Thursday, 8th May 1913 Frank of Nervous Nature; Says Superintendent Aide

Atlanta Georgian

Thursday, May 8th, 1913

The inquest was resumed at 2:40. Only a small crowd was present.

Miss Hattie Hall, stenographer for the Pencil Company, was called.

She said she had been connected with the company since December 4.

From a pile of papers taken from the factory records, Miss Hall identified a number that were written by herself. She said she did not think she could identify Frank's writing. Miss Hall selected eight letters that she had written. She said she didn't know how long it had taken her to write the letters.

Miss Hall looked at the cash book and the book containing the financial sheets and said there was nothing in them she had done on April 26.

Couldn't Identify Writing.

Coroner Donehoo did not explain his interrogation of the witness along these lines. He appeared very anxious to know just what work she had done on the day of the murder, and instructed her to be careful in identifying her own writing. Several questions were asked her regarding Frank's handwriting, but she insisted that she could not identify it.

Herbert Schiff, 38 West Fair Street, chief clerk at the Pencil Factory, was called next. He testified as follows:

Q. What do you do at the factory?—A. Help Mr. Frank, keep the pay roll and other things.

Q. Are you familiar with Frank's handwriting?—A. Yes.

Q. Were you there Saturday, April 26?—A. No, sir.

The witness was here asked several questions relating to the business of the company.

Examines Books and Papers.

He was told to examine the books and papers that were shown Miss Hall, and identify Frank's handwriting. He identified several letters and acknowledgements as having been written by Frank, and also a number of entries in the order book, dated April 26.

Q. Were you at the office Monday morning?—A. Yes.

Q. What was Mr. Frank doing?—A. He wasn't there. He didn't return until about 3:30 Monday afternoon.

Q. What time does Mr. Frank get down?—A. He is usually there about 8. He is usually there when I get there.

Q. Did you see Frank Sunday?—A. I saw him in Bloomfield's with Mr. Darley and some of the other help.

Known Frank Five Years.

Q. Do you know Mr. Frank very well?—A. Yes.

Q. How long have you been with him?—A. Five years.

Q. Have you been close to him?—A. I guess I have been around him as much as anyone.

Q. Is he of nervous temperament?—A. Yes, he is very excitable. I would say very much so.

Q. How long would it have taken you to get up all of the data on the financial sheet which Mr. Frank did?—A. Five or six hours.

Q. How long would it have taken Mr. Frank to do it?—A. He has handled it more often and would be quicker. I would say half an hour less than it would take me.

Q. What else did Frank do?—A. Balanced the cash book.

Q. How long would that take?—A. About an hour and a half.

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