Leo Frank TV

The Murder of Little Mary Phagan (2025 Edition) by Mary Phagan Kean

By Research Librarian Simon Pauling / September 23, 2025
Important Book Launch: The Murder of Little Mary Phagan (2025 Edition) by Mary Phagan Kean Help preserve this important history...
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Friday, 30th April 1915: Parents Of Leo Frank Arrive In Atlanta To Aid Son, The Atlanta Journal

By Historical Librarian / January 9, 2026
The Atlanta Journal,Friday, 30th April 1915,PAGE 14, COLUMN 5.PARENTS OF LEO FRANK ARE NOW IN ATLANTAWill Aid Condemned Man's Attorneys...
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Tuesday, 27th April 1915: Daniel To Be Tried During The May Term, The Atlanta Journal

By Historical Librarian / January 9, 2026
The Atlanta Journal,Tuesday, 27th April 1915,PAGE 8, COLUMN 2.When Judge Ben H. Hill's Division of the Superior Court reconvenes May...
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Thursday, 22nd April 1915: Frank Asks Commutation Of Death Sentence To Life Term, The Atlanta Journal

By Historical Librarian / January 9, 2026
The Atlanta Journal,Thursday, 22nd April 1915,PAGE 1, COLUMN 4.PAGE 1, COLUMN 7CLEMENCY PLEA IS FILED WITH PARDON BOARD BY COUNSELBeaten...
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Wednesday, 21st April 1915: Frank Lawyers Work On Clemency Petition, The Atlanta Journal

By Historical Librarian / January 9, 2026
The Atlanta Journal,Wednesday, 21st April 1915,PAGE 1, COLUMN 6.Final Move to Save Condemned Man Discussed at Conference Tuesday NightPreparation of...
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Tuesday, 20th April 1915: Judge Roan’s Letter To Be Used In Frank Plea For Clemency, The Atlanta Journal

By Historical Librarian / January 9, 2026
The Atlanta Journal,Tuesday, 20th April 1915,PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.A letter from the late Judge L. S. Roan in which the...
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Monday, 19th April 1915: Frank Loses Appeal – Pardon Only Hope Defeated In Courts, Frank Counsel Plan Pardon Board Plea, The Atlanta Journal

By Historical Librarian / January 9, 2026
The Atlanta Journal,Monday, 19th April 1915,PAGE 1, COLUMN 5.Final Effort to Save Condemned Man's Life Will Be Made Before Prison...
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Wednesday, 14th April 1915: W.r. Corley Sells Booklets On Leo M. Frank And Detective Burns, The Atlanta Journal

By Historical Librarian / January 9, 2026
The Atlanta Journal,Wednesday, 14th April 1915,PAGE 14, COLUMN 2.PERSONAL: Read the booklet of rhymes on Leo M. Frank and Detective...
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Tuesday, 13th April 1915: Personal Read The Booklet Of Rhymes On Leo M. Frank, The Atlanta Journal

By Historical Librarian / January 9, 2026
The Atlanta Journal,Tuesday, 13th April 1915,PAGE 18, COLUMN 7.and Detective Burns, composed by W. R. Corley. Booklets ten cents each...
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Monday, 12th April 1915: No Decision Monday In Leo M. Frank Case, The Atlanta Journal

By Historical Librarian / January 9, 2026
The Atlanta Journal,Monday, 12th April 1915,PAGE 1, COLUMN 2.(By Associated Press.) WASHINGTON, April 12 " No decision in the Leo...
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Sunday, 11th April 1915: Old Hats Made New Mrs. C. H. Smith, The Atlanta Journal

By Historical Librarian / January 9, 2026
The Atlanta Journal,Sunday, 11th April 1915,PAGE 3, COLUMN 6.Ladies', Misses' and Children's High-Grade Trimmed and Untrimmed Hats. YOUR OLD HATS...
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Tuesday, 3rd June 1913 Attorney Retained for Negro Servant at Franks Home

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  Atlanta Journal Tuesday, June 3rd, 1913 George Gordon Represents Minola McKnight as Attorney and May Seek Habeas Corpus During Afternoon NEGRESS DECLARES HER HUSBAND HAS LIED She Swears Leo M. Frank Was at Home at Time He Testified Before the Coroner's Inquest It became known Tuesday morning that Attorney George Gordon had been retained to represent Minola McKnight, the negro cook employed by Mr. and Mrs. Emil Selig, parents-in-law of Leo M. Frank, held for the murder of Mary Phagan. Who employed the lawyer could not be learned, but the fact remains that Mr. Gordon is representing the negress,
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Monday, 2nd June 1913 Negro Girl is Arrested in Phagan Murder Case

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Minola McKnight Atlanta Journal Monday, June 2nd, 1913 "I Am Going to Hang and I Don't Know a Thing About It," Shouts Viola McKnight When Questioned by Solicitor Viola McKnight, who lives in the rear of 351 Pulliam street, a negro girl, is said to have entered the Phagan mystery in a sensational matter. The woman was brought to Solicitor Dorsey's office Monday afternoon by Detectives Starnes and Campbell, who are working exclusively on the Phagan mystery, and was examined by the solicitor. The girl was then carried to police headquarters, where she was docketed and the charge of suspicion
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Monday, 2nd June 1913 Grand Jury Ready to Investigate Charges

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  Atlanta Journal Monday, June 2nd, 1913 Foreman Beck States Position, Probe Awaits Request From Chief Beavers The Fulton county grand jury will investigate the Felder-Beavers controversy if any of the interested parties ask an investigation, according to Foreman L. H. Beck. Mr. Beck has not yet been approached on the matter by Chief J. L. Beavers, who has declared that he will ask a grand jury investigation of the charges made against him and his department by Colonel Thomas B. Felder, and unless the police officials make a formal request for an investigation there is little likelihood of the
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Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Trial is No Ordeal for Me, Says Frank’s Mother

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Atlanta JournalJuly 30th, 1913 She Declares Her Confidence in Son's Innocence Makes It Easy for Her "My son never looked stronger than at this moment," said Mrs. Ray Frank, of Brooklyn, Wednesday morning. "The trial isn't telling upon him because he isn't worrying. He is confident because of his innocence and because of his certainty of an acquittal. "Neither his wife nor myself is anxious. Of course, we feel the heat and it is tiring to sit here in the court room throughout the day. But, like my son, we are not afraid. Why should we be? We know that
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Wednesday, 30th July 1913 No Shirt-Sleeves for Lawyers in Frank Case

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Atlanta JournalJuly 30th, 1913 For the sake of expediting the Frank trial, attorneys in the case are not permitted the comfort of "shirt sleeves" in the court room which, maintained at temperature Tuesday of 95 degrees. Newspaper reporters and spectators may hang their coats on their arms, roll up their sleeves, and at least feel that they have prepared themselves against the heat. But before the trial began, Judge Roan, in discussing the legal attire, said humorously: "Lawyers must wear coats. If I let them go in shirt sleeves they'd feel so comfortable this trial might never end. Now, for
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Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Gantt Still Wears Two Little Devils That Caused Arrest

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Atlanta JournalJuly 30th, 1913 J. M. Gantt, one time suspect in the Phagan case, and now a witness, Wednesday sat on a bench in the room above the one where Leo Frank was on trial for his life and said unpleasant things about his shoes. "There they are," he declared in a peevish tone. "The two little devils that got me into this case and have cost me a hundred dollars in attorney's fees and more worry and care than anything I ever had before." The objects of his wrath were simply two unoffending black boots with a stout pair
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Monday, 2nd June 1913 Franks Defense is Outlined

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Atlanta Journal Monday, June 2nd, 1913 Mary Phagan Met Death on First Floor, Is Claim Defense Will Endeavor to Show That Conley Struck Her in Head and Threw Her Down Elevator Shaft ELEVATOR WAS NOT MOVED APRIL 26, IT IS CONTENDED Blood Spots on Second Floor Explained by Fact That Employes Frequently Cut Fingers—Theory in Detail From apparently reliable authority it was learned Monday that the theory to be advanced in defense of Leo M. Frank, the pencil factory superintendent, who has been indicted for the murder of Mary Phagan, will be that James Conley, the negro sweeper, and he
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Sunday, 1st June 1913 Lanford Tells Why Conley Was Placed in Police Station

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Atlanta Journal Sunday, June 1st, 1913 Chief of Detectives Gives Out Statement Relative to Transfer of Prisoner From the Tower to Headquarters FURTHER QUESTIONING IS PLANNED BY DETECTIVES No Arrangement Yet Made for Negro to Confront Frank—Report of Finding Girl's Purse Proves Without Foundation The prosecuting officials connected with the Phagan case all denied Saturday evening that the state's theory of the murder has been changed by anything that the negro sweeper Conley has said, but the fact that the negro was transferred t police headquarters, where he can be freely examined by the detectives, seems to show that the
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Sunday, 1st June 1913 Grand Jury Meeting Remains a Mystery

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  Atlanta Journal Sunday, June 1st, 1913 Foreman Will Not Say Whether Beavers-Felder Controversy Will Be Considered There is still much speculation over the probable action of the Fulton county grand jury on the Felder-Beavers -Lanford controversy, and it is not yet known whether or not the grand jury will make an investigation. Foreman L. H. Beck, who called a meeting for next Tuesday morning, has refused to commit himself on the matter, although repeatedly asked whether or not the Felder-Beavers controversy would be investigated. The present grand jury has little more than a month to serve, and none of
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Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Trial Thus Far Has Only Established Murder of the Girl

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Atlanta JournalJuly 30th, 1913 Tuesday Afternoon's Session Hears of Beginning of Police Investigation Into Mystery of Mary Phagan's Murder Following in the sequence which it began with the introduction of the first witness, the prosecution of the murder charge against Leo M. Frank progressed Tuesday afternoon to the point at which the city detectives began their investigation of te murder mystery. Beginning with Mrs. J. W. Coleman, mother of Mary Phagan, who saw her leave home about noon of April 26, the state established in succession her arrival at the corner of Marietta and Forsyth streets, and departure thence for
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Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Frank Jurors Idle Away Long Hours With Song

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Atlanta JournalJuly 30th, 1913 They Sing Ballads and Tell Irish Tales During the "Recess" Hours Jurors in the Frank trial have organized a singing club. Their purpose is not to give diversity to the trial with a note of song, but to while away the time between sessions of court. When Judge L. S. Roan gives word that the trial has proceded far enough for the day, jurors are taken for a brief, brisk walk, and then to their residence for the nonce, which consists in three rooms thrown together at the Kimball house. There the twelve take up their
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Wednesday, 30th July 1913 All Newt Wants Now is Freedom and a Hat

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Atlanta Journal July 30th, 1913 Now that Newt Lee has more ‘bacca, as he says, "than Mr. Rosser axed him questions," he needs but a hat to complete his physical comfort, but freedom to set his mind at rest. Newt's only hat is a fur cap, which Newt thinks might have made a "ver' putty Christmas gift when 'twas new, but don't do much fer July." "You see, boss," he explains, "a straw hat jes' naturally looks cool, makes yer feel like you had money in your pocket. But there ain't no use fer a cap and it furry in
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Sunday, 1st June 1913 Conleys Statement Analyzed From Two Different Angles

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At the top is a photograph of the note written by James Conley, the negro sweeper, at the factory Friday afternoon after he had pantomimed his part in the murder of Mary Phagan. He wrote from memory and without prompting. At the bottom is a portion of one of the notes found by the dead girl's body and which Conley admits he wrote. Atlanta Journal Sunday, June 1st, 1913 The Weak Points in the Negro's Story Are Shown in One Analysis and the Points That Would Seem to Add to Its Reasonableness Are Weighed in the Other. Below are given
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Saturday, 31st May 1913 Grand Jury Called to Meet Tuesday in Special Session

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Atlanta Journal Saturday, May 31st, 1913 Meeting Called by Foreman Lewis H. Beck, but He Declined to Say What the Jury Will Investigate WILL FELDER'S CHARGES BE SIFTED BY JURY? Chief Beavers Silent—Colonel Felder Not Informed About Meeting, but Says It's Matter of Indifference to Him A special session of the Fulton county grand jury has been called for next Tuesday morning at 10 o'clcok, the purpose of which is unannounced and unknown. The call was issued by the foreman, Lewis H. Beck, who declines to state what matters will be considered by the grand jury. The impression is general
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Friday, 30th May 1913 Conleys Confession is Given in Full

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Jim Conley Atlanta Journal Friday, May 30th, 1913 "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 he told me that he had picked up a girl back there and had let her fall and that her head hit against something—he didn't know what it was—and for me to move her and I hollered and
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Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Defense to Claim Strands of Hair Found Were Not Mary Phagan’s

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Atlanta JournalJuly 30th, 1913 GRACE HIX TESTIFIES THAT GIRLS FREQUENTLY COMBED THEIR HAIR OVER MACHINES Miss Hix Also Testifies That Magnolia Kennedy, Who Worked Near Mary Phagan, Had Hair of the Same Color and Shade—Important Admissions Lay Foundation for Defense's Claim That Murder Was Not Committed in Metal Room STATE ENDEAVORS TO SHOW THAT FRANK VERY NERVOUS AND DID NOT LOOK ON FACE OF MURDERED GIRL Attorney Rosser Directs His Questions to Combat Claim of Nervousness—Witness Declares She Never Saw Any Red Paint in the Metal Room—State Claims New Evidence Will Soon Be Given—Trial Will Run Into Second Week Four
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Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Rabbi Marx Asserts His Belief in Frank

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Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 Can't Build Case on Pack of Lies Any More Than House on Cards, Rabbi Says In the room directly above the one where Leo M. Frank was on trial for the murder of Mary Phagan Monday afternoon were gathered a score of friends of the accused who eagerly discussed his chances for and against acquittal. Prominent among them was Dr. David I. Marx, rabbi of the Jewish synagogue to which Frank belonged. With other friends of the prisoner he declared emphatically his belief in Frank's innocence. "There is no man in Atlanta," said Dr. Marx, "more
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Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Spectators at Frank Trial Make an Absorbing Study

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Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 They Come From Every Station in Life—From the Ragged Newsboy to the Business Man With the Diamond Scarf Pin and the Georgia Lawmaker The personnel of the spectators at the average murder trial is one of the most interesting phases of it, and the trial of Leo Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan is no exception to the general rule. One glance about the court room as the case proceeded Monday afternoon showed an ever-changing kaleidoscope of ever changing faces, holding a single characteristic common to all, a look of intense interest that kept every
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Friday, 30th May 1913 Conley, Taken to Factory, Shows Where Girl Was Found—How They Put Body in Basement

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Atlanta Journal Friday, May 30th, 1913 Gruesome Part Played By Him Illustrated In Presence of Detectives, Factory Officials and Newspaper Men, the Negro Goes Over Every Point of His Statement From the Time Frank is Alleged to Have Directed Him to the Metal Room Until Girl's Body Was Left in the Basement "MR. FRANK AND HIS FRIENDS HAVE FORSAKEN ME AND I DECIDED TO TELL THE WHOLE TRUTH," HE DECLARES He Says His Statement Is Voluntary, That He Has Not Been Browbeaten Nor Mistreated by the Detectives—Full Story of His Confession to Being an Accessory After the Fact and His
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Thursday, 29th May 1913 Former Pencil Worker Outlines His Theory

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Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 29th, 1913 Gustave Haas, of 165 Pulliam street, who at one time worked at the National Pencil factory, and is familiar with the arrangement of the building, has furnished The Journal with his theory of the Phagan murder. He believes the motive was robbery, and it was done by a negro who laid in wait for some of employees to get their pay. Little Mary Phagan happened to be his victim, and according to Haas, he threw the body down the elevator shaft after a scuffle. Then he strangled the almost lifeless body to death. He
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Thursday, 29th May 1913 Detectives Seek Corroboration of Conleys Story

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Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 29th, 1913 They Declare That They Are Anxious to Get at the Truth of the Murder Case, Regardless of Who Is Guilty Little if any credence is placed by the city detectives in the theory of the officials and employes of the National Pencil factory that Mary Phagan was killed by James Conley, the newro sweeper, and that his motive was robbery. The detectives have accepted as true Conley's second affidavit, in which he swears that he wrote the notes found by Mary Phagan's body, and that he did so about 1 o'clock on the day
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Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Everybody’s a Reporter, Now, Else an Old Time Friend, Says Guardian of Court House Door

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Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 "They Been 15 Reporters Here in the Last Five Minutes," He Says, "and What's Not Reporters Is Boyhood Friends I Don't Remember" "You are?" said the man who guards the foot of the steps. "Well, son, they been fifteen reporters here in the last five minutes. They represented everything from "Nova Scotia Times" to the "Saskatchewan Gazette." Who do you report for?" And it took a letter of identification from the whole press table to gain admittance to the Frank trial for an unoffending and rather retiring reporter who merely wished to glance over the court
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Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Frank Trial Will Last One Week And Probably Two, Attorneys Say

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Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 Indications Are That Trial Will Be Longest Over Which Judge Roan Has Presided, To Hold Two Sessions Daily Attorneys both for the defense and for the prosecution of Leo M. Frank believe that his trial will last at least one week, perhaps, two weeks. If the trial continues through more than one week it will be the longest over which Judge L. S. Roan has ever presided. But, while he will expedite the trial as fast as possible, he intenrs to give attorneys all the time needed for the introduction of testimony and for argument. He
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Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Mother’s Sorrow and Newsie’s Wit Play on Emotions at Frank Trial

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Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 Each of First Three Witnesses In Case Shows Distinct Personality and Entirely Different Side of Human Nature, Some Character Studies Three of the witnesses who testified Monday afternoon at the Frank trial were more distinct as personalities than the characters you could see portrayed in any theater, except that very tragic one of a criminal court room. Much testimony and such individuality as that of these witnesses, has kept the court room crowded by at least 200 people during every minute of the Frank trial—crowded with well dressed men who lean forward in their seats, intent
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Thursday, 29th May 1913 Chief Asks Hutcheson for Protected List

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Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 29th, 1913 Lawyer Not Ready Yet, Is Answer—Beavers Says He Is Disappointed Chief of Police James L. Beavers called Attorney Carl Hutcheson over the telephone Thursday morning and asked if the list of "protected disorderly houses," which Mr. Hutcheson promised in a card several days ago was ready. Mr. Hutcheson is said to have replied that the list is not yet ready and that he will telephone the police official when it is completed. Chief Beavers in the telephone conversation is said to have reminded Mr. Hutcheson that Thursday is the third day since the publication
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Thursday, 29th May 1913 A. S. Colyar Released From Bond on Thursday

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Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 29th, 1913 Tennessee Authorities Failed to Forward Requisition Papers on Date Agreed A. S. Colyar, the Tennessean, who figured conspicuously in the recent dictograph sensation involving bribery charges and countercharges of graft between Colonel Thomas B. Felder, Mayor Woodward and others, on the one hand and Chief of Police Beavers and Chief of Detectives aLnford , on the other was released from his bond Thursday at 2 p. m. by Chief Beavers. Colyar's name jumped into the news when the dictograph matter became public and the following day there came a wire from the Knoxville police
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Wednesday, 28th May 1913 Conley Tells in Detail of Writing Notes on Saturday at Dictation of Mr. Frank

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Atlanta Journal Wednesday, May 28th, 1913 Negro Declares He Met Mr. Frank on the Street and Accompanied Him Back to the Factory, Where He Was Told to Wait and Watch—He Was Concealed in Wardrobe In Office When Voices Were Heard on Outside, It Is Claimed NEGRO LOOKED UPON AS A TOOL NOT PRINCIPAL DECLARE DETECTIVES WHO HAVE QUESTIONED HIM Chief Beavers Confer With Judge Roan In Reference to Taking Conley to Tower to Confront Frank but Is Told That It Is a Question for Sheriff to Decide—No Effort In This Direction Likely Until Mr. Rosser Returns to City "Write ‘night-watchman,'"
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Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Frank’s Undisturbed Face Wonder of the Court Room

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Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 His Brow Does Not Wrinkle, His Eyes Do Not Quail or Even Flicker—He Is Cool and Quiet Leo M. Frank's expression of quiet confidence has surprised every visitor to the court room where he is being tried for murder. He sits for the most part with his hands crossed, and listens coolly to the testimony or to the argument of attorneys. Not since the trial began has he seemed the least perturbed. His manner has been quiet and contained, like that of one who is sure of himself and sure of his cause. Yet he has
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Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Lawyers Hammer Lee for Two Hours at Monday Afternoon Session

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Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 Negro Nightwatchman Who Found Mary Phagan's Body in National Pencil Factory on Stand—Girl's Mother and Newsboy Examined Newt Lee, the negro nightwatchman who found Mary Phagan's body in the pencil factory basement, was hammered by the defense for over two hours, on the witness stand Monday afternoon. Mrs. J. W. Coleman, mother of the murdered child, and George W. Epps, a playmate who came to town with her on the fatal day, testified in that order. Mrs. Coleman being the first witness called to the stand when the trial started. Newt Lee was the third witness.
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Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Mincey in Atlanta, But Has Not Been to Trial

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Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 Agent Who Said That Conley Told Him of Killing "a Girl" May Testify W. H. Mincey, who has made affidavit that James Conley, the negro sweeper, practically confessed to him as being the murderer of Mary Phagan, is in Atlanta but has not yet gone to the courthouse where Frank is being tried. At the time of the murder, Mincey was employed here as an insurance solicitor. On the day of the murder, he says that he met Conley at the corner of Carter and Electric streets. The negro, according to the affidavit, was drinking, and
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Wednesday, 28th May 1913 Carl Hutcheson Again Attacks Chief Beavers

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Atlanta Journal Wednesday, May 28th, 1913 Calls Rim "a Contemptible Liar" and a "Pig Head." Chief Asks for That List Attorney Carl Hutcheson renewed his attack on Police Chief Beavers Wednesday when he gave out an open letter referring to the chief as a "malicious and contemptible liar," a "pig head," and asserting that he didn't have "enough brains in his head to rattle in a gourd after the water was turned off." Mr. Hutcheson objects to the chief's reference to him as "small fry" and "only a cog in the gang machine." The first open letter written by Mr.
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Tuesday, 27th May 1913 Felder Barely Missed Being Trapped by His Own Dictograph

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Atlanta Journal Tuesday, May 27th, 1913 Last week, when the detectives were laying their plans to trap Colonel Thomas B. Felder with a dictograph, they came very near trapping the colonel with his own instrument. The amusing incident, which has just come to light, revolves about Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey. Before a dictograph was installed in the Williams house room the city detectives told the solicitor that the attorney was negotiating for the purchase for $1,000 of certain papers in the Phagan case. The solicitor said nothing about the confidences of the detectives, and a short time later Colonel
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Tuesday, 27th May 1913 Col. Felder Ridicules Idea of Grand Jury Investigation of City Detectives Charges

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Atlanta Journal Tuesday, May 27th, 1913 Declares Chief Beavers Is Only Bluffing, and That if All the Allegations Made by the Police Were True, It Wouldn't Be a Case for the Grand Jury, as He Has Violated No Law in Seeking Evidence of Corruption In Police Department CHIEF BEAVERS CONFERS WITH SOLICITOR DORSEY IN REFERENCES TO LAYING WHOLE MATTER BEFORE JURY He Expects the Solicitor's Co-operation — James Conley Is Identified by Mrs. Arthur White as the Negro She Saw Lurking Near the Elevator of the Pencil Factory on Day of the Tragedy—"This Is H— of a Family Row and
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Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Factory Girls Eager to Testify for Frank

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Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 Thirty Girls and Men Are Waiting to Appear as Character Witnesses. Thirty girls and men who are employes of the National Pencil factory are waiting to testify to the good character of Leo M. Frank. "Ever girl employed at the factory believes that Mr. Frank is innocent," said Miss Rebekah Carson Monday afternoon. "He was as kind as an employer could be. There never was a time when he wasn't considerate of every one employed at the factory. But at the same time he was a man with two ideas. And they were his wife and
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Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Frequent Clashes Over Testimony Mark Second Day of Frank Trial

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Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 QUESTIONS DIRECTED AT NEGRO INDICATED AN EFFORT TO THROW SUSPICION UPON WATCHMAN "We Might as Well Begin to Show the Negro a Criminal Now as Later," Declared Attorney Rosser, In Arguing for Admissability of His Questions—Negro Was Taken Over His Testimony Many Times in Effort to Break Him Down INDICATIONS TUESDAY ARE THAT TRIAL WILL LAST MANY DAYS, PROBABLY AS LONG AS TWO WEEKS Morning Session Enlivened by Clashes Between Attorneys, Every Point Is Bitterly Contested—Frank Keeps Serene and Untroubled Throughout Session—Full Story of Testimony Given by Witnesses During the Morning After a luncheon recess of
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Monday, 28th July 1913 Woman Charges Police Forced Her to Make False Statement

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Atlanta JournalJuly 28th, 1913 Negro Cook in the Selig-Frank Home Repudiates Affidavit She Swore to Against Frank, Will Refuse to Swear to the Paper, She Says Minola McKnight, the negro cook, who signed an affidavit which is to be used by the prosecution against Leo M. Frank, said Monday morning that the police, by three hours' sweating, forced her to sign this affidavit, and that when she is called as a witness that she will refuse to testify to the statements set forth in it. The substance of the affidavit was that, on the morning following the murder of Mary
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Saturday, 17th May 1913 Phagan Case Will Go To Grand Jury in Present Form, The Atlanta Journal

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Atlanta Journal Saturday, May 17th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 3) State Is Apparently Ready, as Solicitor Says That He is Not Expecting Any New Evidence for Some Time BURNS' INVESTIGATOR ON THE JOB, SAYS FELDER Attorney Declares Fund for Employment of the Famous Sleuth Has Reached $1,500, About $5,000 is Needed That the state considers its case as practically complete and is ready to definitely charge the Mary Phagan murder to an individual and to start the legal machinery moving towards a superior court trial is believed from a very significant statement made Saturday by Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey.
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Friday, 16th May 1913 Books and Papers in Phagan Case in Grand Jurys Hands, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, May 16th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 1) Two Employes of Pencil Company Appeared Before Grand Jury Friday in Answer to Subpenas FELDER RAISING FUND TO PAY W. J. BURNS The Journal Subscribes $100, Mr. Felder Declares a Burns Investigator Will Be Put On the Case at Once By means of a subpoena duces tecum Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey Friday obtained possession of a number of books and papers of the National Pencil company. The subpoena was served on Herbert G. Schiff and M. B. Darley, two officials of the pencil company, by Deputy Sheriff Plennie
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Monday, 12th May 1913 Rumor That Frank Married in Brooklyn Not True, Says Eagle, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Monday, May 12th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 7) At Request of The Journal, One of Numerous Reports About Man Held in Phagan Case Is Investigated TWO ‘NO BILLS' NECESSARY TO FREE PRISONERS Solicitor's "Famous" Detective Has Left City-Character Witnesses Not Likely to Be Used At the request of The Atlanta Journal, the Brooklyn Eagle, one of the most conservative and reliable newspapers in the whole country, has investigated the most serious of numerous rumors which are being persistently circulated about the character of Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the National Pencil company, who is held in connection
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Sunday, 11th May 1913 Grand Jury to Consider Phagan Case This Week, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Sunday, May 11th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 2) Interest in the investigation of the mysterious murder two weeks ago of little Mary Phagan centered Saturday in the grand jury. Two men, Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the pencil factory, where the tragedy occurred, and Newt Lee, negro night watchman, have been ordered held by a coroner's jury, but no intimation has been given as to the time when bills against the two men will be presented to that body. The jury is not due to hold a session until next Friday, but the solicitor general or the
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Sunday, 11th May 1913 City Detectives Theory of Phagan Murder Outlined, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Sunday, May 11th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 7) The Journal Presents First Complete Statement of Case Solicitor and His Investigators Seek to Build HOW DETECTIVES THINK CRIME WAS COMMITTED They Maintain That Mary Phagan Was Left Unconscious in Factory Near Midday and Killed Later in Afternoon For the first time since the lifeless body of pretty fourteen-year-old Mary Phagan was found in the basement of the National Pencil factory, this morning two weeks ago, The Journal is enabled to make public the theory of the city detectives and others investigating the murder mystery as to how the
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Saturday, 10th May 1913 Public Now Knows All Facts in Murder Case, Say Detectives, The Atlanta Journal

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Atlanta Journal Saturday, May 10th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 1) Pinkertons Declare the State Has No Evidence of Importance That Hasn't Been Given to the Newspapers IDENTITY OF SOLICITOR'S DETECTIVE A MYSTERY Chief Lanford Believes He Is One of Sheriff's Capable Deputies—Gantt Questioned, Newt Lee Has Lawyer The probe into the mystery of little Mary Phagan's death two weeks ago still goes on. The small army of professional, amateur, city, state and private detectives which took up the chase of the murderer soon after the horrible details of the crime became known still pursues the investigation with unabated vigor. Solicitor
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Friday, 9th May 1913 With Two Men Held in Tower, Mystery of Murder Deepens, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, May 9th, 1913 (Page 1, column 7) Belief That the Detectives Had Positive Evidence, Which They Were Withholding, Dissipated by Admissions SCOTT AND BLACK REFUSED TO NAME MAN SUSPECTED Case Now Goes to the Grand Jury but No Action Is Expected for a Week—Search for Evidence Will Continue Coroner Paul Donehoo and the six jurors who investigated the murder of little Mary Phagan in the National Pencil factory on April 26, concluded Thursday the most thorough and exhaustive probe of a violent death ever conducted in this county and probably in the state. The jury recommended
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Friday, 9th May 1913 Superintendent Frank is Once More Put on Witness Stand, The Atlanta Journal

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Atlanta Journal Friday, May 9th, 1913 (Page 6, Column 2) Leo M. Frank general superintendent of the National Pencil factory, was recalled to the stand. He was questioned regarding the elevator. The coroner wanted to know what kind of a door there is to the shaft on the office floor. The witness replied that it is a heavy door solid, that slides up and down. "Where was the elevator on Saturday, April 26?" he was asked. "I didn't notice." "Where was it on Friday night?" "I didn't notice." "Was the door open on Saturday?" "I didn't notice." Asked whether it
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Friday, 9th May 1913 Newt Lee Tells of the Talk He Had in the Police Station, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, May 9th, 1913 (Page 6, Column 2) Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, was recalled and asked to tell about any conversation he had with Mr. Frank at the jail or the police station. Lee said he has not talked to Mr. Frank at the jail, but that he had talked with him at the police station. Mr. Frank came into the room, where he was, Lee said, and asked, "How are you feeling, Newt?" "Not so good, Mr. Frank?" Lee said was his answer. Lee said that he then told Mr. Frank that it was
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Friday, 9th May 1913 Investigation Just Begun Says Detective Lanford, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, May 9th, 1913 (Page 20, Column 4) General satisfaction was expressed Friday morning by the detectives working on the Phagan case at the action of the coroner's jury. Chief of Detectives Lanford, however, declares that the work of his department is just now getting under way. "We are going to continue right on with the investigation," said the officials, "and try to dig down to the truth of this matter." "We have a theory as to who committed the crime, but we are ready to change it if we can possibly unearth any evidence, which will
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Friday, 9th May 1913 Here is Testimony of Witnesses Given at the Final Session of Coroner’s Jury in Phagan Case, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, May 9th, 1913 (Page 6, Column 1) Full Story of Hearing Thursday Afternoon When Frank, Newt Lee, Detectives Black and Scott and Several Character Witnesses Were Placed on the Stand The verdict of the coroner's jury that Mary Phagan came to her death by strangulation and its recommendation that both Mr. Frank and Lee be held for investigation by the grand jury was rendered at 6:30 o'clock, PM, Thursday afternoon and marked by the conclusion of one of the most remarkable inquests ever held in this state. Deputy Plennie Minor carried the news of the coroner's
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Friday, 9th May 1913 Detective John Black Tells the Jury His Views on the Phagan Case, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, May 9th, 1913 (Page 6, Column 1) Detective John Black followed Detective Scott on the stand. He was questioned about the finding of the bloody shirt at Newt Lee's home. He said that on the Tuesday afternoon after the murder he went with Detective Fred Bullard to Newt Lee's house at 40 Henry street. They searched the premises, he said, and found the bloody shirt in a clothes barrel in Lee's room. The shirt was near the bottom of the barrel and was covered with scraps of old clothes, he said, the barrel apparently being used
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Friday, 9th May 1913 Detective Harry Scott’s Testimony as Given Before Coroner’s Jury, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, May 9th, 1913 (Page 6, Column 1) An unexpected turn was given to the coroner's inquest into the mysterious murder of Mary Phagan, Thursday afternoon, when Harry Scott, the Pinkerton detective who has been representing that agency in its work on the case, was called to the stand by the coroner. Mr. Scott was in the room at the moment. One new detail that he revealed was in a reply to a direct question from the coroner, when he stated that Herbert Haas, attorney for Leo M. Frank and attorney for the National Pencil factory, requested
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Friday, 9th May 1913 Coroner Donehoo Points Out the Law to the Jurors, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, May 9th, 1913 (Page 6, Column 5) The coroner's charge to the jury was in part as follows: "You have heard the statement of the county physician. You have seen what caused death. You have seen the body and have heard the evidence in the case. "It is your duty to inquire diligently as to how Mary Phagan came to her death. That was your oath. In case of unnatural death, you were to determine at whose hands death came. "You have heard the county physician say strangulation caused death. In determining who is guilty of
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Friday, 9th May 1913 Character Witnesses are Called in the Case by City Detectives, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, May 9th, 1913 (Page 6, Column 5) Tom Backstock, of 21 Hightower street, a youth of about sixteen or seventeen years, testified that he worked at the pencil factory about a year ago. He didn't know Mr. Frank personally, he said, but knew him when he worked at the factory. "Did you have any opportunity to observe his conduct with the women there?" the lad was asked. "I saw him ‘pick' at the girls," was the reply. "Who were they?" the coroner asked. "I couldn't tell their names now," he said. "I didn't work there long
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Monday, 26th May 1913 Tobie Tried to Kidnap Incubator Baby, Says Topeka Police Official

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Atlanta Journal Monday, May 26th, 1913 That the past career and record of C. W. Tobie, the Burns investigator who came to Atlanta to probe the Phagan mystery for Colonel Thomas B. Felder, is being investigated by the local police is shown by a telegram received by Chief of Police J. L. Beavers Monday morning. The telegram was from the chief of police of Topeka, Kan., and reads as follows: "Tobie tried to kidnap incubator baby at Sedan, Kan., but failed, being employed by Detective Tillotson. Subsequently Tillotson kidnaped the child at Topeka and was convicted, but Tobie was not
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Monday, 26th May 1913 Thorough Probe of Charges Against Felder and Latters Charges Against Police Asked

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Atlanta Journal Monday, May 26th, 1913 "I Shall Lay Evidence Gathered by the Detectives and Col. Felder's Charges of Graft and Corruption All Before the Grand Jury," Says the Chief, "Asking That a Searching Investigation Be Made So That the Whole Truth Shall Come Out" "ONE CROOK FREQUENTLY TURNS UP ANOTHER," DECLARES CHIEF IN STATEMENT MONDAY MORNING Mayor Woodward Gives Out Interview, Answering the Chief and Denying That He Has Hampered Him in His Crusade. He Says Chief Should Clean Up Center of the City—Hints of an Investigation by Police Board—Col. Felder Has No Statement Monday After giving out a
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Monday, 26th May 1913 I Have No Proof of Bribery in Phagan Case, Says Chief

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Atlanta Journal Monday, May 26th, 1913 Chief Detective Declares He Has No Direct Evidence of Attempt to Influence Witnesses, as Published CONLEY STICKS TO STORY UNDER SEVERE GRILLING His Statement That He Wrote Notes at Frank's Dictation a Disturbing Element—Search for Evidence Continues Chief of Detectives Lanford positively denied to The Journal Monday afternoon that he has secured any proof of efforts to bribe witnesses in the Phagan case proper. The official made this statement, when questioned about the numerous rumors and reports of bribery of witnesses, some of which have been published and given general circulation. Chief Lanford states
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Monday, 26th May 1913 Five Good Men Say if Charges Are Untrue, Says A. S. Colyar to Col. Felder

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Atlanta Journal Monday, May 26th, 1913 … if I did introduce you to my wife and you make the remark that you had had the pleasure of meeting her in Chattanooga? And yet one of our alleged newspapers that has been very busy defending your good name, and painting mine blacker than hell in this community, has the audacity to publish in their Sunday morning edition a statement that my wife became so disgusted with me that she separated with me a year ago. This statement is without any foundation whatever, and an alleged representative of this alleged newspaper had
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Sunday, 27th July 1913 Frank’s Story of His Moves on Day of Crime

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Atlanta JournalJuly 27th, 1913 Accused Superintendent's Story Is Unbroken by Any Save a Negro Leo M. Frank's sworn statement of his whereabouts each hour on the day of April 26, when Mary Phagan met her death, is of unusual interest in the case, especially since no witness except Conley had been found, at least as far as the public knows, who can break his story. Frank's statement of his whereabouts as given at the coroner's inquest, when he was under oath, follows: SATURDAY APRIL 26. 7 o'clock a. m.—Arose and dressed at home. 8—Left home for the factory office. 8:20—Arrived
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Sunday, 27th July 1913 Chronological Story of Developments in the Mary Phagan Murder Mystery

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Atlanta JournalJuly 27th, 1913 April 27—The dead body of Mary Phagan is found in basement of National Pencil factory at 3 a. m. by Newt Lee, the negro night-watchman. Police hold Lee, who yater in the day re-enacts discovery of the remains before city detectives. April 27—Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the Pencil factory, called from bed to view Mary Phagan's body at April 27—Arthur Mullinax arrested on information given the police by E. L. Sentell, who declared he saw the murdered girl in the former's company at 1220 o'clock on the morning of the murder. April 28—Coroner Donehoo empanels
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Saturday, 26th July 1913 Leo Frank Expects Acquittal and Asks an Immediate Trial

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Atlanta JournalJuly 26th, 1913 Pencil Factory Superintendent Declares the Sooner He Faces a Jury the Sooner He'll Gain His Freedom ACCUSED OF PHAGAN CRIME, HE WELCOMES TRIAL DAY Wife is Regular Visitor to the Tower—Frank's Time In Prison Is Spent in Reading and Playing Chess Leo M. Frank is ready and anxious to go on trial for his life before Judge Roan in the superior court next Monday morning, according to statements he has made to friends who visited him in his cell in the tower. "The sooner I face the jury, the sooner I will gain my liberty," he
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Friday, 25th July 1913 Frank Will Likely Face Trial Monday for Phagan Crime

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Atlanta JournalJuly 25th, 1913 Defense Subpoenaes 150 Witnesses, and If Any of the Chief Witnesses Are Ill, Continuance Can Be Asked JUDGE ROAN, WHO WAS ILL, IS REPORTED IMPROVED Indications Now Are That Defense Will Make No Effort to Have Trial Put Off—144 Veniremen Summoned The stage is set for the trial of Leo M. Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan on April 26. Veniremen and witnesses for the defense are being summoned. The witnesses for the state are already under subpoena. Judge L. S. Roan, who was ill Thursday, is better and ready for the trial. Solicitor General
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Thursday, 24th July 1913 Frank’s Trial May be Postponed Until Early in the Fall

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Atlanta JournalJuly 24th, 1913 Judge L. S. Roan, Who Will Preside at the Trial, Returns to Atlanta Thursday Afternoon and Is Ill SOLICITOR SAYS STATE WITNESSES ARE READY Reuben Arnold, One of Frank's Attorneys, Returns After Conference in Covington With Judge Roan Judge L. S. Roan, who will preside at the trial of Leo M. Frank when he is arraigned for the murder of Mary Phagan, returned from Covington Thursday afternoon quite ill and went immediately to his home. He will be unable to go to the court house during the afternoon, but announces that the venire will be drawn
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Wednesday, 23rd July 1913 Fight Expected Over Effort to Defer Frank Case

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Atlanta JournalJuly 23, 1913 No Witnesses for Defense Have Been Called for Monday, and Indications Are They Will Not Be CRAWFORD CASE CHECKED TO DATE OF FRANK TRIAL Attorney R. R. Arnold May Go to Covington to Request Judge L. S. Roan to Postpone Case While the position of the defense of Leo M. Frank has not been announced, Attorney Luther Z. Rosser and Reuben R. Arnold have indicated clearly that they desire to postpone the trial of case from next Monday, when it is set. Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, on the other hand, has announced the state's position.
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Tuesday, 22nd July 1913 Was Mary Phagan Killed With Bludgeon?

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Atlanta JournalJuly 22nd, 1913 BLOODY STICK NOW IN POSSESSION OF FRANK'S ATTORNEYS Was Found on May 10 by Two Pinkerton Detectives on the First Floor of the Pencil Factory DEFENSE TO CLAIM NEGRO WIELDED THE INSTRUMENT It Was Sent to Chemist Outside of State for Examination—Subpenas Issued for State's Witness In the possession of the defense of Leo M. Frank is a bloody bludgeon with which it will be claimed at the trial, in all probability, that James Conley, the negro sweeper, struck Mary Phagan over the head while she battled on the first floor of the National Pencil factory
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Monday, 21st July 1913 Will Not Indict Jim Conley Now, Jury’s Decision

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The Atlanta Journal Monday, July 21, 1913 Solicitor Dorsey Makes Brief Announcement to This Effect After Grand Jury Session Lasting Over an Hour NO ANONYMOUS LETTERS WANTED BY THE JURORS Solicitor Dorsey Will Now Concentrate Efforts Against Having Frank Jury Drawing From Grand Jury List Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey has for a second time blocked an attempt by members of the grand jury to indict James Conley, the negro sweeper, who confessed complicity in the Mary Phagan murder. The grand jurymen who had called a meeting over the protest of the solicitor to consider taking up a bill against
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Sunday, 20th July 1913 Dorsey Is Seeking to Be Grand Jury And Solicitor Too, Say Frank’s Counsel

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The Atlanta Journal Sunday, July 20, 1913 SOLICITOR SCORED FOR HIS ATTITUDE IN CONLEY'S CASE Rosser and Arnold Charge Dorsey Seeks to Convict Frank, Guilty or Innocent, Out of Professional Pride "SHUTTING EYES TO TRUTH, DORSEY PROTECTS NEGRO" Attorneys Intimate That Dorsey Fears to Let Truth Be Known – Attitude Throughout Case Is Criticised The attitude of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey throughout the Phagan investigation, and especially in his attempt to block a grand jury indictment of Jim Conley, is scored in an interview made public by Luther Z. Rosser and Reuben R. Arnold, counsel for Leo M. Frank.
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Saturday, 19th July 1913 Jury Is Determined to Consider a Bill Against Jim Conley

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The Atlanta Journal Saturday, July 19, 1913 Protest of Solicitor Fails to Stop Session to Consider Phagan Evidence on Monday DORSEY STILL BELIEVES JURY WON'T INDICT Solicitor Says Frank Defense Wants Jury to Try Him Drawn From the Grand Jury List Grand Jurors Who Will Consider Conley's Case This is the Fulton county grand jury which has been called to meet Monday over the protest of the solicitor to take up the case of Jim Conley, the negro sweeper at the National Pencil factory: W.D. Beatie, foreman. T.C. Whitner. John S. Spalding. W.C. Carroll, East Point. H.B. Ferguson. Garnet McMillan,
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Friday, 18th July 1913 Pinkertons Now Declare Leo M. Frank Is Innocent

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, July 18, 1913 *Editor's Note: Small sections of text are missing due to scanning near a crease. NOTED SLEUTHS WHO HAD ACCUSED FRANK NOW CHANGE THEORY Harry Scott, Field Chief of the Pinkertons, Refuses to Discuss the Agency's Change of Theory. AGENTS HAVE WORKED ON CASE ALONG WITH POLICE The Pinkertons Were Employed by the National Pencil Factory Immediately Following the Murder That the Pikerton detectives, who for so many weeks held to the theory that Leo M. Frank is guilty of the Mary Phagan murder, now lay the crime to the door of Jim Conley,
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Friday, 18th July 1913 Grand Jury Is Called Monday to Indict Jim Conley

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, July 18, 1913 *Editor's Note: Small sections of text are missing due to scanning near a crease. GRAND JURY CALLED TO TAKE UP MATTER OVER DORSEY'S HEAD Foreman W.D. Beattie Calls Body to Meet Monday and Take Up Evidence Against Negro in Phagan Girl's Case derer SOLICITOR REFUSED TO ISSUE THE CALL Notwithstanding the Solicitor's Protest, Foreman Calls a Meeting Anyhow—Dorsey Issues a Statement Over the vigorous protest of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, the foreman of the grand jury has called a meeting for Monday for the specific purpose of considering an indictment against James
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Friday, 18th July 1913 Broyles Comes Back at Mayor Woodward and Mayor at Him

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, July 18, 1913 *Editor's Note: Small sections of text are missing due to scanning near a crease. Recorder Says Mayor Is Defeating Justice and Impeding Officers in Their Attempts to Check Crime MAYOR STYLES BROYLES "A POLITICAL ACCIDENT" Says Recorder Plays Golf on Sunday and Then Fines Boys for Their Sunday Baseball Games Another direct statement by Recorder Nash R. Broyles, Friday morning, of his opinion of Mayor Woodward's clemency toward criminals convicted in police court, was issued by the recorder in writing, coupled with a verbal comment that the mayor "tells so many falsehoods that
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Thursday, 17th July 1913 Effort Being Made to Indict Negro Conley

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, July 17, 1913 Foreman Beattie of Grand Jury, However, Says He Knows of No Such Move W.D. Beattie, foreman of the grand jury, declares that "so far as he knows" there is no intention on the part of the grand jury to consider an indictment of Jim Conley, the negro sweeper, who figures so prominently in the Phagan murder mystery. The Journal has learned, however, on excellent authority, that a determined effort is being made to have the Conley case passed upon by the present grand jury. Whether the effort will or will not be futile
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Wednesday, 16th July 1913 Second Phagan Indictment Probable

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The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, July 16, 1913 *Editor's Note: A small section of text is missing from the article due to scanning blur near a page fold. CONLEY NEGRO MAY BE INDICTED OVER DORSEY'S PROTEST New Grand Jury Will Take Up Case and Make an Effort to Get a True Bill Against Negro as Principal NEGRO HAS ALREADY ADMITTED COMPLICITY Solicitor Dorsey Is Expected to Vigorously Oppose Jury's Move—Negro Sweated Again by Detectives It was learned Wednesday by The Journal, on reliable authority, that there is a strong probability of the Fulton county grand jury which was recently organized by
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Tuesday, 15th July 1913 Mincey Affidavit Not New to the Solicitor

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The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, July 15, 1913 State Officials Refuse to Consider Seriously Statement of Insurance Agent Despite the claim that many witnesses to corroborate the assertions of W.H. Mincey, the insurance agent and school teacher who claims that Conley confessed to him can be produced by the defense of Leo M. Frank, state officials refuse to consider seriously Mincey's testimony as an important element in the case. Details of the Mincey affidavit are corroborated by E.F. Holloway, an employe of the National Pencil factory, who states that he remembers Mincey's visit to the scene of Mary Phagan's murder on
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Saturday, 12th July 1913 Conley Again Quizzed by Prosecutor Dorsey

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The Atlanta Journal Saturday, July 12, 1913 Solicitor and Hooper Grill Negro at Police Headquarters for Three Hours For two hours and a half Solicitor Dorsey did practically all of the ques- Phagan case, Frank A. Hooper, quizzed Conley at police headquarters Friday afternoon. Two detectives stood guard on the outside of the door of the police commissioner's room in which the questioning was done, but no one except the officials and the negro were inside the room. Conley was grinning when he emerged from the room. The questioning ended shortly before 7 o'clock, and Solicitor Dorsey and Mr. Hooper
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Saturday, 12th July 1913 More Affidavits to Support Mincey Claimed

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The Atlanta Journal Saturday, July 12, 1913 Frank's Attorneys Said to Have Corroborating Evidence, Newt Lee Denied Freedom Joseph H. Leavitt, an attorney, with offices at 422 Grant building, the man who secured the affidavit of W.H. Mincey, who alleges that James Conley confessed to the killing of a girl on April 26, the day Mary Phagan was murdered, declares that a number of affidavits fully corroborating every word that Mincey has said, are in the hands of counsel for the defense of Leo M. Frank. Mr. Leavitt states that the Mincey affidavit is really much stronger than the published
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Saturday, 12th July 1913 Chief Beavers Orders Sleuths to Find Vice

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The Atlanta Journal Saturday, July 12, 1913 Hattie Smith Reluctant Before Judge—Says She Was Just Talking Friday For the first time since he has been at the head of the police force, Chief James L. Beavers addressed the assembled members of the detective department behind closed doors at hadquarters Friday afternoon, instructing them to unearth vice conditions. Heretofore the vice squad under Chief Beavers' immediate direction has been almost alone in its activity along that line. Not previously had the chief addressed the detectives on any subject. In regard to the detectives' participation in the crusade against vice, he told
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Friday, 11th July 1913 Agent Claims Conley Confessed to Murder

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, July 11, 1913 Detectives Deny That Mincey Told Them of Alleged Confession of Negro In the possession of the attorneys for the defense of Leo M. Frank is an affidavit of William H. Mincey, formerly an insurance agent working in Atlanta, who declares that the negro, James Conley, while drunk on the afternoon of April 26, admitted and even boasted to him that he had killed a girl that day. The admission is alleged by Mincey's affidavit to have been made when he met Conley, whom he knew, in the negro quarter, and attempted to sell
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Thursday, 10th July 1913 No Finger Prints Found by Expert on Phagan Envelope

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, July 10, 1913 Examination of Portion of Slain Girl's Pay Envelope Fails to Throw Any Light on the Murder Mystery FLETCHER, AT FEDERAL PEN MAKES EXAMINATION Fight for Release of Newt Lee on Habeas Corpus Resumed and Hearing Will Be Given Saturday Morning That the murderer of Mary Phagan can never be identified by finger prints on the pay envelope found in the factory, and the "re-setting" of Newt Lee's habeas corpus for 10 o'clock. Saturday morning, were two important developments of the sensational murder mystery Thursday. According to Attorney Bernard L. Chappell, of Graham &
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Thursday, 10th July 1913 Chief Traces Vice Conditions to Men; Promises Arrests

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, July 10, 1913 Beavers Puts Police on Trail of Men Blamed By Girl Guests for Situation in Downtown Hotels GIRL VICTIM BARES HOTEL CONDITIONS TO RECORDER Judge Broyles Hears Sensational Expose of Vice Situation Said to Exist in Many Atlanta Rooming Houses As the outcome of the dramatic confession made by Hattie Smith in the recorder's court Wednesday afternoon Chief Beavers announced Thursday morning that he will open a war against the men who, he asserts, are ruining girls. Following the trial in court Wednesday the chief says that Hattie Smith gave him more details than
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Wednesday, 9th July 1913 Mary Phagan Pay Envelope Found

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The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, July 9, 1913 MYSTERY'S LOST LINK IS FOUND NEAR WHERE CONLEY SAYS HE SAT Finding of Portion of Salary Envelope Bearing Victim's Name Expected to Strengthen Defense's Contention CONTENTS OF ENVELOPE HAVE NEVER BEEN FOUND Find Was Made by Pinkertons Just Three Weeks After the Murder, but Was Kept a Secret Until Wednesday. The pay envelope, which was the quest of Mary Phagan's visit to the National Pencil factory on April 26, when she met her death, has been found. At least enough of the envelope to definitely identify it is in the hands of the
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Tuesday, 8th July 1913 Newt Lee’s Attorneys Seeking His Freedom

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The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, July 8, 1913 Habeas Corpus Proceedings May Bring Frank and Conley Face to Face Petition for a writ of habeas corpus in behalf of Newt Lee, the negro night watchman at the National Pencil factory who has been held in jail since the Mary Phagan murder as a suspect, has been drawn up at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon by the negro's attorneys, Graham and Chappell, and the firm then was seeking the signature of the nearest available judge of the Fulton superior court to a writ fixing the time and place for a hearing upon the
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Tuesday, 8th July 1913 Girl to Tell Her Story of Vice to Recorder

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The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, July 8, 1913 Hattie Smith, Now Penitent, Will Make Confessions in Open Court Resolved to quit the life into which she so recently drifted, Hattie Smith, the Atlanta young woman whose revelations of vice "from the inside" gave the police some startling information Monday, will appear in police court on Tuesday afternoon and repeat in detail the story which she has recounted to the police. Upon the strength of that story Lena Barnhart, a white woman, and Elijah Murray, a negro bellboy, were arrested in the Cumberland hotel Monday and will be arraigned with Hattie Smith
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Monday, 7th July 1913 Accused Policemen Will Face Commission Tuesday

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The Atlanta Journal Monday, July 7, 1913 The entire board of twelve police commissioners, including the mayor and the chairman of the police committee of council as ex-officio members, is expected to be in attendance Tuesday evening at the trial of the eight policemen recently suspended by Chief J. L. Beavers. Chairman Carlos Mason, who has missed only one meeting during his five years' service on the board, returned Monday from a vacation especially to attend the trial, and all other members are expected to be there. The eight suspended policemen are involved in the police scandal revolving around the
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Monday, 7th July 1913 Young Woman Tells Startling Story of Vice From “Inside”

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The Atlanta Journal Monday, July 7, 1913 Confessions to Chief of Police Beavers Involve Downtown Hotel, Mention Names of Other Women and Men IMMEDIATE PROBE OF HER CHARGES ORDERED Police Again Arrest Mrs. Frierson, Recently Pardoned by Mayor Woodward in Controversy With Judge Broyles Revelations of vice conditions from the inside were laid before Chief of Police Beavers Monday morning by the confession of a young woman who gives her name as Hattie Smith and says that her parents live at a certain number on Marietta street. Chief Beavers immediately detailed men to investigate the disclosures, and the indications were
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Saturday, 5th July 1913 Fight for Newt Lee’s Freedom is Delayed

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The Atlanta Journal Saturday, July 5, 1913 Bernard Chappell, His Lawyer, Expects to Bring Habeas Corpus on Monday Bernard L. Chappell, attorney for Newt Lee, the , who found the body of Mary Phagan, declared Saturday that he had been unable to complete all of his work in connection with his proposed filing of a habeas corpus writ in an effort to liberate his client. Mr. Chappelle said that he had expected to file the writ Saturday, but was delayed, and is now certain he can file it by Monday morning. Mr. Chappell asserted that sensational developments might be expected
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Friday, 4th July 1913 Lee’s Attorney Seeks to Gain His Release

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, July 4, 1913 It was reported Thursday morning that Bernard L. Chappell, attorney for New Lee, the negro watchman held in connection with the Mary Phagan case, would take steps to release him from jail by swearing out a writ of habeas corpus. Attorney Chappell is said to have come to the conclusion that Lee knew nothing about the case other than finding the body and that the state has no right to hold him. * * * The Atlanta Journal, July 4th 1913, "Lee's Attorney Seeks to Gain His Release," Leo Frank case newspaper article
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Friday, 4th July 1913 Lee’s Lawyer Expects Delay in Frank Case

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, July 4, 1913 State Certain to Fight Chappell's Effort to Secure Release of Watchman Bernard L. Chappell, attorney for Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, who found the body of Mary Phagan in the National Pencil factory basement, declares that Saturday he will bring habeas corpus proceedings to secure the release of his client. According to the attorney, the negro is being held on the recommendation of the coroner's jury, which concluded its inquest before James Conley figured in the case. The grand jury has failed to act on Lee's case, and Attorney Chappell says that
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Thursday, 3rd July 1913 Police Chief to Probe Vice Protection Charge

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, July 3, 1913 Beavers Stirred by Details Reported by Physician—Assigns Men to Report Following the charges of a prominent Atlanta physician regarding vice conditions and alleged police protection in this city, Chief of Police Beavers despatched an officer to confer with this physician Thursday morning. The officer will endeavor to obtain even more information than has been furnished the chief and will try to substantiate that already given. He will pay especial attention to the statement of the physician that he reported a disorderly house to the police and that the proprietors of it were "tipped
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Tuesday, 1st July 1913 Facts Do Not Indicate Indictment of Conley

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The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, July 1, 1913 Rumor About Negro in Phagan Case Not Confirmed—Grand Jury Is Through The publication to the effect that the negro sweeper, Jim Conley, probably would be indicted by the Fulton county grand jury for the murder of Mary Phagan, is apparently without any justification. The grand jury, according to its foreman, Lewis H. Beck, will make its presentments to the court Wednesday morning and in all probability will be discharged then. It is not likely, therefore, that the jury will consider any further bills. Mr. Beck declined to comment on the publication and referred
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Saturday, 28th June 1913 Hooper and Goldstein Join Little & Powell

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The Atlanta Journal Saturday, June 28, 1913 Former Solicitor of Southwestern Circuit and Popular Atlantlan Join Firm Frank A. Hooper, who is to assist the solicitor general in the prosecution in the Phagan case, and M.F. Goldstein, a well known young attorney, will join the law firm of Little & Powell on July 1. The senior members of the firm are John D. Little and Judge Arthur Powell. After July 1 the firm will be styled Little, Powell, Hooper & Goldstein. Mr. Hooper served in the southwestern circuit for twelve years as solicitor general, but removed from Americus to Atlanta
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Friday, 27th June 1913 Hooper Sees Conley for the First Time

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, June 27, 1913 Attorney Who Will Aid Solicitor Hears Negro Sweeper Recite His Story Frank A. Hooper, the attorney who will assist Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey in the prosecution of the case against Leo M. Frank, indicted for the murder of little Mary Phagan, interviewed James Conley, the negro sweeper, for the first time on Friday morning. The attorney talked with the negro in the office of the police board for nearly an hour. Detective Starnes, who has been working under the direction of the solicitor, was the only officer with him. Mr. Hooper simply made
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Friday, 27th June 1913 Seeking For a Phagan Suspect in Macon?

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, June 27, 1913 (Special Dispatch to The Journal.) MACON, Georgia, June 27.—Two members of the Atlanta detective department left Macon last night after searching all the week her for a negro who is thought to be connected with the Phaga murder in Atlanta last April. A white woman was arrested here and put through an examination, but she could give no evidence against parties now under arrest for the crime. When acquainted with the contents of the above dispatch Detective Chief N. A. Lanford stated that none of his men had been to Macon and that
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Friday, 27th June 1913 Col. Felder and Chief Lanford Indicted

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, June 27, 1913 GRAND JURY RETURNS BILLS AGAINST EACH; THE CHARGE IS LIBEL Cards Written by Chief of Detectives and Attorney and Published in the Atlanta Newspapers Form the Basis TWO BILLS FOUND AGAINST FELDER, ONE ON LANFORD Both Men Who Have Criticised Each Through Atlanta Press Must Face Jury on Criminal Libel Charge The Fulton county grand jury on Friday returned two true bills against Colonel Thomas B. Felder, lawyer, and one bill against Chief Newport A. Lanford, of the city detective department, all bills charging libel. The action of the grand jury insures the
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Thursday, 26th June 1913 To Hold Frank Trial in the Old City Hall

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, June 26, 1913 Case Will Be Heard in Courtroom Now Used by Judge Pendleton The trial of Leo M. Frank on July 28 will be held on the first floor in the old city hall building, at the corner of South Pryor and East Hunter streets. Solicitor Dorsey, Judge L. S. Roan and court attaches formally decided upon this room as the proper place to conduct the trial. The court room designated is at present occupied by Judge John T. Pendleton, of the motion division of superior court. Judge Pendleton will adjurn his court for the
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Thursday, 8th May 1913 Stains on Shirt Were Not Made While Shirt Was Being Worn, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 8th, 1913 (Page 8, Column 5) A number of new witnesses had been summoned for the inquest, and the indications were said to be that the session (promised as final in the coroner's investigation) might last all day. It became known, before the inquest convened, that several witnesses whom the detectives have discovered would not be introduced there at all. The evidence that they can furnish, whatever it may be, will not become public until some later time, it was said. It was stated further Thursday morning that the report by Dr. Claude A. Smith,
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Thursday, 26th June 1913 Call of Cool Sea Breezes and Promise of Judge to His Wife, Secrets of Frank Trial Delay

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, June 26, 1913 There Are Many Little Reasons, of Course, but the Biggest of These Is the Simplest—Judge Roan Just Had to Keep Promise to His Charming Wife—And Nobody's Kicking, Either The trial of Leo M. Frank, which is expected to be the most brilliant legal battle in the history of the state, has been postponed for a month. There are many little reasons why the trial could not come up on June 30. And, then, there is one great big reason. The biggest reason, when analyzed, is also the simplest, as are most big things.
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Wednesday, 25th June 1913 Both Sides Are Ready for Trial of Frank

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The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, June 25, 1913 Few Developments Expected Between Now and July 28, Conley Is Grilled The statements made by Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey and by Reuben R. Arnold and Luther Z. Rosser, the counsel for the defense before the postponement of the trial of Leo M. Frank from June 30, the date set by the solicitor, to July 28, indicate very strongly that neither side expects further developments of importance in the investigation. Mr. Dorsey told the court that his case was complete and that he was ready for trial. All of the statements by Attorneys
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Thursday, 8th May 1913, Phagan Inquest in Session; Six Witnesses are Examined Before Adjournment to 2:30 O’Clock, The Atlanta Journal

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Lemmie Quinn, foreman, who testified that he visited the factory and talked to Mr. Frank just after Mary Phagan is supposed to have left with her pay envelope. He was given a searching examination by the coroner Thursday, but stuck to his statement. The Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 8th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 5) Lemmie Quinn, the Factory Foreman, Was Put Through a Grilling Examination, but He Steadily Maintained That He Visited the Factory Shortly After the Time Mary Phagan is Supposed to Have Left With Her Pay Envelope FRANK'S TREATMENT OF GIRLS IN FACTORY DESCRIBED AS UNIMPEACHABLE BY ONE
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Thursday, 8th May 1913 Mr. Frank’s Treatment of Girls Unimpeachable, Says Miss Hall, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 8th, 1913 (Page 8, Column 4) Miss Corinthia Hall, an employe in the factory, was the first of the young women employed there to testify before the coroner from their viewpoint regarding Mr. Frank's attitude and demeanor toward them. She declared his conduct toward the young women in the factory to be irreproachable. She works in the varnish department on the fourth floor of the pencil factory, and lives at 19 Waverly street, Kirkwood, she told the coroner. She has been working at the factory about three years, she said. About 11:45 o'clock on the
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Thursday, 8th May 1913 Miss Hattie Hall, Stenographer, Left Pencil Factory at Noon, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 8th, 1913 (Page 8, Column 2) Miss Hattie Hall, a stenographer, was called to the stand after Quinn was excused. When Miss Hall was excused, shortly before 12:30 o'clock, she was told to return at 2:30 o'clock, as she probably would be recalled then. Miss Hall's testimony revealed nothing not already known, and was vague upon a number of points already testified to by others. It bore mainly upon the period when she was in the office of the National Pencil company on the morning of Saturday, April 26. According to her, she was there
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Tuesday, 24th June 1913 July 28 Is Date Agreed Upon for Trial of Frank

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The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, June 24, 1913 Judge Names Date After Statement From Reuben R. Arnold, In Which He Said Trial Would Last Two Weeks DEFENSE TAKES STEPS TO GET STATE'S EVIDENCE Subpenas Duces Tecum Issued, Demanding Production of Affidavits and Popers in Possession of Solicitor Leo M. Frank, accused of the slaying of Mary Phagan, will not be tried before superior court Judge L. S. Roan next Monday. The judge in a conference with attorneys at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon formally set the trial for Monday, July 28, and no attempt to reopen the questions of arraignment will be
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Monday, 23rd June 1913 Solicitor Will Fix Frank Trial for June 30, He Says

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The Atlanta Journal Monday, June 23, 1913 Unless "Showing" Is Made in Open Court Why the Case Should Be Deferred, Trial Will Proceed MONTEEN STOVER AGAIN FIGURES IN THE CASE Detectives Question Her With View to Attacking Theory That Girl Was Slain on the First Floor Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, it was definitely learned Monday, will set the case of the State against Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, for June 30, and the solicitor will insist that a legal "showing" be made by the defense before a postponement is allowed. During the day Monday
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Thursday, 8th May 1913 Miss Daisy Jones Convinces Jury She Was Mistaken for Mary Phagan, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 8th, 1913 (Page 8, Column 3, Row 3) Miss Daisy Jones, identified by J. L. Watkins as the girl whom he had mistaken for Mary Phagan on the afternoon of April 26, , appeared before the coroner's jury dressed exactly as she was on that afternoon, and testified that she had been just where Watkins said he saw Mary Phagan at the hour when Watkins thought he saw the girl, and that she had crossed a vacant field just as Watkins described Mary Phagan as having done. In short, with Mr. Watkins' new testimony, she
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Thursday, 8th May 1913 J. L. Watkins Says He Did Not See Phagan Child on Day of Tragedy, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 8th, 1913 (Page 8, Column 5) J. L. Watkins, called to the stand after Miss Hall, the stenographer, was excused, clarified his former testimony that he had seen Mary Phagan on the street near her home on Saturday afternoon, April 26, by declaring that he is convinced now he was mistaken about it. "Mr. White, on last Thursday, did you not swear before this inquest that between 4 and 5 o'clock on the afternoon of Saturday, April 26, you saw Mary Phagan walking along Bellwood Avenue toward her home?" asked the coroner . "Yes, that's
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Sunday, 22nd June 1913 Rosser & Brandon Join With Slaton & Phillips

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The Atlanta Journal Sunday, June 22, 1913 Two Big Atlanta Law Firms Go Into Partnership Beginning July 1 The law firm of Rosser & Brandon and Slaton & Phillips have formed a partnership beginning July 1, and will be known by the firm name of Rosser, Brandon, Slaton & Phillips, with offices on the seventh floor of the Grant building, the Slaton & Phillips suite being enlarged to accommodate the new firm. There will be in the new firm the following: Luther Z. Rosser, Morris Brandon, John M. Slaton, Ben Z. Phillips, J. H. Porter, Stiles Hopkins, Luther Z. Rosser,
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Wednesday, 7th May, 1913, Two New Witnesses in Phagan Mystery to Testify Thursday, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, May 7th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 5) Detectives Said to Attach Much Importance to Testimony That Two Girls Will Give When Inquest Resumes INQUEST WILL BE ENDED THURSDAY, SAYS DONEHOO Paul P. Bowen Has Been Released by Houston Officials—Chief Detective and 14 Policemen Are Discharged Two new witnesses, whom the detectives have recently located, are expected to give testimony of importance at the final session of the Phagan inquest Thursday. One of the witnesses is Miss Grace Hix, of 100 McDonough road, daughter of James E. Hix. Miss Hix worked at the same machine with Mary
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Wednesday, 7th May 1913 Fourteen Houston Policemen Fired on Bowen’s Account, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, May 7th, 1913 (Page 18, Column 5) BY KENNETH TODD. HOUSTON, Tex., May 7.—Although young Paul P. Bowen, arrested in Houston Monday as a suspect in the Mary Phagan case, has been released by the chief of police, the release was ordered against the wishes of the chief of detectives and the latter has been summarily discharged for opposing his superior in spite of the telegram from Chief Beavers, of Atlanta, to Chief Davison, of the local department. Bowen was released twenty-four hours after the message was received. Chief of Detectives Peyton stubbornly refused to let
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Wednesday, 7th May 1913 Bowen Given Liberty, Makes Full Statement, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, May 7th, 1913 (Page 18, Column 5) P. P. Bowen, who was arrested here yesterday on suspicion in connection with an Atlanta case and who was released last night, made this statement today: "My father is S. C. Bowen. He lives at Newnan, Georgia I told the detectives that they had made a mistake at the time they arrested me, and knew that they would soon find this to be so, if they investigated my references and letters. Of course, I was scared when they entered my room. I did meet them at the door with
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Saturday, 21st June 1913 Date of Frank Trial Still In Much Doubt

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The Atlanta Journal Saturday, June 21, 1913 Belief Grows That Case Will Not Come Up Before July 14 or 28 Interest in the Phagan case still centers on the time of the trial of Leo M. Frank. Indications still are that the case will not be tried the week of June 30. Solicitor Dorsey has never finally committed himself on the matter but Colonel Frank A. Hooper, who is associated him, still expects the case to be set for that date. Mr. Hooper expects the trial to last a week. The jail will not have been cleared by June 30,
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Friday, 20th June 1913 Frank Case May Not Be Tried June 30

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, June 20, 1913 Dorsey Expects to Be Ready, He Says, but Postponement Seems Probable That Leo M. Frank will go on trial for the murder of Mary Phagan on June 30th is not a certainty, although it is generally conceded that Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey will set the case on the court's calendar for that date when he returns to the city from New York. Solicitor Dorsey will return to Atlanta on Sunday. In reply to a telegram from The Journal relative to the time of the trial he makes the following statement: "Cannot say definitely
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Tuesday, 6th May 1913 Story of Paul Bowens Arrest as Told by Associated Press, The Atlanta Journal

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Atlanta Journal Tuesday, May 6th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 5) The actions of a man giving his name as Paul P. Bowen, observed by a woman boarder at the hotel where he was stopping, and the story she told the police, caused his arrest here last night. Bowen is held on suspicion, the charge being based on telegrams from the Atlanta, Georgia, police, saying that Bowen may be wanted in connection with the murder of Mary Phagan in Atlanta. From Bowen's trunk the police obtained a woman's vest which they say was blood-stained, copies of Atlanta newspapers and photographs which
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Tuesday, 6th May 1913, Pictures of Fifty Girls Found in Search of Bowens Trunk, The Atlanta Journal

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Atlanta Journal Tuesday, May 6th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 5) BY KENNETH TODD. Formerly reporter on The Atlanta Journal, now the special correspondent in Houston, Texas. (Special Dispatch to The Journal.) Paul P. Bowen, a round-faced youth of twenty years, was arrested in Houston by detectives Monday night in connection with the murder of Mary Phagan in Atlanta several days ago. Information furnished the department by Mrs. A. Blanchett, of Texas City, led to the arrest. Bowen and Mrs. Blanchett occupied adjoining rooms at the St. Jean hotel Sunday night, according to the story she told detectives. She saw young
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Tuesday, 6th May 1913 Paul Bowen, Held in Houston, Known Here But Left Atlanta in October, Hasn’t Been Back, The Atlanta Journal

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    Atlanta Journal Tuesday, May 6th, 1913 (page 1, column 5) Negative Alibi Seems Established for Young Man Held in Texas City as Suspected Murderer of Mary Phagan in Atlanta — Police There Say "Strong Evidence," but Nothing Shows Young Man Was Around Here April 26 BROTHER, IN NEWNAN, SAYS PAUL HAS BEEN IN HOUSTON SIX WEEKS; OUT WEST SINCE OCTOBER Two Friends, Young Men in Atlanta, Report Recent Letters From Him—Brother Has Had One—So Has Father—Detectives Say Quinn Changed His Story—Newt Lee Declares Murder Must Have Occurred During the Afternoon A negative alibi established for Paul P. Bowen
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Thursday, 19th June 1913 Hooper Returns and Takes Up Phagan Case

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, June 19, 1913 Declares Trip to Cincinnati Had Nothing to oD With Murder Mystery Frank A. Hooper, the experienced prosecutor, who has been engaged to assist Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey in the trial of the case against Leo M. Frank, returned Thursday from a three days' trip to Cincinnati, and set at rest the rumors that he went to the Ohio city on a matter connected with the investigation of the Phagan murder mystery. Mr. Hooper declared that his private business called him to Cincinnati, and that his trip was in no way connected with the
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Wednesday, 18th June 1913 Will Reuben R. Arnold Aid Frank’s Defense?

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The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, June 18, 1913 Mr. Arnold and Luther Z. Rosser Both Decline to Discuss Report Circulated The rumor that Reuben R. Arnold, famous Georgia lawyer, will be associated with the defense of Leo M. Frank, indicted for the Mary Phagan murder, is persistent. Luther Z. Rosser, who has been retained in the case since Frank was first arrested, refused to deny or affirm the rumor. It is intimated, however, that negotiations are not complete as yet. Mr. Arnold himself, when questioned about the rumor, refused to discuss it in any way, and his silence has added weight
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Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Use of Dictaphone on Frank and Negro is Denied by Police, The Atlanta Journal

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Leo M. Frank The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 (page 7, Column 2) They Decline to Say, However, Whether Conversation Between Superintendent and Watchman Was Overheard WAS MARY PHAGAN SEEN AT 5 P. M.? J. L. Watkins Says He Saw Her Near Her Home—Chemist's Tests Shows No Blood Under Negro's Finger Nails A report that there was a Dictaphone in the room in which Leo M. Frank talked with Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, at police headquarters Tuesday night in a supposed effort to wring a confession from the negro, was denied Wednesday by both Chief of Detectives
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Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Says He Punched Time Clock on Wrong Number, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 (Page 7, Column 2) Harry Denham's Story Indicates Miss Annie Howell Wasn't in Factory The time clock at the National Pencil company's factory, where Mary Phagan was murdered, shows that employee No. 141 registered off at 3:07 p.m. last Saturday, . This is the number of Miss Annie Howell, of 664 East Fair Street, and at first the detectives thought she might be able to throw some light on the mystery. It developed later, however, that this must have been a mistake. Harry Denham, one of the men employed in the factory, claims
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Tuesday, 6th May 1913, Leo Max Frank’s Complete Story of Where He Was and What He Did on Day of Mary Phagan Murder, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, May 6th, 1913 (Page 11, Column 1) For Three Hours and a Half, Mr. Frank Was on the Stand, Answering Questions About His Movements Every Hour and Minute of the Day—He Was Calm and Unruffled When Excused From Stand and Returned to the Tower HE TELLS OF VISIT OF LEMMIE QUINN TO HIS OFFICE TEN MINUTES AFTER MARY PHAGAN RECEIVED WAGES Introduction of Quinn Gives the Factory Superintendent an Important Witness, in Confirmation of His Statements. Only Three Witnesses Examined by Coroner at Session Monday Afternoon For three hours and a half, Leo M. Frank, general
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Monday, 5th May 1913, Coroner’s Inquest Resumed 2:30 p.m., Leo Frank Will Testify, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Monday, May 5th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 7) Factory Superintendent Was Expected to Be the Chief Witness, Though 200 Others Had Been Subpoenaed NEW GRAND JURY URGED TO PROMPT INVESTIGATION A Thousand Violations of Law Against Vice Do Not Equal Crime of Mary Phagan's Murder, Says Judge Ellis The jury empanelled a week ago by Coroner Paul Donehoo resumed its probe into the mystery of the murder of little Mary Phagan on Monday afternoon shortly after 2:30 o'clock. Although police headquarters was crowded by nearly 200 witnesses, mostly employees at the National Pencil factory, where Mary Phagan
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Sunday, 4th May 1913 Girl in Red Dress May Furnish Clue to Phagan Mystery, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Sunday May 4th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 5) A 17-year-old miss, blonde and who weighs about 140 pounds, and who was in in Marietta last Wednesday afternoon wearing a dark red dress and a leghorn hat, may furnish the vital clue in the mystery of the murder of Mary Phagan. Who is she? Where does she live? Is it true that she was the last friend of Mary Phagan's to see the murdered girl alive on Saturday afternoon, April 26? She alone can answer. It is but a matter of hours until her identity is revealed. If
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Tuesday, 17th June 1913 Guessers See a Mystery in Dorsey-Hooper Trips

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The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, June 17, 1913 Speculation About Departure of Phagan Case Figures Not Credited, However What is believed to be but a coincidence in the unheralded out-of-town trips of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, Attorney Frank A. Hooper, who is to assist the solicitor in the prosecution of Leo M. Frank, and Attorney Thomas B. Felder, has given rise to a rumor that these lawyers really have gone on a secret mission of importance and one connected with the Phagan case. Solicitor Dorsey left Atlanta Saturday afternoon, saying he was going to Atlantic City and New York for
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Monday, 16th June 1913 Felder Leaves Atlanta on Trip to Cincinnati

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The Atlanta Journal Monday, June 16, 1913 Thomas B. Felder, the attorney, left Atlanta for Cincinnati Sunday afternoon to be away from the city on a business trip for several days. The absence of Mr. Felder from the city is taken as indication that the grand jury will not take up an investigation of the famous dictograph episode this week, if it makes such a probe at all. Mr. Felder declared that his trip has nothing to do with the dictograph case. He stated that he expected to return within a week. The foreman of the grand jury, L. H.
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Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Reward of $1,000 is Appropriated by City, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 (Page 7, Column 1) Money Will Be Paid for Information Leading to Arrest of Girl's Murderer At a special session called at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning, the city council of Atlanta voted for the appropriation of $1,000 as a reward for information leading to the arrest of the party or parties guilty of the brutal murder of little Mary Phagan. In the building of the National Pencil company's factory on Forsyth street, last Saturday afternoon or night. Immediately afterward the aldermanic board met and concurred in the appropriation. The only objection made to
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Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Negro Watchman Wrote Note Found Beside Dead Girl, Experts Declare, After Seeing Franks Handwriting, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 3) The Journal's Three Handwriting Experts Still Firm in Their Conviction That Newt Lee Wrote Mysterious Notes When Shown Copies Written by Both Frank and Lee in Comparison With Original Note Found Having compared exact reproductions of the notes found near the body of Mary Phagan with specimens of the handwriting of Newt Lee, the night watchman, and of Leo M. Frank, the superintendent of the National Pencil company, three handwriting experts Tuesday morning stuck to their first opinion that the negro's handwriting and that of the notes found near
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Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Negro Watchman Tells Story of Finding Girl’s Body and Questions Fail to Shake Him, The Atlanta Journal

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A sketch of pretty Mary Phagan from her latest photograph by Brewerton. The Atlanta Journal Wednesday April 30th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 4) Newt Lee, Negro Who Notified Police of Mary Phagan Murder, Tells Coroner Girl's Body Was Lying Face Up With Head Toward West When He Found It — But Officers Declare They Found It Lying Face Down, Head Toward East, Knew She Was White, Said He, by Her Hair SAYS MR. FRANK DID UNUSUAL THINGS, BUT DOES NOT DIRECTLY IMPLICATE ANYONE Mr. Frank Met Him Outside Office Saturday Afternoon and Let Him Off for Two Hours, After Having
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Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Mary Phagan at Home Last Friday, Says Mother, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 (Page 7, Column 1) Mrs. W. J. Coleman, mother of Mary Phagan, says that the girl was at home during Friday and Friday night, and could not possibly have been the one seen at the Terminal station Friday morning by H. P. Sibley, gateman, and T. R. Malone, special officer. Just as a young man with a ticket for Washington reached one of the gates to the tracks at the Terminal station, he was stopped Friday morning by a pretty girl, who pleaded with him not to leave her. The girl finally reached
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Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Hearing for Gantt at 3 P.M. Wednesday, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 (Page 7, Column 1) Judge Gober Says His Client Will Be Taken Before Justice of the Peace Powers J. M. Gantt, held on a warrant charging the murder of Mary Phagan, will given a hearing before Justice F. M. Powers at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. Gantt was Tuesday afternoon transferred from police barracks to the jail on an order issued by Judge Bell. Justice Powers, who issued the warrant for Gantt's arrest, had not been notified of the hearing at 8:30 o'clock Wednesday morning, but it was stated at the office of Judge
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Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Business Men Protest Sensational “Extras”, The Atlanta Journal

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Atlanta Journal Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 3) Following an interview between Mayor Woodward and Chief of Police Beavers and Chief of Detectives Lanford, in which the mayor protested that extras on the Phagan murder case which were based on information alleged to have been given out by the officers and the detectives and which were liable to unduly inflame the public, a petition has been circulated among local business men asking the newspapers not to issue so many sensational extras. The petition states that extras such as have been issued are hurting business and will hurt it
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Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Witnesses Positive Murdered Girl Was Same Who Created Scene at the Terminal Station on Friday, The Atlanta Journal

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Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 2) Gatemen, T. R. Malone and H. P. Sibley, After Viewing Corpse, Declare Mary Phagan, Sobbing Loudly and Displaying Vehement Feelings, Prevented Strange Man From Boarding Train for Washington—Neither of Men Detained by Police Is Mysterious Stranger H. P. SIBLEY, gateman and T. R. Malone, special officer at the Atlanta Terminal station, have identified the dead body of little Mary Phagan as the same girl whom they saw dramatically prevent a man from leaving on train No. 38 for Washington, D. C., Friday morning at 11:01 o'clock. Both men declare a
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Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Where Was Mary Phagan on Saturday Afternoon? The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 4, Column 2) Are there any friends or acquaintances of little Mary Phagan who saw her after she is supposed to have left the offices of the National Pencil company Saturday afternoon, where she went for the little pay that was due her? Is there any one who knows the girl, who can say she was seen in the city of Atlanta or elsewhere following her departure from home shortly before noon on that day? According to Superintendent Leo Frank, the child called for her envelope shortly after 12 o'clock on the
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Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Three Handwriting Experts Say Negro Wrote the Two Notes Found by Body of Girl, The Atlanta Journal

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At the top is a photograph of writing done by Newt Lee, the negro night watchman after his arrest. At the bottom is a photograph of two lines of a note found beside the body of Mary Phagan in the pencil factory cellar. Three handwriting experts—Frank M. Berry, assistant cashier of the Fourth National bank; Andrew M. Bergstrom, assistant cashier of the Third National bank and Pope O. Driver, chief bookkeeper and head of mail departments, of the American National bank, unhesitatingly declare that the same hand penned them both. Detectives are satisfied that Lee knows all about the killing
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Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Stepfather Thinks Negro is Murderer, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 5, Column 1) Believes That Newt Lee Bound and Gagged, Then Murdered Mary Phagan W. J. Coleman, step-father of Mary Phagan, believes that she was murdered by Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, but that before the murder she lay bound and gagged in the factory of the National Pencil company, 37 South Forsyth street, from shortly after noon on Saturday until past midnight. As people passed back and forth along the street, as members of the girl's family waited anxiously for her return, he thinks that she lay helpless within the
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Tuesday, 29th April 1913 State Offers $200 Reward; City Will Follow With $1,000 For Mary Phagans Murderer, The Atlanta Journal

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J. M. Gantt, who was arrested at Marietta and brough to Atlanta Monday, charged with the death of Mary Phagan. The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 5, Column 2) Mayor Woodward Calls Special Meeting of Council So That Reward Can Be Formally Offered—Governor Brown Issued Proclamation Tuesday Morning Governor Joseph M. Brown Tuesday morning offered a reward of $200 for the apprehension and conviction of the murderer or murderers of Mary Phagan, and the city of Atlanta is expected to offer a $1,000 reward at a special meeting that has been called by Mayor James G. Woodward for
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Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Gantt’s Release Asked in Habeas Corpus Writ, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 2) Petition Made to Judge George L. Bell and Will Be Heard at 4 o'Clock JAMES MILTON GANTT charged with the murder of Mary Phagan is seeking his release upon a writ of habeas corpus. Petition for such a writ was made Tuesday morning to Judge Bell of the superior court and he directed that a hearing be had at 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Judge Gober, attorney for Gantt, made the petition and will argue Tuesday afternoon for the immediate release of the former bookkeeper. Gantt sets forth in his
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Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Bloody Thumb Print is Found on Door, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 4, Column 3) Murderer of Mary Phagan Probably Left Factory by the Rear Door A bloody thumb print, found Tuesday afternoon on the rear door to the basement of the National Pencil factory, leads the police to the theory that the murderer of Mary Phagan left the factory building by that door after he had deposited the girl's body in the basement. This theory is still further strengthened by the fact that when the murder was discovered Sunday morning it was found that a staple had been drawn from the fastening on
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Friday, 2nd May 1913 Solicitor Dorsey is Making Independent Probe of Phagan Case, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Friday, May 2nd, 1913 (Page 1, Column 5) Outside of Solicitor's Activity There Have Been No Developments Since the Suspects Were Transferred to Tower GROUNDLESS RUMORS DENIED BY OFFICIALS Chief Lanford's Busy Running Down Tips—Coroner's Inquest Will Be Resumed on Monday Afternoon at 2 The Atlanta Journal has published every fact and development in connection with the mysterious murder of Mary Phagan. The Journal will continue to print news of further developments and additional evidence as the investigation proceeds. No fact has been suppressed nor will any news relating to the hunt for solution of the crime
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Saturday, 3rd May 1913 Detectives Confer With Coroner and Solicitor Dorsey, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Saturday, May 3rd, 1913 (Page 1, Column 5) Following Meeting Lasting Two Hours, Officials Investigating Murder Mystery Visited Scene of Tragedy NO CHANGE IN PLANS FOR INQUEST MONDAY Progress Has Been Made In Developing Evidence, It Is Said, but its Nature Has Not Been Divulged The three central figures in the investigation of the Phagan murder case—the solicitor general, the coroner and the chief of detectives—held a conference Saturday morning, which lasted for more than two hours. The officials discussed the evidence in the case and the many theories which have been advanced, but refused to divulge
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Thursday, 1st May 1913 Did Murderer Seek to Burn Slain Girls Body, and Did the Watchman Interrupt Him? The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 1st, 1913 (Page 7, Column 2) A new theory based upon an assumption of the innocence of the negro night watchman, Newt Lee, is that the murdered body of Mary Phagan was taken to the basement of the National Pencil factory primarily for the purpose of burning it, early Sunday morning, and that the slayer was hid in the basement when Newt Lee discovered the child's body face up with its head toward the back door. This theory will permit explanation of several details which tend now to keep the mystery thick. It assumes that
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Thursday, 1st May 1913 Detectives Eliminate Evidence in Conflict with Theory that Phagan Girl Never Left Factory, The Atlanta Journal

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The big picture in the center shows the head of the detective department, Chief Newport A. Lanford. To his left is John R. Black, city detective, who was largely instrumental in convicting the Druid Hills murderers. On the extreme left at the top is Detective Pat Campbell, and below him is J. N. Starnes. To the right of the chief is Harry Scott, of the Pinkertons, who are working on the mystery. The top picture at the extreme right is City Detective S. L. (Bass) Rosser, and below is Detective W. F. Bullard. Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 1st, 1913 (Page
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Monday, 16th June 1913 Hooper Wants a Rest For Public From Case

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The Atlanta Journal Monday, June 16, 1913 Attorney Associated With Prosecution, Says State Is Ready for Frank Trial With Solicitor General Dorsey away on a short vacation, the state's case against Leo M. Frank, who is charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, is now in charge of Frank A. Hooper, the well known attorney, who is associated with the solicitor. "The state's case is complete," Mr. Hooper said Monday morning, "and we are waiting quietly for the trial on the 30th of the month to come." "If the defense will stop writing cards," continued Mr. Hooper, "and stop having
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Sunday, 15th June 1913 Gentry, Found by Journal, Says Notes Will Show Enough to Justify What Was Sworn To

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The Atlanta Journal Sunday, June 15, 1913 "Upon Reading My Notes Before the Court It Will Be Proven That There Is Enough of It There to Justify What Was Written and Sworn to be Me as Being Practically the Gist of What Was Said," Says Young Stenographer of Dictograph Records Transcribed by Him "I WAS ALLOWED TO READ PROOF OF WHAT WAS PUBLISHED ABOUT FELDER CONFERENCE," HE SAYS "As Far as What The Journal Published, Will Say, as Far as I Can Remember, What They Printed Were the Facts In a General Way, and the Changes Were Immaterial." Located by
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Monday, 28th April 1913 Two Maundering Notes Add Mystery to Crime, The Atlanta Journal

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1—Mary Phagan's own handwriting, as shown in her address she wrote for Sunday School teacher. 2—Written by Lee at suggestion of detectives for purpose of comparison. 3—One of notes found in cellar. 4—Also written by Lee at suggestion of detectives. The Atlanta Journal Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 4) City detectives, detailed to run down the murderer or murderers of fourteen-year-old Mary Phagan, are endeavoring to clear up the mystery surrounding the authorship of two crudely written and badly composed notes which were found near the corpse of the murdered girl in the basement of the pencil factory.
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Monday, 28th April 1913 Thousands Visit Morgue to View Girl’s Body, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 3) Six thousand people, according to reliable estimates, visited P. J. Bloomfield's undertaking parlors Monday morning to see the body of Mary Phagan. It was the largest crowd, police say, that had ever viewed a murder victim's body in Atlanta. Scores of friends, hundreds of acquaintances and fellow-workers in the pencil factory and thousands of simply curious walked around the bier between 7 o'clock and noon. So far as known, no relatives appeared. The mother of the girl is ill at her home as a consequence of her daughter's death
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Monday, 28th April 1913 Strand of Hair in Machine on Second Floor May Be Clew Left by Mary Phagan, The Atlanta Journal

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1—Mary Phagan's own handwriting, as shown in her address she wrote for Sunday School teacher. 2—Written by Lee at suggestion of detectives for purpose of comparison. 3—One of notes found in cellar. 4—Also written by Lee at suggestion of detectives. The Atlanta Journal Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 2) It's Discovery Leads to Theory That She May Have Been Attacked There and Then Dragged to Factory Basement The finding of half a dozen strands of hair in the cogs of a steel lathe in the metal room on the second floor of the National Pencil company's factory and
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Monday, 28th April 1913 Man Held for Girl’s Murder Avows He Was With Another When Witness Saw Him Last, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 4) Arthur Mullinax, Trolley Conductor, Denies That E. L. Sentell Saw Him Saturday Night With Mary Phagan Arthur Mullinax, identified by E. L. Sentell, of 22 Davis street, clerk for the Kamper Grocery company, as the man whom he saw with Mary Phagan, the murdered girl, at midnight Saturday, vehemently denies any part in the atrocious crime, and declares that he will be able to prove an alibi. Subjected to a quizzing in the office of Chief of Police Beavers, he told an apparently straightforward story of his actions on
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Monday, 28th April 1913 “God’s Vengeance Will Strike Brute Who Killed Her,” Says Grandfather of Mary Phagan, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 2) Calling upon God Almighty to visit speedy vengeance upon the murderer or murderers of his fourteen-year-old granddaughter, Mary Phagan, whose mutilated body was discovered Sunday morning in the basement of the National Pencil company's factory on Forsyth street, W. J. Phagan, an elderly citizen of Marietta, declares that he will never rest until the fiend or fiends are brought to justice. The old man almost collapsed when he learned of the awful crime, and he sobbed piteously as he prayed for divine aid in clearing up the mystery surrounding
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Monday, 28th April 1913 Coroner’s Jury Visits Scene of Murder and Adjourns Without Rendering Verdict, The Atlanta Journal

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The Atlanta Journal Monday April 28th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 2) Will Meet Again Wednesday Morning When Witnesses Will Be Examined—Five Hundred People Present When Inquest Was Begun For an hour Monday morning, a jury empaneled by Coroner Paul Donehoo groped through dark basement passageways and first-floor rooms in the factory of the National Pencil company hunting for evidence that would aid them in reaching a verdict as to who murdered pretty Mary Phagan. At the end of their hunt, the body adjourned. They will meet again on Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock to continue their investigation. Many witnesses who
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Monday, 28th April 1913 Police Think Negro Watchman Can Clear Murder Mystery; Four Are Now Under Arrest, The Atlanta Journal

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Mary Phagan Atlanta Journal Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 2) Developments in Case Have Come Thick and Fast Monday but No Evidence Has Yet Been Developed Which Fixes the Atrocious Crime — Mullinax Seems to Have Proved Alibi SUPERINTENDENT FRANK AIDS POLICE IN TRYING TO SOLVE THE MYSTERY He Was Closely Questioned for Several Hours Monday but Left Headquarters in Company With His Attorneys and Friends—Crime Was Committed in Metal Room on Second Floor—Sleeping Compartment Found in Factory Basement Detectives expect to wring the secret of Mary Phagan's murder from Newt Lee, negro night watchman at the National
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The Leo Frank Case, Inside Story of Atlanta Georgia’s Greatest Murder Mystery 1913 – Part 8

Chapter 8 of The Leo Frank Case focuses on the testimony of the witnesses at the Coroner Paul Donehoo's inquest on May 5 and 8th, 1913. Included are the findings of the tribunal jury. Leo Frank explains, in detail, his activities on the day of the murder, but there are already inconsistencies. How does he hear her footsteps receding when she was wearing soft-soled shoes? He doesn't know her, but he knows the hue of the dress she was wearing. He identified her by her employee number but he doesn't know her employee number. Keep watching these installments of a
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Monday, 9th March, 1914, Leo Frank Answers List of Questions Bearing on Points Made Against Him, The Atlanta Constitution

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  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
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The Leo Frank Case, Inside Story to Atlanta Georgia’s Greatest Murder Mystery, Full Series.

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Please watch the full series, herewithin. Introduction to The Leo Frank Case, Inside Story to Atlanta Georgia's Greatest Murder Mystery: The Frank Case was the first book ever written about the murder of Mary Phagan, a young worker at the National Pencil Company in Atlanta in 1913. The fascinating case includes murder, bribery, legal wrangling, prejudice, and the planting of evidence. Whenever possible I have included photographs to bring the story to life. The complete audio book is available at: archive.org/details/LeoFrankCaseAtlantaGeorgiaGreatestMurderMystery1913_201503 Download An Introduction to The Leo Frank Case, Inside Story to Atlanta Georgia's Greatest Murder Mystery (Size: 1.6GB) Chapter
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Confessions of a Criminal Lawyer By Allen Lumpkin Henson,1959.

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  Page: 58 ...should be implemented. We were called upon to assist in the organization of half a dozen boards and bureaus. Law firms in Atlanta and New York filed suits contesting the constitutionality of almost every new statute, and it was our responsibility to defend the suits. It was “double drill and no canteen.” The sensational Leo M. Frank murder case had been tried in Atlanta about a year before the convention met. Frank had been convicted and sentenced to die in the electric chair.* An appeal had been pending in the Supreme Court of Georgia for months. Although
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You Are There: Newt Lee Tells of the Talk He Had in the Police Station, Atlanta Journal, May 9th, 1913

  Newt Lee Tells of the Talk He Had in the Police Station Atlanta Journal Friday, May 9th, 1913 Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, was recalled and asked to tell about any conversation he had with Mr. Frank at the jail or the police station. Lee said he has not talked to Mr. Frank at the jail, but that he had talked with him at the police station. Mr. Frank came into the room, where he was, Lee said, and asked, "How are you feeling, Newt?" "Not so good, Mr. Frank?" Lee said was his answer. Lee said that
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Phagan Family Newsletter Number Ten

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  Barnes & Lebow Can’t Tell the Truth • Twitter Revolt Against ADL • “PARADE” Fools Broadway, Again • Stew Peters’ ADL Exposé Roy Barnes and Steven Lebow: Why do you continue to tell the “Big Lies” ? In another one of his now tiresome interviews former governor Roy Barnes continues to repeat lie after lie after lie about the murder of my great aunt Mary Phagan by her employer, Leo Frank, sexual pervert . Author Steve Oney also stated Leo Frank was a “sexual predator” . According to Barnes in his June 23, 2023 interview with the Marietta Daily
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Phagan Family Newsletter Number Nine

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Broadway play PARADE IS NOT THE “TRUE STORY” OF LEO FRANK Its sole purpose is to falsely place blame for the murder of Little Mary Phagan on an African-American man named James Conley. New York City Center (NYCC) has announced that it will present one of the most blatantly deceitful productions ever to appear on an American stage. Parade purports to be a “true account” of the 1913 rape and strangulation murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan in an Atlanta factory. Leo Frank, the factory manager, was arrested and convicted of the crime. I am Mary Phagan-Kean, and I represent the
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Phagan Family Newsletter Number Seven

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DENIED! Georgia state board of pardons and paroles denies Phagan Family December 4th, 2020, request to declassify the non-public documents from it's files on Leo Frank!!! Georgia’s 106 Year Old Secrets! The Phagan family filed requests for all of the documents, recordings, and other data related to the case of the convicted murderer Leo M. Frank. We received over 1500 documents in December 2020, which included Alonzo Mann’s videotaped testimony when certain people and organizations were seeking a posthumous pardon for Leo Frank in the 1980s. But some documents were DENIED to the family and considered “state secrets”? In a
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Phagan Family Newsletter Number Eight

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Georgia Legislators Propose Cold Case Lynching Law But REAL Aim is to Exonerate A Single Person: Leo Frank There is no more important word in today’s world than JUSTICE. I am Mary Phagan-Kean and I am the great-niece and namesake of “Little Mary Phagan,” the thirteen-year-old girl who was raped and murdered by B’nai B’rith leader Leo Max Frank on April 26, 1913. Leo Frank—who admitted he was the last person to see Mary alive—was the factory manager at the National Pencil Company, where the Sam Nunn federal building stands today, and where Mary worked and was killed. On August
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Phagan Family Newsletter Number Six

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Will New District Attorney Bow to Pressure to Exonerate Leo Frank for Murder of Little Mary Phagan? Attorney Fani Willis beat Fulton County DA Paul Howard Jr. in a landslide victory —72% to 28% But will she bow to the same pressure that was put on her former boss to exonerate a man who raped and murdered our family member? The Conviction Integrity Unit established under Fulton County DA Paul Howard was not transparent: the Phagan family was not contacted and he refused to acknowledge the Phagan family. Obviously, it was set up for one single goal—to “legally” clear Leo
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Phagan Family Newsletter Number Five

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Steve Oney says “NO NEW EVIDENCE” to exonerate Leo Frank for the murder of Little Mary Phagan On February 17, 2020, Steve Oney spoke in Savannah on the Leo Frank case. Mr. Oney is considered by many Frank supporters to be an expert, having written a book on the subject. The Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard is being pressured by a group of non-experts to exonerate B’nai B’rith leader Leo M. Frank, who was convicted 107 years ago of the rape and murder of my great aunt Little Mary Phagan at his pencil factory when she was just 13.
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Phagan Family Newsletter Number Four

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Former governor Roy Barnes Claims Leo Frank Did Not Kill Mary Phagan. He Insists that the Century-Old conviction was “wrong”. What Roy Barnes doesn’t want you to know: 107 years ago, Leo Frank, the general superintendent of an Atlanta pencil factory, targeted my great aunt, 13-year-old Mary Phagan—just like he had targeted 20 other young girls who worked there at the National Pencil Company. He attempted to rape her and she resisted. He beat her and then strangled her. Now former governor Roy Barnes and the Anti-Defamation League want to exonerate Leo Frank and claim that an African-American man was
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Phagan Family Newsletter Number Two

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The Family of Little Mary Phagan & The Truth About the Leo Frank Case In 2019, under intense pressure from the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard established the “Conviction Integrity Unit,” which is intended to reverse the 1913 conviction of the murderer and rapist Leo Frank. All evidence proves that Frank murdered our beloved family member, 13-year-old Little Mary Phagan, but many outright lies have been told about the case that MUST BE CORRECTED! GO TO LITTLEMARYPHAGAN.COM for more TRUTH about the murder of Little Mary Phagan. Leo Frank, Sexual Predator—the Harvey Weinstein/Jeffrey Epstein
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Phagan Family Newsletter Number Three

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The Phagan Family Asks D.A. Paul Howard Why The Secrecy? In 2019, under intense pressure from the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard established the “Conviction Integrity Unit,” which is intended to reverse the 1913 conviction of the murderer and rapist Leo Frank. All evidence proves that Frank murdered our beloved family member, 13-year-old Mary Phagan, but many outright lies have been told about the case that MUST BE CORRECTED! Go to LITTLEMARYPHAGAN.COM for more TRUTH about the murder of Little Mary Phagan. Since the Conviction Integrity Unit has been established to review the Leo
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Sunday, 17th August 1913 Supreme Test Comes As State Trains Guns On Frank’s Character

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The Atlanta Georgian, Sunday, 17th August 1913. Defendant Will Take the Stand Early in Week to Give His Account of His Movements on Day Mary Phagan Was Killed. ATTORNEYS SEEKING TO PROVE A COMPLETE LIE Believed That Case Will Stand or Fall On Efforts of Prosecution to Prove Its Charge of Immorality Against the Accused. BY AN OLD POLICE REPORTER The third week of the Frank trial came to an end at noon Saturday. The defense has not yet concluded it's case, but confidently expects to finish within the next day or two. It's last card and one of it's
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Wednesday, 20th August 1913 State Suffers a Severe Blow When Testimony Is Ruled Out

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Atlanta ConstitutionWednesday, August 20th, 1913 Miss Nellie 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 character before
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Tuesday, 19th August 1913 Climax of Trial Reached When Frank Faced Jury

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  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 at 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.
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Tuesday, 19th August 1913 Books and Papers Put in Evidence by the Defense

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  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
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Sunday, 17th August 1913 That Pinkertons Double-Crossed Police, Dorsey Tries to Prove

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  Atlanta Constitution August 17th, 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
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Sunday, 17th August 1913 Prisoner’s Mother Questioned As to Wealth of Frank Family

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    Atlanta Constitution August 17th, 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?"
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Saturday, 16th August 1913 Dorsey Asks Bauer Where He Spent the Dinner Recess

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  Atlanta Constitution August 16th, 1913 R. V. Bauer, the ex-student who was on the stand undergoing cross-examination at the adjournment of the morning session took the stand at the opening of the afternoon session. "Who have you talked with since dinner?" he was asked by the solicitor. "Mr. Montag, Sig Gottheimer, Mr. Rosser and Mr. Arnold." "Where?" "In Mr. Arnold's office." "How long did you talk with him?" "Two or three minutes." "What did they ask you?" "Nothing but the facts I've already told you." "On the third Saturday in January, who did you see at the pencil factory?"
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Quora: Why does Wikipedia say that Leo Frank was likely innocent? By Mark Sims

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  Why does Wikipedia say that Leo Frank was likely innocent? For this answer, I’ll provide two levels of opposing zoom-in and zoom-out magnification, so that you dear reader can have the deepest penetrating and broadest god’s-eye understanding of how this disinformation encyclopedia known as Wikipedia functions in our dystopian reality. What you will come to understand in the forgoing conclusion is, “In an age of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act”—George Orwell. Video: Zionist Editing Course of Wikipedia at Hasbara Technical University. The Skybound View From a Hubble telescopic view of this gargantuan online compendium of
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Quora: Did Leo Frank really kill Mary Phagan?

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By Mark Sims, Los Angeles, CA. Senior Quora Researcher (2011–present) · Last updated on Quora Caption: Counsel for State and Defense in hot argument before Judge Roan. Did National Pencil Company superintendent Leo Frank really kill Mary Phagan in 1913? Yes, Leo Frank killed Mary Phagan and we know this to be the case to a mathematical certainty, when we combine forensic evidence, testimony from an accessory-after-the-fact, and Leo Frank’s reversal of his alibi where he places himself at the scene of the crime, when the rape-murder took place. I will explain this in more detail in the forthcoming answer
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You Are There: L. M. Frank, Factory Superintendent, Detained By Police, Atlanta Journal, April 29th, 1913

  L. M. Frank, Factory Superintendent, Detained By Police Leo M. Frank. Superintendent of the National Pencil company, snapped by a Journal photographer on the way to police headquarters. Mr. Frank is not under arrest, but will be a witness at the coroner's inquest. Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 Detectives Building Case on Theory that Frank and Negro Can Clear Mystery Chief Lanford Believes That Testimony of the Superintendent and Negro Night Watchman May Lead to the Arrest of the Person Guilty of the Atrocious Crime That Has Shocked the Whole City—No Further Arrests Expected Soon MRS. FRANK IN
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You Are There: Frank and Lee Held in Tower; Others Released, Atlanta Constitution, May 2nd, 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
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You Are There: Conley Takes Stand Saturday, Atlanta Georgian, August 1st, 1913

Conley Takes Stand Saturday Atlanta GeorgianAugust 1st, 1913 Lawyers Wrangle Over Frank's Nervousness DORSEY WINS POINT AS ROSSER BATTLES TO DEFEND ACCUSED Jim Conley, accuser of Leo Frank, will take the stand Saturday morning, according to all indications Friday, to repeat the remarkable story he told concerning his part in the disposition of the body of Mary Phagan and undergo the merciless grilling of the defense. Solicitor General Dorsey said that he expected to have his case completed by Saturday night and police, believing he will call the negro to-morrow, had him shaved and cleaned up and in readiness for
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You Are There: Watchman Swears Elevator Was Open; Changes Evidence, Atlanta Journal, August 1st, 1913

Watchman Swears Elevator Was Open; Changes Evidence Atlanta JournalAugust 1st, 1913 E. F. Holloway Angers Dorsey When He Testifies Contrary to Affidavit—Had Told Dorsey Elevator Switch Was Locked Court adjourned at 4:58 o'clock until 9 o'clock Friday morning after a day of surprises in the trial of Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, in the National Pencil factory building. That the switch board which controls the motor used to operate the elevator in the National Pencil factory, where Mary Phagan was murdered was left unlocked Saturday morning when he left the building at 11:45 o'clock, and
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You Are There: Rosser Riddles One of the State’s Chief Witnesses, Atlanta Journal, July 31st, 1913

Rosser Riddles One of the State's Chief Witnesses Atlanta JournalJuly 31st, 1913 Detective John Black "Goes to Pieces" Under Rapid-Fire Cross-Questioning of Frank's Attorney at Afternoon Session Action characterized the Wednesday afternoon session of the Frank trial, and it was the first time the tedious proceedings had taken on life enough to attract more than passing interest. This action came in the fierce and merciless cross-examination of Detective John Black by Attorney Rosser, leading counsel for the defense. Black has taken a prominent part in the investigation of the Phagan murder, and it was expected that he would prove one
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You Are There: William Gheesling, Embalmer, Tells of Wounds on Girl’s Body, Atlanta Constitution, August 1st, 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
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You Are There: Conley’s Main Story Still Remains Unshaken, Atlanta Constitution, August 6th, 1913

Conley's 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
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You Are There: Mrs. Frank Breaks Down in Court, Atlanta Georgian, August 5th, 1913

Mrs. Frank Breaks Down in Court Atlanta GeorgianAugust 5th, 1913 Judge, Favoring Defense, Reserves Decision as to Striking Out Testimony CONLEY CONTINUES TO WITHSTAND FIERCE ATTACKS OF ROSSER Reuben Arnold created a sensation at the opening of Tuesday afternoon's session of the Frank trial by making a motion that all of the revolting testimony concerning Leo Frank's alleged conduct before the day of Mary Phagan's murder be stricken out of the records. He also demanded that all of Jim Conley's testimony in reference to watching at the door at Frank's direction be expunged except the time he claims he watched
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You Are There: Many Discrepancies Between Conley’s Testimony and His Testimony Given to Detectives, Atlanta Journal, August 4th, 1913

Many Discrepancies Between Conley's Testimony and His Testimony Given to Detectives Atlanta JournalAugust 4th, 1913 Negro Swore Previously That He Never Saw Mary Phagan Enter Factory—Many Other Changes in Story—Fourth Time He's Changed Narrative James Conley's story as he told it on the witness stand Monday morning differs in many important details from the story he told to the detectives in his famous affidavit of confession. In that affidavit he said that by appointment he met Frank at the corner of Forsyth and Nelson streets the day of the murder, and that he first went to the factory on that
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You Are There: Frank Very Nervous, Testifies L. O. Grice, Atlanta Constitution, August 5th, 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
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You Are There: Detective Waggoner Describes Extreme Nervousness of Frank, Atlanta Constitution, August 3rd, 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
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You Are There: Conley to Bring Frank Case Crisis, Atlanta Georgian, August 3rd, 1913

Conley to Bring Frank Case Crisis Atlanta GeorgianAugust 3rd, 1913 Negro's Testimony Now Supremely Important Both Sides Stake Their All on His Evidence STATE FORGES CHAIN TO TAX ALL THE INGENUITY OF DEFENSES LEGAL ARRAY First Week of Battle Has Fixed the Time Almost Exactly According to Theory of the Solicitor—Doctors' Testimony His Important Bearing. BY AN OLD POLICE REPORTER. There are two tenable theories of the manner in which little Mary Phagan met her tragic death in the National Pencil Factory on Saturday, April 26. Either she was murdered by Leo Frank, as charged in the indictment, or she
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You Are There: State’s Case Against Frank As It Stands After Week’s Testimony Is Shown Here, Atlanta Journal, August 3rd, 1913

Photo-diagram of court room in old city hall building, where Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the National Pencil factory, is on trial for his life charged with the murder of Mary Phagan. Although the available seats are taken soon after court convenes, the crowd waits without all day for some weary spectator to give up a seat. On the second floor the many witnesses await their turn for a grueling examination by attorneys on either side. State's Case Against Frank As It Stands After Week's Testimony Is Shown Here Atlanta JournalAugust 3rd, 1913 Most Important Points State Sought to Prove
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You Are There: Leo Frank’s Trial Is Attracting Universal Interest in Georgia, Atlanta Constitution, August 4th, 1913

Leo Frank's 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
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You Are There: Conley’s Story In Detail; Women Barred By Judge, Atlanta Georgian, August 4th, 1913

Conley's Story In Detail; Women Barred By Judge Atlanta GeorgianAugust 4th, 1913 There was a murmur of excitement following the calling of Jim Conley; there was a wait of several minutes, officers having just left the police station with the negro a minute or two before he was called. Judge Roan impatiently ordered the Sheriff to bring in the witness. A number of spectators who were crowded up too close to the jury box were moved back by the court deputies. "The Sheriff hasn't got Jim Conley," said Attorney Rosser, after a statement from Deputy Sheriff Plennie Miner. "Mr. Starnes
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You Are There: Startling Statements Made During Testimony of Dr. Harris, Atlanta Constitution, August 2nd, 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
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You Are There: Will 5 Ounces of Cabbage Help Convict Leo M. Frank?, Atlanta Georgian, August 2nd, 1913

Will 5 Ounces of Cabbage Help Convict Leo M. Frank? Atlanta GeorgianAugust 2nd, 1913 Are five and half ounces of cabbage to be the principal factor in sending a man to the gibbet? If the prosecution is warranted in its belief in the vital and incriminating importance of the testimony of Dr. H. F. Harris, director of the State Board of Health, this is exactly the outcome to be expected in the trial of Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of little Mary Phagan. It remains, however, for the State to show explicitly just how the sensational statements made
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You Are There: Dr. Harris Collapses on Stand as He Gives Sensational Evidence, Atlanta Journal, August 2nd, 1913

Dr. Harris Collapses on Stand as He Gives Sensational Evidence Atlanta JournalAugust 2nd, 1913 Physician Testifies at Frank Trial That Mary Phagan Met Death Half Hour After Lunch—Describes Wounds Secretary of State Board of Health Compelled to Leave the Witness Stand on Account of Illness In the midst of sensational testimony, Dr. H. F. Harris, secretary of the state board of health, collapsed Friday afternoon on the witness stand and was excused until Saturday. Dr. Harris and just testified that his examination of the contents of the stomach of little Mary Phagan showed that the dinner which she had eaten
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You Are There: Court Scenes at Frank Trial; How It Looks Inside and Out, Atlanta Journal, July 28th, 1913

Court Scenes at Frank Trial; How It Looks Inside and Out Atlanta JournalJuly 28th, 1913 Three Distinct Crowds Are There, Some Laughing, Some Whispering Speculations on Case There were three crowds at the Frank trial Monday morning; and each had an aspect and characteristic as different as east from west—the crowd in the court room, the crowd around the door and in the street, and the throng of witnesses swarming through the upstairs rooms. As one approached the red brick court house down Hunter street, he could see the corner near Pryor black with people. A car would turn the
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You Are There: Numerous Witnesses Called in Frank Case, Atlanta Constitution, July 29th, 1913

Numerous Witnesses Called in Frank Case Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 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
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You Are There: Findings in Probe are Guarded, Atlanta Georgian, July 2nd, 1913

Findings in Probe are Guarded The Atlanta GeorgianWednesday, July 2, 1913 No Indication Given of Results of Investigation of Reports of Disorderly Houses. The result of the Grand Jury's sensational vice probe of a few weeks ago will be made known Wednesday when the presentments are returned to Superior Judge W. D. Ellis, who two months ago charged that an extensive investigation be made. Save when an indictment was returned against Police Commissioner W. P. Fain, which charged him with keeping a disorderly house and beating one of the women inmates, no inkling of the general trend of the probe
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You Are There: Spectators at Frank Trial Make an Absorbing Study, Atlanta Journal, July 29th, 1913

Spectators at Frank Trial Make an Absorbing Study Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 They Come From Every Station in Life—From the Ragged Newsboy to the Business Man With the Diamond Scarf Pin and the Georgia Lawmaker The personnel of the spectators at the average murder trial is one of the most interesting phases of it, and the trial of Leo Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan is no exception to the general rule. One glance about the court room as the case proceeded Monday afternoon showed an ever-changing kaleidoscope of ever changing faces, holding a single characteristic common to all,
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You Are There: Lawyers Hammer Lee for Two Hours at Monday Afternoon Session, Atlanta Journal, July 29th, 1913

Lawyers Hammer Lee for Two Hours at Monday Afternoon Session Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 Negro Nightwatchman Who Found Mary Phagan's Body in National Pencil Factory on Stand—Girl's Mother and Newsboy Examined Newt Lee, the negro nightwatchman who found Mary Phagan's body in the pencil factory basement, was hammered by the defense for over two hours, on the witness stand Monday afternoon. Mrs. J. W. Coleman, mother of the murdered child, and George W. Epps, a playmate who came to town with her on the fatal day, testified in that order. Mrs. Coleman being the first witness called to the stand
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You Are There: Officer Tells About Discovery Of Body of Girl in Basement, Atlanta Constitution, July 30th, 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
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You Are There: Gantt Has Startling Evidence; Dorsey Promises New Testimony Against Frank, Atlanta Georgian, July 30th, 1913

Gantt Has Startling Evidence; Dorsey Promises New Testimony Against Frank Atlanta GeorgianJuly 30th, 1913 STATE ADDS NEW LINK TO EVIDENCE CHAIN BY BOOTS ROGERS' STORY Sensational testimony by J. M. Gantt, discharged pencil factory employee, was promised Wednesday by Solicitor Dorsey and Frank A. Hooper, who is assisting him. They admitted that Gantt had testimony that had never before been published and would be one of the State's most material and direct witnesses. The defense has heard that Gantt will testify he saw Frank and Conley together on the day of the crime. Gantt was expected to follow Grace Hicks
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You Are There: Defense to Claim Strands of Hair Found Were Not Mary Phagan’s, Atlanta Journal, July 30th, 1913

Defense to Claim Strands of Hair Found Were Not Mary Phagan's Atlanta JournalJuly 30th, 1913 GRACE HIX TESTIFIES THAT GIRLS FREQUENTLY COMBED THEIR HAIR OVER MACHINES Miss Hix Also Testifies That Magnolia Kennedy, Who Worked Near Mary Phagan, Had Hair of the Same Color and Shade—Important Admissions Lay Foundation for Defense's Claim That Murder Was Not Committed in Metal Room STATE ENDEAVORS TO SHOW THAT FRANK VERY NERVOUS AND DID NOT LOOK ON FACE OF MURDERED GIRL Attorney Rosser Directs His Questions to Combat Claim of Nervousness—Witness Declares She Never Saw Any Red Paint in the Metal Room—State Claims New
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You Are There: Leo M. Frank Will Go to Trial Monday, It Is Now Believed, Atlanta Journal, July 27th, 1913

Leo M. Frank Will Go to Trial Monday, It Is Now Believed Atlanta JournalJuly 27th, 1913 Indications Were Saturday Night That the Trial Would Begin Before Judge Roan at Hour Scheduled BOTH SIDES READY AND BITTER FIGHT IS CERTAIN Many Well Known Citizens In Venire From Whom the Twelve Jurors Will Be Chosen for Trial If both sides answer ready when the clerk "sounds" the case of the "State of Georgia versus Leo M. Frank" in the criminal division of the superior court at 9 o'clock Monday morning, what is expected to be the most brilliant as well as one
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You Are There: Leo Frank’s Trial on Murder Charge Booked for Today, Atlanta Constitution, July 28th, 1913

Leo Frank's Trial on Murder Charge Booked for Today Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 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
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You Are There: Mary Phagan’s Mother Testifies, Atlanta Georgian, July 28th, 1913

Mary Phagan's Mother Testifies Atlanta GeorgianJuly 28th, 1913 Newt Lee Repeats His Story in Court Room Negro Watchman Swears Frank Acted Oddly Day of Crime Here are the important developments in the trial of Leo M. Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan. Jury chosen at 1:30 p. m. Mrs. Coleman, girl's mother, takes stand after recess, at 3:15, and tells of Mary leaving for the factory 11:45 a. m. on April 26. George W. Epps, boy companion of Mary Phagan, repeats his story that he had an engagement to meet her on the afternoon of the fatal day. Newt
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You Are There: Frank’s Trial May be Postponed Until Early in the Fall, Atlanta Journal, July 24th, 1913

Frank's Trial May be Postponed Until Early in the Fall Atlanta JournalJuly 24th, 1913 Judge L. S. Roan, Who Will Preside at the Trial, Returns to Atlanta Thursday Afternoon and Is Ill SOLICITOR SAYS STATE WITNESSES ARE READY Reuben Arnold, One of Frank's Attorneys, Returns After Conference in Covington With Judge Roan Judge L. S. Roan, who will preside at the trial of Leo M. Frank when he is arraigned for the murder of Mary Phagan, returned from Covington Thursday afternoon quite ill and went immediately to his home. He will be unable to go to the court house during
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You Are There: Try to Corroborate Story Told by Conley, Atlanta Constitution, July 25th, 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
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You Are There: Witnesses for Frank Called, Atlanta Georgian, July 25th, 1913

Witnesses for Frank Called Atlanta GeorgianJuly 25th, 1913 Despite Judge's Statement All Is In Readiness, Move for Postponement Is Expected. Despite the fact that Superior Judge L. S. Roan stated everything was in readiness for the trial of Leo M. Frank next Monday, that State's Attorney Hugh M. Dorsey has announced he will fight a delay, and that the defense actually commenced summoning witnesses, the impression still prevailed Friday that a motion for continuance would be made by the defense when the case is opened. Attorneys Luther Rosser and Reuben R. Arnold, declined flatly to say whether they would permit
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You Are There: Frank Will Likely Face Trial Monday for Phagan Crime, Atlanta Journal, July 25th, 1913

Frank Will Likely Face Trial Monday for Phagan Crime Atlanta JournalJuly 25th, 1913 Defense Subpoenaes 150 Witnesses, and If Any of the Chief Witnesses Are Ill, Continuance Can Be Asked JUDGE ROAN, WHO WAS ILL, IS REPORTED IMPROVED Indications Now Are That Defense Will Make No Effort to Have Trial Put Off—144 Veniremen Summoned The stage is set for the trial of Leo M. Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan on April 26. Veniremen and witnesses for the defense are being summoned. The witnesses for the state are already under subpoena. Judge L. S. Roan, who was ill Thursday,
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You Are There: Frank’s Lawyers Ready for Trial, Atlanta Constitution, July 26th, 1913

Frank's Lawyers Ready for Trial Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 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
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You Are There: Chapter 5 in Phagan Case, Atlanta Georgian, July 26th, 1913

Chapter 5 in Phagan Case Atlanta GeorgianJuly 26th, 1913 The Negro Conley's Confession That He Was Frank's Accomplice and Events Leading Up to Trial. Chapter VI. "He (Leo Frank) told me that he had picked up a girl back there and had let her fall, and that her head had hit against something—he didn't what it was—and for me to move her, and I hollered and told him the girl was dead." With this startling accusation Jim Conley introduced his third confession. Under the rack of a merciless third degree, continued through the long afternoon of May 29, he weakened
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You Are There: Leo Frank Expects Acquittal and Asks an Immediate Trial, Atlanta Journal, July 26th, 1913

Leo Frank Expects Acquittal and Asks an Immediate Trial Atlanta JournalJuly 26th, 1913 Pencil Factory Superintendent Declares the Sooner He Faces a Jury the Sooner He'll Gain His Freedom ACCUSED OF PHAGAN CRIME, HE WELCOMES TRIAL DAY Wife is Regular Visitor to the Tower—Frank's Time In Prison Is Spent in Reading and Playing Chess Leo M. Frank is ready and anxious to go on trial for his life before Judge Roan in the superior court next Monday morning, according to statements he has made to friends who visited him in his cell in the tower. "The sooner I face the
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You Are There: All in Readiness for Frank’s Trial Monday Morning, Atlanta Constitution, July 27th, 1913

All in Readiness for Frank's Trial Monday Morning Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 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
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You Are There: Phagan Case of Peculiar And Enthralling Interest, Atlanta Georgian, July 27th, 1913

Phagan Case of Peculiar And Enthralling Interest Atlanta Georgian (Hearst's Sunday American)July 27th, 1913 As Leo Frank faces to-day the ordeal decreed by law that for man's life, man's life shall pay, interest in his case that has held Atlanta, Georgia and the South enthralled for three months has diminished not a whit since the Sunday morning the body of the little factory girl was found. Wise judges of news, men who are paid thousands of dollars each year for their knowledge of the fickleness of the public, men who can time to the second the period when interest dies
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You Are There: Rogers on Stand Describes Visit of Frank to Undertakers, Atlanta Constitution, July 31st, 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
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You Are There: Scott Trapped Us, Dorsey Charges; Pinkerton Man Is Also Attacked by the Defense, Atlanta Georgian, July 31st, 1913

Scott Trapped Us, Dorsey Charges; Pinkerton Man Is Also Attacked by the Defense Atlanta GeorgianJuly 31st, 1913 FRANK NOT IN OFFICE JUST AFTER 12 ON DAY OF SLAYING, SAYS GIRL The deliberate charge that he had been "trapped" by Pinkerton Detective Harry Scott was made by Solicitor Dorsey at the trial of Leo M. Frank Thursday. Scott played a curious part in the trial, being attacked by both sides. He was given the same fiery baptism that annihilated City Detective Black the day before, but he passed through the ordeal in much better shape than his brother detective. Scott left
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You Are There: Was Mary Phagan Killed With Bludgeon?, Atlanta Journal, July 22nd, 1913

Was Mary Phagan Killed With Bludgeon? Atlanta JournalJuly 22nd, 1913 BLOODY STICK NOW IN POSSESSION OF FRANK'S ATTORNEYS Was Found on May 10 by Two Pinkerton Detectives on the First Floor of the Pencil Factory DEFENSE TO CLAIM NEGRO WIELDED THE INSTRUMENT It Was Sent to Chemist Outside of State for Examination—Subpenas Issued for State's Witness In the possession of the defense of Leo M. Frank is a bloody bludgeon with which it will be claimed at the trial, in all probability, that James Conley, the negro sweeper, struck Mary Phagan over the head while she battled on the first
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You Are There: Bloody Club Lends New Clue to Mystery, Atlanta Constitution, July 23rd, 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
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You Are There: Second Chapter in Phagan Mystery, Atlanta Georgian, July 23rd, 1913

Second Chapter in Phagan Mystery Atlanta GeorgianJuly 23rd, 1913 The Discovery of the Body of the Slain Factory Girl and Start of Hunt for Slayer. CHAPTER II. His heart pounding in superstitious fright, Newt Lee, the night watchman, forced himself to approach the strange object on the pile of debris in the pencil factory basement. A step nearer and he could make out what appeared to be a human foot. He recoiled and was on the point of precipitate flight. But he must look closer, he thought. Perhaps, after all, it was only the ghastly prank of some of the
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You Are There: Fight Expected Over Effort to Defer Frank Case, Atlanta Journal, July 23rd, 1913

Fight Expected Over Effort to Defer Frank Case Atlanta JournalJuly 23, 1913 No Witnesses for Defense Have Been Called for Monday, and Indications Are They Will Not Be CRAWFORD CASE CHECKED TO DATE OF FRANK TRIAL Attorney R. R. Arnold May Go to Covington to Request Judge L. S. Roan to Postpone Case While the position of the defense of Leo M. Frank has not been announced, Attorney Luther Z. Rosser and Reuben R. Arnold have indicated clearly that they desire to postpone the trial of case from next Monday, when it is set. Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, on
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You Are There: Phagan Mystery Club Examined by Experts, Atlanta Constitution, July 24th, 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
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You Are There: Third Chapter in Phagan Mystery, Atlanta Georgian, July 24th, 1913

Third Chapter in Phagan Mystery Atlanta GeorgianJuly 24th, 1913 Arrests of Suspects in the Factory Slaying. Sensation as Leo Frank, Manager Was Taken Into Custody. CHAPTER III. Everything that occurred, trivial or important, during those first few days after the body of little Mary Phagan was discovered in the pencil factory basement took on a dramatic aspect. The people were keyed to so high a pitch by the revolting crime that for for a time it seemed to require only a spark to fire them to violent deeds. Let a strange person so much as appear at the police station
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You Are There: No New Indictment Says Jury Foreman, Atlanta Constitution, July 16th, 1913

No New Indictment Says Jury Foreman The Atlanta ConstitutionWednesday, 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
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You Are There: Dorsey Adds Startling Evidence, Atlanta Georgian, July 16th, 1913

Dorsey Adds Startling Evidence The Atlanta GeorgianWednesday, July 16, 1913 *Editor's Note: This article also ran in the Final (Box Score) Edition under the headline "State Finds New Frank Evidence." Solicitor Declares Prosecution's Plans Are Unchanged—Doesn't Expect Conley Indictment. That affidavits as sensational and direct against Leo M. Frank, accused of murdering Mary Phagan, as the Mincey statement was against the negro, Jim Conley, are in the hands of the State and will be substantiated by witnesses at the trial, July 28, was admitted by Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey Wednesday morning. The Solicitor and Frank A. Hooper, associated with
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You Are There: Second Phagan Indictment Probable, Atlanta Journal, July 16th, 1913

Second Phagan Indictment Probable The Atlanta JournalWednesday, July 16, 1913 *Editor's Note: A small section of text is missing from the article due to scanning blur near a page fold. CONLEY NEGRO MAY BE INDICTED OVER DORSEY'S PROTEST New Grand Jury Will Take Up Case and Make an Effort to Get a True Bill Against Negro as Principal NEGRO HAS ALREADY ADMITTED COMPLICITY Solicitor Dorsey Is Expected to Vigorously Oppose Jury's Move—Negro Sweated Again by Detectives It was learned Wednesday by The Journal, on reliable authority, that there is a strong probability of the Fulton county grand jury which was
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You Are There: Dorsey Blocked Indictment of Conley, Atlanta Georgian, July 17th, 1913

Dorsey Blocked Indictment of Conley The Atlanta GeorgianThursday, July 17, 1913 *Editor's Note: This article ran in other editions of the Georgian with slight variations in the headline. GRAND JURY AGREED NOT TO ACT Solicitor Bitterly Opposes Plan of New Body to Reconsider Slaying Case. That the most strenuous opposition of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey was all that prevented the last Grand Jury from reopening its investigation of the Phagan mystery with a view of indicting the negro Jim Conley became known Thursday. It was admitted by persons acquainted with the events in the Grand Jury room that the
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You Are There: Effort Being Made to Indict Negro Conley, Atlanta Journal, July 17th, 1913

Effort Being Made to Indict Negro Conley The Atlanta JournalThursday, July 17, 1913 Foreman Beattie of Grand Jury, However, Says He Knows of No Such Move W.D. Beattie, foreman of the grand jury, declares that "so far as he knows" there is no intention on the part of the grand jury to consider an indictment of Jim Conley, the negro sweeper, who figures so prominently in the Phagan murder mystery. The Journal has learned, however, on excellent authority, that a determined effort is being made to have the Conley case passed upon by the present grand jury. Whether the effort
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You Are There: Many Rumors Afloat Regarding Grand Jury, Atlanta Constitution, July 18th, 1913

Many Rumors Afloat Regarding Grand Jury The Atlanta ConstitutionFriday, 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
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You Are There: Detectives Working to Discredit Mincey, Atlanta Georgian, July 18th, 1913

Detectives Working to Discredit Mincey The Atlanta GeorgianFriday, July 18, 1913 POLICE HALT GRILLING OF CONLEY Detective Bent on Questioning Negro Is Barred From Cell by Chief Lanford. With Pinkerton detectives taking the trail in search of W.H. Mincey, whose startling accusations against Jim Conley stirred the police department and won the negro another "sweating" from Solicitor Dorsey, the Mincey affidavit Friday became the storm center about which the prosecution and defense in the Frank case waged their battle. Despite the degree of indifference with which the detectives and prosecuting officials affected to look upon the remarkable statements of Mincey,
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You Are There: Grand Jury Is Called Monday to Indict Jim Conley, Atlanta Journal, July 18th, 1913

Grand Jury Is Called Monday to Indict Jim Conley The Atlanta JournalFriday, July 18, 1913 *Editor's Note: Small sections of text are missing due to scanning near a crease. GRAND JURY CALLED TO TAKE UP MATTER OVER DORSEY'S HEAD Foreman W.D. Beattie Calls Body to Meet Monday and Take Up Evidence Against Negro in Phagan Girl's Case derer SOLICITOR REFUSED TO ISSUE THE CALL Notwithstanding the Solicitor's Protest, Foreman Calls a Meeting Anyhow—Dorsey Issues a Statement Over the vigorous protest of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, the foreman of the grand jury has called a meeting for Monday for the
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You Are There: Scott Believes Conley Innocent, Asserts Lanford, Atlanta Constitution, July 19th, 1913

Scott Believes Conley Innocent, Asserts Lanford The Atlanta ConstitutionSaturday, 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 CASEMeeting 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
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You Are There: Dorsey Resists Move to Indict Jim Conley, Atlanta Georgian, July 19th, 1913

Dorsey Resists Move to Indict Jim Conley The Atlanta GeorgianSaturday, July 19, 1913 GRAND JURY SPLIT BY LATEST MOVE Public Opinion Forces Consideration of Move to Indict Conley for Phagan Slaying. Solicitor Dorsey is fighting vigorously the movement in the Grand Jury to indict Jim Conley Monday for the murder of Mary Phagan, despite the bombardment of letters from many citizens and by the sentiment of some of its own members. It is for the consideration of these letters and petitions, asking the reopening of the Phagan matter, that the meeting has been called. That it will result in the
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You Are There: Jury Is Determined to Consider a Bill Against Jim Conley, Atlanta Journal, July 19th, 1913

Jury Is Determined to Consider a Bill Against Jim Conley The Atlanta JournalSaturday, July 19, 1913 Protest of Solicitor Fails to Stop Session to Consider Phagan Evidence on Monday DORSEY STILL BELIEVES JURY WON'T INDICT Solicitor Says Frank Defense Wants Jury to Try Him Drawn From the Grand Jury List Grand Jurors Who Will Consider Conley's CaseThis is the Fulton county grand jury which has been called to meet Monday over the protest of the solicitor to take up the case of Jim Conley, the negro sweeper at the National Pencil factory:W.D. Beatie, foreman.T.C. Whitner.John S. Spalding.W.C. Carroll, East Point.H.B.
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You Are There: Mrs. Nina Formby Will Not Return for Trial, Atlanta Constitution, July 20th, 1913

Mrs. Nina Formby Will Not Return for Trial The Atlanta ConstitutionSunday, 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
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You Are There: Counsel of Frank Says Dorsey Has Sought to Hide Facts, Atlanta Georgian, July 20th, 1913

Counsel of Frank Says Dorsey Has Sought to Hide Facts The Atlanta GeorgianSunday, July 20, 1913 Attorneys Rosser and Arnold, in a Statement to the Press, Make Bitter Attack on Solicitor for His Conduct of Phagan Case. Call Attention to Secrecy Maintained by Prosecution, and Declare Action of State's Attorney Has Inflamed Public Opinion. Luther Z. Rosser and Reuben R. Arnold, attorneys for Leo M. Frank, who will be tried July 29 on the charge of killing Mary Phagan, joined Saturday in a bitter attack upon the policy of Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey, whose procedure in the case, they said,
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You Are There: Dorsey Is Seeking to Be Grand Jury And Solicitor Too, Say Frank’s Counsel, Atlanta Journal, July 20th, 1913

Dorsey Is Seeking to Be Grand Jury And Solicitor Too, Say Frank's Counsel The Atlanta JournalSunday, July 20, 1913 SOLICITOR SCORED FOR HIS ATTITUDE IN CONLEY'S CASE Rosser and Arnold Charge Dorsey Seeks to Convict Frank, Guilty or Innocent, Out of Professional Pride "SHUTTING EYES TO TRUTH, DORSEY PROTECTS NEGRO" Attorneys Intimate That Dorsey Fears to Let Truth Be Known - Attitude Throughout Case Is Criticised The attitude of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey throughout the Phagan investigation, and especially in his attempt to block a grand jury indictment of Jim Conley, is scored in an interview made public by
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You Are There: Protest of Solicitor Dorsey Wins, Atlanta Georgian, July 21st, 1913

Protest of Solicitor Dorsey Wins The Atlanta GeorgianMonday, July 21, 1913 Presents Evidence Showing Indictment of Negro Would Hinder Frank Prosecution. Here are the important developments of Monday in the Phagan case: The decision of the Grand Jury of Fulton County not to bring at this time an indictment against James Conley.The information that there is a strong probability of another postponement of the trial of Leo M. Frank. The Grand Jury's refusal to reopen its investigation of the Phagan murder mystery was a decided victory for the Solicitor after that body had overridden his request that no session be
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You Are There: Will Not Indict Jim Conley Now, Jury’s Decision, Atlanta Journal, July 21st, 1913

Will Not Indict Jim Conley Now, Jury's Decision The Atlanta JournalMonday, July 21, 1913 Solicitor Dorsey Makes Brief Announcement to This Effect After Grand Jury Session Lasting Over an Hour NO ANONYMOUS LETTERS WANTED BY THE JURORS Solicitor Dorsey Will Now Concentrate Efforts Against Having Frank Jury Drawing From Grand Jury List Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey has for a second time blocked an attempt by members of the grand jury to indict James Conley, the negro sweeper, who confessed complicity in the Mary Phagan murder. The grand jurymen who had called a meeting over the protest of the solicitor
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You Are There: Story of Phagan Case by Chapters, Atlanta Georgian, July 22nd, 1913

Story of Phagan Case by Chapters Atlanta GeorgianJuly 22nd, 1913 Slaying of Factory Girl, South's Most Baffling Crime Mystery, Reviewed in Detail. CHAPTER I. Will the veil of mystery be lifted when the curtain rises next Monday on another scene in Atlanta's darkest tragedy? A vast audience, shocked by the horror of Mary Phagan's fate on a Saturday of last April and held through the succeeding weeks in the thrall of the baffling crime drama, in keen suspense awaits this question's answer. Will Fulton County's Solicitor General be able to point his finger at Leo M. Frank and exclaim, "That
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You Are There: New Testimony Lays Crime to Conley, Atlanta Georgian, July 4th, 1913

New Testimony Lays Crime to Conley The Atlanta GeorgianFriday, July 4, 1913 Frank Defense Locates Witness Who Points to the Negro Sweeper as Slayer. A new witness, said to have the most damaging evidence yet produced against Jim Conley, the negro sweeper in the National Pencil factory, entered the Phagan case Thursday and made an affidavit, the contents fo which are carefully guarded by attorneys for Leo M. Frank, charged with causing the death of the factory girl. The identity of the witness is as much a secret as the exact nature of his testimony. It was learned, though, that
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You Are There: Lee’s Lawyer Expects Delay in Frank Case, Atlanta Journal, July 4th, 1913

Lee's Lawyer Expects Delay in Frank Case The Atlanta JournalFriday, July 4, 1913 State Certain to Fight Chappell's Effort to Secure Release of Watchman Bernard L. Chappell, attorney for Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, who found the body of Mary Phagan in the National Pencil factory basement, declares that Saturday he will bring habeas corpus proceedings to secure the release of his client. According to the attorney, the negro is being held on the recommendation of the coroner's jury, which concluded its inquest before James Conley figured in the case. The grand jury has failed to act on Lee's
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You Are There: Liberty for Newt Lee Sought, Atlanta Georgian, July 5th, 1913

Liberty for Newt Lee Sought The Atlanta GeorgianSaturday, July 5, 1913 Writ to Free Watchman From the Tower Will Be Filed—State to Oppose Liberation. The prosecution will fight an entirely new angle in the Phagan case Saturday morning when Barnard L. Chappell, attorney for Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, files a writ of habeas corpus for the release of the negro from the Tower, where he is being held without any charge against him. Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey will ask the courts to hold the negro as a material witness for the State, or may charge him with
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You Are There: Fight for Newt Lee’s Freedom is Delayed, Atlanta Journal, July 5th, 1913

Fight for Newt Lee's Freedom is Delayed The Atlanta JournalSaturday, July 5, 1913 Bernard Chappell, His Lawyer, Expects to Bring Habeas Corpus on Monday Bernard L. Chappell, attorney for Newt Lee, the , who found the body of Mary Phagan, declared Saturday that he had been unable to complete all of his work in connection with his proposed filing of a habeas corpus writ in an effort to liberate his client. Mr. Chappelle said that he had expected to file the writ Saturday, but was delayed, and is now certain he can file it by Monday morning. Mr. Chappell asserted
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You Are There: New Move in Phagan Case by Solicitor, Atlanta Georgian, July 6th, 1913

New Move in Phagan Case by Solicitor The Atlanta GeorgianSunday, July 6, 1913 Dorsey Will Endeavor to Force Defense to Disclose Their Documentary Evidence. ACT IS COUNTERSTROKE Frank's Attorneys Said to Have Affidavits Exonerating Frank and Indicating Conley's Guilt. A sensational turn in the Phagan murder mystery, according to one of the attorneys for the defense, will develop next week when Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey issues a subpena duces tecum on Attorneys Luther Z. Rosser and Reuben Arnold, citing them to produce all the affidavits they have secured that bear on the crime. The movement is in the nature
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You Are There: Lee’s Attorney is Ready for Writ Fight, Atlanta Georgian, July 7th, 1913

Lee's Attorney is Ready for Writ Fight The Atlanta GeorgianMonday, July 7, 1913 Habeas Corpus Move to Free Negro in Phagan Case Due to Start Monday. Habeas corpus proceedings in behalf of Newt Lee, negro night watchman at the National Pencil Factory, were promised Monday by the negro's attorney, Bernard L. Chappell. Settlement of this phase of the Phagan murder mystery will determine definitely the status of the negro. It is known that the State regards Lee as a material witness in building up its case against Frank. The attitude of Mr. Chappell is that his client knows no more
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You Are There: Attitude of Defense Secret, Atlanta Georgian, July 8th, 1913

Attitude of Defense Secret The Atlanta GeorgianTuesday, July 8, 1913 Attorneys for Accused Man Can Keep Him From Facing Accuser if They Wish. That Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the National Pencil Factory, and James Conley, Frank's accuser in the Mary Phagan murder mystery, would be brought face to face Tuesday was the strong possibility presented by the contemplated application for a writ of habeas corpus in behalf of Newt Lee, negro night watchman at the factory. The plan of bringing Conley and Frank together may meet an insurmountable obstacle when it comes to getting the permission of Frank's attorneys.
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You Are There: Newt Lee’s Attorneys Seeking His Freedom, Atlanta Journal, July 8th, 1913

Newt Lee's Attorneys Seeking His Freedom The Atlanta JournalTuesday, July 8, 1913 Habeas Corpus Proceedings May Bring Frank and Conley Face to Face Petition for a writ of habeas corpus in behalf of Newt Lee, the negro night watchman at the National Pencil factory who has been held in jail since the Mary Phagan murder as a suspect, has been drawn up at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon by the negro's attorneys, Graham and Chappell, and the firm then was seeking the signature of the nearest available judge of the Fulton superior court to a writ fixing the time and place
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You Are There: New Evidence in Phagan Case Found, Atlanta Georgian, July 9th, 1913

New Evidence in Phagan Case Found The Atlanta GeorgianWednesday, July 9, 1913 iGrl Called to Tell of Negro She Saw in Pencil Factory—Lee Stays in Jail. A sensation in the Phagan murder mystery developed Wednesday afternoon when Solicitor Dorsey summoned Miss Mattie Smith under a special subpena to question her in regard to a negro she saw in the National Pencil Factory the morning of the Saturday that Mary Phagan was murdered. Miss Smith told a Georgian reporter that she saw a negro there that morning and believed it was between 9 and 10 o'clock. She thought she might be
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You Are There: Mary Phagan Pay Envelope Found, Atlanta Journal, July 9th, 1913

Mary Phagan Pay Envelope Found The Atlanta JournalWednesday, July 9, 1913 MYSTERY'S LOST LINK IS FOUND NEAR WHERE CONLEY SAYS HE SAT Finding of Portion of Salary Envelope Bearing Victim's Name Expected to Strengthen Defense's Contention CONTENTS OF ENVELOPE HAVE NEVER BEEN FOUND Find Was Made by Pinkertons Just Three Weeks After the Murder, but Was Kept a Secret Until Wednesday. The pay envelope, which was the quest of Mary Phagan's visit to the National Pencil factory on April 26, when she met her death, has been found. At least enough of the envelope to definitely identify it is in
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You Are There: Mary Phagan’s Pay Envelope is Found, Atlanta Constitution, July 10th, 1913

Mary Phagan's Pay Envelope is Found The Atlanta ConstitutionThursday, 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
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You Are There: Says Conley Confessed Slaying, Atlanta Georgian, July 10th, 1913

Says Conley Confessed Slaying The Atlanta GeorgianThursday, July 10, 1913 *Editor's Note: Articles with the titles "Tells of Conley Confession" and "Says Conley Confessed" also appeared in other editions of the Georgian. NEGRO MADE BOAST OF KILLING A GIRL, AGENT DECLARES Attorneys for Frank Will Put Main Reliance of Defense on the Startling Affidavit Made by W. H. Mincey and Now in Their Possession. That Jim Conley, negro sweeper at the National Pencil Factory, made a virtual confession to him that he attacked and killed Mary Phagan is the startling allegation made in an affidavit by William H. Mincey, until
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You Are There: No Finger Prints Found by Expert on Phagan Envelope, Atlanta Journal, July 10th, 1913

No Finger Prints Found by Expert on Phagan Envelope The Atlanta JournalThursday, July 10, 1913 Examination of Portion of Slain Girl's Pay Envelope Fails to Throw Any Light on the Murder Mystery FLETCHER, AT FEDERAL PEN MAKES EXAMINATION Fight for Release of Newt Lee on Habeas Corpus Resumed and Hearing Will Be Given Saturday Morning That the murderer of Mary Phagan can never be identified by finger prints on the pay envelope found in the factory, and the "re-setting" of Newt Lee's habeas corpus for 10 o'clock. Saturday morning, were two important developments of the sensational murder mystery Thursday. According
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You Are There: Conley Not Right Man, Says Mincey, Atlanta Constitution, July 11th, 1913

Conley Not Right Man, Says Mincey The Atlanta ConstitutionFriday, 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
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You Are There: Slaying Charge for Conley Is Expected, Atlanta Georgian, July 11th, 1913

Slaying Charge for Conley Is Expected The Atlanta GeorgianFriday, July 11, 1913 Speedy Indictment of Negro Is Likely Following Publication of Mincey Affidavit. The speedy indictment of Jim Conley on the charge of murdering Mary Phagan was the strong possibility discussed in court circles Friday following the sensational turn given the strangling mystery by The Georgian's publication Thursday of the accusation of William H. Mincey, an insurance solicitor, that he had heard the negro boast on the afternoon of the crime of killing a girl. For nearly two months a self-confessed accessory after the fact of the murder of the
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You Are There: Agent Claims Conley Confessed to Murder, Atlanta Journal, July 11th, 1913

Agent Claims Conley Confessed to Murder The Atlanta JournalFriday, July 11, 1913 Detectives Deny That Mincey Told Them of Alleged Confession of Negro In the possession of the attorneys for the defense of Leo M. Frank is an affidavit of William H. Mincey, formerly an insurance agent working in Atlanta, who declares that the negro, James Conley, while drunk on the afternoon of April 26, admitted and even boasted to him that he had killed a girl that day. The admission is alleged by Mincey's affidavit to have been made when he met Conley, whom he knew, in the negro
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You Are There: Conley Kept on Grill 4 Hours, Atlanta Georgian, July 12th, 1913

Conley Kept on Grill 4 Hours The Atlanta GeorgianSaturday, July 12, 1913 After Gruelling Third Degree, Officials Refuse to Deny or Affirm Negro Confessed. Habeas corpus proceedings to release Newt Lee collapsed in the court of Judge Ellis Saturday morning. By agreement, Bernard L. Chappell, representing Lee, withdrew his application for a habeas corpus; Solicitor Dorsey promised to present a bill against Lee as a suspect in the Phagan murder case, with the expectation that a "no bill" would be returned. This appeared satisfactory to the attorneys for Lee, as well as to the State. Luther Z. Rosser, Reuben R.
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You Are There: Conley Again Quizzed by Prosecutor Dorsey, Atlanta Journal, July 12th, 1913

Conley Again Quizzed by Prosecutor Dorsey The Atlanta JournalSaturday, July 12, 1913 Solicitor and Hooper Grill Negro at Police Headquarters for Three Hours For two hours and a half Solicitor Dorsey did practically all of the ques- Phagan case, Frank A. Hooper, quizzed Conley at police headquarters Friday afternoon. Two detectives stood guard on the outside of the door of the police commissioner's room in which the questioning was done, but no one except the officials and the negro were inside the room. Conley was grinning when he emerged from the room. The questioning ended shortly before 7 o'clock, and
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You Are There: Former Story True, Says Negro Sweeper, Atlanta Constitution, July 13th, 1913

Former Story True, Says Negro Sweeper The Atlanta ConstitutionSunday, 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
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