth Robinson was called to the stand by Dorsey. She testified that she had worked at the National Pencil factory and knew both Frank and Mary Phagan. “Have you ever seen
  • Thursday, 21st August 1913 Leo Frank Takes Stand Again Despite Objection of Dorsey

    The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, August 21st, 1913 Page 2. In concluding the defense's case Attorney Arnold stated to the court that there were two or three matters which had developed to which he considered the defendant had a right to make a statement in rebuttal. A protest was made by the solicitor, but was overruled. Frank took the stand following the judge's decision. He was more vehement in tone than on the day of his statement, but was brief, concise and straight to the point. He occupied the chair only a few moments. “The statement of the Turner boy,” he
  • Thursday, 21st August 1913 Railway Employee Swears Car Reached Center of City at 12:03

    The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, August 21st, 1913. Page 2. Several employees of the Georgia Railway and Power company were introduced by the prosecution Wednesday to testify as to the time of the arrival of the English avenue street car at Broad and Marietta streets on the day of the murder and to the fact that cars occasionally did arrive ahead of time. A witness was also introduced to show that Mary Phagan was not on the English avenue car after it turned into Broad street from Marietta, although the men in charge of the car had testified that she got
  • Thursday, 21st August 1913 Starnes Tells How Affidavit From Negro Cook Was Secured

    The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, August 21, 1913. Page 3. John Starnes, prosecutor of Leo Frank, was put up to tell about the Minola McKnight affidavit. “Did you Investigate the scuttle hole around the elevator? was Dorsey's first question. An objection by the defense was overruled. “See any blood spots there? “No.” “Now, tell the jury about the Minola McKnight affidavit.” “Pat Campbell and I arrested her at the solicitor's office. We had gone to get a statement from her husband. We also had information from this husband that she had made the identical statement which she made in the affidavit.
  • Thursday, 21st August 1913 Swears That Frank Prepared Sheets in Less Than 2 Hours

    The Atlanta Constitution Thursday, August 21st, 1913 J. M. Gantt, who has been an important figure in the state's case, was called during the afternoon to testify to the length of time in which he has seen Frank make out the financial sheet and to the inaccuracy of the 'punch-clock on the second floor. “Did you ever see Frank make out the financial sheet?” Mr. Dorsey put. “Yes.” “How long did it take him to make it?” “With the data at hand, I have seen him make it out in an hour and a half.” “About this punch-clock-—was it accurate?”
  • Thursday, 21st August 1913 Testimony of Dr. Harris Upheld By Noted Stomach Specialists

    The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, August 21, 1913 Page 2. Dr. Clarence Johnson, when called to the stand Wednesday morning as the first witness, designated the deductions of Dr. H. T. Harris in regard to the time of Mary Phagan’s death after eating as scientific statements based on scientific facts. When recalled to the stand Dr. Johnson, who is a noted stomach specialist, and who testified on Tuesday afternoon, was asked the direct question about what he would conclude from conditions such as Dr. Harris had reported finding in Mary Phagan’s body. He said he would say the girl had died
  • Thursday, 21st August 1913 Testimony of Hollis Assaulted by Witness

    The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, August 21, 1913 Page 3. J. B. Reed, a tile layer, told of a talk with W. T. Hollis, a conductor, who, he declared, had expressed sorrow at having brought Mary Phagan into town on her last trip, the day she was slain. Hollis, just previously, had denied making such a statement. “Do you know W. T. Hollis,” the solicitor asked the witness. “Yes.” “Ever talk with him about Mary Phagan riding his car into town?” “Yes, on Monday following the murder. I got in his car at Broad and Hunter streets, and he told me
  • Friday, 22nd August 1913 Arnold Ridicules Plot Alleged By Prosecution And Attacks The Methods Used By Detective

    The Atlanta Constitution, Friday, 22nd August 1913. Page 2. When Attorney Frank A. Hooper had made the opening speech of the prosecution, Attorney Reuben R. Arnold prepared for the first speech of the defense. It had been announced that he would review the entire history of the case and when he started at noon the pasteboard model of the pencil factory was brought In. A large diagram giving a synopsis of the case was also brought in, but was not unwrapped when Mr. Arnold first started, "Gentlemen of the jury, we are all to be congratulated that this case is
  • Friday, 22nd August 1913 Chronological Table Of Frank’s Actions On Day Of Murder

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 22nd August 1913.Page 1.This is the chronological table of Frank's actions on the date of the murder which was displayed in chart form yesterday afternoon during Attorney Arnold's speech:7:30 a.m. Minola McKnight.8:26 a.m. Frank arrives at factory. Sees Holloway, Alonzo Mann and Roy Irby.9:00 a.m.--Darley, Wade Campbell, Mr. Lime, Mattie Smith.9:20 a.m. Miss Mattie Smith leaves building.9:40 a.m. Darley and Frank leave building.10:00 a.m. Telephones Schiff to come to office.10:30 a.m. Alonzo Mann telephones Schiff at his home.11:00 a.m. Frank returns to pencil factory. Holloway and Mann came to office. Frank dictates mail and acknowledges letters.11:30 a.m.
  • Friday, 22nd August 1913 Frank Case May Go To Jury Late This Afternoon

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 22nd August 1913.Page 1.LAWYERS' BATTLE WILL END TODAY AND JUDGE WILL CHARGE THE JURYIn First Speech for State on Wednesday Morning, Frank Hooper Scored General Conditions at National Pencil Factory, Terming Leo Frank, a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Explaining How Easy It Was for People Who Saw Only One Side of Him to Imagine Him a Paragon of Virtue.REUBEN ARNOLD BRANDS JIM CONLEY MURDERER OF LITTLE PHAGAN GIRLAttorney for Defense Dwells on Horror of Convicting Man Upon Purely Circumstantial Evidence, and Cites Many Instances Where Such Action Has Resulted in Great Injustice to the Accused.
  • Friday, 22nd August 1913 In Dramatic Phrases Hooper Outlines Events Leading Up To And Following Death Of Girl

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 22nd August 1913.Page two."Your honor, and gentlemen of the jury." spoke Mr. Hooper, the first of the attorneys to address the court, "the object of this trial, as well as all other trials, is the ascertainment of truth and the attainments of justice. In the beginning, I want to have It understood that we are not seeking a verdict of guilty against the defendant unless he is guilty.""The burden of guilt is upon our shoulders we confront the undertaking of putting It upon his. We recognize that it must be done beyond a reasonable doubt, and that
  • Saturday, 23rd August 1913 Dorsey’s Brilliant Address Attacking Leo Frank Is Stopped By Adjournment Of Court Friday

    The Atlanta Constitution, Saturday, 23rd August 1913. Page 3. Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey began at 3:30 o'clock Friday afternoon, August 22, 1913, the final argument in the Leo Frank case, and he told the jurors as he started that they would not respect him if he slurred things over in order to please even them. "Your honor," he began, "I want to thank you for the many courtesies you have extended me and for the unlimited time you have given me in this argument, and, gentlemen of the Jury, I want to commiserate with you on your situation, but
  • Saturday, 23rd August 1913 Rosser Makes Great Speech For The Defense. Scores Detectives And Criticizes The Solicitor

    The Atlanta Constitution, Saturday, 23rd August 1913. Page Two. In a quiet yet concentrated tone Attorney Luther Zeigler Rosser, Friday morning at 9 o'clock made the final plea of the defense for the life of Leo Frank. The beginning of the speech was impressive, it was almost whispered at times, but the voice that delivered it rose above the maze of ozonators and electric fans, and seemed to carry a body message about it. The life of a man was at stake and the message, pleading for his life, was opened almost as a prayer the subject being fate. Later
  • Sunday, 24th August 1913 Many Records Are Badly Broken By State’s Most Expensive Trial

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 24th August 1913.Original Author: Britt Craig.Besides costing Fulton county a small-sized fortune, the trial of Leo Frank has broken many records which at one time seemed likely to stand for all time.It has been Georgia's longest trial.It has sent to court record a half-million more words than any other.It has been the state's most expensive.It brought to court more witnesses than any two criminal trials.It fostered more widespread Interest.It brought more sentiment into play.And that's not all!Worked Papers Hard.It worked the newspapers harder than they worked that eventful night when Daisy Grace held herself from the Jail
  • Sunday, 24th August 1913 Solicitor Reasserts His Conviction Of Bad Character And Guilt Of Frank

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 24th August 1913.Page two."What I had to say yesterday," began Mr. Dorsey at the opening of Saturday morning's session, "with references to character, I think I have demonstrated by law to any fair-minded man that the defendant is not a man of good character.""In failing to cross-examine these twenty young ladies who claim his character was bad, is proof, of itself, that if he had character that was good, no power on earth would have kept him and his counsel from plying countless questions in his behalf.""That's common-sense, gentlemen, a proposition that is as fair and a
  • Monday, 25th August 1913 Leo Frank’s Fate May Be Decided By Monday Night

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 25th August 1913.Page 1.Solicitor Dorsey Is Expected to Complete His Address to Jury During Morning Session of Court.MANY FRIENDS VISIT FRANK IN THE TOWERJudge Has Intimated That He Will Be Ready to Receive Verdict at Any Time of Day or Night.By 11 o'clock this morning and perhaps earlier Solicitor Hugh Dorsey will have finished his address in the case of Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, and Judge Roan will' begin charging the jury.In a talk with a Constitution reporter last night, Mr. Dorsey intimated that the final summing up of his argument
  • Tuesday, 26th August 1913 As Bells Tolled, Dorsey Closed Magnificent Argument Which Fastened Crime On Frank

      The Atlanta Constitution, Tuesday, 26th August 1913. Page 2 As the big bell in the Catholic church tolled the hour of 12 o'clock Solicitor Dorsey concluded his remarkable plea for the conviction of Leo Frank with the dreadful words "Guilty, guilty, guilty!" It was just at this hour, more than four months ago that little Mary Phagan entered the pencil factory to draw her pittance of $1.20. The tolling of the bell and the dread sound of the words cut like a chill to the hearts of many who shivered involuntarily. It was the conclusion of the most remarkable
  • Tuesday, 26th August 1913 Frank Convicted, Asserts Innocence

    The Atlanta Constitution, Tuesday, 26th August 1913. Page 1. WAITS WITH WIFE IN TOWER FOR NEWS FROM COURTROOM. FRIENDS TELL HIM VERDICT. "I Am as Innocent Today as I Was One Year Ago," He Cries "The Jury Has Been Influenced by Mob Law" "I Am Stunned by News," Declares Rabbi Marx, One of Prisoner's Closest Friends Defense Plans to Carry Case to Supreme Court in Order to Secure New Trial. Judge Roan Will Defer Sentence For a Few Days. OVATION FOR JURY AND SOLICITOR GIVEN BY CROWD WAITING ON STREET Judge Roan Thanks Jurymen for Services During Four Long, Hard
  • Tuesday, 26th August 1913 Glad And Relieved Trial Is Over. No Doubt Of Leo Frank’s Guilt. Mrs. J. W. Coleman

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 26th August 1913.Page four."I could not begin to tell you how glad and relieved I feel, now that it is all over." said Mrs. J. W. Coleman, mother of Mary Phagan, talking to a Constitution reporter last night."For weeks I have felt that I just could not sleep another wink for thinking of that man Frank, and the possibility that he might escape the consequences of his crime. I have felt satisfied all the time that he was guilty, and the verdict of the jury is no surprise to me. They are good, noble men, and should
  • Tuesday, 26th August 1913 Guilty, Declares Jury

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 26th August 1913.LEO FRANK'S LIFE HISTORY.The following chronological history of the life of Leo Max Frank is taken from his statement to the jury, made Monday, August 18, 1913:April 17, 1884, born in Paris, Texas.July, 1884, taken by parents to live in Brooklyn, New York.June, 1902, graduated from Pratt Institute, a Brooklyn high school.September, 1902, entered Cornell university, Ithaca, New York.June, 1906, graduated from Cornell.July, 1906, accepted position as draftsman with B. F. Sturtevant company, of High Park, Mass.January, 1907, became testing engineer and draftsman for the National Meter company, of Brooklyn.October, 1907, came to Atlanta to
  • Tuesday, 26th August 1913 Here Is The Chronological Order Of Final Day Of Frank’s Trial

    The Atlanta Constitution, Tuesday, 26th August 1913. Page 7. To those who sat with pent-up excitement in the court room Monday on the last day of the Leo Frank trial, the various events called the Jury and began his charge. The various events flashed by with kaleidoscopic regularity. At the time it seemed a long wall between each picture as it flashed on the screen, but looking back on it, the spectator feels that one came after the other in much short order that the real significance of each had not been taken in before the next event was past.
  • Tuesday, 26th August 1913 Leo Frank Received Fair Trial Declares Chief Newport Lanford

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 26th August 1913.Page 3.Chief Newport Lanford made the following statement Monday night in talking with a Constitution reporter:"It is very gratifying to the members of my department that the jury, after their undoubtedly careful deliberation, found Frank guilty. I am not in the least surprised, nor do I think are any of the detectives, who have been associated with me in this case.""Frank was given one of the fairest trials it has ever been my lot to figure in. A body of twelve honorable gentlemen of high standing in the community have found him guilty, as charged,
  • Tuesday, 26th August 1913 Mary Phagan, The Victim

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 26th August 1913.Page 3.Story of Mary Phagan's Death As Representatives of the State Outlined It to Frank's JuryThe Jury has said that Leo Max Frank Is guilty of the murder of Mary Anne Phagan.With that verdict fell upon Frank the awful shadow of the gallows and death.This is a fearful shadow to dwell in. It Is a midnight of horror made black and dreadful than mere words can conjure up.But there Is another shadow which hovers over Leo M. Frank a shadow beside whose unspeakable blackness the thought of mere death brightens to the soft roseate glow
  • Wednesday, 27th August 1913 Frank Sentenced On Murder Charge To Hang October 10

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 27th August 1913.Page 1.Motion for New Trial Made and Hearing Set for October 4, 1913, Thus Making It Certain Prisoner Will Get Delay.NEWT LEE IS RELEASED BY ORDER OF THE COURTLeo Frank Tells Judge That He Is Innocent, but That His Case Is in the Hands of Counsel.Leo M. Frank is sentenced to be hanged on Friday, October 10, 1913. This was the date set yesterday morning by Judge Leonard Strickland Roan, when the man convicted of the murder of little Mary Phagan was brought before him to be sentenced on Tuesday, August 26. The fact that
  • Wednesday, 27th August 1913 Hugh Dorsey’s Great Speech Feature Of The Frank Trial By Sidney Ormond

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 27th August 1913.Page 2.The Frank trial is a matter of history. Solicitor General Hugh Manson Dorsey and his wonderful speech, which brought the case to a close, form the subject matter for countless discussions among all classes of folk in all sorts of places on the street corners, in clubs, newspaper offices, at the courthouse and wherever two lawyers chance to get together for an exchange of words.Beyond all doubt, Hugh Dorsey is the most talked-of man in the state of Georgia today. The widespread interest in the Frank case caused all eyes from Rabun Gap to
  • Thursday, 28th August 1913 Jail Cell Of Leo M. Frank Now Like Living Room

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 28th August 1913.Page five.Prisoner is Preparing Statement as Answer to Solicitor Dorsey's Argument.The cell of Leo M. Frank in the Tower is fast assuming the appearance of a living rom. Yesterday a new bed and a number of furnishings arrived. All the day prison attaches worked renovating the interior, oiling the floor and cleaning the windows.Mrs. Lucille Frank appeared at the jail shortly after noon. For the first time since her husband's imprisonment, she visited him in his cell. Heretofore they have accepted the use of the jailers dining room on the first floor. Frank's mother, Mrs.
  • Friday, 29th August 1913 Leo M. Frank To Make No Public Statement

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 29th August 1913.Page 2.This Decision Is at the Advice of His Attorneys Leo Frank Sees Many Friends.It was learned yesterday that, contrary to reports, Leo Frank would not make public a statement attacking his arraignment by Solicitor Dorsey, withholding at the advice of attorneys.His counsel has advised silence for the present, and it is likely that no statement at all will be made by the convicted man until his case is brought before the Supreme Court, in the event a new trial is granted.No move of any kind is expected on the part of the defense until
  • Sunday, 31st August 1913 Graduates Of Cornell Will Aid Leo M. Frank In Fight For Life

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 31st August 1913.Page 2.Leo Max Frank, recently convicted on the charge of murdering Mary Phagan, is to receive aid in his battle for life and liberty from the alumni of Cornell university of Ithaca, New York, which institution he is a graduate on June 21, 1906, according to dispatches received in Atlanta Saturday night from New York city lawyers, when the movement was started some days ago.T. B. Strauss, a prominent Cornell alumnus, is heading the movement, and it is stated that circular letters will be sent out to Cornell graduates throughout the country asking their cooperation
  • Wednesday, 3rd September 1913: Judge Condemns Pistol Carrying, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 3rd September 1913,PAGE 3.Gambling Termed a SenseLess Evil and Grand Jury Is Urged to See That Law Is Strictly Enforced.When Judge John T. Pendleton, of the superior court, swore in the new grand jury Tuesday he made mention of the crime wave that has struck Atlanta, as told in The Constitution of Tuesday morning, and urged that the members of the grand jury see to it that every man charged with breaking the law, be indicted if the evidence is indicated a possibility of his guilt.Atlanta, while I have observed the wave of lawlessness here, is no
  • Thursday, 4th September 1913 Frank Trial Bills Are Ordered Paid

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 4th September 1913.PAGE 3, Column 1Lodging and Food for the Juryfor 29 Days Cost$975.06Bills arising from the trial of Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, the 13-year-old employee in the plant of the National Pencil company, of which the man convicted on August 25, 1913 was superintendent, are beginning to come into the county, and at the meeting of the board of commissioners Wednesday $975.06 was ordered paid for the expense of caring for the jury for twenty-nine days during which the trial lasted.The amount ordered and paid on Wednesday was in two
  • Friday, 5th September 1913 Grand Jury May Act On Jim Conley Today

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 5th September 1913.PAGE 7, COLUMN 5The new grand jury will meet today, and there is much speculation rife as to whether or not this grand jury will take up the charge against Jim Conley, negro sweeper at the National Pencil company's factory, of accessory after the fact of Mary Phagan's murder.Solicitor Dorsey has declined consistently to commit himself on the subject. It is definitely known that on Thursday no bill against Conley had been drawn.There are those wise ones who say, however, that the case of Conley will be among the first to be considered by the
  • Saturday, 6th September 1913: Grand Jury Adjourns To Go To Ball Game, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 6th September 1913,PAGE 3, COLUMN 2.After a brief session on Friday the grand jury returned fourteen true bills and adjourned in time for the ball game.The case of Jim Conley, negro sweeper at the National Pencil companys factory, confessed accessory after the fact of Mary Phagans murder, was not considered by the grand jury.Among the true bills rendered were the following:Simpson Brown, colored, charged with the murder of Charlie Hill, colored.Charles L. Smith, alias C. R. Smith, charged with bigamy, his alleged plurality of spouses being Miss Gertrude Wilson and Miss Lennie Spain.P. M. Christian, charged with
  • Tuesday, 9th September 1913 Judge Roan Urged For New Judgeship

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 9th September 1913.PAGE 3, COLUMN 4Governor Slaton Tells CommitteeHe Intends to Keep thePlace Free of Politics.A committee composed of many of the prominent members of the Atlanta Bar association called upon Governor Slaton at the state capitol Monday afternoon urging the appointment of Judge L. S. Roan to the fourth superior court judgeship, created by act of the last legislature for the Atlanta circuit.Speaking in behalf of Judge Roan several of the city's best known attorneys declared him to be the man most fit for the position.Eugene R. Black, chairman of the bar association committee, touched upon
  • Wednesday, 10th September 1913 Longer Vacation Given Phagan Case Workers

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 10th September 1913.PAGE 2, COLUMN 4For their work in the Phagan case, ten days' vacation in addition to that to which they are ordinarily entitled were given to Chief of Detectives Newport A. Lanford and Detectives J. N. Starnes, Pat Campbell, S. L. Rosser and John R. Black by the police board at its regular monthly meeting last night.The action was taken following the reading of a letter from Solicitor General Hugh N. Dorsey to Chief Lanford highly complimenting the good work done by the detectives assigned to help him on the Phagan case. While the name
  • Thursday, 11th September 1913: Hugh Dorsey Sued For $5,000 Damages, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 11th September 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 5.An aftermath of the misunderstanding that brought on a flight early in the summer between Architect Hal Hents and Contractor J. A. Winkles in the new home of Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey came yesterday when the contractor filed suit for $5,775 against Solicitor Dorsey.Winkles claims that the solicitor owes him $775 on the house and that he should receive $5,000 for the slander and false reports which he says Solicitor Dorsey has spread in regard to him.In his suit the contractor also states that he was set upon and beat up by
  • Thursday, 11th September 1913 Judge Hill May Get Atlanta Judgeship

      The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, 11th September 1913. PAGE 7, COLUMN 1 and 2. Reported That Judge Roan, of Stone Mountain Circuit, Will Be Appointed on the Court of Appeals. While Governor John M. Slaton has made no announcement of whom he expects to appoint to fill the fourth judgeship recently created in Fulton County, it is rumored that Judge Benjamin Harvey Hill, of the Court of Appeals, will be selected to fill the position, and that Judge Leonard Strickland Roan, of the stone Mountain circuit, who, by special act of the legislature, has been holding the criminal division of
  • Friday, 12th September 1913 Plennie Minor Will Barbecue Tomorrow

    The Atlanta Constitution, Friday, 12th September 1913. PAGE 12, COLUMN 7 Deputy Sheriff Plennie Minor, has issued invitations to what promises to be one of the most enjoyable gatherings that Fulton County has seen in many days. It is to be held at Germania Park, Saturday afternoon. According to Plennie's invitations, which have been sent out to a large number of his friends, and probably no official in the county has a larger list, the affair will be a "barbecue, fish fry and so forth." Pennie has yet to explain what "and so forth" is, but those who know his
  • Saturday, 13th September 1913: Attack Is Renewed On Frank Juror, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 13th September 1913,PAGE 3, COLUMN 4.Citizens Declare That Henslee Has Not Been in Town Since Trials Close.Renewing their attack upon Juror A. H. Henslee, one of the twelve men who convicted Leo M. Frank of the murder of Mary Phagan, the attorneys for the defense Monday obtained affidavits from J. J. Nunnally and W. L. Ricker, of Monroe, Ga., in which the two men reiterated their charges bias and prejudice against Henslee and replied to his statement that he uttered his denunciation of Frank after, and not before the trial.Nunnally and Ricker asserted in their second affidavit
  • Saturday, 13th September 1913 Classmate Of Leo Frank Writes Warm Defense

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 13th September 1913.PAGE 8, COLUMN 4New York Physician DeclaresLeo Frank Was Noted in CollegeFor His Clean Morals.Dr. Morris J. Clurman, A. B., graduate of Cornell university with Leo M. Frank and now a resident of New York, writes the following letter to The Constitution in reference to the case of his classmate:Editor, Constitution:I trust you will honor a New Yorker with a little space in your newspaper and thereby yield me an opportunity to express candidly and in an absolutely unbiased manner what I know concerning the character and past life of Leo M. Frank, who is
  • Sunday, 14th September 1913 Ben Hill Will Go On Fulton Bench As Fourth Judge

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 14th September 1913.PAGE 1, COLUMN 1Roan Takes the Court of Ap-Peals Vacancy; Reid, StoneMountain; George Napier,Solicitorship.FOUR CHANGES MADETO FILL ONE OFFICEAppointments Effective Octo-ber 6 Judge Roan WillProbably Hear Motion inFrank Case.The fourth judge of the Fulton county superior court is Benjamin H. Hill, chief judge of the court of appeals.L. S. Roan, judge of the Stone Mountain circuit, will take Judge Hill's place as a member of the court of appeals.Charles S. Reid, solicitor general of the Stone Mountain circuit, has been elevated to the bench to succeed Judge Roan.George M. Napier, of the firm of Napier,
  • Monday, 15th September 1913 Are Burns Men Here

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 15th September 1913.PAGE 10, COLUMN 4Report Says They Are Working on Frank Case.That detectives in the employ of the Burns Agency are in Atlanta working up new evidence to be used in the hearing on a new trial for Leo M. Frank, which is set for Oct. 4, 1913, is the rumor which spread through the city Sunday and set tongues freshly wagging on the famous case.The rumor further has it that Solicitor Dorsey had in his possession a bit of valuable evidence given him while he was arguing the case before the jury and too late
  • Monday, 15th September 1913: Frank Trial Not Fair Declares Preacher, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 15th September 1913,PAGE 10, COLUMN 2.Public Mind Too Inflamed forImpartial Hearing of Case,Says Dr. Holderby.Leo M. Frank did not receive a fair trial for the murder of Mary Phagan on account of the inflamed condition of the public mind, according to Rev. A. R. Holderby, past of the Moore Memorial church.The declaration was made during a discussion of the topic.A Square Deal for Every Man, which was the subject of Dr. Holderbys discourse Sunday morning.I wish to speak a word of caution to you today as regards your attitude towards one of our citizens who had been
  • Tuesday, 16th September 1913 Jim Conley’s Lawyer Planning His Defense

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 16th September 1913.PAGE 9, COLUMN 2Jim Conley may not plead guilty to being accessory after the fact in the murder of Mary Phagan. This is the startling statement of the negro's attorney, William Smith, late Monday."I may have Jim take a plea to one of the counts of the indictment against him, but I do not believe he will plead guilty to all of the counts," was the way Attorney Smith declared himself.Conley remains at the Tower awaiting his trial, which will probably come up at the October term of the criminal branch of the superior court.PAGE
  • Wednesday, 17th September 1913 No Bill Is Found Against Newt Lee

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 17th September 1913.PAGE 3, COLUMN 3The Fulton County grand jury, sitting Tuesday in regular session, returned a "no-bill" against Newt Lee the negro factory night watchman whose testimony figured so largely in the trial of Leo M. Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan.The action of the grand jury eliminates Lee in the matter of being connected with the murder in any manner.Wednesday, 17th September 1913 No Bill Is Found Against Newt Lee
  • Thursday, 18th September 1913: Heavy Dockets Keep Fulton Judges Busy, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 18th September 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 3.On account of having one of the heaviest dockets of the year in the criminal division of the city court.Judge Andrew E. Calhoun has decided to hold court another week.After that the criminal division of superior court is due to meet, as these courts do not have separate rooms and cannot meat at the same time.Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey is said to be looking for a judge from another circuit who can preside temporarily in Fulton until the tangle caused by changes can be straightened out.His docket is even worse crowded than
  • Thursday, 18th September 1913 Jews Are Organizing To Stop Defamation

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 18th September 1913,PAGE 9, COLUMN 5.Chicago. September 17 Prominent Jews today organized the Anti-Defamation League of America, whose object will be to stop by appeals to reason and conscience, and if necessary, by appeals to law, the defamation of the Jewish people.The new organization will be conducted under the auspices of the order of B'nai B'rith, a Jewish philanthropic organization, with a membership of 30,000, and will have branches in every large city in the country.The objects of the league are set forth in a statement issued by Adolph Kraus, of Chicago, president of the Order of
  • Friday, 19th September 1913 Delay In Hearing Of Plea For Frank

    The Atlanta Constitution, Friday, 19th September 1913. PAGE 3 Newt Trial Petition Comes in December Before Judge Hill, and Not Judge Roan. The hearing of the petition asking for a new trial in the case of Leo M. Frank will be postponed from October 4 to the early part of December, according to authentic statements Thursday. Judge Ben Hill, recently appointed to the fourth judgeship of Fulton county, will hear the arguments for the new trial, on an extended petition just completed by Attorney Luther Rosser, chief of counsel for the convicted man. On account of the fact that Solicitor
  • Saturday, 20th September 1913 Beavers Will Teach Police What To Do In Big Murder Case

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 20th September 1913.PAGE 7, COLUMN 7Having learned a valuable lesson from the Mary Phagan murder, Chief Beavers will teach his men what to do in the event bodies are found in the future.The chief's instructions will be for the discoverer to keep hands off everything including garments of the corpse until finger print experts have reached the scene. The value of fingerprint evidence, says the chief, is inestimable in modern investigation.Until Bertillon methods are installed in the police department, the chief says, federal experts will be employed in future cases.Saturday, 20th September 1913 Beavers Will Teach Police
  • Sunday, 21st September 1913 Great Watch Finders

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 21st September 1913.PAGE 25, COLUMN 7The present official duty of Detectives Starnes and Campbell, who were Solicitor Dorsey's right-hand men in the investigation of the Mary Phagan murder case, is to find and return watches stolen from Atlantans. Up to date, since the trial, they have succeeded in finding forty-two pilfered timepieces, some of which have been missing for two or three years.PAGE 26, COLUMN 2PROFESSIONAL CARDSP. H. Brewster, Albert Howell, Jr.Hugh M. Dorsey, Arthur Heyman,Dorsey, Brewster, Howell & Heyman,Attorneys-at-Law.Offices: 202, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 210Kiser Building, Atlanta, Ga.Long Distance Telephone 3023, 3024And 3025, Atlanta, Ga.Sunday,
  • Tuesday, 23rd September 1913: No Judge Yet Named To Hear Frank Motion, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 23rd September 1913,PAGE 2, COLUMN 4.Retrial Hearing Will Be Conducted by One of Four Fulton Judges.In view of the fact that much has been published in the daily press about the new judicial appointments for Atlanta and the court of appeals, and speculation has been indulged as to who would hear the motion for a new trial in the Leo M. Frank case.The Constitution has made an effort to obtain the facts and to put at rest the discussion or doubt on the subject.The Frank motion for new trial has been assigned for hearing on October 4,
  • Wednesday, 24th September 1913 Leo Frank Again Made President Of B’nai B’rith

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 24th September 1913.PAGE 1, COLUMN 4Prominent Atlantans Are Elected Officers of This Jewish Charitable Organization.WITH FRANK IN JAIL HIGH HONOR PAID HIMHis Re-Election Comes With Announcement That He Is Still Conducting Affairs of Pencil Company.At the recent elections of the Jewish Order of B'nai B'rith, Leo M. Frank, president, was unanimously chosen as head of the order again, and a number of prominentAtlanteans were selected to fill the more important offices.Among them are: Arthur Heyman, of Dorsey, Brewater, Howell & Heyman, vice president; Milton Klein, monitor; Dr. B. Wildauer, treasurer, and B. Kaufman, warden.Sam P. Cronheim, secretary
  • Friday, 26th September 1913 Did Not Discuss Guilt Of Frank

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 26th September 1913.PAGE 5, COLUMN 1Blakely Men in DepositionsDeny That Juryman HensleeMade Statements Attributed to Him.That Atticus H. Henslee, the ventriloquist on the Frank jury, did not discuss with them Leo M. Frank's connection with the murder of Mary Phagan, or make any remarks about what he would do in case should he be placed on the jury, was the sworn statement of L. E. Blac and Walter Thomas, two citizens of Blakely, Ga., whose depositions were filled in superior court by Attorneys Reuben R. Arnold and L. Z. Rosser for the defense.It was stated recently that
  • Saturday, 27th September 1913: Cant Fire Man For Doing Duty, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 27th September 1913,PAGE 3, COLUMN 1.Chief J. L. Beavers in No Immediate Danger of Recall,DeclaresMayor James G. Woodward.Mayor James G. Woodward, leader of Atlantas charter reform advocates, is of the opinion that the adoption of the recall amendment to the city charter does not place Police Chief J. L. Beavers in immediate jeopardy.The mayor characterizes all the talk that the recall was aimed at the police chief and that Beavers would be the first victim as all bosh.Beavers is in no more danger of being recalled than any other city official, the mayor said.in the first place
  • Saturday, 27th September 1913 Smith And Arnold Indicted For Fight

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 27th September 1913.PAGE 5, COLUMN 3Prominent Attorneys Are PlacedUnder Bonds of $200 forCourthouse Difficulty.Burton Smith and Reuben R. Arnold, prominent Atlanta attorneys, the later president of the Bar association, were indicted for assault and battery yesterday by the Fulton County grand jury and are held under $200 bonds each.The fight which brought about the indictment occurred May 22, when depositions were being taken in the fight to break the will of the late Joshua B. Crawford. Attorneys Smith and Arnold were representing the widow, whom it has since been charged poisoned her husband, and C. W. Walton
  • Sunday, 28th September 1913 Grief Of Mrs. Coleman Is A Pitiful Sight

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 28th September 1913.PAGE 69, COLUMN 3Fears Are Entertained by HerFamily and Friends NewEvidence Discovered.Grieving over the death of her daughter, Mary Phagan, who was found murdered in the National Pencil factory, and for whose death Leo M. Frank has been sentenced to hang, the condition of Mrs. J. W. Coleman is causing grave fear among her friends.Physicians say that unless the load of sorrow is lifted early from her mind, she is likely to become subject to hysteria that would be fatal. Friends and relatives visit her constantly seeking, without avail, to console her and enliven her
  • Tuesday, 30th September 1913 Speculation Is Rife As To Who’ll Hear Leo Frank?s Motion

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 30th September 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 3.Speculation on whether or not the hearing of argument for a new trial for Leo M. Frank, convicted of the murder of little Mary Phagan, which is set for Saturday, will be heard, is now rife among courthouse officials.In case the hearing comes up then, Judge L. S. Roan, who presided at the trial in August, will have charge of the hearing, is the general opinion. Whether or not the case will come up on that date, however, is unknown. Solicitor Hugh Dorsey is doing all he can to be prepared to
  • Wednesday, 1st October 1913 Frank Case Papers To Be Served Today

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 1st October 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 3.Hearing for New Trial Set for Saturday. Dorsey May Ask for More Time.Announcement was made Tuesday by Attorney L. Z. Rosser,for Leo M. Frank, sentenced to hang October 10, for the murder ofMary Phagan, that the papers in the plea for a new trial would beserved today upon Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey. The hearingis set for Saturday and it is not known until the solicitor sees theplea whether he will be in a position to answer it on the date set.The defense has worked on its case and those who knowsomething
  • Thursday, 2nd October 1913 115 Reasons Given Why Frank Should Get Another Trial

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 2nd October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 7.Hearing Is SetBefore JudgeRoan NextSaturday, ButIt Is Believed theSolicitorWill AskPostponement.TWO JURORSATTACKEDIN RETRIALPETITIONHenslee and JohenningDe-clared Prejudiced"Objectto Alleged IllegalEvidenceand toDemonstrations.Charging that two members of the jury, Henslee andJohenning, were biased and prejudiced against the defendant;that Judge L.S. Roan admitted illegal evidence, prejudicial to thedefendant, and that the popular applause from time to time, inand outside of the courthouse, influenced the jury and made itimpossible for them to give him a fair trial, attorneys for Leo M.Frank, convicted of the murder of Mary Phagan, have preparedtheir amended motion for a new trial. The hearing is
  • Friday, 3rd October 1913 May Use Jurors To Deny Charges

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 3rd October 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 1.Dorsey Expected toProduceAffidavits, DenyingJurors'Alleged Bias AgainstFrank.Postponement Seen.The hearing of the motion for a new trial made by attorneysfor Leo M. Frank, convicted slayer of Mary Phagan, which isscheduled to come up Saturday, will likely be postponed twoweeks. The delay will probably come following a request ofSolicitor Hugh M. Dorsey, who, although struggling through thedefense's brief as rapidly as possible, will not be ready to proceedat that time, as he is now in the midst of digesting and answeringthe 115 objections made by the convicted man's lawyers.It will take me from now oh
  • Saturday, 4th October 1913 Interest Centers In Attacks Made On Frank Jurors

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 4th October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.Many SealedDepositions AreFiled With DeputyClerkAssailing A. H.Henslee andMarcus Johenning.SPARTA CITIZENSSAYHENSLEEPREJUDICEDMembers of Jury Denyin In-dignant Terms ThatAny ofTheir Number WasBiasedIn Any Way.That one of the Sparta, Ga., citizens whose affidavits are nowsealed and lying in the safe of the clerk of the superior court, didmake the statement that A. H. Henslee had declared that hebelieved Frank guilty and would like to see him hang, was thestatement made last night by another citizen of the Hancockcounty seat.The exact contents of the affidavits which were made beforeJ. W. Lewis, of Sparta, by three of the
  • Sunday, 5th October 1913 A.h. Henslee May Establish Alibi

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 5th October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 4.Attacked Frank JurorBrandsAs False theCharges MadeAgainst Him inSeveral Af-fidavits.In answer to several of the affidavits claiming that atspecified times and places he made declarations of belief in theguilt of Leo M. Frank, whom he later as a juror voted guilty of themurder of Mary Phagan. A. H. Henslee is understood to bepreparing copies of orders to his firm by which he tends to showthat he was in another part of the state at the time he is allegedto have made the remarks about Frank's part in the murder.Mr. Henslee has given the
  • Monday, 6th October 1913 Sparta Citizens Insist Henslee Was Prejudiced

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 6th October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 2.You Said Frank WasGuil-Ty, They Tell Jurorin Let-Ter Sent to Him,and Fur-nish Copies to thePress.WEPRACTICALLYTRIEDHIM BEFORE THETRIALSay They Will NotAllowHenslee to CallThem LiarsTo Protect HimselfFromCriticism HeDeserved.Declaring that they had practically tried Leo M. Frank forthe murder of Mary Phagan before the case was called, the threemen who made affidavits against A. H. Henslee, a Frank juror,charging him with bias, yesterday mailed a sensational letter tothe Atlanta newspapers, presenting their side of the case. Thewriters of the letter are John M. Holmes, of Holmes & Walker, aninsurance and buggy firm, S. M. Johnson,
  • Tuesday, 7th October 1913 Henslee Answers Sprata Citizens

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 7th October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 2.Made His RemarksAboutLeo Frank After TrialandNot Before, SaysJuror Ac-cused of Prejudice.A. H. Henslee, juror in the Frank case, who has beendeclared prejudiced against the prisoner in a number of affidavitsfled with the clerk of the superior court, yesterday sent thefollowing letter to The Constitution, in which he denies many ofthe statements made by Messrs, Holmes, Johnson and Gray, ofSparta, Ga.Editor The Constitution: Replying to your article in today'sissue, October 6, in reference to Messrs. Holmes Johnson andGray. I will say I am sorry to think that they would go ahead andmake such
  • Wednesday, 8th October 1913 Frank Hearing Will He Held On Saturday

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 8th October 1913,PAGE 9, COLUMN 3.Generally Believed That Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey Will Announce Ready Then.That Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey, now studying the case in Valdosta, will announce ready when the hearing for a new trial for Leo M. Frank is called Saturday before JudgeL. S. Roan, is the belief among courthouse attaches.When the solicitor and his assistant, E. A. Stephens, left Saturday for Valdosta, both made it appear that the week was to be devoted to the case and from their remarks,the believe became general that they believed that by devoting all their time to the
  • Thursday, 9th October 1913 Judge To Grant Dorsey’s Request

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 9th October 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 4.Frank Hearing Will Be Postponed Until the Solicitor Is Ready to Make Answer to PetitionJudge L. S. Roan stated last night when informed by The Constitution of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey's desire to postpone the hearing for a new trial for Leo M. Frankthat he would grant the postponement without causing the solicitor to appear in person Saturday morning and request the delay. Attorney Luther Z. Rosser, counsel for theconvicted man, stated that he would be willing, he believed, for the solicitor to have more time if he needed it. The
  • Friday, 10th October 1913 New Trial Hearing Postponed For Week

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 10th October 1913,PAGE 3, COLUMN 5.Dorsey Notified at Valdosta That He Need Not Come To Atlanta.The hearing of a motion for a new trial for Leo M. Frank, setfor Saturday, has been postponed for another week. Judge L. S.Roan, of the Stone Mountain circuit, received Solicitor GeneralHugh M. Dorsey's request for a postponement yesterday andnotified him that he would grant it without causing the solicitor tobe present in court Saturday in person.Frank, who was convicted during the last days of August,after a trial of nearly a month for the murder of Mary Phagan, wassentenced to hang today
  • Saturday, 11th October 1913 35 Lawyers In Race For Municipal Court

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 11th October 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 2.Thirty-five applicants have signified their willingness to beappointed to the five judgeships of the new municipal courtlegalized by the last legislature. This fact became known Fridaywhen it was determined that the new judges of the municipalcourt would be named by the judges of the municipal court wouldbe named by the judges of the Fulton county superior court sosoon as Judge Ben Hill his new duties. He will take the superiorcourt bench when the Frank re-trial motion is disposed of beforeJudge L. S. Roan.We face a hard task in making the selection of
  • Sunday, 12th October 1913 Henslee Confers With Hugh Dorsey

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 12th October 1913,PAGE 21, COLUMN 1.Solicitor General Is Now Preparing for Leo M. Frank's Hearing on Retrial Petition.Valdosta, Ga., October 11."(Special.) Juror A. H. Henslee,who has been the storm center in the Frank case during the lastten days, and who is so bitterly assailed by the defense in themotion for a new trial, was in the city today in conference withSolicitor Hugh Dorsey, who is here preparing the state's answersto the motion. Mr. Henslee was closeted last this afternoon withMessrs. Dorsey, E. A. Stephens and Spurlin, the latter official courtreporter in this circuit, who was taking depositions
  • Monday, 13th October 1913 Photo By Francis E. Price.

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 13th October 1913,PAGE 3, COLUMN 2.MRS. JESSIE B. GWINN.Mrs. Jessie Brock Gwinn, who has found that wealth andautomobiles to not always make a girl happy, and who longs forthe fianc who is not wealthy, instead of the husband who is, saton her front porch for just about two minutes Sunday afternoon.She had consented to pose for a pleture. It seemed to thephotographer that the attractive little blonde head would turn thisway and that every second and that he had to snap his picturesbetween movements.The neighbors just seem head over heels in curiosity andthey won't let me come
  • Tuesday, 14th October 1913 Dorsey Expected Back In Atlanta Wednesday

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 14th October 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 5.Generally Believed That Solicitor Will Ask Continuance of Leo Frank Hearing.That Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, who has been inValdosta for a week with E. A. Stephens, his assistant, devotinghimself to preparing a reply to the motion for a new trial for LeoM. Frank, will return on Thursday or Friday, of this week, was thestatement made in a letter he sent to Atlanta yesterday. Thesolicitor does not state whether or not he will be prepared to replyto the defense on Saturday, when the case will be called, but it isbelieved that he
  • Wednesday, 15th October 1913 Dorsey Will Return To Gate City Today

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 15th October 1913,PAGE 15, COLUMN 4.Solicitor and HisAssistant WillDevote Rest of Week toLeo M. Frank Case.Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey is due to arrive at 7:35o'clock this morning and it is said will devote the remainder ofthe week to work in Atlanta on the reply to the plea of Leo M.Frank for a new trial.Mr. Dorsey, with E. A. Stephens, his assistant, has been inValdosta for over ten days studying the situation and during thattime has been in consultation with A. H. Henslee, one of thetwelve men who convicted Frank of the murder of Mary Phagan,and who,
  • Thursday, 16th October 1913 Dorsey Will Request Postponement Again

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 16th October 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 1.Will Be PracticallyImpossibleFor Him to AnswerFrank'sPetition onSaturday.Renewed activities on the part of the defense of Leo M.Frank, convicted of the murder of Mary Phagan, were apparentWednesday, coincident with the return to Atlanta of SolicitorGeneral Hugh M. Dorsey and his announcement for him to beready by Saturday to reply to the motion for a new trial.It is stated upon apparently good authority that theattorneys defending the young factory superintendent areprosecuting their work in several other cities, but it is not knownwhether this is for the purpose of securing affidavits attacking athird juror, or
  • Friday, 17th October 1913 Dorsey To Be Ready By Next Wednesday

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 17th October 1913,PAGE 2, COLUMN 1.The proposed conference between Solicitor General Hugh M.Dorsey and Attorney Leonard Haas, representing the defense ofLeo M. Frank, whose motion for a new hearing is expected to betaken up next Wednesday, did not take place yesterday, due tothe late arrival from Valdosta of the record in the case.The two attorneys are expected to meet today. There are anumber of points to be gone over, and it is expected that certainpoints claimed by the state to be errors in the plea will be agreedupon one way or the other out of court.It is
  • Saturday, 18th October 1913 Criminal Court Will Convene Monday Week

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 18th October 1913,PAGE 9, COLUMN 2.Before That TimeSolicitor Dor-sey Expects to HaveCon-cluded FrankHearing.That the criminal division of superior court will start onMonday week and the general work of that division be resumedwas the statement made yesterday by Solicitor General Hugh M.Dorsey, who expects to finish the motion for a new trial for Leo M.Frank before that time.Judge Ben H. Hill, recently appointed to the Fulton bench andwho is expected to occupy the criminal division, will probably takehis place in the Fulton courts by that time and begin the trial ofthe numerous cases which have been kept waiting
  • Sunday, 19th October 1913 Frank Innocent Says Man Who Claims To Be Murder Witness

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 19th October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMNS 1 AND 6.HE WILL TELLWHOCOMMITTEDCRIMEON ARRIVALHEREMakes Statement to Chief ofBirmingham Policeand Catches Train at Midnightfor Atlanta inCompany With Detective"Prominent CitizenSlew girl, He Says, But It WasNot Frank.By L. W. Friedman.Birmingham, Ala., October 18"(Special.)"A Birmingham manwho says he was an eyewitness to the murder of Mary Phagan inAtlanta, and who asserts positively that Leo M. Frank is not guilty,left here at midnight tonight for Atlanta in company with thedetective sent to Birmingham by Sheriff Mangum, of Fultoncounty.This man, whose name has not been given out here, worksin Birmingham, and is a respectable citizen,
  • Monday, 20th October 1913 Locked Doors Guard Witness Who Declares Frank Innocent

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 20th October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMNS 1 AND 6.DETECTIVES KEEP ALL NIGHT VIGIL IN ORDER TO ARREST HIMPAGE 1, COLUMN 6Witness Is AtlantaManWho Says HeLeft CityOn Account ofThreatsI. W. Fisher, Formerly a RailroadEmployeeHere, Upon His Arrival in Atlanta, IsRushedto the Office of Luther Rosser inGrant Build-ing and Has Remained There forMany HoursWhile Detectives and ReportersWait Out-side for Him to Leave.MAN HE ACCUSES IS STILL INATLANTA;HAS WIFE AND TWOCHILDREN IN CITYRepresentatives of Pencil FactorySuperinten-dent Are Now Engaged in ProbingStory Toldby Fisher and in InvestigatingRecord andActions of Man Who, According toWitness,Is Guilty of the Atrocious Murder ofPrettyLittle Mary Phagan.All night
  • Wednesday, 22nd October 1913 Many Affidavits Defend The Jury

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 22nd October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 4.Only Sheriff andOfficers ofHis Force Talked toMem-Bers of the FrankJury Dur-ing Trial.To the thirty-odd affidavits made public yesterday in theexchange of affidavits between the state and the defense in theLeo M. Frank motion, which comes up today, several new oneswere added Tuesday afternoon by the state. The additionalaffidavits were from the various deputy sheriffs and bailiffs andwere denials that anyone but officers of the court had talked tothe Frank jurors.The state has prepared affidavits from the various jurors inwhich they declare that only the legal evidence influenced themand also deny that they
  • Thursday, 23rd October 1913 Crowd Conducted Frank Trial Says Prisoner’s Lawyer

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 23rd October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 2.Tried and Convictedby theCourtroomSpectators andNot by the Judge andJury,Declares Rosser.TODAY'S HEARINGMAYLAST UNTILMIDNIGHTFight Is Bitter OverConley'sTestimony, DefenseDeclar-ing That It ShouldNeverHave BeenConsidered.Declaring that the crowd and not the judge and jury triedand convicted Leo M. Frank of the murder of Mary Phagan, LutherRosser, senior counsel for the prisoner, yesterday urged the manydemonstrations for the solicitor general as sufficient reason whythe convicted superintendent should have another trial.This was, however, but one of the forty grounds arguedWednesday when the hearing began before Judge Roan in a littleanteroom in the state library at the capitol. As 115
  • Friday, 24th October 1913 Proof Of Charges Will Mean A New Trial, Says Court

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 24th October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 2.Evidence AgainstJurorsHenslee andJohenning theMost Important ToBeIntroduced.ATTITUDE OFCROWDSWILL BESTRESSEDVerdict in Trial WasDelayedfor Two Days onAccountof Fear of MobViolence,Roan Admits.It developed Thursday during Frank hearing for a new trialthat the verdict in the original trial was delayed two days for fearof mob violence to the accused man.Also, that Judge Roan was prevailed upon by the editors ofthe three Atlanta newspapers, militia, officials and the chief ofpolice to make this move of continuance. It was feared if theverdict was submitted on the trial's final Saturday, during whichday the crowds were largest, that violence might result.During
  • Saturday, 25th October 1913 Jury Loaned Ears To Ravings Of Mob, Says Rube Arnold

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 25th October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.Leo M. Frank Convicted, HeDeclares, by Prejudice andNot by the Evidence GivenIn Case.HIS TRIAL IS COMPAREDTO RITUAL MURDER CASELeo M. Frank Convicted, HeDeclares, by Prejudice andNot by the Evidence Givenin Case.HIS TRIAL IS COMPAREDTO RITUAL MURDER CASEScratch Beneath the Surfaceand You Wil Find ParallelWith the Russian Trial,Arnold Tells Judge Roan.Reuben Arnold, associate counsel for the defense, declared in his argument Friday for a new trial, that the trial of Leo Frank would teach the entire universe a lesson against prejudice, and that civilization was horrified at the miserable example of his clients
  • Sunday, 26th October 1913 Next Frank Trial May Be Held In Chatham County

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 26th October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.Believing Their ClientWillSecure AnotherChance,Lawyers DeclareSavannahDesirable Place.WITH BITTERSARCASMRUBE ARNOLDARRAIGNSPROSECUTION'STACTICSAttributes Conviction toRacePersecution, BiasedJuryAnd CorruptWitnesses.Dorsey Next, ThenHooperRosser Concludes.So confident are they of success in their efforts to gain a newtrial, counsel for Leo M. Frank's defense already are lookingforward to savannah as the city in which to stage the anticipatedsecond arraignment of their client.The defense was in high spirits yesterday afternoon over theforce and strength of Mr. Arnold's second-day argument beforeJudge Roan, in the state library. Upon adjournment at 4 o'clock inthe afternoon Messrs. Arnold and Rosser left the capitol, franklyexpressing their expectation of securing
  • Monday, 27th October 1913 Arnold To Resume His Speech Today

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 27th October 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 1.Hearing for New Trialfor LeoM. Frank WillProbably BeConcluded onWednesdayMorning.Attorney Reuben Arnold, associate counsel for the defense ofLeo Frank, who is making a masterful argument for a new trial forhis client, was asked shortly after the adjournment of his speechSaturday, if he had any idea of the time he would finish:Not the slightest, he answered smilingly. I've just startedgood.From which is drawn the conclusion that he will occupy alarge part of today in his speech. At the conclusion, AttorneyFrank Hooper, who assisted Solicitor Dorsey in Frank'sprosecution, will make the first speech for the
  • Tuesday, 28th October 1913 Hooper And Dorsey Ridicule Argument Of Reuben Arnold

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 28th October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 2.Attorney for DefenseWantedRemarks TakenDown inShorthand to ShowChil-Dren, Says FrankHooper.NEW TRIAL FORFRANKSLAP IN FACEOF JURYSolicitor General SaysGrant-ing Ruling Asked byDe-fense Would ShatterLawsof the State.Telling Judge Roan at the Frank hearing yesterday afternoonthat if a new trial was granted the convicted man, the presidingjustice would establish a precedent that would shake the laws ofthe state and eventually shutter the jury system of Georgia,Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey began his argument at 3 o'clock.Talk about trembling for fear of the law, he said, talkabout farces"why, if you establish the kind of precedent whichthe defense ask you
  • Wednesday, 29th October 1913 Arnold Branded With Falsehood By Hugh Dorsey

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 29th October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.Advises Lawyer forDefenseto Take Purgative toRidHis System of Someof ItsMiasma.DIRTY TACTICSCHARGEDBY SOLICITORGENERALDorsey's Speech IsConcluded.Rosser Will MakeAddressToday and the CaseThenGoes to the Judge.With a blistering attack upon Rube Arnold, in which theattorney was accused not only of deliberate falsehoods, but ofhaving lost through his activity in the Frank case the publicesteem and appreciation of the people of Georgia, SolicitorGeneral Hugh M. Dorsey concluded his stirring argument in theFrank hearing late yesterday afternoon.Mr. Arnold has made charges against me and against JudgeRoan that are deliberate falsehoods. He happens not to be in theroom at
  • Thursday, 30th October 1913 Retrial Hearing For Leo M. Frank Comes To Close

      The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, 30th October 1913, PAGE 1, COLUMN 1. Luther, Rosser Concludes Ar- gument by Bitter Attack on Juror A. H. Henslee and Witness Jim Conley. JUDGE WILL ANNOUNCE DECISION NEXT FRIDAY Hearing of Argument for New Trial Was One of Longest In Legal Annals of State, Lasting Seven Days. The hearing for a new trial for Leo M. Frank came to a close at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon. At 9 o'clock Friday morning Judge Roan will announce his decision. It was reserved at the close of the final session in order for the judge to consider
  • Friday, 31st October 1913 Roan Announces Decision Today

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 31st October 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 4.Both Sides AreConfident inFrank New TrialHearing.The DocumentsAre Ex-amined.Whether or not Leo M. Frank will be granted a new trial byJudge L. S. Roan, his trial justice, will be known this morning at 9o'clock, when Hugh M. Dorsey, solicitor general, and counsel forthe defense will be notified of the decision.No intimation has been given of the judge's attitude. Therewas an air of expectation throughout Thursday in the camps ofboth the defense and prosecution. Each anticipates victory.During the morning, representatives of both sides gathered withJudge Roan to consider a number of documents and attachsignatures
  • Saturday, 1st November 1913: Trial Judge Says Last Word On Bias Of Jury, Declares Court Of Appeals, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution, Saturday, 1st November 1913, PAGE 1, COLUMN 7. Important Decision Handed Down, Following Close Up- on Heels of Judge Roans Decision in Frank Case, in Which He Decided Jurors Were Competent, and De- nied New Trial. FRANKS LAWYERS WILL TAKE CASE IMMEDIATELY TO THE SUPREME COURT Bill of Exceptions Filed to Rulings of Judge Roan. Rosser and Arnold Renew Their Expressions of Faith in Their Clients Innocence and Will Fight Bitterly. Following upon the heels of Judge Roans decision denying Leo M. Frank a new trial, the court of appeals affirmed an old principle of law yesterday
  • Sunday, 2nd November 1913: Judges Of Municipal Court Named Saturday Afternoon Supplant Peace Justices, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution, Sunday, 2nd November 1913, PAGE 3, COLUMN 1. The four judges of the superior court of Fulton county last Saturday named the five Atlantans who will sit as judges in the new municipal court established by recent act of the legislature. The court will organize and begin active service on January 1, 1914. The five men named to the new civil branch are L. F. McClelland, E. L. Thomas, J. B. Ridley, T. O. Hathcock and Luther Rosser, Jr. The new court will take the place of the justice of peace courts in Fulton county, and is
  • Monday, 3rd November 1913: Judges Of New Court Are Named, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution, Monday, 3rd November 1913, PAGE 1, COLUMN 4. Four of the five judges of the municipal court, which will take the place in Atlanta of the courts of the justices of the peace, are shown here. At the top on the left is Eugene D. Thomas, and on the right L. F. McClelland. Below are Luther Z. Rosser, Jr., and James B. Ridley, the latter the only justice of the peace to get on the new court. The fifth judge of the municipal court, T. O. Hathcock, is not shown in the picture. PAGE 1, COLUMN 4
  • Tuesday, 4th November 1913: Municipal Court Positions Sought By Over 1,000 Men, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution, Tuesday, 4th November 1913, PAGE 1, COLUMNS 3 & 4. PAGE 1, COLUMN 3 From left to right, Luther Rosser, Jr., T. A. Hathcock, Eugene D. Thomas, J. B. Ridley, and L. F. McClelland.         PAGE 1, COLUMN 4 The five judges of the new municipal court will receive their commissions from Governor Slaton on his return to the city Friday. So soon as they are officially confirmed in their positions they will hold a meeting, and before the week is out will probably name the chief marshal, chief clerk and the four deputy
  • Wednesday, 5th November 1913: Highwaymen Given Limit Of The Law, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 5th November 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 3.Judge Ben H. Hill Tries OneDozen Cases Second Dayof Sitting.The second days session of thecriminal branch of the superior court, with Judge Ben Hill on the bench, sawthe completion of a dozen cases before adjournment Tuesday.Judge Hill, whose leniency was noted onMonday towards prisoners at the bar, reversed his attitude on Tuesday and intwo instances inflicted the full penalty of the law where highwaymen werebrought before him.I do not believe in any plea that aman could make excusing his acts when he is caught red-handed, so to speak,robbing a citizen of this
  • Thursday, 6th November 1913: Dorsey Spent $1,145.39 In The Leo Frank Case, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 6th November 1913,PAGE 8, COLUMN 5.Itemized Expense Account Is FiledWith the CountyBoard.Revealingin a new light the wide probe made by the state in its successful effort toconvict Leo Frank of the murder of Mary Phagan, the itemized account ofSolicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey was filed for payment with the countycommissioners on Wednesday afternoon.Amongthe items which appear on the expense account were fees of $25 to R. A.Flakman, finger-print expert, who examined the finger marks on the Phagangirls bloody garments; another of $100, paid to Albert S. Osborn, the notedNew York hand-writing expert, who compared the handwriting of
  • Friday, 7th November 1913: Thomas Is Given Chief Judgeship, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 7th November 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 2.J. B. Ridley, Luther Rosser,Jr., and Chief Judge WillServe Four Years, McClel-land and HathcockTwo.E. D. Thomas is to be the chief judgeof the new municipal court for a term of four years.J. B. Ridley and Luther Rosser, Jr.will also serve for terms of four years.L. F. McClelland and T. O. Hathcockwill be judges for terms of two years each.These appointments were announced byGovernor Slaton just before he left the city late yesterday afternoon forDublin. The commissions of the new judges when issued will date from January 1,1914.Much Pressure Brought.Not often has such
  • Sunday, 9th November 1913: A Dead Hero Is The Poorest Sort Of A Husband; Boots Rogers, Hero Extraordinary, Learns Lesson, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 9th November 1913,PAGE 9, COLUMN 1.Photos by Francis E. Price.Upper picture: Boots Rogers, at extreme right, standing besideautomobile with detectives with whom he worked on the Phagan murder mystery.Lower illustrations: Rogers at time of the Frank trial, his daughter, Louise,and his wife, who formerly was Miss Louise Petty.By Britt Craig.The littleclock ticked impatiently between the statue of the market girl and the boy withthe finishing rod on the mantelpiece. The folding doors were closed, and theshades came plumb down to the sill.W. W. (Boots) Rogers got down on one knee inappropriate attitude of humbleness on the flower-bordered
  • Monday, 10th November 1913: War Is Declared On Beer Saloons And Locker Clubs, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 10th November 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.Committee Appointed toTake Up Matter of LawEnforcement With PoliceChief and Grand Jury.LIQOUR BOTTLES SHOWNAT MEETING ON SUNDAYAudienceTold They WerePurchased From Clubsby Non-MembersNearBeer SaloonsAttacked.War to the knife was declared on thebreweries, near beer saloons and locker clubs operating in Atlanta and thestate of Georgia, and a committee of twenty-five representative clients wasappointed to take up the matter of law enforcement with the police authoritiesand the grand jury at the mass meeting held Sunday afternoon in the Grandtheater, which was called by the Georgia Anti-Saloon league for theconsideration of measures which will prohibit the
  • Tuesday, 11th November 1913: No Postponement In Frank Hearing, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 11th November 1913,PAGE 4, COLUMN 3.Supreme Court Issues Rul-ing That Argument in theMurder Case Must BeginAbout December 15.There will besuspension of the rules of the supreme court to give attorneys more time inwhich to prepare to argue the Frank case, notwithstanding the fact that counselfor the state and for the defense united in a request for more time. After abrief conference of the justices yesterday morning it was decided that if thepapers reached the court by December 1 the argument will be set down for aboutDecember 15.Following theconference of the justices, Clark Harrison announced to the attorneys
  • Wednesday, 12th November 1913: Objected To Shaving Fellow Policeman, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 12th November 1913,PAGE 3, COLUMN 3.The board of police commissioners wasthrown into whispered speculation last night when Chief James L. Beavers andMayor Woodward, for the first time since the Beavers administration, agreedupon any one matter of consequence.This agreement came on a motion to deny the application ofex-Policeman George H. Spratling for reinstatement upon the force. Spratling,exactly one year ago, had resigned from the force under charges which had beenpreferred against him before the commission by Chief Beavers.The charges grew out of an alleged visit the ex-policeman hadmade to the home of a woman, where, it was claimed
  • Thursday, 13th November 1913: Woman Who Led Campaign To Put End To Vice In Chicago Confers With Chief Beavers, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 13th November 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 4.Photos by Francis E.Price.ChiefBeavers, who stamped out Atlantas segregated district, and Virginia Brooks,who started big fight on vice in Chicago. This picture was taken Wednesdayafternoon by The Constitutions photographer, in Chief Beavers office.When yesterday afternoon at 5oclock, a loud report, as if from a miniature cannon, resounded from theprivate office of Chief Beavers in police headquarters, and activity there fora moment ceased. It was only a local photographer who caught the chief just asshe grasped in warm welcome the little hand of Virginia Brooks, that celebratedyoung western woman who cleaned up the
  • Friday, 14th November 1913: P. H. Brewster. Albert Howell, Jr. Hugh M. Dorsey. Arthur Heyman. Dorsey, Brewster, Howell & Heyman. Attorneys-at-law, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 14th November 1913,PAGE 16, COLUMN 2.Offices:202, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 210Kiser Building, Atlanta, Ga.Long-DistanceTelephone 3022, 3024, and 3025, Atlanta, Ga.PAGE 7, COLUMN 5TRIAL OFJIM CONLEYPOSTPONED TO MONDAYCourtThought to Be AwaitingAction of Court ofAppeal.Without explaining this cause, JudgeBen Hill, on Thursday, postponed the trial of Jim Conley, as accessory afterthe fact in the murder of Mary Phagan, until Monday.Conley was ready for trial but when hewas called to the bar in the Thrower building and as Solicitor General Dorseyarose to address the court, Judge Hill said:I have decided to postpone this caseuntil Monday.A hurried conference between JudgeHill,
  • Saturday, 15th November 1913: P. H. Brewster. Albert Howell, Jr. Hugh M. Dorsey. Arthur Heyman. Dorsey, Brewster, Howell & Heyman. Attorneys-at-law., The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 15th November 1913,PAGE 10, COLUMN 2.Offices:202, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 210Kiser Building, Atlanta, Ga.Long-Distance Telephone 3022, 3024, and 3025, Atlanta, Ga.Saturday, 15th November 1913: P. H. Brewster. Albert Howell, Jr. Hugh M. Dorsey. Arthur Heyman. Dorsey, Brewster, Howell & Heyman. Attorneys-at-law., The Atlanta Constitution
  • Sunday, 16th November 1913: Woodward Vetoes Fence Resolution, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 16th November 1913,PAGE 8, COLUMN 3.DeclaresContractors Have NoRight to Use the Streetsof Atlanta.Mayor James G. Woodward has vetoed theresolution passed up by council at its last meeting authorizing the Calhounestate to erect a fence in the street at the corner of Broad and Alabamastreets.At a former meeting of council asimilar permit was rejected, and the mayor ordered Chief of Police Beavers tonotify the contractors to move the fence back to the sidewalk.The streets and sidewalks belong tothe people, and the city council has no authority under the law to allowcontractors or any individual to use any part
  • Monday, 17th November 1913: P. H. Brewster. Albert Howell, Jr. Hugh M. Dorsey. Arthur Heyman. Dorsey, Brewster, Howell & Heyman. Attorneys-at-law., The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 17th November 1913,PAGE 10, COLUMN 2.Offices:202, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 210Kiser Building, Atlanta, Ga.Long-Distance Telephone 3022, 3024, and 3025, Atlanta, Ga.Monday, 17th November 1913: P. H. Brewster. Albert Howell, Jr. Hugh M. Dorsey. Arthur Heyman. Dorsey, Brewster, Howell & Heyman. Attorneys-at-law., The Atlanta Constitution
  • Tuesday, 18th November 1913: Conleys Trial Waits On The Supreme Court, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 18th November 1913,PAGE 15, COLUMN 4.JudgeHill Will Not Disposeof It Until Frank CaseIs Settled.Despitethe assertion of William M. Smith, attorney for Jim Conley, that he woulddemand an early trial for the negro sweeper, whose testimony did most toconvict Leo Frank of the murder of Mary Phagan, it was reported Late Mondaythat Judge Ben Hill, of the criminal branch of the superior court, would notplace the case for trial until after the retrial motion now before the supremecourt was disposed of.JudgeBen Hill is acting on his own initiative in the matter and his position isopposed to that of
  • Wednesday, 19th November 1913: First Murder Trial Before Judge Hill, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 19th November 1913,PAGE 14, COLUMN 2.Will Burnett, a negro, was convicted ofmanslaughter in Judge Ben Hills division of the superior court on Tuesday. Hewas given a twenty-year sentence.The negro made a statement to the juryin which he declared that in altercation with another negro, he was gettingbeaten by a club and, in self-defense, he pulled a knife and stabbed the negrothrough the abdomen. His statement saved him from sterner fate.The negro was the first man chargedwith murder to be tried by Judge Hill since his appointment to the criminalbranch of the Fulton county superior court.Wednesday, 19th November
  • Thursday, 20th November 1913: Nation-wide Search For Missing Wife, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 20th November 1913,PAGE 10, COLUMN 4.A letter revealing the sorrowful story of a husbandsnation-wide search for his missing wife has come to Chief Beavers from Russell,Iowa, to which W. W. Wolfe, a native of Montgomery went in the hope offinding the woman.Mrs. Wolfe disappeared from Montgomery severalmonths ago, the letter states. The husband, accompanied by their 4-year-olddaughter, trailed her through several northern states, losing track of her inIowa.In Russell his funds were exhausted andhe was forced to go to work. Following several weeks of residence in that cityhe learned through the newspapers of the case of an
  • Friday, 21st November 1913: Jim Conleys Case Is Once More Delayed, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 21st November 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 5.JimConleys case did not come up before Judge Ben Hill in the criminal division ofthe superior court Thursday.Onrequest of Solicitor General Dorsey, who bowed to the wishes of the judge, thecase was left on the docket to be tried at some future date, as yet unnamed.WilliamSmith, attorney for the negro, was in court during the morning session, butrefused to discuss his clients case in any manner save to remark that hewould press the matter to early trial, if possible.Itis not now believed the factory sweeper, whose testimony was largelyresponsible for the conviction
  • Saturday, 22nd November 1913: Will Ask Early Trial For Factory Sweeper, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 22nd November 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 4.Despite the attitude of Judge Hill andthe Solicitor General, William Smith, attorney for Jim Conley, will makestrenuous effort next week to have the negro factory sweeper, whose storyconvicted Leo M. Frank, of the Phagan murder, brought to early trial.The case was advanced again on Thursdayby Judge Hill and while Mr. Smith was in court he made no objection to theprocedure and it was taken for granted that he acquiesced in the matter ofpostponement.On Friday, Mr. Smith made the statementthat he would formally demand the early trial of his negro client when thecriminal
  • Sunday, 23rd November 1913: Burlesque Probe Started By Chief And By Recorder, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 23rd November 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.Order Goes Forth That Costumes Must Not Be TooAbbreviated and No GirlsUnder 16 Employed.SHOWS AREVERY TAMEWHEN BEAVERS APPEARSChief MakesRound of theHouses Saturday Nightand Finds Chorus GirlsDemurely Clad.Alleged burlesque naughtiness isbeing probed in Atlanta. Chief Beavers, one of his trusty men and Recorder NashBroyles have shouldered muskets in the war against rumored conditions in low-pricedVaudeville and burlesque theaters in the city. The first skirmish in the battleto end theatrical vulgarity and the appearances of young girls on local stageshas already been fought. The big battle will probably be fought this week inpolice court.Plans
  • Monday, 24th November 1913: Burlesque Houses Willing For Chief To Act As Censor, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 24th November 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.Alleged burlesque naughtiness isbeing probed in Atlanta. Chief Beavers, one of his trusty men and Recorder NashBroyles have shouldered muskets in the war against rumored conditions in low-pricedVaudeville and burlesque theaters in the city. The first skirmish in the battleto end theatrical vulgarity and the appearances of young girls on local stageshas already been fought. The big battle will probably be fought this week inpolice court.Plans of the campaign were made knownlast night by Chief of Police Beavers. The head of the police forceacknowledged that for some time past his aides have
  • Tuesday, 25th November 1913: Conleys Lawyer Will Ask Immediate Trial, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 25th November 1913,PAGE 8, COLUMN 4.Attorney William Smith will today inthe criminal branch of the superior court make formal demand that his negroclient, Jim Conley, the factory sweeper whose testimony convicted Leo Frank ofthe Phagan murder, be given immediate trial.Following a conference late Mondaybetween Attorney Smith and Solicitor Dorsey, Smith announced that he wouldwaive a jury trial for his client and await the courts decision as to whetherhis man shall be sentenced under a misdemeanor of felony charge.The indictment against Conley chargeshim with being an accessory after the fact in the murder of the Phagan girl.Attorney Smith
  • Wednesday, 26th November 1913: Conley Will Be Tried During January Term, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 26th November 1913,PAGE 7, COLUMN 4.Negro Factory Sweeper Appears in Court in order toHave the TimeSet.Jim Conley, the negro factory sweeperwho was a witness against Leo Frank in his trial for the murder of Mary Phagan,will be tried during the January term of the criminal court of Fulton county.This was made possible Tuesday whenConley, ready for trial, appeared before Judge Ben Hill, of the superior court,and, through his attorney, demanded trial.Conley was brought into court from theprisoners bullpen, looking smug and all smiles. So soon as court wasofficially opened. Solicitor General Dorsey called the courts attention to
  • Thursday, 27th November 1913: Gone Are The Days Of Oratory At The Bar, Says Pendleton, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 27th November 1913,PAGE 7, COLUMN 4.Stick to facts.Cut out the Fourth of July oratoricalfireworks.State your casebefore the jury tersely and briefly.Such was the advice of Judge John T. Pendleton,senior judge of the Fulton county superior court, as given by him Wednesdayafternoon in an address before the students of the Atlanta Law school. Hedeclared that the old days of flowery oratory at the bar are gone forever, andthat in the courts of today the forceful presentation of true facts alone isnecessary in successful law pleading.Judge Pendletons was the third of aseries of addresses being delivered before the law
  • Friday, 28th November 1913: Judge Roan Saves Youth From Sentencing Himself, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 28th November 1913,PAGE 3, COLUMN 5.To a Term inChaingangOne of Judge L. S. Roans last officialacts as a Fulton county superior court judge was the saving of a young lad onSaturday from sentencing himself to the chaingang.Davis Bonner, aged 16, recently wasarrested on a charge of burglary. He was indicted and faced a long chaingangsentence. It developed during his stay in jail that the lad had sworn that hewas 18 years of age when in reality he was but 16.When Judge Roan learned the factthrough a plea to the jurisdiction of the criminal court, filed by AttorneyLeonard
  • Saturday, 29th November 1913: Gillham Must Pay His Wife Alimony, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 29th November 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 2.Mrs. Annie G. Gillham, who recentlyfiled suit for divorce against her husband, Walter L. Gillham, manager of theSouthern Photo Material company, was awarded $50 per month temporary alimonyand the custody of her children, by order of Judge Pendleton, in the superiorcourt, Friday.Mrs. Gilliam, in her recent divorcesuit, which is now pending, declared that her husband was an habitual drunkardand had on more than one occasion tried to kill her. She averred that thehusband all but deserted her and her children and left them without support.She stated that her husband warned about $126
  • Sunday, 30th November 1913: Colyar Arrested On Cheat Charges, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 30th November 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 5.Lawyer Heldby Local De-tectives to Answer War-rant SwornOut for Him inRome, Ga.A. S. Colyar, principal figure inthe famous dictagraph case during the Mary Phagan murder investigation, wasarrested by detectives yesterday on a warrant sworn out in Rome, Ga., chargingcheating and swindling.He was carried to police headquartersto await the arrival of Rome officials. He denies the charge emphatically, anddeclares that he will be promptly freed and cleared. The exact circumstancesare not known. The warrant was issued for H. J. Awtry, it is said, whose homeis in Rome.Chief Lanford stated to a Constitutionreporter last
  • Monday, 1st December 1913: Soldiers To Parade For Corn Club Boys, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 1st December 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 2.Treat Arranged for Visitors by Seventeenth Infantry Next Wednesday Afternoon.WINECOFF AIDS.Frank Harrell, lessae of the Winecoff hotel, last night notified The Constitution that he would provide rooms at his hotel for twenty of the corn club boys.Mrs. Harrell stated that he was very glad to be able to help the chamber of commerce care for the youths who are doing so much toward the betterment of agricultural conditions in Georgia.There's hardly a boy in the land to whom the sight of soldiers marching and the sound of martial music is not entrancing,
  • Tuesday, 2nd December 1913: Collins May Make Self-defense Plea, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 2nd December 1913,PAGE 6, COLUMN 5.Clarence Collins, formerly an assistant superintendent on the construction work at the new Healy building, who was placed on trial Monday, before Judge Ben Hill, in the criminal division of the superior court, on a charge of having murdered Calvin Maddox, a negro employee, will probably know his fate by nightfall.The case is expected to reach the jury late today.Only witnesses for the state were heard Monday.It is believed that when Collins takes the stand today to make a statement, he will plead self-defense.Collins is charged with striking the negro with an
  • Thursday, 4th December 1913: Collins Is Freed Of Murder Of Negro, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 4th December 1913,PAGE 9, COLUMN 2.The jury, which, for the past three days, has been hearing the evidence against Clarence Collins, the white man charged with the murder of a negro employee at the Hurt building, returned a verdict of not guilty, late Wednesday, in Judge Ben Hill's division of the superior court.Collins was indicted by the grand jury who swore that he had beaten a negro over the head with an iron crow bar.The jury evidently believed Collins' story on the stand that the negro was struct accidentally.Thursday, 4th December 1913: Collins Is Freed Of Murder
  • Friday, 5th December 1913: Oglethorpe Fund Growing Rapidly, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 5th December 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 2.Minimum of $50, 000Is Set For Luncheon at Noon on SaturdaySize of Committees to Be Increased.SOME OGLETHORPE FACTS.Oglethorpe canvassing committees reported $5,741 more raised Thursday.The total for the four days'Campaign so far is $41,786.50.The average subscription to date, including all of the Atlanta subscribers, is $300.The committees have set $50,000 as the minimum aggregate of the fund to be reported by Saturday.A minimum of $50,000 is the figure set by the canvassing committees for the Oglethorpe university at the Saturday noon luncheon.This minimum does not include any large subscriptions, but just the
  • Saturday, 6th December 1913: Detectives’ Pay Day Of Interest To “Dips”, The Atlanta Constitution

      The Atlanta Constitution, Saturday, 6th December 1913, PAGE 6, COLUMN 5. While Beavers Considers Letter a Joke, Hollingsworth Can't Appreciate It. Not so very long ago, Detective John Hollingsworth, of Chief Lanford's staff at headquarters, was frisked of $63 by a pick-pocket while the detective was helping a number of his relatives aboard an out-going train. Hollingsworth immediately reported the case to headquarters, seeking to apprehend the pick-pocket and to recover the $62. Owing to this fact, the happening was given considerable publicity. Chief Beavers, on Friday, received the following communication from persons signing themselves "Crook, Yegg, Blackhand, Etc."
  • Sunday, 7th December 1913: Atlanta’s Female Detectives Are Not One Bit Like The Ones You Often Read About In Books, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 7th December 1913,PAGE 10, COLUMN 1.Mrs. Hattie Barnett, the state's only licensed female detective.In the first picture, she is shown examining evidence in with her assistant, Miss Emma Wright.The next picture is of Mrs. Barnett in street clothes.The bottom cut is one of Miss Wright's best poses.The sketches show the different attitudes in which a woman detective is likely to be seen any day.By Britt Craig.In yellowback fiction, the heroine of the female detective story usually springs from concealment in a walnut cabinet, throws a brace of pearl-handled automatics in the face of the wrong doer and
  • Monday, 8th December 1913: Chief J. L. Beavers Speaks At Toccoa On Civic Reforms, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 8th December 1913,PAGE 3, COLUMN 6.Chief James L. Beavers delivered a striking address on civic reforms in the tabernacle at Toccoa yesterday morning.The event was attended by a large crowd.The theme of the famous policeman's speech was the power of reform, and the results it had obtained in Atlanta.He dwelt extensively on the necessity of reform to a municipality.He referred to that part of his career as police chief, in which he had been branded "A Miss Nancy" by a city hall official."This man who called me Miss Nancy," spoke the chief, "has since learned that my
  • Tuesday, 9th December 1913: “deaf And Dumb” Man Talks To Detective, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 9th December 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 2.Joe Moore, a youth, was sentenced to ten days in the stockade Monday afternoon by Recorder Broyles for alleged criminal mendicancy.He was arrested on Marietta Street Saturday night by Policeman Covington, who testified that, although Moore had been soliciting alms with a deaf and dumb sign on his breast, he had been caught talking to Detective Rosser.Moore, it was stated, went into a Marietta Street saloon following the alleged conversation with the detective.He extended a pad which contained the writing:"I am deaf and dumb. Please contribute.""Better beat it, bo! That was a
  • Wednesday, 10th December 1913: Head Of Vice Squad, Indorsed By Chief, Demoted By Board, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 10th December 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.Chief BeaversWantedJ. W. Barfield Made a Sergeant When Office of Roundsmen Was Abolished.CHAIRMAN MASON LEADS FIGHT AGAINST OFFICERChargesDissension Has Existed in Department as Result of His Administration.He Drops to Patrolman.The police board exploded a bomb last night when Chief Beavers' recommendation of J. W. Barfield, head of the vice squad, for a sergeancy, was turned down by a vote of eight to three.Barfield has been considered one of the chief's most valuable lieutenants in the department's noted vice crusade.He was in charge of the plain clothes "vice squad," having served in that
  • Thursday, 11th December 1913: Red Cross Seal Workers Set Furious Pace On First Day, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 11th December 1913,PAGE 9, COLUMN 4.MRS.HUGH WILLET.General chairman in charge of work of selling Red Cross seals for benefit of campaign against tuberculosis.Mrs. C. H. Booth, of Ponce de Leon apartments, and her enthusiastic corps of workers set a pace yesterday on opening day of the sales of the Red Cross Christmas seals that other chairmen and their assistants will have hard work keeping up with.From reports made last night, which were not complete, the first day's sale will total between $350 and $400.Mrs. Booth was quite confident last night that when she had received reports form
  • Friday, 12th December 1913: Frank’s Lawyers Complete Brief, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 12th December 1913,PAGE 7, COLUMN 6.Judge Roan's Ruling Is Severely Criticized in Appeal to Supreme Court for New TrialJudge L. S. Roan's ruling in the Frank case was severely criticized in the brief which Frank's attorneys will file with the supreme court today.It is charged that Judge Roan refused to grant the defendant a new trial when he himself admitted that he was in doubt as to his guilt.The brief was presented to Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey Thursday.The brief of the evidence has also been completed and the attorneys will be in readiness to begin anew
  • Saturday, 13th December 1913: Dorsey As Severe As Frank Defense, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 13th December 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 3.State's Brief Filed Friday, and Case Up for Argument Monday Before Supreme Court.Severe as was the criticism of Judge L. S. Roan, made by the attorneys for Leo M. Frank in their brief filed with the clerk of the supreme court yesterday, it is met by criticism equally as sharp from Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey in his brief, which will be filed today.Mr. Dorsey's brief is not printed and is not near so long as that filed by the defendant's attorneys, which covers 389 printed pages.In speaking of Judge Roan's expression of
  • Sunday, 14th December 1913: Atlanta’s Strides From Day To Day, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 14th December 1913,PAGE 38, COLUMN 2.Sales Involving Over $160, 000 in Sight Christmas Spirit Relaxes Trade Now.While the last week was more or less quiet in the real estate market, with the exception of the auction sale of the F. M. Stocks property, at Nelson and Mangum streets, which brought good prices, the realty men are not at all discouraged with the outlook.They predict a rejuvenation of trading and building after the first of the year, and all indications point in that direction.Several large sales are said to be in the contract stage and will probably be
  • Monday, 15th December 1913: Frank Case Opens In Supreme Court, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 15th December 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 6.DefenseExpected to Ask Extension of Time for ArgumentReuben Arnold to Be First Speaker.Attorney Reuben Arnold opens first fire in the fight before the supreme court for a new trial for Leo M. Frank, which begins at 9 o'clock this morning.It is generally predicted that the battle will shatter all previous hearings before the supreme court.A vigorous request will be made, it is intimated, for extension of time for argument, which is prophesied to carry the hearing as long as four days more.Attorney Arnold stated to a Constitution Reporter last night that the
  • Tuesday, 16th December 1913: Seven Managers Of Locker Clubs Arrested In Raid, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 16th December 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.Police ChargeViolations of City LawProhibiting the Sale of Liquor to Non Members of Clubs.RELEASE IS GIVEN ON BONDS OF $300 EACH"No War on Locker Clubs," Says Beavers Managers Enter Vigorous Denial.Will Fight Cases Today.After ten days of investigation, detectives under the direction of Chief Newport Lanford and Chief of Police Beavers on Monday afternoon raided seven of the better-known "locker clubs" in the downtown district, took the superintendents to police barracks and after making cases against them released the men under bonds of $300 each.The clubs were not closed.The charge is the
  • Wednesday, 17th December 1913: Leo Frank’s Fate Now Rests With High Tribunal, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 17th December 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.Stirring Speeches Are Made by Attorney General Felder for State and Luther Z. Rosser for Defense.FELDER IS CRITICAL OF JUDGE L. S. ROANHe Declares the Judge's Comments Had No Rightful Place in the Bill of Exceptions Filed.The expression of doubt made by Judge L. S. Roan, the trial justice in the Frank case, was the subject of a searing attack Tuesday morning from Attorney General Thomas Felder in his address before the supreme court, where the fight for a new trial for the convicted man came to a close at 1 o'clock
  • Friday, 19th December 1913: Broyles To Oppose Roan For Appellate Judgeship Many Seek Police Bench, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 19th December 1913,PAGE 1, COLUMN 6.Announces CandidacyJUDGE NASH R. BROYLES.Who announces he will run against Judge Roan for the court of appeals.PAGE 1, COLUMN 7BROYLES' PLACE ALREADY SOUGHT BY 7 CANDIDATESAtlanta Recorder Announces That He Will Offer for Place Resigned by Judge Hill.TWO ATLANTA MEN IN STATE CONTESTFollowingAnnouncement of Judge Broyles Candidates for Recorder Spring Up on All Sides.Recorder Nash R. Broyles, who has occupied the bench of police court judge of Atlanta for fifteen years, has announced his candidacy for the court of appeals in opposition to Judge L. S. Roan to fill the unexpired term
  • Saturday, 20th December 1913: Social Items, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 20th December 1913,PAGE 7, COLUMN 1.Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Van Harlingen left yesterday to spend Christmas with Mrs. Van Harlingen's father in La Porte, Ind.They will visit in Chicago and Cleveland before returning home.***Mrs. Mc Craw, of Milledgeville, is the guest of Mrs. H. F. Harris.***Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Kneip leave Sunday for New York, where they will make their home.They will stop over in Washington for Christmas.Until their departure from Atlanta, they will be at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Collier.*** Miss Helen Potts is the guest of Mrs.Irving in Athens.***Mr. William
  • Sunday, 21st December 1913: Supplementary Briefs To Correct Mistakes, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 21st December 1913,PAGE 27, COLUMN 1.Defense Claims Judge Roan Has Reversed Himself Since Going on Appellate Bench.While it is true that attorneys on both sides of the Frank case will ask the supreme court for permission to file supplementary briefs, it was declared yesterday by Reuben Arnold, of counsel for Leo Frank that there would be no charges of bad faith or of willful misrepresentation on his part."Our object in asking to file supplementary briefs," said Mr. Arnold, "will be to correct errors which may have crept into the record and to call attention to statements of
  • Monday, 22nd December 1913: Court In Whitfield Convenes January 5, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 22nd December 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 2.Dalton, Ga., December 21.(Special.)The January term of Whitfield superior court will convene here on January 5, Judge Fite presiding.This is not the term at which the grand jury meets, but owing to the fact that there are a number of men in jail here charged with felonies, it is probable that a grand jury will be called and empaneled.There will be several murder cases, among them being that of Ira Fisher, charged with the death of Dug Steele in 1909.Fisher also figured as a post-witness in the Frank trial, which revived the
  • Tuesday, 23rd December 1913: Col. W. S. Thomson To Be Buried Today, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 23rd December 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 2.Death Came to Useful Citizen Monday After LengthyIllness.Colonel William S. Thomson, one of Atlanta's most prominent citizens, died Monday morning at 5 o'clock, at his residence, 449 North Boulevard.HeCOLONEL W. S.THOMSON.had been in bad health forover a year,and in a serious condition for several weeks.Colonel Thomson was born seventy years ago at Summit Point,Jefferson County, Virginia,in that part of the Old Dominion which is now West Virginia.His home was near Charlestown,where John Brown was captured and hanged, and Colonel Thomson witnessed the execution.He enlisted in the Second Virginia regiment immediately after war
  • Thursday, 25th December 1913: Laboring Folk Of Griffin Send Dorsey Xmas Present, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 25th December 1913,PAGE 3, COLUMN 4.Griffin, Ga., December 24.The East Griffin cotton mill folk are today sending Hon. Hugh M. Dorsey a pair of gold cuff buttons as a Christmas present as a token of their appreciation of his efforts in the Mary Phagan case.A popular subscription list was the convicted murderer of Mary Phagan.A popular subscription list was circulated in the matter, and many approached on the subject made contributions.Rev. J. C. Adams, pastor of the Third Methodist church, of this place, was requested to write and send the following letter to Colonel Dorsey:"My Dear Sir:
  • Saturday, 27th December 1913: Supplemental Briefs Ready In Frank Case, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 27th December 1913,PAGE 5, COLUMN 6.Defense Will Stress Judge Roan's DoubtAs to Guilt of the Prisoner.Supplemental briefs will be filed in the supreme court today by attorneys for the defense in the Leo M. Frank case calling attention again to the doubt which rested on Judge Roan's mind when he declined to give the defendant in the case the benefit of a new trial.This point is stressed in the supplemental brief because of the vigorous argument made by Attorney General Felder attacking the validity of incorporating into the bill of exceptions Judge Roan's expression of doubt.So far
  • Wednesday, 31st December 1913: Men And Business Bulletin No. 91, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 31st December 1913,PAGE 2, COLUMN 5."Errare Humanum Est"To err is human.To differ with your fellowman is still more human.Adam and Eve had their differences.The Disciples of Christ did not always agree.If they were still living the chances are they would still be differing.A man if he is a fool will differ with his wife.Most men are fools.Some men differ over poker hands, some over religion.Disputes are never settled between the disputants.Time alone settles all differences.Marion Jackson and John Eagan differ with Fred Paxon and Forrest Adair.That's natural.They are all fine fellows and they all think they are
  • Thursday, 1st January 1914: Gunman And Thug Busy In Atlanta During Year 1913, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 1st January 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.The Meager Police Records ShowForty-Seven Homicides, and Arrests Made in Twenty-Nine Cases.MARY PHAGAN KILLED;APPLEBAUM SHOT DOWNThese Two Were the Most Noted Tragedies of Year.List of Slain Smaller Than In 1912, When It Was 56 Crimson splotches darkened many pages of Atlanta's history during 1913, for the city's homicide rate continues higher than that of other southern centers.Meager police records show that the gunmen and thug, brother slayers, have stalked abroad with effect as great as in many previous years.There were forty-seven homicides in 1913, two of them among the most noted crimes
  • Thursday, 8th January 1914: Frank Attorneys File Supplemental Brief, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 8th January 1914,PAGE 11, COLUMN 1.Insist That Roan Evaded Responsibility in Denying Defendant a New Trial.Attorneys for Leo M. Frank filed yesterday with the supreme court a supplementary brief on behalf of the defendant consisting of sixty-three closely typewritten pages.Writers of the supplementary brief state at the outset that their sole purpose in filling it is to correct alleged errors in the argument made by Solicitor Hugh Dorsey in his brief.Every circumstances urged by the prosecution as tending to prove Frank's guilt is taken up in turn and the effort made to show that it is either
  • Thursday, 15th January 1914: Dorsey Will Not Reply To Latest Frank Brief, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 15th January 1914,PAGE 4, COLUMN 1.That Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey will not make reply to the latest supplemental brief field by attorneys for Leo M. Frank before the supreme court was stated on apparently good authority Wednesday.Mr. Dorsey, himself, declined to discuss the matter, but it is believed that he holds that the points made in the additional brief were thoroughly covered by his other briefs.The action of the supreme court is expected to be made known either on February 15 or March 15.The members of the court are now considering the case which was carried
  • Saturday, 7th February 1914: Decision Is Expected In Frank Case Today, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 7th February 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.No Announcement Made by Court, But That Is the General Belief.It is regarded as not improbable that the decision of the supreme court in the Leo M. Frank case will be handed down today.When the clerk of the supreme court arrived at his office in the capitol building Thursday morning early he found a battalion of newspaper reporters assembled awaiting the handing down of the court's decision in the case.All day long the newspaper men stayed on the job, but no decision was forthcoming.It could be ascertained definitely given that the supreme
  • Friday, 13th February 1914: Decision Is Expected In Frank Case Today, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 13th February 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.No Announcement Made by Court, But That Is the General Belief.It is regarded as not improbable that the decision of the supreme court in the Leo M. Frank case will be handed down today.When the clerk of the supreme court arrived at his office in the capitol building Thursday morning early he found a battalion of newspaper reporters assembled awaiting the handing down of the court's decision in the case.All day long the newspaper men stayed on the job, but no decision was forthcoming.It could be ascertained definitely given that the supreme
  • Saturday, 14th February 1914: No Decision As Yet In The Frank Case, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 14th February 1914,PAGE 9, COLUMN 4.Judge Evins Has Been Assigned to Case Many Wild Rumors Afloat.Four days have passed and the supreme court has not handed down a single decision.This is altogether unusual and those who are familiar with the workings of the high court are convinced that the consideration of the Frank case is is responsible for this state of affairs.For two days all sorts of rumors have been afloat in regard to the probable action of the supreme court on this famous case, and throughout the capitol there has been the greatest interest.Thursday and Friday
  • Wednesday, 18th February 1914: Leo M. Frank Has Not Lost All Hope, Counsel Will Make Vigorous Fight To Save The Life Of Their Client, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 18th February 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 5.Loses in SupremeCourtLEO FRANKFrank's Attorneys Preparing for New Battle May Appeal to Federal Courts, or Make Extraordinary Motion.CONVICTEDMAN STOICALWHEN HE HEARS NEWS;MAKES NO STATEMENTTrialJudge's Remarks NoGround for New Trial,Holds High Court Per-version Evidence by Con-ley Admissible.Leo M. Frank denied by the Supreme court a new trial for themurder of Mary Phagan, now faces one of three final recourses:First, motion for a re-hearing before the court which handeddown yesterday's decision;Second, an extraordinary motion for new trial before thesuperior court, in which he was originally arraigned, on a basis of newly foundevidence:Third, an appeal
  • Thursday, 19th February 1914: Counsel For Frank To Ask A Rehearing By Supreme Court, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 19th February 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 7.First Step in New Battle to Save Life of Prisoner Convicted of Phagan Murder, Will Be Taken Today.BURNS TO INVESTIGATE MARY PHAGAN MURDER"Its Mysterious Features Appeal to Me, and I want To Learn the Truth," He Says.Leo Frank knows nothing of the decision of Detective William J. Burns to investigate the Phagan murder.That is, he knows nothing except what he has learned from the newspapers.This he told friends who visited him late Wednesday afternoon."I hope Burns will, investigate it," he is quoted as saying, "and find the truth I am awaiting."It is
  • Friday, 20th February 1914: Frank’s Attorneys Could Not Complete Document Yesterday Speculation As To What Burns Will Do., The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 20th February 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 4.It is expected that that the attorneys for Leo M. Frank's defense will probably file today their motion for a rehearing of the case.Although closeted all day Thursday.Attorneys Reuben Arnold and Luther Z. Rosser were unable to complete the motion in time for fling.It is expected the document will be a lengthy one, containing in the neighbourhood of fifty grounds for rehearing.They remained silent Thursday, refusing to discuss their new action from any angle.The motion will be opposed by Attorney General Thomas Felder, prosecutor, on the contention that the defense had ample
  • Saturday, 21st February 1914: Jim Conley Case To Come To Trial Week From Today, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 21st February 1914,PAGE 5, COLUMN 2.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
  • Sunday, 22nd February 1914: State Witness Repudiates Testimony Against Frank, Promised Money, He Says, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 22nd February 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 6.Albert Mc Knight,Who Testified That Prisoner Came Home,Then Left Suddenly, and Who Told of Wife's Alleged Statement, Has Made Denial of Old Affidavit.EXTRAORDINARY MOTION FOR A NEW TRIAL TO BE NEXT STEP OF DEFENSEMc Knight's Wife, Who at First Stated That Frank Was Very Nervous on Murder Night and Said He Had Had Trouble With Girl at Factory, Afterwards Denied Her Statement.The most startling of new developments in the Frank case, which have come in flurries since the decision of the supreme court last Tuesday, is the announcement that Albert Mc Knight,
  • Monday, 23rd February 1914: Mrs. Nina Formby Makes Affidavit To Assist Frank, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 23rd February 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.Understood That Defense Has Paper Signed by Her in Which She Repudiates Affidavit Given Police.CHARACTER WITNESSES MAY CHANGE TESTIMONY Reported Defense May Make Attack Upon Detective Rosser, Who Secured Evidence Against Frank.Another interesting development in the Frank case came to light Sunday when it became known that attorneys for the defense have obtained, from Mrs. Nina Formby an affidavit reported to accuse detectives and the police of inveigling her into a "frame-up" against Frank shortly before his trial.A member of the counsel for the defense stated that the affidavit was in existence,
  • Tuesday, 24th February 1914: All Night Search To Find M’knight Meets No Success Dorsey Seeks To Show Hair That Of Phagan, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 24th February 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.Defense Announces That if the Supreme Court Refuses Frank a Rehearing, New Trial Motion Will Be Filed.Refuting the theory of the Leo Frank's counsel that the strands of hair found on the lathe in the pencil factory were not Mary Phagan's, Solicitor Dorsey intends to show the Jim Conley jury this morning that the hair actually came from the scalp of the murdered girl, thereby seeking to destroy one of the strongest contentions in the proposed plea for a new trial.Dorsey built a foundation for this move Monday afternoon during the Conley
  • Wednesday, 25th February 1914: Latham Leaves To Seek Uncle Of Mary Phagan, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 25th February 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 7.It Is Said That the Defense Hopes to Prove Discrepancy in the Time Element Theory of State.NINA FORMBY IS NOW IN NEW YORK CITYShe Has Secured Services of Judge R. R. Jackson and Will Meet Him in Chatta Nooga to Confer About the Case.That a new and startling phase of the puzzling time element in the Mary Phagan mystery one contradictory to the state's theory will be injected into the effort to gain Frank a new trial, was made evident last night when it became known that Harry Latham, an ex-court attache,
  • Thursday, 26th February 1914: Plied With Whisky She Lied In Story Told About Frank Says Mrs. Formby, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 26th February 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.Woman Who Made an Affidavit That Prisoner Had Telephoned Her That He Wanted to Bring Girl to Her House Says Detectives Brought Her Booze for Three Weeks.CHARGES "FRAMEUP" IN INTERVIEW GIVEN TO NEW YORK PAPERSDeclares She Has Repented Making False Affidavit.Detectives Norris, Chewning, Rosser, Vickery and Hamby Figure in Story.Didn't Know Frank.She Says.New York, February 25.Repentant over having made a false affidavit accusing Leo M. Frank, who was sentenced to death for the murder of the little factory girl, Mary Phagan, in Atlanta, Ga., Mrs. Nina Formby, of Atlanta, tonight called up
  • Friday, 27th February 1914: Detectives Scored In Alleged Formby Confession, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 27th February 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 4.Photo by Francis E. Price, Staff Photographer.ATLANTA'S DETECTIVE FORCE.In a statement given out in New York, supposedly by Mrs. Nina Formby, five Atlanta officers are mentioned, two of whom, Chewning and Norris, are charged with getting the woman drunk and then securing a false affidavit attacking Leo Frank.Four these officers are here shown.They are:Top row, first man on left,Detective Vickery; middle row, second man from left.Hamby; fourth man, Rosser; sixth, Chewning.Chief of Detectives Lanford, who, on Thursday, denied Mrs. Formby made confession, is shown in the center of the bottom row.Detective Norris
  • Saturday, 28th February 1914: Appeal For Frank Delayed By Hope Of New Evidence, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 28th February 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.Astonishing Development In Case of Prisoner Expect Ed Within Short Time by Lawyers for Defense.LATHAM IN BIRMINGHAM, SAYS J. E. McCLELLANDMc Knight Has Returned to His Home Mrs. Frank Gives Out Card in Which She Scores Dorsey.Indications in the camp of Leo Frank's defense yesterday were that his counsel is eagerly expecting some new and astonishing evidence which will be contained in the motion extraordinary to be made soon for a new trial before Judge Ben Hill.A surprising amount of new evidence has already been accumulated, it is known, and will be
  • Sunday, 1st March 1914: Helen Ferguson Tells Defense In Affidavit Of Advance By Conley, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 1st March 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 6.Little FactoryGirlWho Was a StarWitness for State in Trial of LeoFrank Declares She Was Bad in Trial of Leo Frank Declares She Was Badly Frightened by Negro, Who Approached Her Menacingly While in a Drunken State on Saturday, April 19, at Same Spot Defense Says Mary Phagan Was Slain Says She Dropped Boxes and Ran Upstairs to Escape Him.DENIES REPORT OF REPUDIATION OF TESTIMONY SHE GAVE AT TRIALDescribes Visit Made to Her by C. W. Burke.Investigator for Defense Mother Did Not Know for Month She Had Given Affidavit.Formby, Denying One She Gave
  • Monday, 2nd March 1914: Frank Case Waits On Transmission Of Legal Papers, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 2nd March 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.Reported That Remittitur of Supreme CourtWill Reach Clerk of Superior Court Some Time Today.FERGUSON AFFIDAVIT LATEST DEVELOPMENTWitnessTestifiedFrankRefused to Give HerMary Phagan's Pay, But Did Not Say Girl Was Coming For It.On Monday morning it is expected the legal chess game of the Frank case will be renewed when the remittitur of the supreme court refusing a rehearing of the case arrives at the desk of the clerk of the superior court.There is no authentic source for the prediction that the document will be transmitted on Monday, but it is freely reported that
  • Tuesday, 3rd March 1914: Many Affidavits Held By Defense, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 3rd March 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.Will Probably Be Published Before End of Week, Burns Confers With Frank In Tower.That the attorneys for the defense of Leo M. Frank will make a tremendous fight for a new trial upon a motion extraordinary before Judge Ben Hill, of the criminal division of the superior court, became evident on Monday when it became known authentically for the first time that the attorneys are fortified with a great mass of new evidence which has not hitherto been made public.This new evidence is for the most part in the form of new
  • Wednesday, 4th March 1914: Luther Z. Rosser Holds Conference In New York Over Leo Frank’s Case, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 4th March 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 7.Lawyers for PrisonerTell New York Newspaper Men Atlanta Was Stirred by Large Number of Unavenged Murders, and That the Newspapers and People Were Determined on Meeting Out Punishment to Slayer of GirlFAIR TRIAL POSSIBLE IN ATLANTA NOW, SAYS ROSSER IN INTERVIEWHarry Latham Returns to Atlanta With New Affida Vit, in Which Attack Is Made on Time Element as Presented by Prosecution.It Is Expected That Prisoner Will Be Brought Before Judge Ben Hill Today to Be Sentenced.New York, March 3.(Special.)Luther Z. Rosser, of Atlanta, chief counsel for Leo M. Frank, arrived in New
  • Thursday, 5th March 1914: Geo. Epps Brands As A Falsehood Story Of His Son In Affidavit, The Atlanta Constitution

    The Atlanta Constitution,Thursday, 5th March 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 7.Father of the Boy Who Charges John Black With Framing Affidavit Says His Story Is Absurd; That His Son Told Him Before He Knew of Such a Person as Black.JOHN BLACK IS SORE; TALKS OF FIGHTINGStatements of Luther Z. Rosser, Quoted in the New York Times, Are Not Warranted by the Facts, Think Members of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and Denial Is Wired to the New York paper.Branding his own son's story as a fabrication of the whole cloth,George W. Epps, father of George Epps, the ex-newsboy witness in the Frank
  • Monday, 9th March 1914 Leo Frank Answers List of Questions Bearing on Points Made Against Him

    The Atlanta Constitution Monday, March 9, 1914 Stated That He Was Willing to Reply to Any Questions That Might Be in the Mind of the Public, and Asked to Answer Any Such That Might Be Propounded to Him. TELLS HOW JIM CONLEY COULD HAVE SLAIN GIRL AND ESCAPED DETECTION Asserts That Very Fact That He Admitted He Had Seen Mary Phagan on the Day of the Murder, Thus Placing Himself Under Suspicion, Was Proof in Itself That He Was Innocent of Crime. Probably the most interesting statement yet issued by Leo M. Frank in connection with the murder for which
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