Saturday, 22nd May 1915: Says Roan Believed In Frank’s Innocence, The Atlanta Constitution

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### Letter to Prison Commission by Judge Powell

Texas Solons Ask Commutation.

The Third State legislative body to take action on behalf of Leo M. Frank in the widespread movement to bring about Commutation, is the Legislature of Texas, in which was introduced Friday a Resolution signed by a large majority of Representatives making a Plea upon Georgia Authorities for leniency.

Another Development in the Frank Case Friday was the Receipt by Governor Slaton and the Prison Commission of a letter from Judge Arthur Powell asserting that the late Judge L. S. Roan, presiding Justice over the Frank Case, had believed Frank to be innocent.

The Texas Resolution was signed by Seventy-One members, and was introduced in the Lower House. It went over until Saturday, when it would be decided upon.

### Judge Powell's Letter.

The letter of Judge Powell is as follows:

In re Leo M. Frank,

Gentlemen:

I feel it proper to make this Statement:

I was an intimate friend of Judge Roan. If he were living, I would not attempt to speak for him. Since his mouth is closed by death, I feel that it is due to him and to Frank that I should give you the benefit of what I know of how he felt as to the Defendant's guilt.

Frequently during the trial, he advised, with me, sending for me, often to come to the Courthouse. I cannot, with brevity, detail the conversations I had with him. The substance of what he told me is, that he did not believe the Defendant to be guilty. He expressed this opinion, in substance to me at varying times during the trial.

Also, at his request, I prepared Portions of his Charge to the Jury. I mention this fact merely to show that I had opportunity of intimate knowledge of the state of his mind.

### Judge Not Himself, He Says.

Why, with these views, he did not grant the new trial, which from his conversations with me I fully expected him to grant, I do not know and cannot explain. I have known Judge Roan for a number of years, and I can say he was not himself during the trial and afterwards.

Furthermore, I wish to say that I was present in Court a number of times during the trial, and kept up tolerably well with the evidence. I had no interest in it. If I was theoretically interested, it was on the side of the State, as my partner, Mr. Hooper, was engaged in the Prosecution. What I saw of the trial convinced me that the Defendant was innocent. To any critical mind, there must be grave doubt of his guilt. As a Citizen of the State, let me say that I hope he will be pardoned or that his sentence will be commuted.

I can say further that I have recently been in various parts of South Georgia and have been surprised to find how strong and practically unanimous the sentiment there is against his being hanged, though there was considerable feeling against him in that section at the time of the trial.

Respectfully,

A.G. POWELL.

PAGE 11, COLUMN 1

### DR. WHITE TO DISCUSS LEO FRANK'S SENTENCE

"Ought Leo M. Frank to Hang?" Dr. J. L. White, Pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle, has chosen this as his Subject for Discussion from his Pulpit tomorrow night, and he says he will state publicly his position and will give his Reasons, based on a careful study of the Case.