Wednesday, 21st July 1915: Frank’s Recovery Now Seems Almost Certain, The Atlanta Journal
The Atlanta Journal,
Wednesday, 21st July 1915,
PAGE 1, COLUMN 6.
### Pulse and Respiration Normal and Temperature Barely Above Normal
(By Journal Staff Correspondent.)
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga., July 21. While Leo M. Frank's physicians will not state positively that he is out of danger, they admit that their fears have greatly decreased and are of the opinion that recovery is certain unless there are some unexpected developments.
Frank's temperature continues to fall, and this morning he is in better condition than at any previous time since his throat was slashed Saturday night by J. W. Creen.
During the early part of Tuesday night, Frank was restless, and in some pain. Mrs. Frank remained at his bedside until nearly 10 o'clock.
At 9:30 o'clock this morning, the following official bulletin was issued: "Leo Frank's wound has been dressed and found to be in good condition. There is ample drainage. The inflammation is subsiding and his temperature and pulse both approaching normal. His condition this morning is highly satisfactory. (Signed.) GUY D. COMPTON, M. D. THOMAS M. HALL, M. D."
He slept at brief intervals before midnight and at 1 o'clock this morning, his temperature had dropped to normal; at 4:30 this morning, his temperature was 100 degrees, which is lower than at any time yesterday. The rise from normal to 100 has caused no apprehension, physicians explaining that the drop toward the middle of the night is to be expected in cases of this type. Pulse and respiration remain about normal.
Physicians and nurses have settled themselves down for a long fight, but feel highly confident of Frank's recovery.
During the morning Frank's wound will be dressed, and, after consultation of physicians, an official bulletin issued.
Frank's assailant, J. W. Creen, this morning reiterated to The Journal correspondent his statement that he felt he had "done his duty," and that his only regret was that he did not have more strength when he made the attack.
Further than this Creen would say little except to repeat that he would be willing to tell all his whole story to no one except B. H. Hardaway or Governor Harris.
"Lots of lies have been told about me," he said. "I feel that I have done my duty and that some day I will be set right. The reason I'm here now is because I talked too much. I haven't said anything about this and I'm not going to."
Convicts and prison officials alike are of the opinion that Frank has been guilty of nothing to incite the personal malice of Creen. It is stated that Creen and Frank probably never have spoken to each other. They worked in different quarters, and their cots were on opposite sides of the room, some seventy-five feet apart, separated by a row of other cots.
Physicians continue to guard Frank against all undue excitement. No one outside of Mrs. Frank, the doctors, the nurses,
(Continued on Last Page, Column 2.)
### PAGE 16, COLUMN 2
FRANK'S RECOVERY ALMOST CERTAIN, DOCTORS BELIEVE
(Continued from Page One.)
and other attendants have been permitted to see him until this morning, when the newspaper correspondents were admitted to his bedside.
Frank recognized one correspondent by holding out his right hand, bandaged from the wound received in his scuffle with Creen, he smiled bravely and called the correspondent's name. The whispered greeting started his cough, and he was permitted to say nothing further.
Suffering was written on Frank's face. His neck is swollen from the effect of his wound and loss of blood has had a telling effect on him. Despite all his evident suffering, however, he forced a smile.
Since his throat was slashed, Frank has talked to no one except in monosyllables to Mrs. Frank, doctors, and nurses. His condition is such that anything like an interview with him is out of the question.
He has made no statement other than those of Saturday night, when to all appearance facing death, he said: "I have nothing to fear. I hope the Lord will forgive Creen."
He is bearing his suffering uncomplainingly and with a fortitude that doctors assert is remarkable.
No one else will be permitted to see Frank today or probably for several days to come.
Creen greeted newspaper correspondents cheerfully this morning, but still refuses to discuss his attack on Frank. He asserted that he would see no more visitors and his wishes in this particular matter will be respected by prison officials.
Mrs. Frank appears much cheered this morning after talking with the physicians. She will remain here until it is absolutely certain that Frank is out of danger.