Author: Historical Librarian

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

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

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

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

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

  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

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

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

  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

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

  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,

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

  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  

  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.

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

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

  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.

  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

  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

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

  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

  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

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

  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

  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

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.

  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

  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

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

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,

  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

  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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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,

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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