Wednesday, 13th August 1913: Testimony Of Office Boy Causes Warm Clash Between The Lawyers, The Atlanta Constitution

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Philip Chambers, an ex-office boy in Frank's office, was put on the stand during the afternoon session. It was during an examination by the solicitor in which questions were put regarding alleged improper advances the accused man had made to the boy that a sensational argument was projected between the state and defense. Judge Roan ruled in behalf of the defense.

He was questioned by Mr. Arnold.

"How old are you?"

"Fifteen years."

"Were you ever office boy at the pencil factory?"

"Yes."

"What time?"

"From December 12, 1912, until March 29, 1913."

"How late did you stay on Saturdays?"

"Until 4:30 o'clock and sometime 5."

"Did you ever leave beforehand?"

"No."

"What time did you leave for dinner?"

"At 1:30 and get back by 2."

Had No Women in Office.

"On any Saturdays or other days, did Mr. Frank ever have any women in his office "did he ever give beer drinking parties?"

"No, sir; I never saw any."

"Ever see Jim Conley?"

"Yes, sir; I'd see him sweeping around the factory."

"What time was this?"

"On Saturday afternoons."

"Have you ever known the front door to have been locked on Saturday afternoons?"

"No."

"Ever known anybody to watch the front door?"

"No, sir."

"Ever see Frank touch any girls or women?"

"No."

"Ever see Mary Phagan talk to Frank?"

"No."

The cross-examination began.

"Where do you now work?"

"At the pencil factory."

"What did Frank try to get you to complain about?"

"I never complained to Mr. Gantt."

Improper Advances Alleged.

"Do you deny that you told Gantt of improper advances and propositions Frank had been making to you?"

"Yes."

"Didn't you tell Gantt that Frank had threatened to fire you if you didn't permit him to do with you what he wanted to do?"

Here a protest was made by Attorney Arnold, who asked the court to rule out all questions and answers of that nature, on grounds that they were grossly prejudicial and irrelevant.

Judge Roan ruled to sustain the defense.