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, of the murder of Mary Phagan, and I am of the opinion that nearly everyone who is familiar with the case believes him guilty."

"We, the other detectives and myself, have worked very hard on the case and have been untiring in our efforts to get at the truth regarding this terrible crime. We have been severely condemned by a few persons, most of whom are unfamiliar with the case, and with police methods of obtaining evidence, for the manner in which the city detectives have handled the Frank case, but the verdict rendered by the jury comes as a complete vindication of our department. In my opinion, and we feel that we have received the greatest reward possible, namely, the conviction of the man responsible for the little Phagan girl's death."

Rabbi David Marx Expresses Great Surprise Over Verdict

Rabbi David Marx, close personal friend of Leo M. Frank, who has stood by the convicted young man with a devotion which has been admirable of even those who thought Frank guilty, was one of those most surprised at the verdict surprised and stunned. Dr. Marx had been granted a leave of absence by his congregation and had been intending to take a trip to Europe.

When Frank was arrested, Dr. Marx gladly gave up the Idea of a vacation and not a day has passed that he has not been with the unfortunate young man. When he learned the verdict Monday, he said:

"I am stunned. I cannot believe it. I know he is innocent I know he is incapable of such a crime. My faith in Leo Frank has not diminished one bit."

"I ask that the public suspend final Judgment until an appeal for a new trial is made."

Dr. Marx was with Leo M. Frank when the news of the jury's finding was made known.

Later he consulted with Frank's attorneys and then went back to the jail to lend what comfort he could to the young man.

Phones Kept Busy for Hours With Messages About Verdict

According to a statement made by an official of the company Monday night, never in the history of the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph company, have as many calls been registered as were put into the local exchanges within first hours after the Frank jury brought in a verdict.

The company had a full and competent corps of operators at the switchboard, but the calls come in too fast and frequently to be handled promptly. The officials state that it appeared that every man, woman and child in Atlanta wanted to make use of the phone immediately and talk with their friends about the trial and its outcome. The company has a rush hour every day, in which the operators are taxed to their utmost speed to handle the calls, but Monday afternoon broke all records, more than three times the number of connections being called for than the largest number of any previous day in the history of the company In Atlanta.