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

HD Video Download Important Book Launch: The Murder of Little Mary Phagan (2025 Edition) by Mary Phagan Kean Help preserve...
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Saturday, 11th April 1914: Hint Pinkerton Here On Frank Case Denied, The Atlanta Georgian

The Atlanta Georgian,Saturday, 11th April 1914,7th Edition (Final),PAGE 2, COLUMN 6.### Rumor Had Rival Detective Watching Burns; Latter Has New...
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Friday, 10th April 1914: Burns Probing Character Of Frank Now, The Atlanta Georgian

The Atlanta Georgian,Friday, 10th April 1914,8th Edition (Final),PAGE 7, COLUMN 5.Detective Invites All Persons Who Have Known Prisoner to Confer...
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Thursday, 9th April 1914: Burns’ Report Not Likely To Be Given For Another Week, The Atlanta Georgian

The Atlanta Georgian,Thursday, 9th April 1914,8th Edition (Final),PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.Additional developments in the Phagan murder case Thursday made it...
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Wednesday, 8th April 1914: Burns Sees Solicitor Dorsey, The Atlanta Georgian

The Atlanta Georgian,Wednesday, 8th April 1914,8th Edition (Final),PAGE 1, COLUMN 3.Talks Over Frank Case With the Prosecutor and Is Shown...
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Tuesday, 7th April 1914: Courting Days Boasts That Fail Not Divorce Grounds, Rules Court, The Atlanta Georgian

The Atlanta Georgian,Tuesday, 7th April 1914,8th Edition (Final),PAGE 2, COLUMN 1.The pathetic and the ludicrous marched side by side in...
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Monday, 6th April 1914: Conley Denies Scaring Girls At Factory, The Atlanta Georgian

The Atlanta Georgian,Monday, 6th April 1914,8th Edition (Final),PAGE 2, COLUMN 4.Jim Conley, whom Detective W. J. Burns is saving for...
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Sunday, 5th April 1914: Burns Returns To End Probe And Give Report, The Atlanta Georgian

The Atlanta Georgian,Sunday, 5th April 1914,4th Edition (Final),PAGE 3, COLUMN 1.### Detective Declares Result of Investigation of Frank Case Will...
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Saturday, 4th April 1914: Burns Due Here To-day; Ready To Report, The Atlanta Georgian

The Atlanta Georgian,Saturday, 4th April 1914,2th Edition (Final),PAGE 2, COLUMN 2.William J. Burns, after a prolonged investigation of various phases...
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Friday, 3rd April 1914: Frank Innocent, Declares Burns, The Atlanta Georgian

The Atlanta Georgian,Friday, 3rd April 1914,7th Edition (Final),PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.PAGE 1, COLUMN 8READY NOWTO POINTTO GIRL'SSLAYERCHICAGO, April 3. "The...
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Thursday, 2nd April 1914: Biddinger, Burns Man, On Frank Case, Tells Of Baring Canadian Graft, The Atlanta Georgian

The Atlanta Georgian,Thursday, 2nd April 1914,9th Edition (Final),PAGE 3, COLUMN 1."Butch" Mc Devitt, millionaire for a day, has nothing on...
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Thursday, 1st May 1913 Frank Not Apparently Nervous Say Last Men to Leave Factory

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  Miss Ella Maud Eubanks, stenographer for Leo M. Frank   Atlanta Constitution Thursday May 1st, 1913 Following Mechanic Barrett's declaration that there were two men at work Saturday at noon on the top floor of the factory building, Coroner Donehoo ordered detectives to accompany the machinist to the plant and bring the two employees to police headquarters. They were brought immediately into the inquest. Their names were given as Harry Denham and J. Arthur White. Denham was first placed on the stand. His examination began immediately upon arrival. "Did you see the blood on the lathing machine?" "I saw

Thursday, 1st May 1913 City Offers $1,000 Reward for Capture of Phagan Slayers

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  Atlanta Constitution Thursday, May 1st, 1913 Atlanta's city council met at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning, adopted a resolution appropriating $1,000 as a reward for information which may lead to the arrest and conviction of the party or parties responsible for the death of Mary Phagan, and immediately afterwards the aldermanic board met and approved the action of council. The resolution went to Mayor Woodward before noon and he immediately attached his signature to it giving it official approval. The money is now available. * * * Atlanta Constitution, May 1st 1913, "City Offers $1,000 Reward for Capture of Phagan

Thursday, 1st May 1913 Frank Tried to Flirt With Murdered Girl Says Her Boy Chum

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  At the left top is Detective Black, of the city, and at the right Detective Scott, of the Pinkertons. Below is a scene of the inquest. At the bottom is a sketch by Henderson of the negro, Newt Lee, whose straightforward story at the inquest has tended to lift suspicion from him.   Atlanta Constitution Thursday, May 1st 1913 Mary Phagan Was Growing Afraid of Advances Made to Her by Superintendent of the Factory, George W. Epps, 15 Years Old, Tells the Coroner's Jury. BOY HAD ENGAGEMENT TO MEET HER SATURDAY BUT SHE DID NOT COME Newt Lee, Night

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Shot Fired Near Lee May Break His Nerve

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  Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 Walter Graham Discharges a Derringer in His Cell at the Police Station. Will Newt Lee, the negro night watchman accused of the murder of Mary Phagan, be unnerved today as a result of the firing of a double-barreled derringer in a nearby cell last night. Will his nerves become so shattered at the thought of death that he will confess, admitting the crime, or implicating others? This is what the police will determine today in further third degree work with Lee. Walter Graham, a young white youth of 76 Marietta street, smuggled a

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Did Murderers Plan Cremation?

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  Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 Detectives Believe That They Intended to Burn Body of Little Mary Phagan in the Furnace of Factory. Did the murderers of Mary Phagan lower her body into the darkness of the pencil factory basement with the intention of cremating the corpse in the furnace of that plant? Such is the belief of detectives. The dead girl was discovered only a few feet from the furnace. Her body had been dragged first to the fire box, circled around its base, then abandoned in the desolate recess in which it was found. Investigation revealed that

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Gantt Turned Over to Sheriff of Fulton

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  Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 After a hearing before Judge George L. Bell of the superior court in which his attorney George T. gave a scathing denouncement of the police and detective department for what he termed the grilling system. J. M. Gantt, held on a warrant charging the murder of Mary Phagan was taken from the police and turned over to the sheriff to be held in the Tower. Judge Gober stated that he would arrange for a hearing early today before Justice F. M. Powers before whom the original warrant was sworn out. The coroner's inquest

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Murder Analyzed By Dr. MKelway

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  Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 "If Children of Such Tender Years Were Not Forced to Work, Mary Phagan Might Be Living," He Says "If social conditions in Atlanta were of the best—if conditions in factories were of the best and lastly if children of such tender years were not forced to work little Mary Phagan would probably never have been murdered," declared Dr. A. J. McKelway, president pro tem of the Southern Sociological congress speaking at the final meeting held in Wesley Memorial church last night. "Let us take this murder and analyze it. A little child of

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Mayor Confers with Chief; Says Extras are Misleading

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The Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 "I don't want a disturbance on the street of Atlanta. The town has been stirred over the Phagan tragedy, and I fear that sensational and misleading extras may cause mischief. I have requested Chief Beavers to use great caution in giving out news." Mayor James G. Woodward made the above explanation of his visit to Chief James L. Beavers, at police headquarters, shortly after 8:30 o'clock last night. The mayor said that he made a tour of the city and found the people in all sections in a highly nervous state. He charged

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 City to Offer $1,000 for Slayers Arrest

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  Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 Mayor Woodward Declares the Stain of Blood Must Be Wiped Out. Atlanta, April 29, 1913 To the General Council, City of Atlanta: The general council of the city of Atlanta is hereby called to convene in special session tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, April 30, 1913, to take cognizance, in an official way, of that most brutal crime that was committed in this city on last Saturday night. I think it proper that the city government should take some befitting action as regards this most deplorable matter, which, as it is, is liable

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 While Hundreds Sob Body of Mary Phagan Lowered into Grave

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  Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 While relatives hysterically wept, while hundreds of friends, with wet eyes and bowed heads, mourned, while little circles of grim visage men talked in hushed voices of all that remained of little 14-year-old Mary Phagan, victim of Saturday night's atrocious crime, was lowered into a grave at the city cemetery at Marietta yesterday morning. "The Lord hath given, the Lord hath taken, blessed be the name of the Lord," said Rev. T. T. G. Linkous, pastor of the Christian church at East Point, as tears streamed down his cheeks. And the grave-diggers grasped

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Leo M. Frank Holds Conference With Lee

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  Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 After Talking With Him an Hour, Factory President Fails to Secure a Confession. Sitting alone in the detectives' office at headquarters, Frank, the factory president, and Lee, the negro night watchman, both suspects held in connection with the Phagan murder, conferred for an hour shortly before midnight. The conference was made at the request of detectives. It was believed Frank would be able to wring a confession from the negro. At midnight, he emerged from the room. "I can't get a thing out of him. He tells the same story over and over."

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Factory Clock Not Punched for Hours on Night of Murder

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  Scenes at the funeral services of victim of Sunday's brutal crime. In one picture is shown casket being borne from church; in another, her brother, Ben Phagan, who is in the navy; and in the bottom one, the beautiful floral offerings covering the newly-made grave.   Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 Newt Lee, Negro Watchman, Had a Record for Punctuality in Registering Time Until Night of the Killing—Bloody Shirt Found in His Home by Detectives, but Negro Asserts That He Had Not Seen It for Two Years—Blood Was Fresh, Assert Officers. MORE ARRESTS WILL BE MADE TODAY, SAY

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Inquest This Morning.

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  Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 Coroner Donehoo last night set the time for the inquest at this morning at 8:45 o'clock. It will be held in Bloomfield's undertaking establishment on South Pryor street. A thorough investigation will be made into the mystery. It will then be determined if the evidence at hand is sufficient to commit Frank and the negro watchman to higher courts. * * * Atlanta Constitution, April 30th 1913, "Inquest This Morning," Leo Frank case newspaper article series  

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Who Saw Pretty Mary Phagan After 12 OClock on Saturday?

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The Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 A remarkable fact in connection with the murder of Mary Phagan is that no one has thus far come forward stating they saw her after she drew her pay at the National Pencil factory shortly after 12 o'clock. Several persons have stated that they "believed" they saw her or that they "saw a girl answering her description," but positive statements are lacking. The Atlanta detective department is particularly anxious to trace every movement of the girl from the time she left the factory, and is particularly desirous of obtaining the names of all

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Was Victim of Murder Lured Off on Joy Ride Before She Met Death?

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The Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 3, Column 2) Evidence obtained by Detectives Black and Rosser Monday afternoon has led the detective department to suspect that little Mary Phagan was lured away by her murderer Saturday afternoon by the pleasures of a joy ride during which she was drugged or made drunk with whisky. This new aspect of the case came from R. B. Pyron, telegraph operator at the signal tower on the Central of Georgia railroad at the Whitehall street crossing. Pyron told the detectives Monday afternoon that about 10 o'clock Saturday night he was standing at

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 $1,000 Reward

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The Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 Page 4 The assault and murder of 14-year-old Mary Phagan comprise the most revolting crime in the history of Atlanta Homicide is bad enough. Criminal assault upon woman is worse. When a mere child, a little girl in knee dresses is the victim of both there are added elements of horror and degeneracy that defy the written word. This outrage with all its gruesome and pitiful settings occurred in the very heart of Atlanta. It was committed by some human beast with more than jungle cruelty and less than jungle mercy. The detective

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 I Am Not Guilty, Says John M. Gantt

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The Atlanta Constitution Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 "I Was Not in Love With Mary and She Was Not With Me," Asserts Man Accused of Murder. "I did not kill Mary Phagan. I haven't seen her within a month. They accuse me falsely. I'm innocent and will swear it by heaven above." John M. Gantt, the youthful bookkeeper arrested on the charge of murdering Mary Phagan, sat in the detective chief's office at police headquarters last night, looked his questioners squarely in the eyes, and sweepingly denied all accusations. "I went to Marietta to take charge of a farm I have

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Pinkertons Hired to Assist Police Probe the Murder of Mary Phagan

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John M. Gantt, former bookkeeper of the National Pencil company, and acquaintance of Mary Phagan, who is under arrest, and was put through a gruelling third degree last night at police station. He maintains his innocence.   The Atlanta Constitution, Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 6) For Hours Detectives Labor With John M. Gantt, Former Employee of National Pencil Company and Alleged Admirer of Pretty Mary Phagan. SISTER OF PRISONER ADMITS SHE DECEIVED ATLANTA DETECTIVES Told Them Gantt Had Not Been Home When He Declared He Was in Bed. Now Admits Story Untrue. Gantt Caught in Marietta, With

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 “Every Woman and Girl Should See Body of Victim and Learn Perils”

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  The Atlanta Constitution, Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 3, Column 6) A middle-aged woman, with signs of care and sorrow stamped on her features, pushed through the mob of people which crowded around the entrance to the Bloomfield undertaking establishment in which lay the body of Mary Phagan. She made her way determinedly, shoving and pushing. Reaching the doorway she was stopped from entering by Policeman Tribble who stood on guard. "You can't go in, ma'am. Nobody's allowed to see the body." "What?" she exclaimed. "Not letting anybody see her?" She stepped back as if aghast. For a moment

Monday, 28th April 1913 Mullinax Held in Phagan Case

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National Pencil Co. Building at 37-39 S. Forsyth St. in which the Phagan girl was slain The Atlanta Constitution Monday, April 28th, 1913 Page 1 Former Street Car Conductor Arrested as He Leaves the Home of His Sweetheart on Bellwood Avenue. As he was leaving the home of his sweetheart, Miss Pearl Robertson , on Bellwood avenue, early last night, Arthur Mullinax, a strikingly handsome youth, was arrested by Detective Rosser and carried to police headquarters. He is being detained under suspicion of having been implicated in the slaying of Mary Phagan. E. R. Sentell, a resident of 82 Davis

Monday, 28th April 1913 Girl is Assaulted and then Murdered in Heart of Town, The Atlanta Constitution

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The Atlanta Constitution Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 6) Chum Identifies Victim as Mary Phagan, of 146 Lindsay Street, Then Swoons. Girl Had Just Resigned From National Pencil Company, in Which Plant Her Body Was Found. MOTHER AND FATHER STAY UP ALL NIGHT WAITING HER RETURN Negro Watchman Is Under Arrest on Suspicion—Police Believe That She Was Lured to Building by Three Young Companions, Assaulted Despite Her Vigorous Struggles, and Then Killed to Shut Her Lips. While mother and father anxiously waited her return home Saturday night, pretty 14-year-old Mary Phagan lay dead in a corner of the

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Says Frank Broke Baseball Date Shortly After Girl Was Killed

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Annie Hicks, a maid in the home of Charles Ersenbach, testified to having received a telephone call from Frank to Ersenbach, breaking a ball game engagement for the afternoon of April 26. "Do you recall Memorial day?""Yes, sir." "Did you get a telephone message from Mr. Frank?""Yes, he called at 1 o'clock and said tell Charles Ersenbach that he couldn't go to the ball game that afternoon. He stopped for a minute and said, to somebody beside him, ‘Hush, honey,' and I supposed he was talking to his wife." Dorsey on cross-examination. "How long have you

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Still Another Office Boy Swears He Never Saw Women With Frank

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 B. J. Nix, of Marietta, an office boy for Leo Frank from April to October, 1912 was the first witness, outside of those testifying to character, who was put on the stand Friday. The lad who gave his age as 19 swore that he had never seen Frank having women in his office. He stated that he left the office at 1 o'clock every other Saturday during the summer months. "Were you ever an office boy for the National Pencil company?" was Mr. Arnold's first question. "Yes, sir." "When?""From April to October of last year." "Did

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Frank as Innocent as Angels Conley Told Her, Says Witness

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Miss Julia Fuss, a girl about 16 years old, and an employee at the National Pencil factory took the stand to testify as to Frank's character. She not only testified that she believed the defendant's character to be good, but that she had heard Jim Conley declare that Mr. Frank was as innocent as the angels in heaven. Mr. Arnold asked Miss Fuss whether she had ever been in Frank's office when anything immoral took place. She replied that she had not. "Do you know Jim Conley?""Yes." "Did you talk with him after the murder?""Yes. On

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Maid in Schiff Home Tells of Phone Message From Frank

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Emma Hill, a maid in the Schiff home was called to tell of a telephone message for Herbert Schiff, made by Frank on the morning of the tragedy. "Do you remember anybody trying to call Schiff on the 26th of April?" "Yes, sir. Somebody who sounded like a boy, rang the phone and said tell Mr. Schiff that Mr. Frank wanted him at the office to do some work." "What time was it?" "It was about 11 o'clock. I woke Mr. Schiff and he said tell whoever it was at the phone that he would be

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Traveling Salesman for Montags Tells of Conversation With Frank

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Harry Gottheimer, a traveling salesman for the Montag firm and the pencil factory, took the stand to tell of an engagement he had made with Frank on the afternoon of the murder. "Do you remember seeing Frank on April 26?" he was asked by Arnold. "Yes, I saw him at Montag's about 10 o'clock that morning." "Did you talk with him?""Yes, I was at the desk in the office and he came over to speak to me. I asked him of two important orders which had been forwarded and he said that if I would come

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Mother of Frank Takes Stand to Identify Letter Son Wrote

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 The more or less listless curiosity of the courtroom spectators was scarcely aroused during the afternoon until the last witness was called who was Mrs. Rae Frank of Brooklyn, N. Y. The mother of Leo M. Frank. Not the slightest intimation had been given that Mrs. Frank would be called to the stand and a whisper of surprise spread over the room as the leaden-eyed mother, weary with the many days through which she has patiently sat and heard every conceivable blight cast at the name of her son slowly ascended the stand. As she held

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Miss Mary Perk Tells Jurymen She Believes Conley Is Guilty

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Miss Mary Perk, a forelady in the polishing department of the pencil factory followed Mrs. Carson to the stand. "Do you know Frank and his general character?" she was asked by Mr. Arnold. "Yes, for five years." "Is it good or bad?""Good." "Do you know Jim Conley?" "I saw him Monday. I accused him of the murder and he tucked his head and walked away." "Is his character good or bad?""Bad." Mr. Dorsey on cross-examination. "You reported your suspicion of Conley to Frank on Monday, didn't you?""No." "What made you suspect Jim?""He acted like he was

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Leo Frank Innocent, Said Conley, According to a Girl Operator

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Mrs. Dora Small, a machine operator for the pencil factory, was the last witness of the afternoon session. "How long have you been working with the factory?" she was asked by Arnold. "For five years." "Did you know Mary Phagan?""Only when I saw her." "Did you know Jim Conley?""Yes, I saw him the week after the murder." "Did you see him with newspapers?""Yes, he borrowed money from me to get them with." "Did he look like he was reading them?""He was reading them." "How was his coat?" Said Frank Was Innocent. "All buttoned up plumb to

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Never Saw Any Women in Office of Frank Says Negro Witness

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Walter Pride, a negro employee in the National Pencil factory, who is named in Jim Conley's story, was put on the stand in the middle of the afternoon. "Where do you work on Saturdays?" he was asked by Arnold. "I work every where anything is to be done on the machinery." "Have you missed a single Saturday since May?""No." "What floors do you work on on Saturdays?""From basement to the roof." "What do you do on the office floor?""Work on the toilets." "What time do you generally leave on Saturdays?""4:30 o'clock." "Ever see any women come

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Host of Witnesses Declare Franks Character to Be Good

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 The greater part of the time Friday was taken up by the defense in producing witnesses to swear to the good character of Frank. One witness placed on the stand, F. F. Gilbert, an employee of Montag Mros. , swore that he did not know Frank well enough to testify to his character. The witnesses who were used solely to attest his good character were: Dr. and Mrs. J. E. Sommerfield, of 300 Washington street; F. Schiff, of 18 West Fair street; Joseph Gershon, of 390 Washington street; P. D. McCarley, of 24 Hemphill avenue, in

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Every Girl on Fourth Floor of Factory Will Go on Stand

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Mrs. E. H. Carson, mother of Rebecca Carson, and a forewoman in the pencil factory, was put on the stand late in the afternoon. "How long have you been employed by the pencil factory?" "Three years." "Did you ever see blood spots around the dressing rooms?" "Yes." "When did you see Jim Conely last?" Saw Conley on Tuesday. "I saw him the Tuesday after the murder. He came to my machine, and I said: ‘Jim, I see they haven't go you yet.' Thursday he came again. I told him the same thing. He said that he

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Dorsey Questions Witness About Alleged Fund for Franks Defense

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 A. D. Greenfield, one of the owners of the building occupied by the National Pencil company, of which Frank is superintendent, followed the former office boy to the stand. He was questioned about the occupancy of the building by the Clark Woodenware company, and also about Frank's character. "How long have you been one of the owners of the building occupied by the National Pencil company?" Mr. Arnold asked. "Since 1900." "Has any new flooring ever been put in on the second floor since you became part owner of the building?""No." "Do you know Leo Frank?""Yes."

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Aged Negro Drayman Called As a Witness Against Conley

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Truman McCrary, an aged negro drayman, who once was an employee of the pencil factory, was put on the stand during the afternoon session. "Where do you work at present?" Mr. Arnold asked. "I run a street dray." "Where did you work up to May?" "At the pencil factory." "Did you work there on Saturdays?""Every Saturday for a year or more." "How late in the afternoons?""Sometimes until 3 o'clock and sometimes as late as 5." "On any Saturday afternoon did you ever see the front door locked?""No, sir." "Ever see Conley around the front door?""No, sir."

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Both Wife and Phone, He Says, Are Expensive and Necessary

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Ike Haas, well-known manufacturer, was put on the stand during Friday afternoon. "How long have you been in Atlanta?""Four years." "What is your business?" "I am a manufacturer." "Do you know Leo M. Frank and his general character?" "Yes." "Is it good or bad?" "Very good." "Did you hear your telephone bell ring on the morning of April 27?" "No, but I heard my wife answering it." Hooper on cross-examination: "Your wife woke you up?""Yes." "There is some little difference between a wife and a telephone, isn't there, Mr. Haas?""Yes; but both are expensive and necessary."

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Credit Man is Put on Stand to Identify Franks Writing

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 M. O. Nix, credit man for Montag Bros., of whom Sig Montag is general manager of the National Pencil company, followed A. D. Greenfield to the stand. He identified Leo Frank's handwriting on a number of the financial sheets and on the one that he claims to have made up on April 26. When shown a sample of writing Frank did for the police when they desired to compare his writing with that on the murder notes, Nix said it looked like Frank's, but he refused to swear to it. "Previous to April 26 did you

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Factory Employees Testimony Causes Laughter in Court Room

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 Joseph Stelker, an employee of the National Pencil company, followed the Montag's credit man to the stand. Stelker was questioned closely about conditions at the factory, and while he was on the stand both sides again took up the much-discussed question of whether or not Frank had a raincoat with him on the day of the murder. Stelker, in his testimony, made the spectators laugh when he told of how Jim Conley had swindled him out of a half a can of beer. He also remarked that he thought Jim was a better negro for having

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Mrs. Rae Frank Goes on Stand in Defense of Her Son

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 16th, 1913 MOTHER IDENTIFIES LETTER FRANK HAD WRITTEN TO UNCLE ON MEMORIAL DAY Testimony Used by Defense to Show That the Prisoner Could Not Have Written This Letter, Which Was of Considerable Length, Had He Been Laboring Under Stress of Excitement Which Would Have Followed the Murder of Mary Phagan. PENCIL FACTORY GIRLS SWEAR CONLEY CALLED FRANK AN INNOCENT MAN Witness After Witness Declare That They Never Saw Women in Office of Superintendent—The State Brings Girl Back From Home of Good Shepherd in Cincinnati to Give Evidence Against Prisoner—Her Testimony Is Kept a Secret. The defense played one

Friday, 15th August 1913 Eight Character Witnesses Come to Defense of Superintendent

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Following Mrs. E. A. Marcus, eight character witnesses were placed on the stand. They were V. H. Kriegshaber, Max Goldstein, Sidney Levy, Rabbi David Marx, D. I. McIntyre, and insurance man and member of the firm of Haas & McIntyre, Dr. B. Wildauer, a dentist, and John Findley, superintendent for Dittler Brothers and formerly master mechanic for the National Pencil company. "Do you know Frank?" asked Mr. Arnold of Mr. Kriegshaber, who was first called to the stand. "Yes." "Is his character good or bad?""It is good." "How often have you come into contact with Frank?"

Friday, 15th August 1913 Lawyers Appear Very Interested in Raincoat Lent to Leo M. Frank

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Charles F. Ursenbach, husband of Mrs. Leo Frank's sister was put on the stand following Miss Dula May Flowers. He was used by the defense to show what Leo Frank had broken the baseball engagement early on Saturday morning. He also testified to Frank's demeanor after the crime and was asked a number of questions about lending Frank his raincoat Sunday afternoon. What the importance of the raincoat was, neither side would say, but each asked a large number of questions about it. "Did you see Frank on Sunday?" asked Mr. Arnold. "I did." "Did you

Friday, 15th August 1913 Defense Witness Admit Barrett is Sensible Fellow

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  Atlanta Constitution August 15th, 1913 Henry Smith, a mechanic in the pencil factory, who admitted on cross-examination that he had received a raise in salary in the past two weeks, went upon the stand to tell of Barrett's attitude in the case. "What department do you work in?" "The metal department." "Do you know of a man named Barrett who used to work there?" "Yes." "Ever hear of him getting a reward if Frank was convicted?" "I've heard him talk of it." "Did he ever go through the motions of counting money?" "Yes, he used to go by me

Friday, 15th August 1913 Milton Klein, Visitor of Frank, Is Grilled by Solicitor Dorsey

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Milton Klein, a wholesale lumber dealer, a frequent visitor of Frank's while he was in the tower, was the last witness of the day. He was cross-examined at length by Solicitor Dorsey, whose object apparently was to show that it was Klein who prevented the detectives confronting Frank with Jim Conley. The direct examination of Klein by Attorney Arnold was as follows: "How long have you known Frank?""Ever since he came here." "Was his character good or bad?""It was good." "When was the last time you saw Frank?" asked Solicitor Dorsey on cross-examination. "Did you see

Friday, 15th August 1913 Elevator Made Loud Noise Said Employee of Pencil Company

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Harry Denham, an employee of the National Pencil company, was put on the stand after the Pittsburg man had testified to the character of the defendant. Denham was asked a number of questions about what happened in the building on the day of the murder and through him the defense made the point that the elevator made a loud noise when it ran. Denham swore that the elevator shook the entire building when it stopped and when it started. "Were you at the factory on Friday, April 25?" he was first asked. "Yes." "Were you there

Friday, 15th August 1913 Frank in Jovial Mood While Poker Game Was Going on at His House on Night of 26th

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Mrs. M. Marcus, a relative by marriage of Mrs. Leo M. Frank, was the first witness called at the afternoon session. She was one of the friends of the Franks and Seligs who played cards at their home, 68 East Georgia avenue, on the night of April 26. She swore Frank acted naturally during all the time that she saw him and that he even got to laughing at a baseball story he was reading in a magazine and tried to break up their poker game by reading it to them. "Did you see Mr. Frank

Friday, 15th August 1913 Two More Character Witnesses Are Introduced by the Defense

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Another character witness was introduced by the defense in Harry E. Lewis, of Brooklyn, N. Y., former neighbor of Frank, and a former assistant to the district attorney. "Did you ever know Frank?" he was asked by Mr. Arnold. "Yes, for about twelve years." "How?""He was my neighbor." "Did you know him until he came south? What was his character?""Good." Cross-examination by Mr. Hooper. "Have you known him since he came south?""No." "You may come off."The second character witness of the Thursday session was Herbert Lasher, of Fleischman, N. Y., a former college mate of the

Friday, 15th August 1913 Wife and Mother of Frank Are Permitted to Remain in Court

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 At the opening of the morning session yesterday Solicitor Dorsey motioned for the court to exclude the wife and mother of Leo M. Frank, Mrs. Lucille Frank and Mrs. Rae Frank, on account of the sensational outburst of the mother Wednesday afternoon, when she denounced the solicitor for attacking the character of her son. In reply to the solicitor's move to have the mother and wife of the defendant excluded from the court room, Attorney Arnold made a strong speech in their behalf, saying: "It is a new doctrine to me where a wife and mother

Friday, 15th August 1913 Sig Montag Tells of Employment Of Detectives and Two Lawyers

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Sig Montag, president of the National Pencil company and associate in Montag Brothers, was put on the stand at the close of the morning session. He testified that during part of the time named by Jim Conley in the dates at which he swears he watched for Frank on the first floor the Clark Woodenware offices occupied that portion of the factory building. He was examined by Mr. Rosser. "What was your connection with the pencil factory from May last?""First secretary and treasurer, then president." "How often did Frank come to your office?""Once a day except

Friday, 15th August 1913 Factory Mechanic Tells of Blood on Floor From Mans Wounded Hand

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Charley Lee, a mechanic in the pencil factory, who admitted on cross-examination that he had received a raise in salary within the past two weeks, was called to testify to a number of accidents on the second floor from which blood had been spilled in vicinity of the dressing rooms where blood spots were found after the tragedy. "Do you remember an accident in the metal room on October 4, 1912?""Yes, a man named Duffy was cut on the finger and bled freely." "Was his finger cut to the bone?""Yes." "Did he go to the ladies'

Friday, 15th August 1913 Women Tell of Seeing Frank On Way to and From Factory On Day That Girl Was Murdered

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 The first of a chain of witnesses who were produced to prove Frank's movements during the time he left the pencil factory for dinner was Miss Helen K. Curran, a pretty stenographer, who stated that she met him at Jacobs' pharmacy on Whitehall street and Alabama. She was questioned by Mr. Arnold. "Where were you on April 26?""A little after 1 o'clock I was standing at Jacobs' drug store at Whitehall and Alabama streets. It was about 2:05 o'clock." "Did you see Frank?" "I had been standing for five minutes on the corner when I turned

Friday, 15th August 1913 Cars Often Ahead of Schedule Declares a Street Car Man

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Following Denham, J. R. Leach, a division superintendent for the Georgia Railway and Power company, took the stand. He was asked a number of questions by the defense about street car schedules, and on cross-examination proved a good witness for the prosecution by declaring that street cars frequently arrived in town some minutes ahead of their schedule and that the motorman and conductors were often punished for this. W. M. Mathews and W. T. Hollis who swore to bringing Mary Phagan to town on the day of the murder had declared that cars never reached town

Friday, 15th August 1913 Character of Frank Good, So Many Witnesses Declare

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 R. A. Sohn, superintendent of the Jewish Orphans home, was called to testify on Frank's behalf. The witness said that his residence was at No. 408 Washington street. He said that he has known Frank a good many years and that his character was good. He was excused without undergoing cross-examination by Solicitor Dorsey. Alex Dittler, secretary of the Jewish Alliance and an officer of the Federation of Jewish societies, also testified to Frank's good character. The witness said that he has been a resident of Atlanta more than thirty-eight years. He was deputy city marshal

Friday, 15th August 1913 Miss Eva May Flowers Did Not See Any Blood on Factory Floor

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Miss Eula May Flowers, an employee of the National Pencil factory, was put on the stand following the two Cornell professors. "Were you at the factory on April 26?" asked Mr. Arnold. "Yes." "What department are you in?""The packing department." "Who got the data and when from you for the financial sheet made up on April 26?""Mr. Schiff got it from me about 6 o'clock Friday afternoon." "You say you always turned in your report on Friday afternoons?" asked Attorney Hooper, who took up the cross-examination. "Yes," the witness replied, "either on Friday afternoons or early

Friday, 15th August 1913 Frank Not Nervous on Night Of Murder Says Mrs. Ursenbach

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Mrs. Charles F. Ursenbach followed her husband on the stand. During the cross-examination by Attorney Hooper she was asked scores of detailer questions about the words and manner of Leo Frank on the Sunday that the body was found. "What is your relation to Mrs. Leo Frank?" asked Mr. Arnold. "I am her sister." "Did you hear about the message from Mr. Frank saying he could not go to the ball game with your husband that Saturday?""Yes, I got it from the servant." "At what time?" "At about 12:30." "Did you see Frank on Sunday?" "Yes."

Friday, 15th August 1913 Pittsburg Witness Tells of Franks Standing in School

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  Atlanta Constitution August 15th, 1913 John W. Todd, of Pittsburg, PA., purchasing agent for the Crucible Steel company, who was with Frank at Cornell university, followed Mrs. Emil Selig to the stand. He was asked if he knew the general character of Frank while at college and replied that he did and that it was good. He was let off with no cross-examination and went over and shook hands with the defendant and his wife and mother. He then passed by the press table and shook hands with a newspaper man who formerly worked in Pittsburg. After staying a

Friday, 15th August 1913 Factory Forewoman Swears Conley Said He Was Drunk on April 26

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Miss Rebecca Carson, a forewoman in the pencil factory, who made the startling statement that Jim Conley had admitted to her that he was drunk on the Saturday of the murder was put on the stand. "Did you see Leo Frank at any time on April 26?" "Yes, I saw him on Whitehall street near Hunter between 2:20 o'clock and 2:25." "Did you speak to him?""Yes." "Did you come to the factory Monday morning following the murder?""Yes." "Did you see Frank?""Yes." "Jim Conley?""Yes." "Did you talk with Conley?""Yes." "What did he say?""I asked him where he

Friday, 15th August 1913 Sister of Mrs. Leo M. Frank Tells Jury About Card Game

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Mrs. A. Marcus, a sister of Mrs. Leo Frank, followed Mrs. C. F. Ursenbach, another sister. She was among those who played cards at the Selig home on April 26. "Did Frank and his wife play cards with the rest?" Mr. Arnold asked. "No." "Where were they?""Mr. Frank sat in the hall reading and his wife was in and out of the room." "What time did they go to bed?""Something after 10 o'clock." "Was Frank nervous?""No." "Anything unusual about him?""No." "You say Frank sat in the hall reading, did you?" asked Attorney Hooper on cross-examination. "Yes,"

Friday, 15th August 1913 Mother-in-Law of Frank Denies Charges in Cooks Affidavit

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  Atlanta Constitution August 15th, 1913 Following the testimony of those who claimed to have played poker at the Emil Selig home on the night of April 26, Mrs. Selig, Leo Frank's mother-in-law was placed on the stand and asked a number of questions about the happenings at her house on Sunday, April 27. To most of the questions from the state on cross-examination she replied that she had forgotten. When the witness took the stand, Attorney Arnold called on the state for the affidavit which Minola McKnight, the Selig's cook, signed at police station and later repudiated. "Mrs. Selig,"

Friday, 15th August 1913 Many Men Swear to Good Character of Superintendent of Pencil Factory

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 15th, 1913 Classmates and Instructors at Cornell Come to Atlanta to Testify to His Clean Life While at College and to Show Their Loyalty to Old College Friend. DORSEY ASKS REMOVAL OF LEO FRANK'S MOTHER AND WIFE FROM COURT Judge Warns Them That Another Scene Like That of Wednesday, When Mrs. Rae Frank Denounced Solicitor, Will Result in Barring Them—Leach Proves Good Witness for the State Although Called to Testify by Defense More witnesses were examined Thursday than on any day since the trial of Leo M. Frank began. However, there was little adduced from the testimony that

Thursday, 14th August 1913 Bitter Fight at Morning Session Over Testimony of Dr. Wm. Owen

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  Atlanta Constitution August 14th, 1913 Dr. William Owen, physician and real estate man, followed Dr. W. S. Kendrick on the stand. By him the defense desired to show that to carry out the movements told of by Jim Conley from the time he alleges Leo Frank called upon him to help move the girl's body until he left the factory would take much longer than Conley declared he took. After establishing his identity, Mr. Arnold began the examination of Dr. Owen, which resulted in the argument. "Dr. Owen, at our request you went to the factory of the National

Thursday, 14th August 1913 Mrs. Rae Frank, Mother of Prisoner, Denounces Solicitor Hugh Dorsey

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Mrs. Rae Frank, the mother of the prisoner, startled the courtroom shortly before 4 o'clock, when she denounced Solicitor Dorsey, when he made an attack on the character of her son. J. Ashley Jones, a local insurance agent, was in the witness chair testifying to the moral character of the accused when the incident occurred. He was asked by Solicitor Dorsey if he had over heard of Frank taking little girls out to Druid Hills, sitting them on his lap and fondling them. Mrs. Frank glanced furiously at the prosecutor, and rising from her chair, she

Thursday, 14th August 1913 More Witnesses Are Called to Blacken Daltons Character

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  Atlanta Constitution August 14th, 1913 Following the putting off of the decision in regard to Dr. William Owen's testimony, seven Gwinett county citizens were introduced to add to the thick coat of lampblack already smeared over the character of C. Burgess Dalton, the man who accuses Frank of immoral conduct in the office of the National Pencil factory. All of the men swore that they would not believe the man on oath and only one or two of them were cross-examined by the state. The men introduced were O. A. Nix, attorney and former member of the legislature; Samuel

Thursday, 14th August 1913 Lemmie Quinn is Severely Grilled by Solicitor Dorsey

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Bending his efforts to break down the testimony of Lemmie Quinn, foreman of the metal room, Solicitor Dorsey subjected the witness to a severe grilling when court reconvened at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon. When Quinn resumed the stand he was still under direct examination by the defense. In answer to Attorney Arnold he declared that he was still an employee of the National Pencil factory. Solicitor Dorsey began cross-examination. "When was it these men bled on the floor of the metal room?" "About a year ago," Quinn replied. "What were their names?" "I remember that C.

Thursday, 14th August 1913 Financial Sheets Introduced At Frank Trial in Afternoon

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 The financial sheets which experts declared required from three to three and a half hours to compile were introduced in evidence after Oscar Pappenheimer, a stockholder in the National Pencil factory was examined. Mr. Pappenheimer testified that he had been a stockholder in the company since 1910. "Have you been getting comparative sheets from Frank since 1910?" Attorney Arnold asked. "Yes, sir." "Where have you been in the habit of receiving them?""Before deliveries of mail stopped on Sunday I invariably found the report in my mail box on Sunday morning. After that I received it every

Thursday, 14th August 1913 Former Office Boy Saw No Women With Frank on Thanksgiving Day

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  Atlanta Constitution August 14th, 1913 Frank Paine, formerly an office boy for the National Pencil company and who claims to have been working there on Thanksgiving day of last year, was placed on the stand following the introduction of the three character witnesses. The lad stated that he and Herbert G. Schiff were at the factory on the morning of Thanksgiving day, and that Schiff sent him to the top floor to help Jim Conley straighten out some boxes, which were cluttered around there. He declared that Conley left about 10:20 and then he left at 11 o'clock or

Thursday, 14th August 1913 Quinn Intimates That Spots May Have Been on Floor for Months

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Lemmie Quinn, foreman of the metal department of the National Pencil factory, was put on the stand by the defense following the ex-office boy. "Aren't you foreman of the department Mary Phagan worked in?""Yes." "Do you recall the time R. P. Barrett found the spots on the floor?""Yes." "Did Barrett ever state to you about his hope of getting a reward?""Yes, he asked my opinion." "What statement has he made about getting a reward if Frank should be convicted?" "He asked me if I didn't think he was entitled to something." "Did anybody ever see that

Thursday, 14th August 1913 Lively Tilts Mark the Hearing Of Testimony of Dr. Kendrick

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Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 14th, 1913 Dr. William S. Kendrick, head of the chair of medicine of the new Atlanta Medical school and for the past thirty eight years a general practitioner of medicine, was the first witness put on the stand Wednesday morning. The physician on the stand declared the deductions of Dr. H. F. Harris, secretary of the state board of health, as to the time of Mary Phagan's death and the alleged violation as nothing more than guesswork. On cross-examination the solicitor forced Dr. Kendrick to admit that he was no expert on digestion and that he had not

Monday, 18th August 1913 Men on Frank Jury Must Be Some Mighty Good Husbands Asserts the Deputy in Charge

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The Atlanta Constitution, August 18th, 1913 “In my five years of experience as deputy sheriff in the criminal division of Fulton superior court,” said Plennie Miner, who needs an introduction to no one, “I have had to handle many, many juries in many famous murder cases, but I have never had less trouble and more ease in providing for twelve men than in the Leo Frank trial. “In the average jury, there are men from every walk of life, farmers, engineers, baggage men, clerks, merchants and professionals of all character. Some retire early at-night, some sit awake until past midnight.

Wednesday, 20th August 1913 State Is Hard Hit By Judge Ruling Barring Evidence Attacking Frank

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The Atlanta Constitution Wednesday, August 20th, 1913 Court Rules Out All Specific Acts of immorality Charged to Prisoner, Despite Vigorous Fight Made by Solicitor Hugh Dorsey, Who Had Called Many Witnesses to Prove His Character Bad. DR. SAMUEL BENEDICT COMES TO THE DEFENSE OF DR. ROY F. HARRIS State Makes Strong Effort to Show, That Minola McKnight Was Not Coerced Into Signing the Statement Which She Afterward Repudiated – Boy Says He Saw Frank With Mary Phagan. The state was given a big setback Tuesday when Judge Roan ruled out all specific acts of immorality charged to Frank which Solicitor

Thursday, 21st August 1913 Frank’s Character Bad Declare Many Women and Girls on Stand

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The Atlanta Constitution Thursday, August 21st, 1913. Solicitor Dorsey make a persistent effort Wednesday morning to show that the character of Leo Frank is anything but good. Ha laid particular stress upon his character as to his relations with women and girls, and introduced a large number of women who testified that in this respect his character was in their judgement bad. Among those who testified merely that his character was bad without going into details were: Mrs. Marion Dunnigan, who stated that she worked at the pencil factory two or three weeks about two years ago. She testified that

Thursday, 21st August 1913 Girls Testify to Seeing Frank Enter Dressing Room With Woman

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The Atlanta Constitution Thursday, August 21st, 1913. Following the introduction of the telegram Solicitor Hugh Dorsey began another attack on the character of Leo Frank and after a bitter wrangle secured the right to ask factory girls in regard to Frank's character in his relations to women. This was argued with the jury excused from the room and was the subject of a bitter fight, the state saying that when Frank on the stand had claimed himself to have always lived a virtuous life, he had opened up the way for the state to prove he was not of a

Thursday, 21st August 1913 Swears That Frank Prepared Sheets in Less Than 2 Hours

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The Atlanta Constitution Thursday, August 21st, 1913 J. M. Gantt, who has been an important figure in the state's case, was called during the afternoon to testify to the length of time in which he has seen Frank make out the financial sheet and to the inaccuracy of the 'punch-clock on the second floor. “Did you ever see Frank make out the financial sheet?” Mr. Dorsey put. “Yes.” “How long did it take him to make it?” “With the data at hand, I have seen him make it out in an hour and a half.” “About this punch-clock-—was it accurate?”

Thursday, 21st August 1913 Starnes Tells How Affidavit From Negro Cook Was Secured

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The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, August 21, 1913. Page 3. John Starnes, prosecutor of Leo Frank, was put up to tell about the Minola McKnight affidavit. “Did you Investigate the scuttle hole around the elevator? was Dorsey's first question. An objection by the defense was overruled. “See any blood spots there? “No.” “Now, tell the jury about the Minola McKnight affidavit.” “Pat Campbell and I arrested her at the solicitor's office. We had gone to get a statement from her husband. We also had information from this husband that she had made the identical statement which she made in the affidavit.

Thursday, 21st August 1913 Testimony of Hollis Assaulted by Witness

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The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, August 21, 1913 Page 3. J. B. Reed, a tile layer, told of a talk with W. T. Hollis, a conductor, who, he declared, had expressed sorrow at having brought Mary Phagan into town on her last trip, the day she was slain. Hollis, just previously, had denied making such a statement. “Do you know W. T. Hollis,” the solicitor asked the witness. “Yes.” “Ever talk with him about Mary Phagan riding his car into town?” “Yes, on Monday following the murder. I got in his car at Broad and Hunter streets, and he told me

Thursday, 21st August 1913 Testimony of Dr. Harris Upheld By Noted Stomach Specialists

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The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, August 21, 1913 Page 2. Dr. Clarence Johnson, when called to the stand Wednesday morning as the first witness, designated the deductions of Dr. H. T. Harris in regard to the time of Mary Phagan’s death after eating as scientific statements based on scientific facts. When recalled to the stand Dr. Johnson, who is a noted stomach specialist, and who testified on Tuesday afternoon, was asked the direct question about what he would conclude from conditions such as Dr. Harris had reported finding in Mary Phagan’s body. He said he would say the girl had died

Thursday, 21st August 1913 Railway Employee Swears Car Reached Center of City at 12:03

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The Atlanta Constitution, Thursday, August 21st, 1913. Page 2. Several employees of the Georgia Railway and Power company were introduced by the prosecution Wednesday to testify as to the time of the arrival of the English avenue street car at Broad and Marietta streets on the day of the murder and to the fact that cars occasionally did arrive ahead of time. A witness was also introduced to show that Mary Phagan was not on the English avenue car after it turned into Broad street from Marietta, although the men in charge of the car had testified that she got

Saturday, 2nd August, 1913: State’s Exhibit B From The Trial Of Leo Frank, The Atlanta Constitution

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Unsworn statement to Chief of Detectives Newport A. Lanford at the capitol station house in Atlanta Georgia, transcribed by Gay C. February on Monday, April 28, 1913. Source: Brief of Evidence, 1913. Re-published in the Atlanta Constitution, August 2, 1913. Question: What is your position with the company? Answer: I am general superintendent and director of the company. Question: How long have you held that position? Answer: In Atlanta, I have held that position since August 10th, 1908. My place of business is at 37–41 South Forsyth Street. Question: About how many employees have you there? Answer: About 107* in that plant? (typo,

Thursday, 14th August 1913 Court Stirred by Outburst From Leo Franks Mother

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Atlanta JournalAugust 14th, 1913 Defense Character Witness Is Used by Solicitor to Get Suggestions Before Jury Solicitor Mentions Names of Many Persons, Who Will Probably be Put Up in Rebuttal to Attack Frank's Conduct as Related to Woman Employes of Factory—Mrs. Rae Frank, Mother of the Accused, Creates a Sensation Shouting at the Solicitor. Court adjourned at 5:40 until 9 o'clock Thursday morning. The trial of Leo M. Frank took another sensational turn Wednesday afternoon when Solicitor Dorsey began, through his questions to John Ashley Jones, put up as a character witness by the defense, a vigorous attack upon the

Thursday, 14th August 1913 Franks Story of Before and After Crime Corroborated; Defenses Motion to Strike Sensational Questions Fails

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Atlanta JournalAugust 14th, 1913 FRANK WAS SEEN BY WITNESSES ON HIS WAY TO AND FROM HOME DAY LITTLE GIRL WAS KILLED Solicitor Declares That Outburst of Yesterday Should Not Be Allowed and That as There Is Further Unpleasant Testimony to Be Heard, He Suggests That Frank's Wife and Mother Do Not Hear It—Judge Issues Caution MOTION OF ATTORNEY ROSSER TO STRIKE OUT SENSATIONAL QUESTIONS IS OVERRULED Solicitor Dorsey's Questions Put to John Ashley Jones Will Stand and the Defense Will Be Forced to Disprove Suggestions Given to Jury by Cross-Questioning Witnesses Whom Solicitor Will Summon in Rebuttal There were three

Wednesday, 13th August 1913 Franks Lawyers Again Threaten Move for Mistrial

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Atlanta JournalAugust 13th, 1913 Questions Asked by Dorsey Of Office Boy at Factory Ruled Out After Argument Attorney Reuben R. Arnold Declares That Any Further Testimony Along Lines of That Sought by the Solicitor During Examination of Philip Chambers Will Tempt Him to Move for a New Trial in the Case With the calling of Emil Selig, Frank's father-in-law, the defense began their endeavor to prove Frank's statement in reference to his movements on the day of the tragedy. Mr. Selig's testimony bore principally upon the time Frank arrived at his home to dinner, the midday meal, and his appearance

Wednesday, 13th August 1913 Franks Character Made Issue by the Defense

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Atlanta JournalAugust 13th, 1913 ACTION A CHALLENGE TO STATE TO PUT UP WITNESSES IN REBUTTAL WHO OTHERWISE COULDN'T TESTIFY Lemmie Quinn, Foreman In Metal Room, Tells the Jury He Visited Factory on Saturday, April 26, and Found Frank at His Desk Writing at 12:20 o'Clock, the Very Minute Almost That State Claims Mary Phagan Must Have Been Killed EFFORTS TO SHOW EXPERIMENTS OF WITNESSES WHO RE-ENACTED CONLEY'S STORY BRING FIGHT Judge Roan Delays Decision Until Both Sides Can Submit Authorities—Dr. W. S. Kendrick Declares Dr. H. F. Harris Was Guessing in Conclusions He Gave About Mary Phagan's Death—Three School Mate

Tuesday, 12th August 1913 Ethics of Dr. H. F. Harris Bitterly Attacked By Reuben Arnold

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Atlanta JournalAugust 12th, 1913 Sensational Charge Hurled By Physician in Testimony Given at Afternoon Session Dr. Westmoreland, Answering Question of Attorney Reuben R. Arnold, Declares He Never Heard of a Chemist Who Had Made Examination by Himself and Then Destroyed the Organs Without Bringing Them Into Court Three experts took the stand Monday afternoon at the trial of Leo M. Frank to repudiate the conclusions reached by Dr. H. F. Harris to the effect that the condition of the cabbage in the stomach of Mary Phagan showed that she must have died within an hour after eating, and that the

Tuesday, 12th August 1913 C. B. Daltons Character Shown Up by Frank Defense; Four Witnesses Swear They Would Not Believe His Oath

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Atlanta JournalAugust 12th, 1913 DALTON ADMITS HE SERVED A CHAINGANG SENTENCE FOR THEFT OF A "SHOP HAMMER" Miss Hattie Hall Swears She Was In Frank's Office Between 11 and 12 o'Clock and That Superintendent Did No Work on Finance Sheet During This Hour—Her Testimony Different In This Respect From What She Swore at Inquest MRS. WHITE'S BROTHER GIVES DIFFERENT VERSION OF STORY ABOUT SEEING NEGRO LURKING IN FACTORY Solicitor Dorsey Puts Wade Campbell Through Severe Cross Examination, Calling Attention to Discrepancies In His Testimony and Signed Statement Given to the Solicitor, Frank's Movements on Day of Tragedy to Be Proved

Monday, 11th August 1913 Frank Case Mentioned for First Time in House

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Atlanta JournalAugust 11th, 1913 For the first time this session, mention of the case of Leo M. Frank, on trial for his life for the murder of fourteen-year-old Mary Phagan, was made today in the house of representatives. Representative Slater of Bryan was speaking in favor of the senate resolution of Mr. Irwin of the Thirty-fourth, calling for the appointment of a commissioner of competent lawyers to revive and improve the method of civil and criminal procedure in the state and report to the next session of the legislature, and made reference to the long drawn out proceedings of the

Monday, 11th August 1913 Sunday Proves Day of Meditation for Four Frank Jurors

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Atlanta JournalAugust 11th, 1913 Sunday apparently brought reflection and repentance to one aspiring member of the Frank juror, while three others after due consideration of the heat and other things, spent a part of their $2 per day. Juror Townsend, who has been carefully cultivating a most aspiring and sprouting young mustache, had the first opportunity in seven days to inspect it. After deliberating over its ultimate destiny for the greater part of Sunday, he evidently repented, for when he appeared in the court room Monday morning the thin, dark cloud topping his lips was gone. Three other jurors grew

Monday, 11th August 1913 Many Experts Called by Defense to Answer Dr. H. F. Harris

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Atlanta JournalAugust 11th, 1913 DR. GEORGE BACHMAN GIVES TESTIMONY TO SHOW HARRIS SIMPLY HAZARDED A GUESS Professor of Physiology at Atlanta College of Physicians and Surgeons Declares Dr. Harris Is the Only Doctor He Knows Who Would Undertake to Express the Opinion That Dr. Harris Did in Reference to Mary Phagan's Death FRANK A NORMAL MAN, SAYS DR. T. H. HANCOCK WHO TOOK WITNESS STAND MONDAY AFTERNOON Herbert G. Schiff, Frank's Young Assistant, Was Under Cross-Examination Several Hours Monday—He Said He Had Never Heard Complaint That Factory Clock Ran Five Minutes Fast and Denied That Frank Had Objected to His

Sunday, 10th August 1913 Playing Practical Jokes on Watchful Bailiffs is Pastime of Frank Jurors

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Anybody who has the mistaken idea that it's fine to be a juror in a big murder trial has only to see Artist Brewerton's illustration above, of the way the twelve men who are to decide Leo M. Frank's fate pass their time these days. On them the commonwealth has placed the responsibility of judging the truth of the evidence placed before them day after day in the court room. They are shut off from all communication with the outside world, except what comes to them in open court as sworn evidence and except also what their families write to

Sunday, 10th August 1913 Witness Found Who Saw Mary Phagan on Way to Factory

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Atlanta JournalAugust 10th, 1913 George T. Kendley, Street Car Conductor, Declares He Saw Little Girl About Noon on April 26 as She Stepped From Curb on Forsyth Street Bridge to Cross Alabama Street, Where His Car Was Stopped BOTH SIDES READY TO GRILL EVERY WITNESSES Attorneys Think There Is Little Chance of the Trial Ending This Week—Much Testimony Is Expected in Rebuttal and All Indications Saturday Night Were Trial Would Run Into Its Fourth Week The trial of Leo M. Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan will last from six days to two weeks longer, according to the varying

Sunday, 10th August 1913 Conleys Story is Still Center of Fight in Frank Case

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Questions asked witnesses by Attorneys Rosser and Arnold indicate that the defense may attempt to convince the jury that it would have been possible for the little girl to have been killed on the first floor of the factory and her body later disposed of through a chute leading from the first floor to the basement at the rear of the building. According to this theory the girl was met at the foot of the stairs leading from Frank's office, taken toward the back of the building and killed. Her body was then dragged to the trap door leading to

Saturday, 9th August 1913 State Confronts Watchman Holloway With Previous Affidavit

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Atlanta JournalAugust 9th, 1913 Solicitor Dorsey Fiercely Attacks Evidence Given by the Witness For Defense Afternoon Session He Also Implies That Watchman Was Trying to Fix Crime on Conley to Get Reward. Holloway Admits Signing Statement Produced by the Prosecutor—Other Witnesses for Defense Heard After Solicitor Dorsey riddled E. F. Holloway, day watchman at the National Pencil factory, with volleys of questions regarding former statements made by the witness and which he could not explain or make coincide with his testimony Friday afternoon, court adjourned at 6:45 o'clock until 9 o'clock Saturday. The solicitor also trapped the watchman and the

Saturday, 9th August 1913 Schiff Refutes Jim Conley and Dalton

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Atlanta JournalAugust 9th, 1913 WITNESS IN MOST OF DORSEY'S GRILLING WHEN COURT ADJOURNS UNTIL NINE O'CLOCK ON MONDAY Assistant Factory Superintendent Refutes Testimony of C. B. Dalton and Jim Conley That Frank Frequently Had Women Callers In His Office on Saturday Afternoons and During Holidays—He Says He Never Saw Conley There Saturday Afternoons DECLARES THAT WIFE OF THE ACCUSED FREQUENTLY CALLED ON HUSBAND AT HIS OFFICE ON SATURDAYS Attorney Arnold Registers Another Objection Against Laughter of Spectators in the Court Room—Solicitor Draws From Schiff Change of Answers Made to Several Previous Statements of His While on the Witness Stand The

Friday, 8th August 1913 Defense Begins Introduction of Evidence

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Atlanta JournalAugust 8th, 1913 Afternoon Session of Frank's Trial Thursday Is Without Any Interesting Development Pinkerton Detective Harry Scott Testifies That Conley Never Told Him New Features of Story—Dr. Leroy Childs Testifies in Effort to Break Dr. Harris' Story When court adjourned Thursday afternoon at 5:10 o'clock Detective Scott, called by the defense to impeach Jim Conley, had just concluded his examination by the solicitor. Scott had been put through a long series of questions by Attorney Rosser, the purpose of which was to show the discrepancies between what Conley told Scott and what he swore on the witness stand.

Friday, 8th August 1913 Defense Attacks States Case From Many Angles

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Atlanta JournalAugust 8th, 1913 MOTORMAN AND CONDUCTOR SAY NEWSBOY EPPS WAS NOT ON CAR THAT BROUGHT MARY TO CITY They Swear That She Left Car at Broad and Hunter Streets at 12:10, the Very Hour Monteen Stover Claims to Have Left Factory—Daisy Hopkins Swears She Never Visited Factory With Dalton and That She Did Not Know Frank NEW THEORY OF HOW CRIME MIGHT HAVE BEEN COMMITTED INTIMATED BY ENGINEER'S TESTIMONY Albert Kauffman Describes Passageway on First Floor Leading to Chute, Through Which He Declares Human Body Could Easily Have Passed—Spots, Said to Be Blood, Found in Passageway A new theory

Thursday, 7th August 1913 Judge Roan Decides Conleys Testimony Must Stand

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Attorney William M. Smith, who clashed in the court room Tuesday with Attorneys for Leo M. Frank, who didn't want him to consult with client until Conley had finished his testimony. Atlanta JournalAugust 7th, 1913 Defense Asks Mistrial When Crowd in the Court Applauds Announcement of the Decision Judge Roan, However, Refuses to Stop Trial—Dr. Harris on Stand During Afternoon and Again Asserts that Mary Phagan Suffered Violence Just Before Death—Dalton Called to Corroborate Conley But Court Adjourns Before He Testifies Dr. H. F. Harris, secretary of the state board of health, was the first witness called for the Wednesday

Thursday, 7th August 1913 Dr. Harris Testimony is Attacked by Defense Expert

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Atlanta JournalAugust 7th, 1913 STATE FINISHES TESTIMONY AND DR. LEROY CHILDS BEGINS EXPERT EVIDENCE FOR DEFENSE Dr. Childs Characterizes Conclusions Similar to Those Made by Dr. H. F. Harris and Dr. J. W. Hurt as Remarkable Guesses—He Says Cabbage Is Most Indigestible of All Vegetables and Might Stay in Stomach for Many Hours DEFENSE IS EXPECTED TO PUT UP CHARACTER WITNESSES IN VIEW OF JUDGE ROAN'S RULING Dalton Swears He Has Visited Pencil Factory in Company With Women, That Frank Knew of His Presence and That Jim Conley, the Negro Sweeper, Was There—He Tells of Frank's Visitors When recess was

Wednesday, 6th August 1913 He Shore Goes After You Says Conley of Mr. Rosser

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Atlanta JournalAugust 6th, 1913 Jim Made for a Newspaper and a Cigarette as Soon as He Left the Stand—He Is Interviewed Through Medium of His Attorney Jim Conley wasn't garrulous after he left the witness stand Wednesday morning, and that's saying the least of it. Perhaps Jim figured that he had done enough talking to last him a few weeks. He went into the reporters' room first and sat down and heaved a sort of sigh. Then he picked up an edition of The Journal and commenced to read about himself. A reporter turned from the telephone and said something

Wednesday, 6th August 1913 Mincey Ready to Swear to Conley Affidavit

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Atlanta JournalAugust 6th, 1913 Declares Negro Told Him He Had Killed a Girl—Waiting as Witness W. H. Mincey, the man who has made an affidavit in which he swears that Jim Conley told him on April 26, the day Mary Phagan was murdered, that he had killed a girl that day, appeared at the court house Wednesday morning but did not go into the court room. Mincey was seen by a Journal reporter as he stood across the street from the court house and watched the crowd seeking entrance. He declared that he was ready to take the witness stand

Wednesday, 6th August 1913 Judge Roan Rules Out Most Damaging Testimony Given By Conley Against Leo Frank

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Atlanta JournalAugust 6th, 1913 Solicitor Dorsey in Vigorous Speech Protests Against Striking Evidence, Declaring He Has Witnesses to Corroborate the Negro and That Striking of Testimony Will Prevent His Getting Their Statements Before the Jury Sustaining a motion made by the defense in the trial of Leo M. Frank, Judge L. S. Roan Tuesday afternoon announced that he would rule out all of Conley's testimony charging the accused superintendent with perversion, and the negro's testimony that he acted as a "lookout" for Frank on days previous to the murder. The judge ruled that Conley's testimony that he watched for the

Wednesday, 6th August 1913 Judge Roan Reverses Decision on Conley Testimony

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Atlanta JournalAugust 6th, 1913 Conley's Whole Testimony Will Be Allowed to Stay in Record of Frank Case State Ready With Corroborating Witnesses, if Evidence Is Held to Be Admissible—Jim Conley Adds New and Sensational Feature to His Testimony, Declaring He Saw Frank Place Mary Phagan's Pocketbook in the Factory Safe SOLICITOR DORSEY APPLAUDED IN COURT WHEN SUSTAINED BY RECORDS AFTER DISPUTE WITH ROSSER Those Responsible for Applause Were Immediately Ejected From the Court Room—Dr. H. F. Harris Expected to Resume Stand During Afternoon—State Will Furnish Presentation of Its Case by Thursday but Hardly Before Judge L. S. Roan, presiding at

Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Negro Sweeper Remanded to Solitude in Jail Over Night

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Atlanta JournalAugust 5th, 1913 Jim Conley Grilled for Many Hours By Frank's Attorney Who Fails to "Rattle" Him Luther Rosser Makes Negro Admit Lies and Terms in Prison, but Sweeper Remains Good Witness for State—Women Excluded From Court Room During Afternoon Session, Numerous Tilts Between Opposing Counsel Marked With Bitterness. The afternoon session of the Frank trial was marked by many tilts between the solicitor and his assistant with counsel for the defense and toward the end of the session much bitterness was injected into the remarks by various members of opposing counsel. Judge Roan decided with Frank's counsel after

Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Lawyers on Both Sides Satisfied With Conley

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Atlanta JournalAugust 5th, 1913 "They Haven't Shaken Him a Particle," Says Dorsey—"He Has Told About 240 Lies Already," Declares Attorney Reuben Arnold Both the state's attorneys and the counsel for Leo M. Frank Tuesday at noon expressed satisfaction with the progress of the cross-examination of James Conley, the negro sweeper. The negro had been on the stand then for more than nine hours, during eight hours of which he had undergone a strenuous grilling at the hands of Attorney L. Z. Rosser. "They have not shaken him a particle," declared Solicitor Dorsey, "and that isn't all. I don't believe they

Tuesday, 5th August 1913 Defense Moves to Strike Most Damaging Testimony

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Atlanta JournalAugust 5th, 1913 ON GROUNDS OF IRRELEVANCY ATTORNEY ARNOLD MOVES TO STRIKE PART OF TESTIMONY He Asks That Conley's Statement That He Acted as "Lookout" for Frank, and Part of Testimony Attacking Frank's Personal Character Be Blotted From Record — Attorney Hooper eDclares Defense Has Waited Too Long to Enter Objection MYSTERIOUS "MR. DALTON" MENTIONED BY CONLEY MAY BE CALLED BY SOLICITOR TO CORROBORATE NEGRO It Is Said That Dalton Is Within Reach of State—With Conley Still Under Cross-Examination and Other State Witnesses, Including Dr. Harris, Yet to Be Heard, Indications Are Tuesday That Trial Will Last Three Weeks,

Monday, 4th August 1913 Conley Thought He Was on Trial, His Attorney Declares

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Atlanta JournalAugust 4th, 1913 Jim thought he was on trial this morning," said W. M. Smith, attorney for James Conley, the negro sweeper at the pencil factory, after the recess Monday noon following Conley's appearance on the witness stand of the Frank trial. Attorney Smith declared that the negro had no idea of his real status in the matter until after the court had recessed. "Then Conley turned to me, after the jury had gone out and he had been taken off the stand and said: ‘Boss, I wonder what that jury is going to do with me?' I said:

Monday, 4th August 1913 Conleys Glibness May Prove Unfortunate for His Testimony

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Atlanta JournalAugust 4th, 1913 Negro's Recitative Manner of Telling His Story Gives Impression That He Has Rehearsed It Many Times Jim Conley Monday morning recited his story to the Frank jury. Newt Lee last week told his. Above all other things, Jim's testimony was glib. Newt's was deliberate. For more than an hour Jim spoke smoothly, evenly, unhesitatingly to the jury, as though his story had been polished by careful rehearsal to himself. Scarcely once was he interrupted. Solicitor Dorsey's only warning was slower speech. Jim's story came so readily to his lips that he spoke faster than the jury

Monday, 4th August 1913 Many Discrepancies Between Conleys Testimony and His Testimony Given to Detectives

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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 day when he followed Frank back there. He now says that

Monday, 4th August 1913 Jim Conley Tells An Amazing Story

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This diagram is reproduced so that readers can compare the negro's story, as he told it on the stand, with his pantomime illustration of the crime in the presence of the officers some weeks ago. In the numerical sequence the reader can follow on this diagram the movements of the negro sweeper, Jim Conley, at the National Pencil factory on the day of Mary Phagan's murder, as the negro described them to the police and then re-enacted them before the eyes of the police at the factory itself. (1) Conley sits dozing and half-sodden with whisky and beer on boxes

Sunday, 3rd August 1913 State’s Case Against Frank As It Stands After Week’s Testimony Is Shown Here

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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. Atlanta JournalAugust 3rd, 1913 Most Important Points State Sought to Prove Are That Mary Phagan Was Killed Shortly After Entering Factory—That Crime Was on

Sunday, 3rd August 1913 Defense Will Introduce Witnesses

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Atlanta JournalAugust 3rd, 1913 FRANK TRIAL WILL RUN INTO THIRD WEEK; DEFENSE WILL BEGIN TESTIMONY WEDNESDAY Indications Saturday, When Court Adjourned Until Monday Morning at 9 o'Clock, Were That State Would Require at Least Two More Days Before Concluding Presentation of Its Case Against the Factory Superintendent DEFENSE'S DECISION TO INTRODUCE EVIDENCE MEANS THAT THE TRIAL IS NOT YET HALF OVER Dr. H. F. Harris Will Take the Stand Again Monday Afternoon and Will Probably Be Under Cross-Examination for Several Hours—Conley Will Be State's Last Witness, and a Big Battle Will Rage Around His Testimony "IT'S TERRIBLE FOR AN INNOCENT

Saturday, 2nd August 1913 There Is One Joy in Being A Juror: Collectors Barred

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Atlanta JournalAugust 2nd, 1913 Members of Frank Jury Can Not Communicate With Members of Family and Can Read No Newspapers, Not Even Baseball How does it feel to be shut up with eleven other men for one week, maybe two, possibly three? How does it feel to be the midst of a city and not of it, quarantined from the wife and children just a few blocks away, from business, from leters, from newspapers, from everything except six hours of daily testimony on a murder case? Nobody knows except the Frank jurymen, and they can't tell you, for you won't

Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Dr. Harris Collapses on Stand as He Gives Sensational Evidence

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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 before leaving home was still undigested, and he therefore concluded

Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Miss Smith Declares Darley Was Incorrect

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Atlanta JournalAugust 2nd, 1913 Miss Mattie Smith has given The Journal a statement in which she says that a part of the testimony of N. V. Darley at the Frank trial in reference to her was not true. Mr. Darley stated that on April 26 Miss Smith told him that her father was dying and asked him to help bear the funeral expenses. Miss Smith says that she merely told Darley that her father was very low and that she said nothing about helping with the funeral expenses.

Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Newt Lee Gets Hat; Now He’s Considering What He Wants Next

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Atlanta JournalAugust 2nd, 1913 And Newt Lee gets the hat. The darky who has been the stanchest witness yet examined at the Frank trial has but little more to wish for. First it was watermelon Newt wanted. With his very life in danger as he droned away the long hot days in the Fulton county Tower, Newt lifted up his voice and prayed for "dat juicy watermillion." And they gave him one. Then it was a "chaw of ‘bacca," his first request as he came down from the witness stand. Somebody gave him a plug and immediately there were a

Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Smile, Says Gheesling, When Facing Bear-Cat Like Luther Rosser

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Atlanta JournalAugust 2nd, 1913 "Keep smiling on the witness stand." That is the motto of Will Gheesling, of the P. J. Bloomfield undertaking establishment, who testified at the Frank trial Thursday. "When you get a bear cat like Luther Rosser after you," he declares, "the only thing you can do is to laugh at him." Gheesling was one of the few witnesses who came through the ordeal of Attorney Rosser's cross-examination with flying colors. His face wreathed in beatific grins, and he calmly fanned himself with a tremendous palm leaf fan from the moment he took the stand until he

Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Harris Testimony May Be Stricken by Court

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Atlanta JournalAugust 2nd, 1913 Question Will Be Solved by Physician's Recovery and Return to Stand If Dr. H. F. Harris, secretary of the state board of health, is not physically able to be presented in the court room before the state closes its case, will his testimony be stricken from the record? This question came for informed discussion at the court house Saturday. Dr. Harris was suddenly attacked with illness while in the middle of his direct examination and had to be assisted from the witness stand. The defense attorneys, therefore, had no opportunity to cross-question him. Solicitor Dorsey, when

Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Dr. J. W. Hurt, Coroner’s Physician, Gives Expert Testimony

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  Atlanta Journal August 2nd, 1913 DR. HURT'S TESTIMONY NOT CONFIRMATORY OF EVIDENCE GIVEN BY DR. H. F. HARRIS On Cross-Examination, Dr. Hurt Admits That Cabbage Is Considered Very Difficult to Digest and That Under Some Conditions as Much as Three Hours and a Half Might be Required Before the Process of Digestion Was Completed PHYSICIAN ON STAND GREATER PART OF MORNING AND UNDERWENT RIGID CROSS-EXAMINATION BY DEFENSE He Found No Evidence of Violence, He Declared — Detective Waggoner, Chief Beavers, Detective Bass Rosser, Patrolman Lassiter and Miss Ferguson Testify — Court Adjourns Until Monday Morning at 9 o'Clock Dr.

Saturday, 2nd August 1913 Defense Claims Members of Jury Saw Newspaper Headline

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Atlanta JournalAugust 2nd, 1913 WHEN JUDGE ROAN UNWITTINGLY HELD RED HEADLINE IN FRONT OF JURY, DEFENSE MADE POINT Jury Is Sent Out of Room While Attorneys for the Defense Tell the Court That the Jurymen Were Seen Reading Red Headline, "State Adds Links to Chain" — Judge Then Calls Jury Back and Cautions Them FOLLOWING JUDGE'S SPEECH TO THE JURY, TESTIMONY IS RESUMED, NO FURTHER MOTION MADE BY DEFENSE In His Address to the Jury, Judge Roan Declared That They Must Not Be Influenced by Anything They Had Read in the Newspaper, but Must Form Their Opinion Solely on the

Friday, 1st August 1913 Mrs. Callie Scott Appelbaum Attends Trial of Leo Frank; Believes in His Innocence

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Atlanta JournalAugust 1st, 1913 A woman sat among the spectators at the Frank trial Thursday afternoon, a pretty blue-eyed woman neatly clad in a white shirtwaist and black skirt. "Four months ago," she was thinking, "I was in the position of that boyish-limbed youth over there. Four months ago, I, too, was accused of murder, was on trial for my life. Four months ago men and women came to stare at me, even as I am staring at him now." The woman was Mrs. Callie Scott Appelbaum, who was freed last spring of the charge of slaying her husband in

Friday, 1st August 1913 Watchman Swears Elevator Was Open; Changes Evidence

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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 that anybody could have entered and run

Friday, 1st August 1913 Frank Trial Crowd Sees Auto Knock Down Youth

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Atlanta JournalAugust 1st, 1913 Thronged Streets Prevented Driver Seeing Raymond Roddy—Not Seriously Hurt Raymond Roddy, a thirteen-year-old boy who lives at 66 Williams street, was knocked down by an automobile about 9 o'clock Thursday morning near the corner of Pryor and East Hunger street, not far from the old court house where the Frank trial is taking place. The boy was crossing Pryor street at the time, attracted by the crowd of curiosity seekers gathered around the court house. The automobile was driven by H. H. Hooten, of the Adams Grocery company, who was taking it to the shop on

Friday, 1st August 1913 Picnic and Theories Mark Noon Hour in Frank Trial Court Room

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Atlanta JournalAugust 1st, 1913 Spectators Remain From 5 to 7—Lunch Boys Acquiring Wealth A court room where a man is on trial for his life is a strange place for a picnic, yet from 12:30 to 2 o'clock every afternoon the room where the Frank trial is taking place has all the appearance of the pavillion at Grant park on a hot July Saturday. The benches are spread with boxes and sacks, sandwiches, chicken, cake, all the other essentials of a picnic lunch save ice-cold lemonade, are passed about from man to man, and the noon hour dinner is eaten

Friday, 1st August 1913 Lawyers Battle Over Testimony of Frank’s Nervousness; Witness Swears Negro Was in Factory About 1 o’Clock

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Atlanta JournalAugust 1st, 1913 DARLEY'S ADMISSIONS ABOUT FRANK'S DEFENSE OFFSET BY HIS EVIDENCE IN REBUTTAL Having Admitted Frank Trembled, That He Was Pale and Seemed "Upset," on Cross-Examination Mr. Darley Said Frank Was Naturally of a Nervous Temperament and Told of Tedious Work He Did on Saturday in Preparing Financial Sheet JUDGE ROAN REVERSES HIS RULING IN REFERENCE TO EVIDENCE ABOUT WHETHER OTHERS WERE NERVOUS Attorneys for Defense Had Intimated That His Refusal to Admit This Evidence Was Good Ground for Appeal—Mrs. White's Testimony That She Saw Negro Lurking Near Stairway at 1 o'Clock Saturday a Feature of Morning Session

Thursday, 31st July 1913 Rosser Riddles One of the State’s Chief Witnesses

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Solicitor Dorsey is shown in a characteristic attitude as he questions the state's witnesses. To his right the defendant, Leo M. Frank, is shown. 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

Thursday, 31st July 1913 Witnesses of Frank Trial Have Tedious Job of Merely Waiting

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Atlanta JournalJuly 31st, 1913 At First It Was Picnic for Them, but Now It's Only a Long, Long Wait, in a Crowded Room Under a Burning Roof The witnesses in the trial of Leo M. Frank undoubtedly have had the hardest time of it to date. If they testify they must run the gamut of Luther Rosser's sledge-hammer cross-examination or Solicitor Dorsey's boring-in tactics; if they don't testify they must wait, and the waiting is the hardest part of all. One of them in the upstairs hall above the court-room declared Wednesday, "I can't stay up here, it's too hot.

Thursday, 31st July 1913 Machinist Tells of Finding Blood, Hair and Pay Envelope On Second Floor, Where State Claims Girl Was Murdered

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Atlanta JournalJuly 31st, 1913 BLOOD SPOTS AND HAIR FOUND ON DAY FOLLOWING DISCOVERY CRIME HAD BEEN COMMITTED Pay Envelope Was Found Near Machine Used by Mary Phagan Some Days Later—Find of Strands of Hair on Lathe Was Reported to Quinn, Who Notified Darley—Mell Stanford and Magnolia Kennedy Also Saw It BARRETT'S EVIDENCE MOST IMPORTANT YET TOWARD PROVING CRIME WAS COMMITTED IN METAL ROOM Mell Stanford and Harry Scott Also Tell of Finding Blood Spots, but Scott's Testimony Is Not Entirely Satisfactory to Either State or Defense—Monteen Stover on the Stand. Will Conley Testify in Rebuttal Only? New and sensational testimony

Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Uncle of Frank, Near Death in Far-Off Hospital, Is Ignorant Of Charges, Against His Nephew

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Atlanta JournalJuly 30th, 1913 Moses Frank Has Been Given No Inkling of Circumstances That Now Are About Frank Family—He Is Seriously Ill in German Hospital Lying at the point of death in a hospital in far-off Germany is the uncle of Leo M. Frank, unknowing that for the last three months his favorite nephew has been imprisoned on the charge of murder and that today he is on trial for his life. This is what an attorney for the defense says. He declares that uncle how regarded Leo Frank almost as his own son, has been too ill for many

Wednesday, 30th July 1913 Claims Mincey, When Needed, Will Testify

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Atlanta JournalJuly 30th, 1913 Attorney for Defense Says the State Won't Hurt His Character "Mincey will be Johnny-on-the-spot when the defense needs him to testify." Those were the words of Joseph Leavitt, one of the lawyers for the defense in speaking Tuesday afternoon on the affidavit sworn to some time ago by W. H. Mincey, by which the defense hopes to prove that Jim Conley confessed to Mincey that he killed a girl on the day Mary Phagan was murdered. Attorney Leavitt would not say where Mincey was staying, but declared that he was in town; that he had been

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Monday, 28th July 1913 Former Suspect Will Be Happy No Matter How Frank Case Ends

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Atlanta JournalJuly 28th, 1913 J. M. Gantt Is to Be Married Sunday, Provided Trial Is Over—He Has Planned to Elope, but Now He'll Have "Sure Enough" Wedding There is one man connected with the case of Mary Phagan to whom the conclusion of the trial will bring a great happiness. He is J. M. Gantt, at one time a suspect and now a witness. The day that brings the end of the trial will bring to him a wife. Monday morning he sat on the steps leading to the second floor of the courthouse, chewing on the end of a

Monday, 28th July 1913 Mrs. Leo Frank and Her Mother Cheer Prisoner at Courthouse

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Atlanta JournalJuly 28th, 1913 Accused Neither Care-Worn Nor Haggard—His Eyes Meet Those of Crowd Without Faltering There was one question on the face of every member of the big crowd in and around the courthouse Monday morning. To those standing without in the street, to those crowding the corridors and hallways, to witnesses flowing through rooms on the second floor, to the packed courtroom, the query was, where is the prisoner. The man to whom the trial meant more than it meant to any other human being, had been brought to the courthouse early in the morning. He was in

Monday, 28th July 1913 No New Testimony Will Be Given to Jury by Newt Lee

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Atlanta JournalJuly 28th, 1913 Negro Nightwatchman Says He Doesn't Know Conley, the Sweeper—Merely Will Repeat Story of Finding Body Newt Lee's testimony to the jury, before which Leo M. Frank is to be tried, will repeat his statements to the police. He will add nothing new, and will give no testimony involving Conley, the negro sweeper. To the jury, as to the police, Newt Lee will describe merely how he found the body of the murdered child in the cellar of the pencil factory, and afterward told the police of his discovery. As he waited at the court house with

Monday, 28th July 1913 Court Scenes at Frank Trial; How It Looks Inside and Out

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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 curve, the motorman clanging his gong vigorously before the packed mass

Monday, 28th July 1913 State Opens Its Case Against Leo M. Frank

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Atlanta JournalJuly 28th, 1913 JURY COMPLETED BEFORE RECESS AND STATE WAS READY TO BEGIN INTRODUCTION OF ITS TESTIMONY Last Man In the Last Panel Was Accepted as the Twelfth Juror and Cleared the Way for the Actual Trial of the Case When Court Reconvened at 3 o'Clock—Newt Lee Will Probably Be the First Witness Placed on the Stand BOTH THE STATE AND DEFENSE SEEMED SATISFIED WITH TWELVE MEN CHOSEN TO TRY IMPORTANT CASE Proceeding During the Morning More Like That of a Civil Than a Criminal Case—Court Room Crowded, but Not Uncomfortable—Frank Appears in Court, Showing No Sign of Worry—Full

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

Sunday, 27th July 1913 Here is Conley’s Confession Around Which Bitter Fight is Expected in the Frank Trial

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Atlanta JournalJuly 27th, 1913 There is little doubt that the storm-center, so to speak, of the Frank trial will be the testimony of the negro sweeper, James Conley. He will be the principal witness for the state and all of the other evidence of the prosecution will be shaped with a view to corroborating and strengthening his story which places the murder of Mary Phagan upon the factory superintendent. And the defense will chiefly concern itself with the task of discrediting the negro's testimony. It will bend its energies to prove that Conley has lyingly accused Frank and will offer

Sunday, 27th July 1913 Plennie Minor Faces Task in Handling Court Room During Trial of Leo Frank

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Atlanta JournalJuly 27th, 1913 Genial Deputy Sheriff Will Have Seats for Only 250 People, and Hates to Think He Won't Be Able to Accommodate Everybody, for That's His Disposition Plennie Minor is going to have the hardest job in Fulton county during the next two weeks. Plennie (he doesn't allow people to call him Mr. Minor, for he is everybody's friend) is a Fulton county deputy sheriff and has the arduous task of keeping order in the court room while the Frank case is in progress. Incidentally, he will have to look out for witnesses and prisoners, and generally be

Sunday, 27th July 1913 State Will Build Case Against Frank Around Conley’s Story; Defense Will Undertake to Show that Negro Alone is Guilty

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The Atlanta Journal, July 27th, 1913 Defense Will Ridicule Conley's Story and Endeavor to Show That It Was Made to Save His Own Neck MANY WITNESSES CALLED TO CORROBORATE FRANK Though Attorneys Are Silent, The Journal Presents Below Outline of What the Defense Is Expected to Be Complete innocence on the part of Leo M. Frank, the young superintendent of the National Pencil factory, and absolute guilt on the part of James Conley, the negro sweeper at the factory, are the two cardinal points upon which Frank's defense will be based when he is called to trial for the murder

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

Sunday, 27th July 1913 Pinkerton Detective Replies to Lanford

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Atlanta JournalJuly 27th, 1913 H. B. Pierce Declares Lanford Knew of Find of Bloody Stick in Factory H. B. Pierce, head of the local branch of the Pinkerton detective agency, characterizes as absurd Chief Detective N. A. Langford's charge that the Pinkerton sleuth has broken faith with the state in the Pinkerton's investigation of the Phagan case. Chief Lanford charges specifically that the Pinkerton broke faith by failing to report the find by two of his men of the part of a pay envelope and of a bloody stick on the first floor of the factory. The find was made

Sunday, 27th July 1913 Leo M. Frank Will Go to Trial Monday, It Is Now Believed

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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 of the most bitter legal fights in the criminal history of the

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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,

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 &

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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,

Sunday, 22nd June 1913 Arnold Declares Frank Innocent and Enters Case

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REUBEN R. ARNOLD, Able attorney, who declares he would not have entered case were he not firmly convinced of Leo M. Frank's innocence. The Atlanta Journal Sunday, June 22, 1913 Famous Lawyer Says He Wouldn't Defend Man Accused of Such Crime Unless Sure of His Innocence SCORES CITY DETECTIVES FOR HOLDING TO THEORY Mr. Arnold Says Detectives Have Tried to Prejudice the Case by Unfair Means—Has Studied Evidence Reuben R. Arnold, famous Georgia lawyer, has officially entered the Phagan case in the defense of Leo M. Frank, as exclusively forecasted by The Journal last Thursday. Mr. Arnold comes into the

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,

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

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

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

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

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.

Sunday, 15th June 1913 Frank A. Hooper to Aid State in Frank Trial

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The Atlanta Journal Sunday, June 15, 1913 Former Solicitor at Americus Engaged to Assist Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey That the trial of Leo M. Frank will be a legal battle as brilliant as any ever fought in Atlanta is assured by Solicitor Dorsey's announcement that Frank A. Hooper, Atlanta lawyer and former solicitor general of the southwestern superior court circuit, has been retained to assist the prosecution. With the case of the state in the hands of Solicitor Dorsey and Mr. Hooper and the defense resting with Luther Z. Rosser and Herbert Haas the contest is certain to be replete

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

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

Friday, 13th June 1913 Solicitor H. M. Dorsey Wins in First Clash; L. Z. Rosser Declares Procedure a Farce

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Atlanta Journal Friday, June 13th, 1913 Conley is Prisoner of City Detectives, Not of State, Now Conley Says His Attorney Believes Idea of Transfer Originated With Friends of Frank, to Harm Him JUSTICE WARRANT MAY ROB DORSEY OF VICTORY As Negro Is Held Simply on Suspicion, Any Citizen Might Secure Transfer to Tower on J. P. Warrant James Conley, the negro sweeper, passed from the custody of the superior court Friday morning, and Solicitor General Dorsey won the first legal point in the prosecution of Leo M. Frank, who has been indicted for the murder of Mary Phagan. Judge L.

Saturday, 14th June 1913 Asks Jury to Resume Probe of Dictograph

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The Atlanta Journal Saturday, June 14, 1913. Attorney Felder Wants Gentry Affidavit Weighed—Foreman Beck Non-committal Thomas B. Felder, the attorney, is said to have requested Foreman L. H. Beck, of the Fulton county grand jury, to take up an investigation of an affidavit alleged to have been signed by George W. Gentry in which it is charged that the famous dictograph records were padded. Mr. Felder took up the matter with the grand jury foreman by letter, it is said, and stated that he was ready to produce young Gentry whenever the jury needs him. Gentry is said to be

Saturday, 14th June 1913 Solicitor H. M. Dorsey Leaves for New York

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The Atlanta Journal Saturday, June 14, 1913 Declares Visit Has Nothing to Do With Phagan Case, Which Is Complete Hugh M. Dorsey, solcilictor general of the Atlanta circuit, left Atlanta for New York and Atlantic City on Saturday afternoon at 2:45 o'clock. Mr. Dorsey states that he will be away from the city for a week, and is going simply to get a needed rest, and vacation from the duties of his office. He denies that his visit to New York has anything to do with the case against Leo M. Frank, who is charged with the murder of Mary

Friday, 13th June 1913 Luther Z. Rosser Declares Detectives Dare Not Permit Jim Conley to Talk Freely

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Luther Z. Rosser, leading attorney in the defense of the indicted pencil factory superintendent. He was snapshotted Friday morning while on his way to the court house to protest to Judge Roan against James Conley, the negro sweeper, remaining in the custody of the city detectives. The Atlanta Journal Friday, June 13, 1913 "Conley and His Counsel Are Wise—Their Hope Is That the Detectives Will Save Negro From a Confession, Giving Him Immunity, Provided He Continues to Put Guilt on Frank" Several sensational points are contained in the written answer which Rosser & Brandon, attorneys for Leo M. Frank, made

Thursday, 12th June 1913 Courts Order May Result in Meeting of Negro and Frank

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Atlanta Journal Thursday, June 12th, 1913 Jim Conley, Negro Sweeper, Accusing Witness in Phagan Case, Sure to Appear Before Judge Roan Friday A. M. STATE MAY DEMAND THAT FRANK APPEAR THERE TOO Through Judge's Order, Defense Gets Chance to Quiz Negro—State Then May Force Long-Sought Meeting The probability that Leo M. Frank, accused of the murder of Mary Phagan, and Jim Conley, negro witness against him, may face each other Friday, developed Thursday morning from the acute situation which arose Wednesday when Judge L. S. Roan issued a rule niel calling on any one to show cause why the negro

Thursday, 12th June 1913 Chief Beavers Unable to Locate Gentry

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The Atlanta Journal June 12, 1913 He Wires Chief Lanford That Young Stenographer Can't Be Found All efforts on the part of Detective Chief Lanford to locate George M. Gentry, the stenographer who wrote the famous dictograph records, have failed. Following the publication Wednesday of an affidavit from Gentry made in Washington, D. C., in which the young stenographer charged that the dictograp records were padded after he had written them. Chief Lanford wired to Police Chief James L. Beavers, who is attending the police chief's convention in that city, to locate Gentry. Thursday afternoon, Chief Lanford received the following

Wednesday, 11th June 1913 T. B. Felder Accounts for Subscriptions Received

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The Atlanta Journal June 11, 1913  Says Only $102 Was Paid Into Fund to Employ Burns Detectives Attorney Thomas B. Felder Wednesday morning issued a card to the public in which he accounts for the funds subscribed to employ the Burns detectives to work upon the Phagan murder case. He reports that but $102 was collected. Mr. Felder announces that all subscriptions paid in have been returned to the subscribers and that those who have subscribed but have not yet paid are not expected to do submits a letter and detailed statement from C. N. Anderson, the treasurer of his

Wednesday, 11th June 1913 Conley’s Status in Phagan Case May Be Changed Wednesday

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  The Atlanta Journal June 11, 1913 Petition Will Be Presented to Judge Roan by Solicitor Dorsey but Its Nature Is Not Made Known ROSSER'S CARD CAUSES ACTIVITY BEHIND SCENES Negro May Be Put Back in the Tower – Solicitor Dorsey Says: "I Am Trying to Run State's Case Myself" The report became current Wednesday afternoon shortly after 3 o'clock that the new development in the Phagan case would be a withdrawal by the state of its petition in court whereunder James Conley, the negro, is held as a material witness. Shortly before 3 o'clock, William Smith, attorney for the

Tuesday, 10th June 1913 Luther Z. Rosser, Attorney for Frank, Trains His Guns on City Detective Chief

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  The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, June 10, 1913 SAYS CHIEF LANFORD IS NOT SEEKING FOR TRUTH OF MURDER He Charges That the Detective Chief Has Banked His Sense and Reputation on Proving Frank Guilty "WHY HASN'T CONLEY BEEN BEFORE JURY?" Attorney Declares Evidence All Points to Negro—Says Felder-Lanford Controversy Unfair to His Client Luther Z. Rosser, chief counsel for Leo M. Frank, the pencil factory superintendent, who is under indictment for the murder of Mary Phagan, Tuesday afternoon broke his persistent silence regarding the case and gave out a statement for publication. Mr. Rosser gives as a reason for this

Sunday, 8th June 1913 Solicitor Makes No Reply to Mrs. Frank

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  Atlanta Journal Sunday, June 8, 1913 Hugh M. Dorsey Has No Comment to Make on Mrs. Frank's Letter Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey has declined to make any answer to the published statement of Mrs. Leo M. Frank, charging him with allowing the use of "torture" to force people to make false statements against her husband, who is charged by a grand jury indictment with the murder of Mary Phagan. In her statement, Mrs. Frank flayed the solicitor general, charging that it is evident from his card that he believes that he is perfectly justifiable in using testimony procured

Wednesday, 11th June 1913 Gentry Now Says Dictograph Record Was Tampered With

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Atlanta Journal Wednesday, June 11th, 1913 Detective E. O. Miles Gives Out Affidavit From Young Stenographer Repudiating Transcript He Swore to AFFIDAVIT OBTAINED IN WASHINGTON D. C. G. C. Febuary Gives Out a Statement, Telling How Notes Were Transcribed and Affidavits Made The accuracy of the now famous pictograph records of alleged conversations between Thomas B. Felder, Mayor Woodward, C. C. Jones, E. O. Miles, G. C. Febuary and A. S. Colyar is attacked in an affidavit which E. O. Miles has turned over to Mayor Woodward and which he says he obtained from George M. Gentry, the young stenographer

Monday, 9th June 1913 Defense to Make Next Move in Phagan Case

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Atlanta Journal Monday, June 9th, 1913 Apparently Prosecuting Officials Consider Their Investigation Complete Chief of Detectives Lanford has announced that Jim Conley, the negro sweeper, who is the state's principal witness in the case against Leo M. Frank, indicted for the murder of Mary Phagan, will not be cross-examined again unless he voluntarily sends for the officers to make a statement. It is known that no developments have changed the theory of the prosecuting authorities, and it is apparent from the remark of Chief Lanford and other statements that the officials consider the investigation of the Phagan murder as complete,

Sunday, 8th June 1913 Scathing Replies Made to Letters Attacking Them

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  Atlanta Journal Sunday, June 8th, 1913 Colyar Addresses Felder as "Dictograph Tommy" and "My Dear Co-conspirator in Crime" SEND HIM TO CREMATORY, SAYS DETECTIVE CHIEF J. R. Gray Said: "I Have No Comment to Make—Mr. Felder's Controversy Is With A. S. Colyar" Replying to the open letters of Thomas B. Felder, attacking them, A. S. Colyar and Chief of Detectives N. A. Lanford last night gave to The Journal statements, denouncing Mr. Felder in unmeasured terms. Chief of Police James L. Beavers, who was also the subject of attack, was out of the city and, therefore, could not be

Sunday, 8th June 1913 Three Open Letters Given Out Saturday by Thos. B. Felder

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Atlanta Journal Sunday, June 8th, 1913 In One of These Letters He Reopens His Controversy With A. S. Colyar About the Dictograph Episode SAYS LANFORD CONSPIRED TO TAKE HIM TO S. C. He Also Makes Another Personal Attack Upon Detective Chief—Declares Beavers Is Unfitted for His Office Thomas B. Felder, the attorney who was dictographed by the city detectives, Saturday afternoon gave out open letters addressed to James R. Gray, editor of The Journal, Chief of Police James L. Beavers, and Chief of Detectives Newport A. Lanford. These letters purported to be an exposure of what Mr. Felder has characterized

Saturday, 7th June 1913 Torture Chamber Methods Charged in Getting Evidence

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Atlanta Journal Saturday, June 7th, 1913 In Card to The Journal, Wife of Factory Superintendent Declares Solicitor Dorsey Has Approved Third Degree "WE ARE SUFFERING NOW, BUT WHO WILL BE NEXT?" Her Statement in Full—Conley Will Not Be Indicted as Accessory, but if Frank is Acquitted, He Will Be Tried Mrs. Leo M. Frank, wife of the indicted pencil factory superintendent, Saturday afternoon sent The Journal a second statement in which she renews her charge that Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey and the city detectives are obtaining evidence in the Phagan murder case by torturing witnesses into giving testimony. Mrs.

Friday, 6th June 1913 A. S. Colyar Is Again Released From Custody

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  Atlanta Journal Friday, June 6th, 1913 Tennessee Requisition Papers Not Forthcoming, So Judge Orders His Release A. S. Colyar, who was arrested by a sheriff's deputy Thursday while waiting to be called as a witness before the Fulton county grand jury, was released from custody by Judge J. T. Pendleton Friday afternoon. Colyar was arrested on a warrant from Knoxville, Tenn., said to be the same warrant upon which he was arrested several days ago by the police. Sheriff C. W. Mangum wired the chief of police of Knoxville to send the necessary requisition papers. Not having heard from

Friday, 6th June 1913 Probe of Grand Jury Goes Over One Week

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  Atlanta Journal Friday, June 6th, 1913 Only Routine Matters Up Tuesday—Dictograph Controversy Not Considered It will be week after next before the Fulton county grand jury resumes its investigation of the vice situation in Atlanta, if any further investigation is to be made at all. This was made plain Friday afternoon by Foreman Lewis H. Beck, who stated that Solicitor Dorsey had advised the grand jury that he had sufficient routine works ahead to engage its attention for at least three days next week. Mr. Beck feels that three days a week is sufficient to ask the members of

Friday, 6th June 1913 Jail Sentence for Woman Convicted in Vice Crusade

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  Atlanta Journal Friday, June 6th, 1913 Mrs. N. Powell, Charged With Operating Disorderly House on Spring Street, Gets Heavy Sentence HAD ENJOINED CHIEF FROM RAIDING HOUSE Case is One of Few on Record Where a Woman Is Sentenced to Jail Without Alternative of Paying Fine Mrs. N. Powell, of 95 Spring street, was convicted in the city criminal court Friday on the charge of operating a disorderly house, and was sentenced to serve a term of four months in jail by Judge A. E. Calhoun. This is one of the few cases on record where a woman, charged with

Friday, 6th June 1913 Conley Sticks to His Story; Declares Detective Chief

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Atlanta Journal Friday, June 6th 1913 Report of a Confession, Different From One Given to the Detectives, Is Ridiculed by Chief Lanford DORSEY MAKES REPLY TO MRS. L. M. FRANK No More News of Phagan Case to Be Given to Newspapers Except Through Head of Detectives Chief of Detectives Newport A. Lanford gave out a statement Friday morning in which he characterized as absurd the rumor that James Conley, the negro pencil factory sweeper, had ever made any confessions other than those contained in the affidavits given the detectives. The chief stated that he had questioned Conley on this subject

Thursday, 5th June 1913 Colyar Arrested Again on Knoxville Warrant

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  Atlanta Journal Thursday, June 5th, 1913 Deputies in Sheriff's Office Take Him in Custody When He Appears as Witness A. S. Colyar, waiting upon the grand jury's summons as a witness, Thursday morning at the court house, was arrested by deputies from the sheriff's office, adjoining the grand jury room. The deputies exhibited a warrant from Knoxville, Tenn., charging forgery alleged to have been committed several years ago. No requisition accompanied the warrant. The sheriff wired to Knoxville that a requisition must be filed and approved within a reasonable time or he will release Colyar. Colyar was not jailed.

Thursday, 5th June 1913 Negros Affidavit Not Given Much Credence

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  Atlanta Journal Thursday, June 5th, 1913 Even the City Detectives, It Is Said, Attach Very Little Importance to Document Very little importance, it is said, is attached by the city detectives to the sensational and incoherent affidavit of Minola McKnight, the negro cook at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Selig, 68 East Georgia avenue, where Leo M. Frank, the pencil factory superintendent, and his wife reside. Attorney Luther Rosser, chief counsel for the indicted superintendent, read the affidavit with apparent amusement. He had no comment to make, but it was evident that Mr. Rosser did not regard

Thursday, 5th June 1913 Lanford and Felder Come Near Fighting

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  Atlanta Journal Thursday, June 5th, 1913 Deputies Step Between Belligerents Before a Blow Is Struck by Either A physical encounter between Chief of Detectives Newport A. Lanford and Colonel Thomas B. Felder, attorney, was averted narrowly by the interference of bystanders in the grand jury ante-room at the court house Thursday morning at 10:30 o'clock. Colonel Felder was sitting in the ante-room, awaiting the grand jury's pleasure, taking with others there. He declared that he had received an anonymous letter warning him that he was going to be assaulted Thursday morning. During the morning, said he, a telephone message

Thursday, 5th June 1913 Grand Jury Probe of Vice Conditions Finished Thursday

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  Atlanta Journal Thursday, June 5th, 1913 Jury Adjourned Until Next Tuesday Without Drawing Any Bills—Inquiry Not Likely to Be Resumed, It Is Said LANFORD TELLS JURY OF COL. FELDER'S ENMITY Declares It Dates Back to Case He Made Against Charlie Jones and Was Accentuated by Dictograph Episode The most interesting testimony given to the Fulton county grand jury Thursday was that of Detective Chief N. A. Lanford, who a few minutes before he was called to the stand had engaged in a near-fight with Colonel Thomas B. Felder. Chief Lanford is himself authority for what transpired in the grand

Thursday, 5th June 1913 My Husband is Innocent, Declares Mrs. Leo M. Frank In First Public Statement

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Atlanta Journal Thursday, June 5th, 1913 Wife of Accused Penil Factory Superintendent Arraigns Solicitor General Dorsey for What She Terms the Torturing of Witnesses Into Making Desired Affidavits—Says Treatment of Her Negro Cook by Solicitor and Detectives Taxed Patience DECLARES MR. FRANK'S DEMEANOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT OF AN INNOCENT MAN Says Many Slanders Have Been Circulated Concerning the Alleged Unhappy Married Life of Herself and Her Husband—"He Could Not Have Been the Good Husband He Has Been to Me if He Were a Criminal," Asserts Mrs. Frank For the first time since her husband, Leo M. Frank, was arrested

Wednesday, 4th June 1913 Cook Is Released on Signing Paper

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  Atlanta Journal Wednesday, June 4th, 1913 Minola McKnight, the negro cook at the home of Leo M. Frank, was released from custody by the police late Tuesday afternoon, after she had signed the sensational affidavit now in the possession of the detective department. The woman had previously retained an attorney, who threatened habeas corpus proceedings. * * * Atlanta Journal, June 4th 1913, "Cook Is Released on Signing of Paper," Leo Frank case newspaper article series  

Wednesday, 4th June 1913 L. M. Franks Trial Will Occur Week of June 30

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Atlanta Journal Wednesday, June 4th, 1913 Although no definite decision has been arrived at by Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, the indications are that Leo M. Frank, the pencil factory superintendent, who is under indictment for the murder of Mary Phagan, will be put on trial during the week beginning June 30, instead of the week of June 23, as had been expected. It is understood that the solicitor will be ready with the prosecution for the later date, and that if the defense does not ask a delay the trial will begin at that time. For several days Solicitor

Wednesday, 4th June 1913 Felder Exonerates Beavers, But Says Lanford is Corrupt

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  Atlanta Journal Wednesday, June 4th, 1913 Witnesses Summoned in Dictograph Controversy, Although Foreman Says Vice Probe Is Not Complete BEAVERS AND FELDER ASK INVESTIGATION Felder's Charges Against Lanford to Be Heard With Dictograph Case—Felder Says the Records Are Forged Four witnesses were called Wednesday morning by the Fulton county grand jury to testify in regard to the existence of vice in Atlanta. They were Colonel Thomas B. Felder, who was on the stand but a few minutes Tuesday; A. J. Young, a real estate man; J. E. Skaggs, agent of the Southern Express company, and Police Chief James L.

Wednesday, 4th June 1913 Sensational Affidavit Made by Minola MKnight, Negro Cook at Home of L. M. Frank

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Atlanta Journal Wednesday, June 4th, 1913 In This Affidavit Minola Tells of Conversation That Occurred Between Mrs. Frank and Mrs. Selig, In Which Mrs. Frank Is Alleged to Have Said Frank Was Drinking on Night of Tragedy, and That He Wanted a Pistol to Kill Himself MRS. FRANK SAID, SO NEGRO COOK SWEARS, THAT FRANK MADE HER SLEEP ON THE FLOOR THAT NIGHT Negro Says Further That Frank Came Home at 1:30 o'Clock on Fatal Saturday, but Remained Only About Ten Minutes, and That He Left Without Eating His Dinner—Affidavit Is Vague and Confused—It Is Given Here In Full An

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,

Tuesday, 3rd June 1913 Grand Jury Told of Vice Conditions

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Atlanta Journal Tuesday, June 3rd, 1913 Carl Hutcheson Names 30 Places In His Testimony He Declares He Obtained Information First-Hand by Visiting Places Mentioned and Registering LENGTHY LIST GIVEN JURY BY COL. FELDER He Declined to Make Public His Information—Grand Jury Begins Probe of Charges About Disorderly Houses Decidedly the most sensational evidence submitted to the grand jury Tuesday in its investigation of vice conditions in Atlanta, which investigation is said to have grown out of the recent charges published by Colonel Thomas B. Felder and Attorney Carl Hutcheson, was the testimony of the latter. After emerging from the grand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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,'"

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

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

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

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

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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