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Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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. He was retained near the grand jury room, to await the jury’s call. Bond was to be fixed later by the sheriff, and it was expected that would be furnished.
Colyar was arrested not long ago by the city police upon what is said to have been and appears to have been this same charge now embodied in a warrant, the arrest being made then in response to a telegram from the Knoxville police. He was released without bond when the formal legal procedure was not compiled with in a reasonable time.
Acting as his own attorney Colyar took out a writ of habeas corpus before Judge Pendleton, of the superior court, just before 1 o’clock, and Judge Pendleton set 11 o’clock Saturday as the time of the hearing upon it. Continue reading Colyar Arrested Again on Knoxville Warrant
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Thursday, June 5th, 1913
Following the complete denial by Minola McKnight, cook in the household of Leo M. Frank, of the statements she is alleged to have made in the sensational police affidavit given out Wednesday, Mrs. Leo M. Frank Thursday made her first public statement on the Mary Phagan mystery.
Mrs. Frank makes an eloquently pathetic defense of her husband and attacks Solicitor General Dorsey’s methods in the securing of evidence, charging torture and a deliberate determination to distort facts. Mrs. Frank denies absolutely that her husband in any way demeaned himself so as to indicate he had been involved in a tragedy on the day Mary Phagan was slain or any other day. Here is Mrs. Frank’s complete statement: Continue reading ‘I Know My Husband is Innocent,’ Asserts Wife of Leo M. Frank
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 the affidavit seriously.
Mr. and Mrs. Selig and Mrs. Frank read the affidavit in The Journal, and although they would make no statement for publication, they appeared to view the negro woman’s testimony as absurd and ridiculous on the face of it.
But little of the cook’s testimony, even should she stick to her story until the day of the trial, will be admissible in court. It is largely alleged hearsay evidence and, therefore, barred.
The woman, in her affidavit, swears that Frank came home to lunch on the Saturday of the Mary Phagan murder, about 1:30; that he did not eat anything and that he remained only about ten minutes. If the negress knows of her own knowledge that this is true she can so testify in court. However, Mr. Selig, Frank’s father-in-law, will swear as he did before the coroner’s inquest, that Frank ate lunch with him and afterwards lay down on a lounge for a nap. Mrs. Selig will reiterate her testimony at the inquest, which was to the effect that Frank came home about 1:30 o’clock and that she and her daughter, Mrs. Frank, were dressed and ready to go to a grand opera matinee; that soon after his arrival they left.
The McKnight woman, in her affidavit, declares that some time on Sunday she overheard Mrs. Frank tell her mother, Mrs. Selig, that Frank came home drunk the night before, that he was very restless and acted queerly; that he told her (Mrs. Frank) that he was in trouble and begged her to get his pistol in order that he might kill himself. Continue reading Negro’s Affidavit Not Given Much Credence
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 had confirmed the letter. He jokingly besought Deputy Sheriff Plennie Minor to stand by him if anything happened.
At that juncture Chief of Detectives Lanford stepped through the door into the room, having arrived just at that moment from police headquarters.
“Good morning,” said he generally.
“You didn’t speak to me,” said Colonel Felder, as Chief Lanford was taking a chair.
“Walk over here and I’ll speak to you,” said Lanford.
“You come to me. I’m sitting down,” said Mr. Felder.
Chief Lanford walked over to the lawyer. “Get up,” said the chief, “I want you to be standing up.”
Colonel Felder got up, but immediately several outsiders were between them. “Turn them loose!” shouted Colonel Felder, while the chief struggled to get at him. “Turn him loose!” Continue reading Lanford and Felder Come Near Fighting
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Thursday, June 5th, 1913
With the time when Leo M. Frank will go on trial for the murder of Mary Phagan rapidly approaching, perhaps no greater reinforcement to the accused pencil factory superintendent in facing his ordeal has been made than that in the person of his mother, who is now in Atlanta at the Selig home.
Mrs. Frank came on from Brooklyn, where she makes her home, and where Frank himself formerly resided. She will remain until after the trial.
A woman of considerable age, Mrs. Frank has shown wonderful bravery in coming to share her son’s burden.
Stands by Son.
Mrs. Frank has taken her place in the Selig household as the pillar of cheerfulness and hope, friends of the family declare. Her unbounded confidence in the ultimate release of her son, despite the horrible accusations made against him, is said to have prove the saving grace of the stricken household.
Since her arrival the mother has thrown aside every interest except that centered in her son. She reads everything that is obtainable regarding the Phagan case and is as well posted on it as anyone of the many who have followed the local reports of the mystery since its start.
Mrs. Frank has visited her son and at the of her son’s parents-in-law comforted them and their daughter.
Mrs. Frank is a woman of rare intelligence and understanding. She has introduced many variations into the Selig home to draw off the monotony of discussion, which has paralyzed all else in the family. Continue reading Mother Here to Aid Frank in Trial
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 jury room, where he remained in the neighborhood of a half hour.
“I was questioned principally about vice conditions,” he said, “although a number of questions were asked me concerning the dictographing of Felder and others.”
“Some of the grand jurymen inquired why Felder seemed so bitter toward me. I told them that as far as I knew his feeling toward me dated back several years ago when I made a case against Charlie C. Jones for operating a disorderly house on Jenkins street. Felder was Jones’ attorney in that case.
“I also expressed the opinion that his bitterness had perhaps increased since I made public the dictograph records and certain affidavits showing that he was not duly employed in the Phagan case, and that he was no doubt further embittered by reason of the fact that these publications put a stop to his collection of public subscriptions with which to employ Burns detectives. Continue reading Grand Jury Probe of Vice Conditions Finished Thursday
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Thursday, June 5th, 1913
A. L. [sic] Colyar, Jr., George M. Gentry and G. C. Febuary Summoned at Request of Chief Lanford
An investigation of the separate phases of the row resulting from the dictagraph traps laid by city detectives for Attorney Thomas B. Felder and Mayor James G. Woodward is believed to be forecast on the grand jury by the summoning before it of A. L. Colyar, Jr., George M. Gentry and G. C. Febuary. All these men played an important part of the performance and were summoned it is claimed at the request made by N. A. Lanford, chief of the detective department.
One of the most startling features of the afternoon session was the probing into the affairs of Police Commissioner William P. Fain. Allen Young, a real estate dealer, was put upon the stand and is said to have been asked to furnish proof in regard to the revelations in which Fain was said to have been the central figure in a carousal in an Ivy street house.
Whipping Charge Answered.
It is claimed that Fain also mistreated one of the women most brutally and that when the police answered the women’s screams and raided the place they arrested Fain, who was later given his liberty by order of higher police officials.
Mr. Fain made the following statement to a Constitution reporter:
“In answer to the charges which appeared against me in an afternoon paper, I beg to say in justice to my friends and the public that I am not in the least surprised at any accusations that have been or may be brought against me or any other city official who is publicly known as a strong supporter of James L. Beavers, chief of police and his administration of the police department.”
As the main issue was directed at him and his department, it is but natural that the same muckrakers would also attack his supporters with the hope of at least sway in public opinion to suit their ends regardless of the cost to others. Continue reading Jury Will Probe Dictagraph Row
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Thursday, June 5th, 1913
Attorney Reiterates Graft Accusations Following Lanford’s Defiance—Offers More Proof.
Newport A. Lanford, Chief of Detectives, issued a statement Thursday morning defying Colonel Thomas B. Felder, or anyone, to substantiate the charge of graft made against him and his department in the Grand Jury’s probe of vice conditions and alleged corruption in the detective and police departments.
“I defy Felder, or anyone, to prove to the Grand Jury that a penny of graft has ever gone into the detective department, and I defy him to substantiate one of his blackmailing utterances against me. He can’t do it, and he knows he can’t.”
Colonel Felder, in turn, reiterated Thursday morning every charge of corruption he has made against Chief Lanford and his detectives. He said he had presented a great amount of evidence along this line to the Grand Jury and was in readiness to present more when that body called him at its session to-day.
“Opens Grand Jury’s Eyes.”
“I have given the Grand Jury a great number of facts in this matter and I think they are beginning to see things about like a great many people in Atlanta see them.”
“In next Sunday’s issues of the Atlanta papers I will issue a statement setting forth in full the foundation for every statement I have made and showing the people how corrupt their Chief of Detectives really is. I will not comment here on how great a failure he is as a detective. When William J. Burns reads of some of his marvelous deductions in the Phagan case, the great detective will bow his head in shame and pronounce himself a timid amateur. Continue reading Challenges Felder to Prove His Charge
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Thursday, June 5th, 1913
Wife of Accused Pen[c]il 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 more than four weeks ago on suspicion of having murdered Mary Phagan, the pencil factory girl, the accused man’s wife on Thursday broke her silence and issued a statement in which she vigorously attacks Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey and the city detectives for the methods which she charges they have employed in an effort to gather evidence against Mr. Frank.
Mrs. Frank begins her statement by declaring “the action of the solicitor general in arresting and imprisoning our family cook because she would not voluntarily make a false statement against my innocent husband, brings a limit to patience.”
She charges that witnesses are being tortured into furnishing the kind of affidavits desired by the solicitor and the detectives, and states that “it is hard to believe that practices of this nature will be countenanced anywhere in the world, outside of Russia.” Continue reading “My Husband is Innocent,” Declares Mrs. Leo M. Frank In First Public Statement
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Thursday, June 5th, 1913
Sensational Affidavit Made for the Police by Minola McKnight, Servant in Leo Frank’s Home.
Fully as startling as the recent confession of James Conley, an affidavit purporting to have been sworn to by Minola McKnight, the servant girl of the Frank household, was given out to the newspapers yesterday afternoon by Chief Lanford. The detectives assert it is the “final straw” in the mass of evidence they boast of having accumulated.
Attesting to a statement that Frank was nervous and excited on the tragedy night, the negress swears Mrs. Frank told of having to sleep on a rug in the bedroom and of her suspicion that her husband was drunk. The servant girl also declares that Mrs. Frank had stated that Frank asked for a gun with which to kill himself, and that he asked, “Why could I be guilty of murder?”
The affidavit further states that Frank arrived home on the crime date about 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon, and, without eating dinner, left within less than ten minutes. He returned at 7 o’clock at night, the negress swears. Also, she declares that her name was attached to the document of her own free will and accord, and that she was not threatened or persuaded in any form.
Stands Sponsor for Woman.
She was released from prison on an agreement between her counsel, George Gordon, and Chief Lanford. Gordon offered to produce her at the trial, the detective chief declares, if she would be given freedom, and would stand sponsor for her presence. As long as she reports daily to police headquarters and shows no inclination to leave, Lanford says, she will not be molested. Otherwise, she will be returned to prison and held until the courts take up the case.
Attorney William M. Smith, counsel for James Conley, the negro sweeper, was asked Wednesday afternoon if he had formulated the line of defense to be presented by his client in case Conley was accused by Frank’s defense of the murder, as is the present outlook. He answered:
“Conley will need no defense. By the time he is accused, if he is, Frank will have been convicted of the crime.”
It was announced from Solicitor Dorsey’s office Wednesday that he Phagan case will go before the courts during the week of June 30 instead of the 23d, as has been predicted. No definite decision has been reached, however. It is understood that Dorsey will be ready for the prosecution at the later date, and that unless there are reasons for delay on the part of the defense, the case will proceed expeditiously. Continue reading Frank Wanted Gun to Take His Life, Says Negro Cook
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Wednesday, June 4th, 1913
While police activities have been turned to this line of investigation, the negro sweeper, Jim Conley, has been given a rest. Chief of Detectives Lanford stated that the negro would be quizzed no more.
Cook Counted on by Defense.
“If he has not told the whole truth,” said the Chief, “he will send for me within the next few days, I believe.”
The cook is one of the five witnesses upon whom the defense has relied to prove that Frank returned home for luncheon at 1:20 o’clock the Saturday afternoon of the murder and that he therefore could not have been in the office dictating the notes at the time James Conley, the negro sweeper, set in his affidavit.
Mr. and Mrs. Emil Selig and Mrs. Frank will be three of the other witnesses called by the defense to prove the time Frank arrived home from the factory on the fatal day. An acquaintance will tell of seeing Frank on the street car that day, and another will relate riding back to town with Frank.
The detectives attached the greatest importance to her affidavit. In the hope of breaking her down, Ernest H. Pickett, of 295 Rawson Street, and Roy L. Craven, 11 Campbell Street, both employees at the Beck & Gregg hardware store, were sent into the room with her to fire questions at her.
Albert McKnight, husband of Minola, also works for the Beck & Gregg concern, and is said to have told Pickett and Craven that his wife had confided to him that Frank did not arrive home at the time he testified before the Coroner’s jury. The two men informed the officers of McKnight’s statement, and as a result the woman was arrested. She was taken first before Solicitor Dorsey, where she hysterically denied that she ever had made such remarks to her husband. She declared that she had a “fuss” with her husband, and that he was taking this means to get her into trouble.
Alibi Big Obstacle.
Unless the State is able to break down the alibis furnished by Frank in the manner attempted on the McKnight woman, the factory superintendent’s movements will be accounted for practically every moment on the day of the tragedy.
Mary Phagan entered the factory at about 12:05 in the afternoon. It is to be presumed that it was about 12:10 by the time he had received her pay envelope and had made the inquiries about the metal. Five minutes later Lemmie Quinn cam in the building. He went to the second floor, walked into the office and talked to Frank. The circumstance, the defense will be able to maintain precludes the possibility that Frank could have committed the crime up to this time. Mary Phagan was not in the office at the time and the natural presumption would be that he had left and had gone downstairs. Continue reading Frank’s Cook Was Counted Upon as Defense Witness
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 Dorsey, assisted by City Detectives Campbell and Starnes, has been preparing the case against Frank. In addition to the numerous affidavits obtained from prospective witnesses, the solicitor has had prepared a very large diagram of the pencil factory interior upon which he has indicated everything which he thinks will be of importance to the prosecution.
One rather mystifying entry on this diagram is the sketch of a shelf which is supposed to be in the private office of Superintendent Frank. This sketch is explained on the diagram as follows: “Shelf on which notes were found.” Continue reading L. M. Frank’s Trial Will Occur Week of June 30
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Wednesday, June 4th, 1913
Police Commissioner Accused Before Grand Jury of Brawl in Disorderly House.
As a climax of revelations made before the Grand Jury in its probe of vice conditions in Atlanta, Police Commissioner William F. Fain was named as the central figure in a carousal said to have been held in a house on Ivy Street some months ago, according to evidence presented at the Wednesday afternoon session.
Mr. Fain was also accused of brutally treating one of the women in the party. When the police answered the woman’s screams and raided the place, it was said that Fain was arrested, but was immediately released by order of a man high up in police circles.
This startling information was given the Grand Jury by a real estate operator and friend of Fain’s who was summoned by the tribunal to give testimony.
Whisky For Resorts.
Before the witness left the hearing, it is declared that he laid bare one of the most sensational stories of vice ever brought to light in this city. That the Grand Jury will probably probe to the bottom of it, and that its veracity will be given the acid test before any action is taken is assured.
Another witness at the afternoon hearing was J. E. Skags, agent for the Southern Express Company. Mr. Skags was asked to testify as to shipments of whisky and other liquors into Atlanta to places of ill-fame.
Chief Beavers also was called before the Grand Jury during the afternoon session. The police official is declared to have told the jurors that to his knowledge Atlanta was better morally at this time than ever before. The chief will be called again later in the investigation.
Chief Beavers Cleared.
Elimination of Chief of Police Beavers from all charges of graft and corruption in the Police Department, made by Colonel Thomas B. Felder, marked the second day’s probe by the Fulton County Grand Jury.
Colonel Felder made this distinction to Chief Beavers personally, and in so doing renewed his accusations against Chief of Detectives Newport A. Lanford.
At the same time it was said evidence of corruption money being paid to the police had been given the Grand Jury. Continue reading Fain Named in Vice Quiz as Resort Visitor
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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. Beavers.
Neither of these witnesses would indicate along what lines he was questioned by the grand jury. It is understood, however, that Colonel Felder submitted a supplementary list to the list of alleged disorderly houses furnished Tuesday by Attorney Carl Hutcheson and that he also turned over to the grand jury a number of affidavits relative to houses which are operating in the city without police interference.
Colonel Felder is said to have supplied evidence attacking the official integrity and moral character of Detective Chief Newport A. Lanford.
Chief Beavers, it is understood, was questioned at length concerning his vice crusades and the general moral condition of the city as he observes it. He was also asked, it is said, about Attorney Hutcheson’s charge that he had failed to make raids upon disorderly houses which had been reported to him.
Upon leaving the grand jury room Chief Beavers stated that he could not discuss what had transpired there as he had been requested not to do so, but he admitted that he had been asked whether he thought his recent crusade against vice had bettered conditions in the city and that he had replied that it was his opinion that conditions were much better today than they had ever been before.
The chief says he admitted that it was probable that some disorderly houses were operating surreptitiously and that he assured the grand jury that he was diligently endeavoring to obtain evidence against such places and that as fast as he got thme [sic] evidence he made cases against the proprietors and inmates. Continue reading Felder Exonerates Beavers, But Says Lanford is Corrupt
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Wednesday, June 4th, 1913
Despite Gruelling Third Degree, Woman Maintains Denial of Having Told Conflicting Stories.
FACED BY HUSBAND, SHE CONTRADICTS HIM
Her Release Came After Her Attorney Had Threatened to Take Out Habeas Corpus Proceedings.
Minola McKnight, the servant girl held in the Mary Phagan case, was given her freedom early last night, and left police headquarters for her home on Pulliam street. She was not liberated, however, until the detectives had obtained her signature to an affidavit telling what she knew of Frank’s actions the day of the murder.
Her husband, who was also carried to the police station at noon, was freed a short while before his wife left the prison. He was present during the third degree of four hours, under which she was placed in the afternoon. He is said to have declared, even in the presence of his wife, that she had told conflicting stories of Frank’s conduct on the tragedy date.
She is reported as having denied the man’s statement in whole, clinging to her first story, which corroborated Frank’s story before the coroner’s jury. The detectives are silent regarding her statement; in fact, more so than during any other stage of the investigation. It is believed that on her story hinges a development fully as important as any of the results previously obtained.
Charge Is Suspicion.
The charge on which she was put in prison was “suspicion.” Her attorney, George Gordon, informed the authorities Tuesday afternoon that it was illegal to hold a person more than twenty-four hours on a suspicion charge, unless their charge was obviously well founded, and had threatened habeas corpus proceedings. No direct accusation could be made against the woman, and she therefore was entitled to the freedom given her at dusk.
The examination was through and exacting. It was conducted by Detective Starnes and Campbell at the order of Solicitor Dorsey, to whose office the two headquarters men have been attached throughout the Mary Phagan investigation. No one else connected with headquarters was admitted. Two strange men, however, whose identity was kept secret, were present.
After she had been quizzed to a point of exhaustion Secretary G. C. Febuary attached to Chief Lanford’s office was summoned to note her settlement in full.
Statement Long One.
It was the longest statement made by the woman since her connection with the mystery. It will be used, probably in the trial. The negress was calm and composed upon emerging from the examination. Continue reading Servant of Frank is Liberated After Long Examination
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Wednesday, June 4th, 1913
Says She Heard Frank’s Wife Tell Mother Frank Had Threatened Suicide
Incoherent Statement by Employee of Frank Household That Must Not Be Taken as Legal Evidence Until Heard and Corroborated in Court.
Another sensational but strangely incoherent affidavit in the Mary Phagan mystery was made public this afternoon when the police gave out what purports to be a startling statement sworn to by Minola McKnight, negro cook in the Frank household, who was grilled for two hours at police headquarters Tuesday.
The statement quotes the McKnight woman as declaring that she overheard Mrs. Leo Frank tell her mother that Frank had talked of murder and had threatened to get a gun and shoot himself.
The Georgian informs its readers once again that police affidavits are not evidence until they have been accepted in court, and that judgment as to their reliability should be withheld until then.
Statement of Negroes in Full
The McKnight woman’s statement is given for what it is worth as follows: Continue reading Cook’s Sensational Affidavit
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 affidavit, sworn to by Minola McKnight, the negro servant at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Selig, where Leo M. Frank and his wife live, was made public by Chief of Detectives N. A. Lanford Wednesday afternoon. In the affidavit Minola McKnight tells of alleged conversations at the Selig home in which Mrs. Frank is quoted as having said that Frank was drunk on Saturday night, April 26, and that he made her sleep on a rug. The negro quotes Mrs. Frank further as saying that Mr. Frank couldn’t understand how he could be guilty of murder, and that Frank had begged her for a pistol that he might shoot himself.
The negro says in her affidavit that she has been kindly treated and gives this as the reason for not having made her statement sooner. She swears that the affidavit is made of her own free will.
The affidavit is nearly all hearsay evidence, and therefore inadmissible in court.
The affidavit follows in full: Continue reading Sensational Affidavit Made by Minola M’Knight, Negro Cook at Home of L. M. Frank
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Wednesday, June 4th, 1913
Head of Police Department Invites Carl Hutcheson to Furnish Him With List of Houses.
MORE WITNESSES WILL GIVE TESTIMONY TODAY
Grand Jury Determined to Go to Bottom of Vice Allegations, But Will Not Touch Bribery Charge at Present.
Renewed activities on the part of the police “vice squad” have come with the taking up vice probe by the grand jury, which was started yesterday morning, when a number of principals in the Felder-Beavers controversy were summoned to tell what they know of alleged operation of vicious houses and hotels in Atlanta.
The grand jury will probe deeply into the charges hurled at the police by Attorneys Thomas B. Felder and Carl Hutcheson, following the dictagraphing of Colonel Felder and Mayor James G. Woodward by city detectives, and the charges that Colonel Felder had attempted to bribe G. C. Febuary, clerk to Police Chief James L. Beavers. This was made apparent Tuesday by orders issued for the summoning of additional witnesses for the hearing today.
It was charged by Attorneys Felder and Hutcheson that numbers of vicious houses were in operation, and that the police were either unaware of them and were incompetent, or that the police were in league with the proprietors.
Beavers Asks For List.
“If Mr. Hutcheson will give me a list of houses where he has proof that illegal practices are carried on, I will arrest the persons responsible,” declared Chief Beavers. “We have been making every effort to apprehend such places and would be glad to have evidence given by any one.”
At present there are twenty-two men on the “vice squad,” and they go on duty each evening with instructions to arrest proprietors or inmates of any houses or hotels where they can find proof of immoral practices. Already several arrests have been made in raids.
Gives List of Houses.
When summoned before the grand jury, Attorney Hutcheson produced a list of thirty houses and hotels, of which he has personal knowledge, according to his statement. Attorney Hutcheson remained before the body for nearly an hour and before leaving gave the foreman, L. H. Beck, a list of witnesses to be summoned to back up his allegations. Continue reading Vice List Wanted by Chief Beavers; Promises Probe
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Tuesday, June 3rd, 1913
Defense Prepares to Show Glaring Discrepancies in Affidavit of James Conley.
[Minola McKnight, the negro cook at Frank’s home, made a written statement Tuesday afternoon to the police following a cross-examination lasting more than an hour at the police station.
The woman was questioned by E. H. Pickett and Roy L. Craven, both of whom are employed at the hardware store of Beck & Gregg. While the bearing of her statement on the Phagan case was not revealed, it is generally thought to relate to the actions of Frank and other inmates of his household on the morning following the murder.
She is believed to have stuck to her story that Frank was home at 1:30, which is one link in the alibi chain the defense is forging.
That Louise H. Beck, foreman of the Grand Jury which indicted Frank, is a co-partner in the establishment with which Pickett and Craven, the questioners of the negro woman, are employed is believed to lend much significance to the cross-examination by the two men. This connection, however, was not made public.
The cook was later released after her statement had been taken, and with her husband left for her Pulliam street home. It was said that she might be called as a witness in the trial of Frank. Much as the detectives attempted to shroud her evidence in mystery, all the indications were that she had not materially changed her statement in favor of Frank. She was released on an agreement with her counsel, George Gordon. — added from a later edition of the Georgian — Ed.]
“Developments of a startling nature may be expected from day to day in the Phagan case,” said Chief of Detectives Lanford Tuesday morning. “They may be expected right up to the date that the trial of Leo Frank begins.
“That we feel we practically have a conclusive case against the factory superintendent does not mean that we are resting in our labors to the slightest extent. We are a little more at rest in our minds, that is all.
“The detectives are working constantly on new clews that present themselves and are investigating every story that is heard, whether it is told by a witness favorable to Frank or against him. We wish to go into court prepared to establish our case against Frank so that not a doubt of his guilt will be possible. That is, of course, if it still appears at that time as certain to us that he is the guilty man as it does now.”
With the continued activity of the detectives, it has become noticeable in the last few days that the defense is at work on its case. Both sides are preparing for a titanic battle when Frank is put on trial for his life the third week in this month. Frank’s cook is still held at police headquarters.
To Cite Time Differences.
Differences in the time given by Jim Conley in his affidavit and the testimony of Coroner’s jury witnesses will be pointed out in the defense of Leo M. Frank against the charge of killing little Mary Phagan, it was revealed Tuesday. They will be used as indications of the superintendent’s innocence because of their many seeming deviations from fact.
One of the most glaring was the negro’s declaration that while he was in Frank’s office to write the notes Miss Corinthia Hall and Mrs. Emma Clark entered. Conley said that this was 1 o’clock or a few minutes after. But Miss Hall had left the building more than an hour before, according to her own testimony before the Coroner’s jury. Continue reading Bitter Fight Certain in Trial of Frank
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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, whose arrest Monday by city detectives, followed a questioning by Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey.
It is also understood on good authority that Mr. Gordon is seriously considering the matter of seeking a writ of habeas corpus for the McKnight woman and further developments along this line are expected during the afternoon.
WOMAN QUESTIONED.
Shortly after noon Tuesday the McKnight woman was taken from her cell on the first floor at police headquarters by Detectives tSarnes [sic] and Sampbell [sic], who led her to a private room adjoining the detective department on the third floor. Two unknown white men and a negro man, supposed to be the woman’s husband, were left alone with her for about an hour and a half, when the detectives were called in.
After talking with the woman for a few minutes Detective Starnes came out of the room, gathered up a pen, ink and paper and went back. It is presumed that she has made some kind of a statement which the detectives consider significant and which they desire to take down in the form of an affidavit.
Attorney George Gordon was outside in the detective department for a portion of the time the woman was being questioned.
The hysteria which marked her demeanor when she first was arrested, has subsided, and Minola McKnight, the negro cook for Mr. and Mrs. Emil Selig, of 68 East Georgia avenue, home of Leo M. Frank, still sticks to the story she hysterically shouted throughout police headquarters Monday afternoon.
The negress was arrested at the Selig residence shortly after noon Monday upon the order of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey.
She was carried to the solicitor’s office and that official with Detectives Campbell and Starnes examined her for more than an hour. The woman grew hysterical during the vigorous examination, and finally was led from the solicitor’s office to the police patrol, weeping and shouting: “I am going to hang and don’t know a thing about it.”
Later it developed that [t]he woman’s husband, Albert McKnight, had been in the room with the officers. Continue reading Attorney Retained for Negro Servant at Frank’s Home
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Tuesday, June 3rd, 1913
Reported That She Is Being Held as Witness—Defense of Prisoner in the Tower Outlined.
Another arrest was made yesterday in the Phagan mystery. Minola McKnight, cook and servant in the Leo Frank household, was sent to police headquarters by Detectives Starnes and Campbell when she hysterically created a scene at Pryor and Mitchell streets, sobbing and moaning that “they were going to hang her for something she knew nothing about.”
She is being held under a charge of suspicion. Chief Lanford said last night, however, that she will likely be used as a witness against her suspected employer. She has not been questioned yet by the police or detectives, but will be put through a cross-examination some time soon.
Although officials at headquarters will not talk regarding the arrest of the McKnight woman, the general impression prevails that she is being held as a material witness and that she was taken into custody because of discrepancies rumored to have been found in her statement to Solicitor Dorsey.
It is reported that she has told a number of conflicting stories, and for this reason the solicitor ordered her confinement until time of trial. The solicitor will have nothing to say on the subject.
Leo Frank’s Defense.
[…] sources Monday that Frank’s defense.
It was learned from responsible will be in the production of an alibi. Five witnesses, it is said, are prepared to testify that the suspect was at home by 1:30 o’clock on the day of the tragedy. They are Mrs. Frank, Miss Corinthia Hall, his mother-in-law, Mrs. Emil Selig, his father-in-law, Emil Selig and the negress who was arrested Monday. Continue reading Leo Frank’s Cook Put Under Arrest
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Tuesday, June 3rd, 1913
Attorney Ready to Go Before Grand Jury, but Has Not Been Called; Hutcheson Summoned in the Airing of the Dictograph Controversy.
[Investigation of Reports That Disorderly Houses Again Are in Operation Begun—Foreman’s Move Surprise. Dictograph Row Not Taken Up.
A broad and exhaustive probe into vice conditions in Atlanta was the unexpected turn taken by the Fulton County Grand Jury when it convened Tuesday morning supposedly to take up the Felder-Beavers-Lanford dictograph controversy with the attending charges of corruption and bribery of police officials. Foreman Beck himself conducted the inquisition.
Witnesses who gave testimony at the morning session were asked for evidence pertaining to the existence of vice only. That the Grand Jury will conduct a sweeping investigation of new red light districts which are reported to have sprung up, despite the persistent warfare against such resorts by Chief of Police Beavers, is almost certain.
Mayor James G. Woodward, Colonel Thomas B. Felder and Carl Hutcheson, the lawyer who says he has a list of disorderly houses of holding forth by reason of police protection, were the men called to testify in the morning.
The Mayor was questioned closely as to his knowledge of existing vice conditions. He is said to have informed the grand jurors that his information was only hearsay. However, he gave out what he had heard in full. The Mayor also pointed out the jurymen possibilities for the existence of such practices. The examination of Mr. Woodward continued for more than an hour.
Colonel Felder was before the Grand Jury for ten minutes. The attorney was not subpoenaed to appear at the hearing, but presented himself voluntarily. He is said to have outlined his own position in reference to the bribery charges and also the wholesale charges of corruption which have been made against the police.
Felder Offers Evidence.
In connection with the latter accusations, Mr. Felder declared to the investigating body that he would submit documentary evidence showing the existence of vice in Atlanta to prove his previous assertions.
It is believed that Carl Hutcheson, the young attorney in Felder’s office, is counted upon to supply this evidence. Mr. Hutcheson was called before the Grand Jury shortly before noon. While he did not carry in with him the list of resorts said to be operating now in this city, which he has compiled, he declared that if this document were asked for by the jurymen he would hand it over to them.
That the Grand Jury was in possession of sufficient information to indict the keepers and proprietors of at least 30 houses of disreputable character was the announcement made by Mr. Hutcheson when he emerged from the session chamber after he had been before the jurors for more than an hour.
Says He Furnished Proof.
He said that he had furnished positive evidence that these resorts and houses of assignation existed and that the policemmen [sic] on the beats knew of their existence.
“But did you give them positive information that Chief Beavers and Chief Lanford knew of their existence?” he was asked.
“I told them enough so that they must draw the conclusion that Beavers and Lanford could hardly help but know,” he replied. “The heads of departments always are responsible for the workings of the men under them.” — Added from the “Evening Edition” of the same paper — Ed.]
Colonel Thomas B. Felder appeared before the Grand Jury Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock, prepared, he said, to substantiate every charge he had made against the police department and its heads, and promising to open the eyes of the city to a condition of affairs that was startling in the extreme.
“I have not been served with a subpena to go before the Grand Jury,” Colonel Felder said, “but Mr. Hutcheson has been, and I will be there in case I am called upon. The people of Atlanta have no idea how far-reaching this thing will be. I will show the conditions as they are, and the men higher up will not escape. If the grand jury takes up this thing fully it will be the most sensational probe that has ever been made into affairs in Atlanta.”
The announcement that the Grand Jury would take up the Felder-Beavers-Lanford dictograph controversy with the attending charges of corruption and bribery was made late Monday afternoon when Foreman L. H. Beck had the assistant solicitor general serve a number of subpenas to those concerned.
Mayor Woodward, Chief of Police Beavers, Chief Lanford, Charlie Jones, proprietor of the Rex saloon; Carl Hutcheson, City Detective John Black and Mrs. Mina Formby were the persons summoned. Continue reading Felder Says He Will Lay Bare ‘Startling Police Graft Plans’
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 jury room, where he remained for more than an hour, Mr. Hutcheson was charged by a battery of newspaper photographers to whom he waved his hands and gleefully exclaimed: “I gave ‘em the dope, boys!”
Later he stated that he had given the grand jury, “all told,” a list of thirty places—hotels and houses where vice is permitted to flourish. He declared that he had secured his information about the places first hand; that his evidence was not based on hearsy information.
Mr. Hutcheson said he had registered at a number of the hotels where he had arranged to have women sent to his rooms. He declared he had furnished the grand jury the names under which he had registered and that his own personal evidence was sufficient to justify many indictments.
To the grand jury Mr. Hutcheson exhibited a hotel kye [sic] which he stated he had forgotten to return. He declared that he had detailed his night visits to various places which are openly violating the law.
TOLD HIS OWN STORY.
“I was allowed to tell my story in my own way,” said Mr. Hutcheson, “and was interrupted by but few questions from the grand jurymen, who manifested much satisfaction over the facts which I furnished them. Frequently the jurymen gave vent to satisfied exclamations.
“I have not charged graft in the police department and was, of course, not questioned along this line. I did charge that disorderly houses were being protected if their presence was known to the police and I insisted that if the police did not have such knowledge they were incompetent. Continue reading Grand Jury Told of Vice Conditions
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Tuesday, June 3rd, 1913
Subpoenas Served Monday Night on the Principals in Dictagraph Case and in Charges of Corruption.
GRAND JURY TO HOLD INVESTIGATION TODAY
Mayor Woodward, Col. Felder, Chief Beavers, Chief Lanford, Carl Hutcheson and Jno. Black Subpoenaed
That the Fulton county grand jury will undertake today an investigation of both sides of the Beavers-Felder controversy was made apparent by the formal summons issued last night to all the principals in the affair.
An added element of mystery to the investigation comes in the attempt made to summon Mrs. Mima [sic] Formby, the woman who made affidavit that Leo M. Frank, now indicted for the murder of Mary Phagan, attempted to rent a room from her for himself and a girl on the night of the murder.
Many Subpoenas Issued.
Mayor Woodward, Chief Beavers, Colonel Felder, Chief Lanford, Charlie Jones, proprietor of the “Rex” saloon; Attorney Carl Hutcheson, City Detective, John Black and Mrs. Formby were the principals upon whom Foreman Beck ordered subpoenas served Monday night.
Charlie Jones was served in person with a summons to attend the grand jury this morning in the case of “The State versus John Doe,” the orders, with the exception of Mrs. Formby, who is said to have left the city, were notified by telephone that their presence was required Tuesday morning before the grand jury.
The charges made by Chief Lanford and other detectives in his force that Colonel Felder had offered a bribe of $1,000 for an affidavit made by Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Coleman, parents of the murdered Phagan girl, and also for other affidavits in the case, and the ensuing charges hurled at the police department by Col. Felder and Attorney Hutcheson, in which the department was charged with graft and corruption stirred Atlanta.
Beavers Asks Probe.
Chief Beavers immediately asked that the grand jury take the matter up and go to the bottom of the charges against himself and the men under him, and Colonel Felder declared that he was ready at any time for the charges against him to be investigated.
That the grand jury would take up the matter at an early date and probe, it has been the general belief of Atlantans who read of the various charges, and when it was announced last week by Solicitor Dorsey that the grand jury would meet on Tuesday morning it immediately became the general belief that the special session would be for this purpose. Continue reading Grand Jury Calls for Thos. Felder and Police Heads
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Monday, June 2nd, 1913
Woman Questioned by Dorsey, Becomes Hysterical; Solicitor Refuses to Tell Whether She Gave Important Information; Alibi for Defense.
Minola Mcknight, the negro cook in the household of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Selig, 68 Georgia Avenue, with whom Leo M. Frank lived, was put through the severest sort of grilling in the office of Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey Monday in an effort to break down Frank’s alibi which tends to show that he was at home about the time James Conley swore the notes found by Mary Phagan’s body were written.
The negro woman grew histerical [sic] and her shrieks and protestations could be heard through the closed door. She maintained to the end of the two hours of rapid-fire questioning, however, that Frank had arrived home by 1:30 o’clock the Saturday afternoon of the crime.
She was taken into custody on information said to have been furnished by her husband. She later was taken to the police station to be held under suspicion. The details of her statements to the solicitor and the full import of the information said to have been disclosed by her husband have been shrouded with the utmost secrecy by Solicitor Dorsey. It is said, however, that she declared to the last that Frank had arrived home by 1:30 o’clock to her positive knowledge.
Her sobs and hysterical cries were heard soon after she entered the office of the solicitor. Mr. Dorsey was able to quiet her for a few minutes at a time, when it is supposed he obtained her statement of Frank’s whereabouts on Saturday, April 26, so far as she knew. At detective headquarters, the officers were non-commital as to the nature or value of the testimony that the engro [sic] woman had given. Continue reading Negro Cook at Home Where Frank Lived Held by the Police
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 grand jury taking up the matter at the special meeting to be held on Tuesday morning.
The specific object of the meeting, according to the foreman, is the appointment of routine committees, which have not yet been named, owing to the pressure of criminal business, although the jury has only a month more to serve.
Mr. Beck frankly stated his position to The Journal Monday, saying that if the solicitor or any individual member of the jury brings the matter up officially it will be investigated. Also an investigation will be inaugurated, he says, if Chief Beavers or Chief N. A. Lanford request a probe of him as foreman of the jury.
Up to a late hour Monday Chief Beavers had not seen Solicitor Dorsey nor Mr. Beck. The chief stated that he had been extremely busy Monday, but that he would certainly take the matter up during the week. Continue reading Grand Jury Ready to Investigate Charges
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Monday, June 2nd, 1913
Dictograph conversations and alleged bribery charges will be discussed by Chief of Police Beavers and Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey at a conference to be held to-day.
Chief Beavers is ready to have every one who had anything to do with the graft charges called before the Grand Jury, and if conspiracy can be proven it is very probable there will be indictments.
However, it is all up to Solicitor General Dorsey just what will be done. It is thought that, owing to the present state of the Phagan case, the dictographers will not be subpenaed for some time.
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Atlanta Georgian, June 2nd 1913, “Beavers to Talk Over the Felder Row with Dorsey,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Monday, June 2nd, 1913
“I Am Going to Hang and I Don’t Know a Thing About It,” Shouts Viola [sic] 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 placed against her name.
The solicitor and the detectives refuse to discuss the girl’s connection with the Phagan mystery.
The woman was excited and hysterical and continued to shout: “I am going to hang, and I don’t know a thing about it.”
Still weeping and shouting that she was going to hang, although innocent, the woman aws [sic] led shortly after 2 o’clock, to cell at police headquarters.
When the woman first went to Solicitor Dorsey’s office, the officers had with her a negro boy, whose name is unknown. The boy was released after the examination.
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Atlanta Journal, June 2nd 1913, “Negro Girl is Arrested in Phagan Murder Case,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Monday, June 2nd, 1913
Defense to Cite Discrepancies in Time to Disprove Conley’s Affidavit—Sheriff Denies Friends of Superintendent Approached Sweeper in Cell.
After a two-hour grilling by Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey Minola McKnight, a negro woman about 21 years old, was taken to police headquarters and is held under suspicion in connection with the murder of Mary Phagan.
She is believed to have made sensational disclosures to the solicitor.
At the police station she was in hysteria, shouting:
“I am going to hang, but I didn’t do it.”
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Five persons will be prepared to testify at the trial of Leo M. Frank that he arrived at home for luncheon at 1:20 o’clock the Saturday afternoon that Mary Phagan was killed, which would have been an impossibility, the defense will assert, if Frank had directed the disposal of the body and dictated the notes at the time the negro alleges.
Testimony before the Coroner’s jury by Frank and others indicated strongly that he was at home by 1:20 the afternoon of the crime. Conley in his affidavits declared that he went into Frank’s office at four minutes before 1 o’clock. He said that after a conversation of a few minutes Frank heard voices and shoved Conley into a closet. Miss Corinthia Hall and Mrs. Emma Clark entered. Conley was kept a prisoner in the closet, he said, for eight or ten minutes. Continue reading 5 to Testify Frank Was at Home at Hour Negro Says He Aided
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Monday, June 2nd, 1913
Detective Chief Forms New Theory as to Reason Why Prisoner Is Said to Have Phoned Mrs. Formby.
HER DISAPPEARANCE PUZZLING TO OFFICERS
Lanford Says He Will Find Her in Time for Trial, But Does Not Know Where She Is Now.
That Leo M. Frank telephoned Mrs. Formby on the night of Mary Phagan’s murder for a room to which he would be able to remove the victim’s body and thereby lessen suspicion against himself, is the theory on which Chief Newport Lanford is basing a search for Mrs. Formby, which is extending over the entire south.
She mysteriously disappeared several days ago. Efforts to locate her have been futile. The entire detective department is puzzled. The Pinkertons are mystified. Her whereabouts is a matter that interests detectives and the Pinkertons.
Mrs. Formby, in a recent interview to a reporter for The Constitution, told him that she had been made several offers of money to leave Atlanta until the Mary Phagan trial had been completed. She also openly announced that within a short while she intended leaving the city for New Mexico, in which state she said she intended to live.
Chief Determined to Find Her.
Chief Lanford says, however, that he will produce her at the trial of Leo M. Frank, and that she will be an important witness. He admits, though, even with this announcement, that he has not yet been able to find her.
“We were able to find the girl’s murderer,” says the chief, “and surely we will be able to locate Mrs. Formby.”
His theory is that the suspected superintendent, after deliberating over the crime the chief accuses him of having committed, communicated over the telephone with Mrs. Formby to obtain a room to which he could remove the body, thereby lessening the suspicion which would likely cling to himself if the corpse remained in the factory basement. Continue reading Frank Asked Room to Conceal Body Believes Lanford
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 alone, killed the girl and hid her body in the factory basement.
Notwithstanding Luther Z. Rosser, chief counsel for Frank, maintains his sphinxlike attitude and declines to discuss the theory of the defense, it is understood that the arguments in Frank’s favor will be based upon the idea that Conley was without assistance in the commission of the crime and that Frank had no knowledge whatever of it.
The defense will, it is said, take the position that Mary Phagan was killed on the first floor of the factory at the foot of the stairs where the negro admits he was in hiding. The suggestion of the girl having been killed on the second floor, as declared by Conley in his affidavit of confession, will, it is said, be ridiculed.
It will be contended that Conley was in hiding on the first floor from about 9 o’clock in the morning, most probably with the intention of robbing some of the women employes who came for their pay.
It will be shown that many of the incidents which the negro swears happened while he was secluded among the boxes by the stairs occurred before Frank went over to Nelson street, and therefore, the negro must be lying when he says that he met the superintendent at the corner of Nelson and Forsyth streets and followed him back to the factory sometime between 10:30 and 11 o’clock. Continue reading Frank’s Defense is Outlined
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Sunday, June 1st, 1913
Negro Will Be Used as Material Evidence Against Frank, Says Solicitor Dorsey
LEE LIKELY TO BE FREED
Sweeper Sticks to Story Accusing Head of Pencil Factory of Phagan Slaying.
The startling confessions by Jim Conley of the part he played in the Phagan murder mystery have not changed the State’s case in any of its essential features, according to an announcement from Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, at the close of a long examination of the negro yesterday.
Stormed at for several hours by the Solicitor and the city detectives, Conley’s story was unchanged and he threw no new light on the case.
“He has told everything he knows of the crime,” one of the detectives said as the negro was led from the Solicitor’s office to be taken back to the police station.
Regarded as one of the most significant announcements from the Solicitor was that the negro would be prosecuted as an accessory after the fact unless some new development connected him more directly with the crime.
To Be Material Witness.
The Solicitor also outlined his intention of using Conley as a material witness against Leo M. Frank. He explained that the negro, being under indictment as an accessory, would in no way interfere with his being used as a witness.
When the Grand Jury meets next Friday it is more than likely it will take some action on the bill of indictment drawn at the same time with that of Frank, charging Newt Lee, the night watchman, with the murder.
Developments since the indictment was drawn have pretty clearly eliminated Lee from the case, except in the capacity of a witness, and a “no bill” is expected to the indictment.
Conley Grilled for Hours.
For hours Saturday James Conley, negro sweeper, whose sensational confession accuses Superintendent Leo M. Frank of the murder of Mary Phagan, explained in detail to Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey the dread mysteries of the National Pencil Factory on April 26, explaining many things that had not been clear to the officials, but sticking tenaciously to the story he told the city detectives. Continue reading Confession of Conley Makes No Changes in State’s Case
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Sunday, June 1st, 1913
Parents Intended to Give Child Happy Surprise—Now They Will Strew Flowers on Her Grave in Marietta Churchyard.
By MIGNON HALL.
This will be the saddest Sunday with Mary Phagan’s family since that fatal Sunday just five weeks ago when the little girl’s body was found hidden away in the basement of the National Pencil factory.
For to-day is Mary’s birthday, and it had been planned by her mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Coleman, that they would give her a party. If she had lived it would have been celebrated last night in her little home on Lindsay Street, where she had spent the past fifteen months of her life.
Instead of that, there is a shadow over the household, and she was spoken of with an ache in the throat and tears. Where last night would have been so happy for Mary, there was silence, and to-day the family expects to go to Marietta to weep above the little mound where she rests and lay flowers on the grave.
Was to Have Been a Surprise.
Mary’s birthday party, Mrs. Coleman said, was to have been a surprise, and as she told of it Saturday morning over the ironing-board—spoke of her other childish birthdays, the things Mary said and did, and all the tender little recollections of her a mother’s heart holds dear—her voice choked with sobs so that she could scarcely speak.
“It would have been the child’s first party,” she said simply. “The poor little thing never had had much in her life—she had to work so hard. It was Mr. Coleman’s idea. He thought it would be nice for her. He was like a father to her, anyway, and the only one she had ever known. Her own father died before she was born. Continue reading Today is Mary Phagan’s Birthday; Mother Tells of Party She Planned
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Sunday, June 1st, 1913
‘He Has Told the Whole Truth—There’s Not a Lawyer Who Can Shake Him,’ Asserts Chief.
Jim Conley has told the whole truth—there’s not a shadow of a doubt about it. We feel perfectly satisfied now with the case against Frank. If we had the least suspicion that his story were false, we could not feel satisfied—we would be puzzled and worried just as much as when the crime was first committed.
Conley’s evidence cinches the case against Frank. He will go on the witness stand in the trial of Frank and tell his story just as he has told it to the officers. There’s not a lawyer in the whole United States—no matter how shrewd he may be—who could shake that negro’s testimony—because it’s the truth. No person could doubt this after seeing him re-enact that tragedy in the pencil factory Friday. It was the most dramatic and remarkable spectacle ever witnessed here, and thoroughly convinced us that the negro was acting a role vividly impressed on his mind from already having portrayed it in tragic realism.
Conley’s story makes the case against Frank direct and positive. It is no longer a case of circumstantial evidence. We were already convinced that we could convict Frank with the web of circumstances woven about him, but now we have direct evidence on which to rely, and which is corroborated by this maze of condemning circumstances.
Conley will make no further confession—there’s none for him to make. There is not a feature of his story that causes me to doubt that he has told all he knows.
From the very first we suspected that Frank was guilty, but we were never prejudiced against him. We have entertained every possible theory and worked on many different lines, as have all of the detectives on the case, and have been open to conviction. But every bit of real evidence unearthed pointed to Frank, and now the confession of Conley makes it all plain—NEWPORT LANFORD, Chief of Detectives.
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Atlanta Georgian, June 1st 1913, “Conley’s Story Cinches Case Against Frank, Says Lanford,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 the routine investigating committees have been appointed, and this is one of the matters which will come before the body next Tuesday.
Chief of Police Beavers, who has requested a grand jury investigation, has not seen or communicated with Foreman Beck since the controversy commenced, according to the latter.
Chief Beavers, however, is expected to thoroughly into the case with Solicitor Dorsey on Monday, and then he will repeat his request for a grand jury probe of the charges against himself, his department and the charges against Colonel Thomas B. Felder.
Solicitor Dorsey states that he does not know the object of the special meeting called by Mr. Beck.
Should the grand jury take up the Felder-Beavers matter, it is very probable that no bill against an individual will be presented for consideration, but that the grand jury will simply have an exhaustive hearing, examining many witnesses and that then it will embody its finding in the usual report to the court.
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Atlanta Journal, June 1st 1913, “Grand Jury Meeting Remains a Mystery,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Sunday, June, 1st, 1913
Does Not Deviate In Least From Detailed Story Despite Traps to Snare Him
FRANK APPEARS PLEASED
Prisoner Tells His Friends That Sweeper’s Affidavit Is Good News to Him
A gruelling cross-examination of Jim Conley, confessed accessory in the murder of Mary Phagan, in an effort to break down his charges against Leo M. Frank as the actual slayer of the little girl, was made by Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey late Saturday afternoon.
Before the rapid-fire questioning, in which every imaginable snare was set to entrap him, the negro did not deviate one iota from the detailed account which he made Friday to the police. Every effort to make him confess that he was the slayer failed.
In amazing contrast to the attitude of the negro is that of the pencil factory superintendent.
To friends who visited the Tower where he is confined, Frank declared Saturday that Conley’s statement was good news to him. Frank had just read the negro’s affidavit in full in The Georgian. That the negro was beginning to talk meant that the mystery soon would be cleared, Frank told his friends. He had said previously that the murderer should be hanged.
Did Not Accuse Conley.
Frank did not declare outwardly that he thought Conley guilty of the murder when he spoke with his visitors Saturday. He stated, however, that he was glad that the negro had begun to talk, and predicted an early solution of the mystery.
Luther Z. Rosser, the noted Atlanta lawyer and counsel for Frank, also expressed to friends of his client his opinion of Conley’s statement Saturday as a most satisfactory turn in the case. Continue reading Dorsey’s Grill Fails to Make Conley Admit Hand in Killing
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 analyses of the negro, James Conley’s latest statement or confession from two viewpoints. In one analysis the negro’s statement is weighed with the idea that Conley has not told the whole truth, that he is endeavoring to hide his own responsibility in an accusation of Mr. Frank, who is innocent of the crime, is the victim of a chain of circumstances which link his name with suspicion. In the other analysis Conley’s confession is discussed from the standpoint of the man who regards it as being truthful and its points are argued from that partisan angle. The Journal presents these discussions without any wish to influence any reader to either view but simply for whatever news value they may have in throwing light on the case.
Those who have all along argued that Superintendent Leo M. Frank could not have had any hand in the murder of Mary Phagan, the pencil factory girl, whose body was found in the factory basement on Sunday morning, April 27, are, since the confessions of James Conley, the negro sweeper, more than ever convinced that Frank is innocent.
They now hold to the theory that the negro not only took the girl’s body to the factory basement and wrote the notes found beside it, as he says in his confession, but that he, and he alone, committed the murder.
Calling attention to the fact that Frank is an educated, gentle and refined man, and one whose past record and reputation are such as to win the respect and loyalty of his friends and acquaintances, all of whom still believe in him, despite certain unfortunate circumstances which militate against him, they make the flat assertion that Frank, being the man he is, could not have committed the brutal crime charged to him by the grand jury.
After asserting this proposition, those who believe in Frank’s innocence and the negro’s guilt undertake to analyze the evidence adduced at the coroner’s inquest and the negro Conley’s affidavit of confession. In doing this they seek to substantiate the statement made by Frank at the inquest and to point out the improbabilities and weakness of the negro’s story. Continue reading Conley’s Statement Analyzed From Two Different Angles
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Sunday, June 1st, 1913
By AN OLD POLICE REPORTER.
Developments came thick and fast during the past week, and one is able to approach consideration of the Phagan case to-day with more assurance and ease of mind than heretofore.
Distinctly have the clouds lifted, so I think, from about Leo Frank, and if not yet are they “in the deep bosom of the ocean buried,” they have, nevertheless I take it, served to let a measure of the sunshine in.
Leo Frank, snatching eagerly at that faltering ray of blessed and thrice-welcome light, may thank the negro Conley for it—albeit Conley let it in neither by way of an impulse of sympathy nor intentional truth.
If I were a de-tec-i-tiff—which, praise be to Allah, I am not!—I think I should cease shouting from the housetops my unshakable belief in Frank’s guilt, and should begin to contemplate in solemn and searching analysis the shifty and amazing James Conley, negro!
It is my opinion, bluntly stated, that Conley is an unmitigated liar, all the way through, and that the truth is not in him!
His statement appeals to me an Old Police Reporter—and not a de-tec-i-tiff, again praise be to Allah!—as distinctly the weightiest document in Leo Frank’s favor that yet has been promulgated.
Would Belong in Asylum.
Certainly, if Frank DID do the astonishing things Conley attributes to him, he should not be sent to the gallows, in any event, for he surely belongs in Milledgeville, safely held in the State lunatic asylum. But, more of Conley hereafter. The issue of murder has been made with Leo Frank, and he must face trial. The Grand Jury has indicted him, and he will be arraigned in due time and in order.
It will be a finish fight between the State and the defendant. There can be no compromise now—either Frank is guilty or he is innocent, and the truth of that is for twelve men, “good and true,” to say. Continue reading Conley is Unwittingly Friend of Frank, Says Old Police Reporter
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, June 1st, 1913
Friends of Leo Frank Have Tried to Intimidate Him, Negro Sweeper Tells Detective Chief as Reason for His Transfer to the Police Station.
LANFORD RAPS SHERIFF DECLARING HE IS NOT ASSISTING THE POLICE
“He Appears to Be Placing Obstacles in Our Way,” Asserts Chief, in Speaking of Attempts to Interview the Suspected Superintendent. Mangum Denies Intimidation Attempts.
Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford is authority for the statement that James Conley, the negro floor sweeper of the National Pencil factory, who, in his latest affidavit, has admitted his complicity in the Mary Phagan murder, after the killing, but lays the crime at the door of Superintendent Leo M. Frank, was removed from Fulton county Tower to police barracks for imprisonment at his own request to put an end to the attempts of the friends of the superintendent to intimidate him.
Conley was carried to the police barracks Saturday afternoon after he had been removed from the Tower to the courthouse, where he was put through two hours of questioning by Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey and his counsel, Attorney W. M. Smith.
Wanted to Avoid Frank’s Friends.
Chief of Detectives Lanford declared to a Constitution reporter last night that Conley had asked him to be taken away from the Tower to escape the harassments of the visitors of Leo Frank, declaring that they stopped at his cell and tried to make him drink liquor, and had tried to intimidate him by making jeering remarks to him and implying threats. Continue reading Conley is Removed from Fulton Tower at His Own Request
Proving That Anti-Semitism Had Nothing to Do With His Conviction — and Proving That His Defenders Have Used Frauds and Hoaxes for 100 Years
by Bradford L. Huie
originally published at The American Mercury
MARY PHAGAN was just thirteen years old. She was a sweatshop laborer for Atlanta, Georgia’s National Pencil Company. A little over 100 years ago — Saturday, April 26, 1913 — little Mary was looking forward to the festivities of Confederate Memorial Day. She dressed gaily and planned to attend the parade. She had just come to collect her $1.20 pay from National Pencil Company superintendent Leo M. Frank at his office when she was attacked by an assailant who struck her down, ripped her undergarments, likely attempted to sexually abuse her, and then strangled her to death. Her body was dumped in the factory basement.
Leo Frank, who was the head of Atlanta’s B’nai B’rith, a Jewish fraternal order, was eventually convicted of the murder and sentenced to hang. After a concerted and lavishly financed campaign by the American Jewish community, Frank’s death sentence was commuted to life in prison by an outgoing governor. But he was snatched from his prison cell and hung by a lynching party consisting, in large part, of leading citizens outraged by the commutation order — and none of the lynchers were ever prosecuted or even indicted for their crime. One result of Frank’s trial and death was the founding of the still-powerful Anti-Defamation League.
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 officials are not fully satisfied with Conley’s story of the crime as it now stands.
Conley was permitted to leave the jail on an order signed by Judge L. S. Roan, of the superior court. Conley was perfectly willing to accompany the officers anywhere they desired to take him.
From the jail he was carried by Deputy Newt Garner to the solicitor’s office, and it is said that only after the solicitor had talked with the negro two hours and gone over all of the “rough places in the story” was the decision to take him to police headquarters, rather than the jail reached.
REASON FOR TRANSFER.
Two reasons are assigned by Detective Chief N. A. Lanford for the removal of Conley from the Fultin [sic] county jail back to the state cell in police headquarters, where he was imprisoned for more than three weeks.
The first, according to the chief, is that Conley requested that he be transferred back, stating in explanation or his request that he was greatly annoyed Friday night by persons who came to visit in the tower. Continue reading Lanford Tells Why Conley Was Placed in Police Station
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 31st, 1913
Will Reconvene Next Tuesday for Routine Business Only, Declares Foreman Beck.
Lewis H. Beck, foreman of the Fulton County Grand Jury, which has been called to meet in special session at 10 o’clock next Thursday morning, said Saturday afternoon that the Grand Jury positively would not take up either the Phagan case or the Felder-Beavers row.
The purpose of the special session, Mr. Beck said, was to appoint certain committee. Mr. Beck went a step furthere [sic] and said the Grand Jury had been called for no other purpose except to appoint these committees and that no other business would be transacted.
Announcement of the special session for next Thursday was made Saturday morning. It was called by the foreman himself. Following the announcement, unfounded rumors were circulated to the effect that the Grand Jury would delve deeper into the Phagan murder and possibly also look into the Felder bribery charges.
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Atlanta Georgian, May 31st 1913, “Special Session of Grand Jury Called,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Very near the end of his life in 1955, former Georgia governor John Marshall Slaton (pictured) wrote this mistake-ridden memorandum justifying his decision to commute the sentence of Leo Frank from execution by hanging to life in prison, a decision which effectively ended his political career. It was found, unpublished, among his papers after his death. Slaton’s career ended because he was widely viewed as corrupt for having commuted the sentence of a man who was his own law firm’s client — Slaton being a partner in the firm that defended Frank at trial — and for bowing to a very well-funded worldwide Jewish campaign to exonerate Frank, a campaign which continues to this day.
by John M. Slaton
I HAVE BEEN ASKED by so many persons to write out facts [sic] influencing me to act in the above case, which were not known to the general public, but which influenced me as Governor to grant a commutation of the sentence to death of Leo Frank. I did not go further than reduce the sentence from death to imprisonment for life. On [Confederate — Ed.] Memorial Day, the 26th day of April 1913, a girl, Mary Phagan, was murdered at the pencil factory in Atlanta, Georgia.
Leo Frank, an official of the pencil factory located on South Broad Street [sic — Actually, South Forsyth Street], Atlanta, Georgia, was arrested and charged with the murder. This charge was made some days after the committing of the crime.
One Jim Conley, a negro employed at the factory, was arrested and charged with the crime.
Two pages of a letter were attached to the body of the dead girl. Conley was arrested and charged with the offense.
He first stated that he could not write and there was produced a signature at a pawn-shop. He then admitted he could write his name, but that was all.
A further reproduction of his handwriting was produced and he admitted that he did write the first page of the letter, but not the second page.
Upon being shown that the letter was continuous and the second page must have been written by the one who wrote the first page, he admitted that he wrote the second page, but said he wrote it at a different time from that at which he wrote the first page. Leo Frank was a Jewish gentleman who had graduated at a Northern College, Cornell at Ithaca, New York, and when the case came on for trial numerous class-mates of Frank testified as to his good character.
There was immense excitement on account of the trial of the case. There was immense prejudice created as to racial differences and politics played a very large part in the formation of public opinion. Mr. Thomas E. Watson published a paper which had circulation over the entire State and was known as the “Jeffersonian.” He strongly urged in his paper that Frank was guilty. Shortly before this at Augusta, Georgia, a man walked into a textile mill and shot down a woman and having shot her down fired three more bullets into her body. A revenge for her refusal to marry him. He was tried and sentenced to death. Watson was offered $2,000.00 to have his sentence commuted to life imprisonment. Governor Hoke Smith declined to grant the commutation, and the Atlanta Journal supported him in his refusal.
Mr. Watson was elected United States Senator largely upon my action in the Frank case. I am informed by those who are associated with him that he never mentioned my name, nor the Frank case.
The Atlanta Journal advocated the commutation of Frank and this caused Watson to turn his attacks on the Governor and on The Atlanta Journal, and he seized the Frank case as the means by which he would direct vengeance because of their preventing the commutation of the man who killed the woman at Augusta.
Mr. Watson sent Dr. Jaragan [actually Jarnagin — Ed.] to see me as Governor with the message that if I would let the Jew hang, he would elect me as United States Senator from Georgia, and make me master in National Politics in Georgia for “twenty years to come”. I believe he published in his paper that he made this statement and had sent Dr. Jarnigan [Jarnagin — Ed.] as a messenger to carry this promise.
As to the committing of the crime itself, immense excitement was created in Atlanta and in Cobb County, from which Miss Mary Phagan came. The Court House was crowded and reporters from the Press took their seats at nearby windows so that they would have means of escape if the Jury found Frank not guilty. After the conviction of Frank, the following events with which the Public was not informed were as follows:
Mr. John A. Boykin wrote a letter in regard to the commutation and was elected Solicitor-General for many years succeeding the trial. He stated in the letter that the Attorney for Jim Conley said to him that he knew that Jim Conley committed the offense, but could not disclose it because he was his Attorney and he only hoped to save his life. The fight was made on Mr. Boykin as Solicitor-General by E. T. Williams, and Mr. Boykin carried every precinct in the County with the exception of one.
Mr. Will Smith became so angry with the City of Atlanta at its attitude towards Frank that he moved to New York. He told Mr. Tuggle, a policeman, who controlled the traffic at the corner of Broad and Marietta Streets, what he had induced Mr. Boykin to say to me.
The daughter of Mr. Will Smith wrote an article entitled “Why Frank Could Not Have Been Guilty”, which article was sent me by her father, and which I have.
One of the three Prison Board members, Mr. Patterson, wrote me that he knew as far as human knowledge could go, that Frank was innocent.
Col. P. H. Brewster, one of the leaders of the Bar of Georgia, wrote me entreating that I should grant a commutation, since he was acquainted with all the facts being a partner of Mr. Hugh M. Dorsey, Solicitor-General at the time, and from the facts as he learned them at the office, Frank was innocent and Col. Brewster upon being asked by me what I should do with his letter answered, “Publish it, it is the truth.” One other Board of the Prison Commissioners said that he would have nothing to do with the matter since that was the Governor’s responsibility, and he did not propose to interfere to his own personal detriment.
Dr. Bates Block asked me if I knew Dr. Wainwright of New York, a leading Cancer Specialist, under whose care Judge Roan who tried the case was subject. I told him no, and Dr. Block said I noticed in talking to him that you would be interested in seeing Dr. Wainwright, which I did the next time I went to New York.
Dr. Wainwright said to me when I took lunch with him in New York, that Judge Roan said I did what he should have done and he was worried more about the Frank case than anything else.
Judge Roan had charged the Jury incorrectly. Judge Ben Hill, who had to pass on extra-ordinary motions for new trials, told me the whole evidence against Leo Frank was circumstantial. The law is that where the evidence is circumstantial in a murder case, it is the prerogative of the Judge to put the penalty at life imprisonment, instead of death, but Judge Roan charged the Jury that he was compelled to impose the death penalty unless the Jury recommended mercy.
Mr. Frank Myers, Deputy Clerk of the Court, told me that Judge Roan told him in the gentleman’s restroom, that if Charlie Hill was [sic] Solicitor-General, he would ask the Jury to find a verdict of not guilty. Mr. Tuggle who was a prison-keeper at the Station House told me if he had been left for a few days longer in charge of the prisoners he was convinced from the way Jim Conley talked, that Conley would have admitted committing the offense, but the Chief of Detectives said that he didn’t care anything about convicting a negro for the murder. That, of course, was the usual course of events, but it would be a feather in his cap if he could convict a white man and a Jew.
Not only that when the case went to the Supreme Court of Georgia, Chief Justice W. H. Fish, and Judge Marcus W. Beck, Associate Chief Justice, both dissented and said Frank did not have a fair trial and wrote powerful dissents. Not only did the case go to the Supreme Court of the United States, but Charles E. Hughes who afterwards became Chief Justice, and Judge Oliver Wendel [sic] Holmes dissented and would have discharged Frank on habeas corpus petition [sic]. A few years later when five negroes from Arkansas were sentenced to be hanged, the Supreme Court of the United States sustained the Writ of Certiorari and freed the negroes, Justice McReynolds declared in his dissenting opinion in the case of Moore against Dempsey, 261 U.S.-Page 93, as follows:
In Frank vs. Mangum 237 U.S.-309, 325, 326, 327, 329, 335, after great consideration a majority of this Court approved the doctrine which should be applied here. The doctrine is right and wholesome. I cannot agree now to put it aside and substitute the views expressed by the majority of the Court in that cause.
Justice McReynolds entered into an extensive quotation of the Frank case with Justice Sutherland on the reversal by the Supreme Court of the Frank case.
The case of the negroes was one in which it was held by the Supreme Court of the United States that it was the trial by mob law.
If the Supreme Court of the United States had been constituted at the time it decided the Frank case as it was when it decided the five cases from Arkansas, the decision in the Frank case would have been reversed. All that I did was to lessen the penalty from death to life imprisonment for life. It would have been given a cooling down in which the proper authorities would have investigated the matter, and would have decided whether Frank was really guilty or not.
We have in Georgia a case more like the Frank case in which Governor W. Y. Atkinson issued an unconditional pardon under these circumstances. A negro was charged with the rape of a white woman at the corner of Trinity Avenue and Central Avenue. When the case was tried, he was convicted. The case then went to the Supreme Court [of Georgia] and the Supreme Court said in the decision of Judge Lumpkin, 97th Ga., pp. 180, “After referring to the discrepancies in the evidence that they were almost tempted to grant a new trial on the ground of lack of evidence, but since two juries had found the negro guilty, he would send him to his doom.” Upon this decision being called to the attention of Governor W. Y. Atkinson, Governor Atkinson immediately upon seeing the opinion of the Supreme Court granted an unconditional pardon.
The Bar of the State became interested in this case and action of the Governor. The Georgia Bar Association thereupon elected me President of the State Bar Association, and the Supreme Court appointed me on November 11, 1925 Chairman of the Georgia Board of Law Examiners, which position I occupied until February 11, 1954, being 28 years [He evidently means years in office — Ed.] when I resigned.
Judge H. M. Dorsey, who was Solicitor-General, was afterwards appointed Judge. I tried many cases before him and he proved an honest and capable Judge, and I supported him.
The foregoing states generally the questions that came before me as Governor on the matter of clemency. I have stated generally the facts and they forced me to take the action I did. The Defendant being a negro, as was the case with Governor W. Y. Atkinson, or had he been a Chinaman, or a member of any other race whatever, I should have done the same thing.
Dreyfus was called on the drilling grounds in France and the medals and other testimonials of honor were torn from his uniform and he was sent to Devil’s Island where he remained five years.
At the end of that time it was discovered that he was convicted on the testimony of Count Esterhazy, who admitted he committed perjury. Thereupon, Dreyfus was granted an unconditional pardon and was brought back on the drilling grounds and all his honors restored to him. It was solely a matter of justice. I write the above and a statement of the facts as they came to me and I was compelled to do the same thing and had the only alternative been with me to grant an unconditional, or an absolute pardon, I should have granted an absolute pardon. The effect of this action upon my future career was a matter of no consequence. Had I done otherwise, I should have been haunted the remainder of my life, which would have been very short, with the conviction that I committed a murder. The above facts had they been known to the people of Georgia would have led them to a different opinion. Numerous other facts relating to what has been written came to my attention, but it is unnecessary to narrate them. I was aware that a large proportion of the people of the State were against my decision, but I had the firm belief that when they knew what the facts were they would approve what I did.
The last I heard of Jim Conley, there were several burglaries committed in West End, in the City of Atlanta, and the Police advised the owner of the store to shoot whomsoever should break into his store. The owner of the store followed the advice and he did shoot Jim Conley who was prosecuted for burglary in the Fulton Superior Court of Fulton County. He was convicted before Judge Humphrey and when asked what he had to say, he simply laughed, and he was sent up for twenty years for the offense of burglary. After he had served fifteen years he was released by the Board of Pardon Commission, because of his good conduct. This was the last I heard from him, but I understand he has since died.
I have stated in the foregoing the main facts dealing with the Frank case. I did what my sense of justice and my conscience demanded that I do. The effect of my action upon my political future was not a matter to which I paid any attention, and I did my duty under the facts as presented to me, and that was all that was required of me. I practiced law in Atlanta with a clear conscience, and I would not have changed my action. The case was finished as to me, when I signed the order granting the commutation.
[end of document]
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 31st, 1913
In all the grim annals of Atlanta’s criminal history an illiterate negro, Jim Conley, stands out to-day the principal figure in one of the most remarkable and dramatically impressive “third degrees” ever administered by the city police.
A chief of police, ordinarily stolid and unmoved, and chief of detectives and members of his force, a Pinkerton operative—all men in daily touch with every sort of crime and evil—hung with tensest interest on each word as it came from the lips of the negro, and watched, as wide-eyed as any tyro in man-hunting, the negro’s every move as he re-enacted Friday afternoon what he steadfastly asserted was his part in the ghastly Mary Phagan tragedy.
Factory Men Look On.
Dumb under the spell of the drama in which Conley played a triple role—first in his own personality, then as Leo M. Frank, and, finally, as the young girl victim—two employees of the factory listened to the damning accusations that unconcernedly, almost glibly, were made against their superintendent. They were Herbert Schiff, chief clerk, and E. F. Holloway, the timekeeper.
Both had reckoned Frank innocent. They had said many times that he could not have committed the shocking deed. More likely, they had declared, it was the negro himself. Yet here they were the spectators of a grewsome performance in which Frank was represented as nervous and shaking and half in a panic as he directed the carrying of Mary Phagan’s limp and lifeless body to the elevator on the second floor of the factory and down into the dark and dirt-strewn basement. Continue reading Conley Star Actor in Dramatic Third Degree
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Saturday, May 31st, 1913
Following is the complete signed confession of James Conley, the negro sweeper employed at the National Pencil factory, which was made to Chief of Detectives Lanford, Chief of Police Beavers, Harry Scott, of the Pinkertons, and others, late Friday afternoon:
“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 told him the girl was dead.
“And he told me to pick her up and bring her to the elevator, and I told him I didn’t have nothing to pick her up with, and he told me to go and look by the cotton box there and get a piece of cloth, and I got a big wide piece of cloth and come back there to the men’s toilet, where she was, and tied her, and I taken her and brought her up there to a little dressing room, carrying her on my right shoulder, and she got too heavy for me and she slipped off my shoulder and fell on the floor right there at the dressing room and I hollered for Mr. Frank to come there and help me; that she was too heavy for me, and Mr. Frank come down there and told me to ‘pick her up, dam fool,’ and he run down there to me and he was excited and he picked her up by the feet. Her feet and head were sticking out of the cloth, and by him being so nervous he let her feet fall, and then he brought her up to the elevator, Mr. Frank carrying her by the feet and me by the shoulder, and we brought her to the elevator, and then Mr. Frank says, ‘Wait, let me get the key,’ and he went into the office and come back and unlocked the elevator door and started the elevator down. Continue reading Conley Tells Graphic Story of Disposal of the Dead Body
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 that Foreman Beck has yielded to the demands of Police Chief James L. Beavers that a searching probe be made into the charges preferred by the city detectives against Colonel Thomas B. Felder, involving an alleged attempt to bribe Secretary G. C. Febuary to take certain papers from the safe of the chief of detectives, and also to thoroughly inquire into Colonel Felder’s counter charges that the police and detective departments are corrupt and are affording protection to disorderly houses and gambling resorts.
NOT THE PHAGAN CASE.
Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey gave out the first information that the grand jury had been called in special session, but stated that he did not know why nor what for. He did not think the called session would consider any phase of the Phagan murder case, although some persons were inclined to believe the grand jury might take up the confession of James Conley, the negro sweeper. However, if this were true Solicitor Dorsey would certainly know about it, for it would be he that would bring this matter to the grand jury’s attention.
Chief Beavers only smiled when questioned concerning the special meeting of the grand jury. He would not say whether he was advised concerning it or whether it had been called at his instance. The chief’s attitude strengthens the belief that the grand jury is preparing to investigate the charges of the city detectives and the counter charges of Colonel Felder. Continue reading Grand Jury Called to Meet Tuesday in Special Session
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 31st, 1913
Police Hope Meeting Will Prove Whether Negro Will Stick to Latest Story Under Eyes of the Man He Accuses—Ready to Pay Penalty.
[Important Developments Looked For, but Nothing Sensational Made Public—Insists He Has Told All, but Further Confession Is Expected.
For hours Saturday James Conley, negro sweeper, whose sensational confession accuses Superintendent Leo M. Frank of the murder of Mary Phagan, explained in detail to Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey the dread mysteries of the National Pencil Factory on April 26, explaining many things that had not been clear to the officials, but sticking tenaciously to the story he told the city detectives.
Conley was taken to the Solicitor’s office at that official’s request and put through a severe cross-examination. With an elaborate diagram, drawn for the Solicitor by Bert Green, a Georgian staff artist, to guide him, the negro traced the various scenes in the factory after the slaying of the girl.
He told just where he first claims to have found her and how he and the superintendent he accuses attempted to dispose of the body. The drama he enacted in the factory Friday for the detectives he re-enacted for the Solicitor in the little room at the court house with the artist’s charge as the stage and his finger as the tracer of tragedy.
Dorsey Well Satisfied.
The Solicitor was well satisfied with the results obtained in the secret conference behind closed doors and certain points that had been vague to him before were made clear.
At Conley’s own request, through William Smith, his counsel, the negro was later transferred to the police station. The negro had been so besieged by questioners at the county jail that he asked to be put within the shelter of police headquarters, where he had been closely guarded and where none but policemen had been allowed to interrogate him.
Conley intimated that he had been threatened at the jail, but little credence was put in his ramblings. It was plain that he wanted rest. He had told his story so often—each time, it may be noted, in almost the same words—that he was tired. The police agreed that he had answered enough questions from outsiders and he was moved. — The above section in brackets is additional information reported in the earlier “home” edition of the Georgian from the same date — Ed.]
A determined effort is being made by the police department to bring Leo M. Frank face to face with his accuser, Jim Conley, the negro sweeper.
The detectives wish to learn how Conley will go through the ordeal of confronting the man he accuses of directing the disposal of the body of Mary Phagan, and dictating the notes that were found her body. Continue reading Plan to Confront Conley and Frank for New Admission
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Saturday, May 31st, 1913
“No Man With Common Sense Would Even Suspect That I Did It,” Prisoner in Fulton Tower Tells Attache. “It’s a Negro’s Crime Through and Through.” Asserts His Innocence to Turnkeys and to Fellow Prisoners.
“IT’S UP TO MR. FRANK TO TELL THE TRUTH,” ASSERTS JAMES CONLEY
“I Believe He’d Let ‘Em Hang Me to Get Out of It Himself if He Had the Chance,” Says Negro Sweeper—Chief Lanford Is Pleased With Work of Department and Ready for the Case to Come to Trial Immediately.
“No white man killed Mary Phagan. It’s a negro’s crime, through and through. No man with common sense would even suspect that I did it.”
This declaration was made by Leo M. Frank in his cell at the Tower to a jail attaché, the attaché told a reporter for The Constitution last night. He is also stated to have made incessant pleas of innocence to turnkeys and prisoners who are permitted within the sacred confines of his cell.
No newspaper men are allowed to see him. He has instructed Sheriff Mangum to permit no one in his presence except at his request. The sheriff is obeying the order to the letter. Even Chief Lanford, headquarters detectives and Harry Scott, of the Pinkertons, which agency is in the prisoner’s employ, are denied admission to his cell.
Coupled with the declaration Frank is said to have made to the jail attaché, comes his statement made Friday to Sheriff Mangum that he knew not who was guilty, but that the murderer should hang. This was made after news reached him of Conley’s confession, it is said.
Many Friends Visit Frank.
Frank devours newspaper stories of the Phagan investigation, it is said at the jail. His cell is crowded daily with friends and relatives who bring him papers and delicacies. His wife now visits him once each day. He talks but little of the crime to anyone beside his friends, and but little is gained from him by the jailers and prisoners who visit him. Continue reading Mary Phagan’s Murder Was Work of a Negro Declares Leo M. Frank
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 31st, 1913
That The Georgian played a conspicuous part in obtaining the latest and most important confession from Jim Conley, the negro sweeper, in which he admitted his complicity in the crime, was the declaration of Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford late Friday afternoon.
Chief Lanford, in telling of the cross-examination of Conley on Thursday afternoon which resulted in his confession, said that Conley for a long time persisted in maintaining that he knew no more of the crime than what which he had related previously.
After several hours of futile questioning the chief showed him a copy of The Georgian quoting officials of the pencil factory to the effect that they believed Conley the guilty man. It was then that Conley made his startling affidavit fixing the deed upon Frank.
All Questions Failed.
“All lines of questions had been tried without avail,” said the detective chief, in relating the incident. “We had put Conley through a rigid third degree, and still he declared that he knew nothing more of the crime. It seemed that all the theories the detective force had so carefully and painstakingly built up were about to shattered. Continue reading Silence of Conley Put to End by Georgian
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 told him the girl was dead.
“And he told me to pick her up and bring her to the elevator, and I told him I didn’t have nothing to pick her up with, and he told me to go and look by the cotton box there and get a piece of cloth and I got a big wide piece of cloth and come back there to the men’s toilet, where she was, and tied her, and I taken her and brought her up there to a little dressing room, carrying her on my right shoulder, and she got too heavy for me and she slipped off my shoulder and fell on the floor right there at the dressing room and I hollered for Mr. Frank to come there and help me; that she was too heavy for me, and Mr. Frank come down there and told me to ‘pick her up, dam fool,’ and he run down there to me and he was excited, and he picked her up by the feet. Her feet and head were sticking out of the cloth, and by him being so nervous he let her feet fall, and then he brought her up to the elevator, Mr. Frank carrying her by the feet and me by the shoulder, and we brought her to the elevator, and then Mr. Frank says, ‘Wait, let me get the key,’ and he went into the office and come back and unlocked the elevator door and started the elevator down.
Frank Ran the Elevator.
“Mr. Frank turned it on himself, and we went on down to the basement and Mr. Frank helped me take it off the elevator and he told me to take it back there to the sawdust pile and I picked it up and put it on my shoulder again, and Mr. Frank he went up the ladder and watched the trapdoor to see if anybody was coming, and I taken her back there and taken the cloth from around her and taken her hat and shoes which I picked up upstairs right where her body was lying and brought them down and untied the cloth and brought them back and throwed them on the trashpile in front of the furnace and Mr. Frank was standing at the trapdoor. Continue reading Conley’s Confession is Given in Full
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Friday, May 30th, 1913
Amid the warp of falsehood and the woof of conjecture, one thing stands out like a scarlet thread in the Mary Phagan murder mystery—for mystery it still is and still will be until a jury of twelve men fixes the guilt on some man or men.
That one thing—startling in its vivid contrast to the murky maze of contradictions—is the fact that James Conley, the negro sweeper employed at the National Pencil factory, wrote the notes which were found beside the mutilated and lifeless body of Mary Phagan early in the morning of April 26.
Why he wrote them, when he wrote them, whether he wrote at the dictation of someone else or whether he himself committed the crime, are matters yet to be determined. He has lied and lied out of a lie. First he said he wrote the notes on Friday; now he comes forward and admits he wrote them on Saturday, the day the murder was committed. He tells various stories about the writing of the notes. He puts improbable words in the mouth of Leo Frank. He has squirmed and twisted and backed and stalled; but once having stated he wrote the notes his handwriting proves the assertion as indubitiably [sic] as if the bits of paper on which the messages were scrawled bare the crimson imprint of his fingers. Continue reading But One Thing is Proved in Mary Phagan Mystery
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Friday, May 30th, 1913
Chief of Detectives Lanford admitted Friday morning that Jim Conley, under the rack of the third degree, had made the astounding confession that he had assisted Leo M. Frank in disposing of the body of the murdered Mary Phagan. His new statement is believed to contain even more startling admissions than have not yet been made public.
If the negro sweeper is to be believed after his long series of deceits and lies, this forms the most damaging evidence that has been brought against Frank since suspicion was first pointed in his direction a month ago.
All hinges on the negro’s credibility. Conley, if his truthfulness can be established in this instance, after he has lied persistently for weeks, seems to be the only person in the world who may be able to connect Frank directly with the crime.
To Ask Indictment.
It became so assured by Friday morning that Chief Beavers was concealing circumstances of which the public was already aware that he admitted that the negro had made statements of this nature, although he had not confessed to the crime itself.
He added that he would apply for a writ of ne exeat so that Conley might be transferred to the county jail to be held as a witness.
Solicitor General Hugh M. Drosey announced that if Conley persisted in this story he would take steps to have him indicted as an accessory after the fact and bring him to trial on this charge. Continue reading Negro Conley Now Says He Helped to Carry Away Body
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Friday, May 30th, 1913
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 Visit to the Pencil Factory—Frank Makes No Comment
Following his full confession of his part in the mysterious murder of Mary Phagan, the pretty fourteen-year-old factory girl, James Conley, the negro sweeper, was Friday afternoon taken to the National Pencil factory on South Forsyth street and there in the presence of a half dozen detectives, several newspaper men and the factory officials illustrated in detail his own and Superintendent Leo M. Frank’s movements after he was called upstairs to aid in removing the dead girl’s body.
Conley led the officers back to the extreme rear of the metal room on the second floor and into a little alleyway off to the left where he said he found the girl’s dead body after Frank let him in. He lay down on his stomach with his hands stretched by his side to show how the body was found. He said a cord was about the girl’s neck and was stretched on the floor at right angles to the body.
He said that after he saw the body he went back to where Frank was standing at the head of the stairs watching and went into a room on the left just beyond the stairs where he got a big piece of crocus-bagging; that he took this bagging back and tied the girl’s body up in it much after the fashion a washerwoman tied up her soiled clothes; that he then took the body on his right shoulder and started up toward the elevator in the front (Frank remaining at the head of the stairs and just outside the double doors to the metal room all the while.)
Conley declared that when he had walked half way up the room the body slipped off his shoulder to the floor. (This was the place where the bloodspots were found and where it has hitherto been believed the girl was murdered.) Continue reading Conley, Taken to Factory, Shows Where Girl Was Found—How They Put Body in Basement
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 had already robbed her of her mesh bag, which he thought contained a lot of money.
Haas believes the sweeper and the night watchman both had their part in the crime.
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Atlanta Journal, May 29th 1913, “Former Pencil Worker Outlines His Theory,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 [sic] 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 of the murder, at the dictation of Superintendent Leo M. [F]rank, who is now under indictment by the grand jury.
However, they are somewhat puzzled by the discrepancies in the time of certain occurrences as sworn by Conley and testified at the coroner’s inquest by other witnesses.
Harry Scott, the Pinkerton detective who is working with the city detectives on the Phagan murder case and who developed the fact that Conley could write, notwithstanding his denials, declared that the shortest route to a complete solution of the mystery is to bring the negro Conley and Superintendent Frank face to face. He says the negro insists that he is anxious and willing to confront Mr. Frank with his story, and that if Mr. Frank and his attorneys agree, they (Conley and Mr. [F]rank) will be brought together to discuss the truth or falsity of the negro’s declarations. Continue reading Detectives Seek Corroboration of Conley’s Story
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Friday, May 30th, 1913
Helped Frank Dispose of Mary Phagan’s Body Conley Now Confesses
Negro Sweeper Who Swore to Detectives That He Wrote Murder Notes Found Near Dead Girl’s Body Now Admits His Complicity in Case, According to Statements Which Have Stirred Police Headquarters as Nothing Since Murder.
LANFORD AND BEAVERS PLEASED OVER RESULT OF GRILLING NEGRO, THEY ANNOUNCE TO REPORTERS.
Police and Detective Heads Refuse to Go Into Details of Negro’s Statement Or to Discuss What He Said, But Declare That It Will Prove a Big Factor in the Murder Case—Negro Will Be Subjected to Another Third Degree Today.
Dumbfounding his hearers with the confession that he had helped Leo M. Frank lower the lifeless body of Mary Phagan into the darkness of the pencil factory basement, James Conley, the negro sweeper, is authoritatively said to have made that astounding admission during a strenuous third degree at police headquarters late Thursday afternoon.
He is said to have minutely described the movements of himself and Frank as they packed the mutilated form from the office floor of the building down into the dark cellar, where it was left in the desolate recess in which it was discovered the following morning.
Saying he had found the girl stone dead when he entered the building at 1:15 o’clock with the suspected superintendent, he is declared to have admitted that he and Frank proceeded immediately to remove the corpse, silently and with utmost precaution, to its hiding place in the basement.
Conley Asked No Questions.
Through fear he states he did not ask his employer how the little girl met her death. He is said to have told the police that he asked no questions, carried out Frank’s instructions to the letter, and departed directly after he emerged from the grewsome trip into the basement. Continue reading Conley Says He Helped Frank Carry Body of Mary Phagan to Pencil Factory Cellar
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Thursday, May 29th, 1913
Dorsey Ready to Act if Negro Sticks to Latest Story Accusing Frank.
Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey announced that if Conley persisted in his story he would take steps to have him indicted as an accessory after the fact and bring him to trial on this charge.
Conley was Friday afternoon removed to the Tower, on an order signed by Judge Roan.
Conley’s startling tale came late Thursday afternoon after he had been under a merciless sweating for nearly three hours. Noting the signs of weakening, Detective Harry Scott and Chief Lanford shot question after question at him in rapid succession.
Conley hesitated and then told the men who surrounded him that he had seen Mary Phagan on the day of the crime, but that she was dead when he saw her. When it became evident that he most important disclosures of the long investigation were to be made, G. C. February, secretary to Chief Lanford, was called in and took the negro’s statement.
Sticks to Note Story.
Conley stuck to his story that Frank had him write the notes that were found by the girl’s body and the detectives believe that there can be no doubt of this now.
He said that after the notes were written Frank took his arm and led him to the body. Frank’s hand was shaking, the negro declared. Together, they raised the limp form from the floor, Conley told the detectives, and took it into the basement.
Offering no explanation of the tragedy which had occurred, Frank ordered Conley to leave the building, according to the statement. Conley explained his long silence by saying that he thought Frank had plenty of money and that he would be able to get both of them free within a short time.
Chief Lanford and Detective Scott both declared after the third degree that they were confident that the negro at last was telling the truth. If he has any further knowledge of the crime, they said they would get it out of Friday when they put him through another grilling. Continue reading Ready to Indict Conley as an Accomplice
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Thursday, May 29th, 1913
Swears Frank Told Him Girl Had Hit Her Head Against Something.
The Georgian in it second Extra published exclusively the first REAL confession of James Conley, the negro sweeper at the National Pencil Factory, regarding the part he played in the Mary Phagan mystery.
The Georgian has dealt in no haphazard guesses as to the negro Conley’s testimony to the police and in giving prominence to his statements desires to say that it must not be taken as final until it is examined at the trial of Frank. Continue reading Negro Conley’s Affidavit Lays Bare Slaying
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Thursday, May 29th, 1913
With Detectives Looking On, Negro Shows How He Carried Girl’s Body to Basement at Direction, as He Swear, of His Employer, Leo Frank.
As a sensational climax to the confession of his part of the Mary Phagan tragedy, Jim Conley, negro sweeper, was taken to the National [P]encil Factory Friday afternoon, where he enacted by movement every detail of the event that took place in the building of mystery after the death of the little girl.
With the detectives noting every sentence that fell from the ready lips of the negro, Conley started from the exact point at the top of the stairs on the second floor where he says Leo Frank met him, and went through the grim drama with a realism that convinced all who listened and watched that he at last was telling the whole truth.
He reproduced the conversations that passed between him and Frank. He lay down full length at the rear of the metal room to show precisely how the body of the little girl lay when he first saw it. He lay partly on his face, with his right leg slightly drawn up, to portray the position of the dead girl when he first saw her as he was led to the rear of the building, as he says, by Leo Frank.
Show How Body Laid.
Later in the basement he lay down again to show the detectives just how the body was dropped to the ground as though it had been a sack of salt. The negro lay on his face. His right arm was curled up under his body. The left arm was partly under his body, but straight. His feet pointed toward the rear door and his head toward the front of the building.
The announcement that this spectacular reproduction of the crime was to take place was made at the end of another third degree session in the office of Chief Lanford. The negro was put in Chief Beavers’ automobile. All the curtains were drawn and the utmost secrecy was maintained. Only those in authority in the factory were aware that the tragedy was to be re-enacted, step by step.
Conley was handcuffed to Chief Beavers when he stepped from the car. Many of the employees, at leisure during the noon hour, were congregated at the foot of the stairs on the first floor when the strange procession filed up the stairs. The city detectives had come on foot. Chief Lanford and Chief Beavers, with the negro, arrived a few minutes later. Continue reading Conley Re-enacts in Plant Part He Says He Took in Slaying
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Thursday, May 29th, 1913
Believed Beavers Will Try to Have Grand Jury Consider Accusations Against Attorney.
That bribery charges against Colonel Thomas B. Felder and others will be placed before the Fulton County Grand Jury by police officials, was the indication when G. C. February, secretary of Chief of Detectives Lanford, and the person alleged to have been offered $1,000 in bribe money, secured a subpena Thursday afternoon for A. S. Colyar, Jr., to appear before Solicitor General Dorsey and give testimony Friday morning.
The subpena formally summoned Colyar, who was the author of the dictographing of Felder and Mayor Woodward, to appear before the Grand Jury. The preliminary hearing, however, will be in Solicitor Dorsey’s office.
That February carried away with him a number of subpena blanks is taken to mean that others will be called upon to testify.
At the hearing of testimony Friday morning it is believed that Lanford and Police Chief Beavers will endeavor to show Solicitor Dorsey the plausibility of their bribery charges and ask that the matter be placed before the Grand Jury.
In line with this action, Chief Beavers called upon Carl Hutcheson, the attorney, again Thursday morning for the list of “protected disorderly houses” which Hutcheson declared be held, and which Hutcheson said he would reveal in an effort to prove that vice under police protection is rife in Atlanta. Continue reading Felder Bribery Charge Expected
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 of Mr. Hutcheson’s card stating that the list could be furnished in three days.
Chief Beavers is said to have declared in the telephone conversation that he had hoped to receive the list of disorderly houses in his morning mail, and was very much disappointed in not finding it.
The chief told Mr. Hutcheson that if the latter had the list in his office that he (Beavers) would be glad to send a call officer for it, as he is very anxious to get the information.
Mr. Hutcheson told the police official, it is said, that he would telephone him when the list is complete.
In the course of the conversation Chief Beavers said that he wanted the list in tangible shape; names of persons operating the houses, street numbers, etc., and he asked Mr. Hutcheson to sign the list.
Mr. Hutcheson answered that he didn’t propose to have any one dictate to him as to how or when he should get up the list, and that he intended to use his own judgment in making it up and submitting it.
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Atlanta Journal, May 29th 1913, “Chief Asks Hutcheson for ‘Protected List,'” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Thursday, May 29th, 1913
All Evidence Gathered by His Operatives Sent to the Noted Detective.
James Conley, the negro sweeper at the National Pencil Factory who has turned suspicion on himself with a maze of contradictory statements, was put through a gruelling third degree examination at police headquarters this afternoon. Pinkerton Detective Harry Scott said as the grilling began before Chief Beavers and Chief Lanford that he expected to glean important information. Scott had interviewed factory employees and was convinced that there were many things to be cleared up before the negro’s second affidavit, on which the police rely so much, could be accepted.
With the maze of contradictory statements sweeping an avalanche of suspicion upon the head of James Conley, the negro sweeper, the potent information was unearthed Thursday that Detective William J. Burns personally will take charge of the investigation into the Mary Phagan murder case which his operatives have been conducting.
Despite the published report that Burns operatives had withdrawn from the case, and despite the procedure of the State in prosecuting its case against Leo M. Frank, the pencil factory superintendent, the Burns investigation will continue and from now on be under the famous detective’s direction.
This information came from Detective C. W. Tobie, William J. Burns’ lieutenant, Thursday morning. It tends to show that Tobie, who has had charge of his agency’s investigation here, does not consider the case as closed.
Mr. Tobie went so far as to deny emphatically the published interview with him, in which he was quoted as declaring Frank to be the guilty man. Continue reading Burns Joins in Hunt for Phagan Slayer
The following is the full text of outgoing Governor John Slaton’s decision to commute Leo Frank’s sentence from death to life in prison. Slaton was widely regarded as corrupt for having made this decision under significant Jewish pressure in the last few days of his administration, and because he was a partner in the law firm that defended Frank. This document is also available as a photographic reproduction. In a future article, we will analyze this document in detail.
Governor Slaton’s Commutation Decision (full text)
June 21st, 1915.
In Re Leo M. Frank, Fulton Superior Court. Sentenced to be executed, June 22nd, 1915.
Saturday April 26th, was Memorial Day in Georgia and a general holiday. At that time Mary Phagan, a white girl, of about 14 years of age, was in the employ of the National Pencil Company located near the corner of Forsyth & Hunter Sts in the city of Atlanta. She came to the Pencil Factory a little after noon to obtain the money due her for her work on the preceding Monday, and Leo M. Frank, the defendant, paid her $1.20, the amount due her and this was the last time she was seen alive. Continue reading Governor Slaton’s Leo Frank Commutation Order: Full Text
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Thursday, May 29th, 1913
James Conley Makes New Affidavit, Swearing That He Wrote at the Dictation of Leo M. Frank.
EVIDENCE CHAIN NOW COMPLETE, SAY POLICE
Conley Declares Frank Gave Him $2.50 for Writing the Notes—He Writes “Night Witch” for Night Watchman.
James Conley, the negro sweeper at the National Pencil factory, in which little Mary Phagan was murdered, made a new affidavit Wednesday morning in which he threw additional light on the case, incriminating Leo M. Frank, and which detectives think will solve the long-drawn-out mystery.
“Write ‘night watchman,’” he is said to have been commanded by detectives Wednesday morning. The result was ‘night witch,’ just as in the note found by the body of the murdered girl. This, the detectives declare, is the strongest corroboration of his statement that he wrote the notes at the direction of Frank, the factory superintendent.
The city detectives are said to put full credence in his statements now, as in the new affidavit he is said to have sworn that the notes were written on Saturday, about 1 o’clock, and not on Friday, as he first declared.
Feared for His Neck.
His reason for deception the first time is said to be that he feared for his own neck if he admitted the truth. As matters stand now, he is regarded by the detectives merely as an unwilling tool, and not as an accomplice of the murderer, whomever he may be.
According to this new affidavit, the negro’s complete story of his part in the affair is said to be as follows: Continue reading Negro Sweeper Tells the Story of Murder Notes
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 [sic], 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 to the Atlanta police, asking that Colyar be arrested and held for them. They charged an indictment for forgery. Accordingly, Colyar was arrested. He said the charge was four years old and had never been prosecuted. He alleged a conspiracy.
A few hours later, Colyar was released on bond.
Thursday was the day set by the Tennessee police for the delivery of requisition papers and the extradition of Colyar to Tennessee.
No documents came, but instead Chief Beavers received a letter from the Knoxville chief of police requesting that Colyar be held until June 3.
Chief Beavers declined to accede to this. His reply to the Knoxville chief was quoted by him to be that immediate action would have to be taken on Thursday or he would order the release of Colyar and his bondsmen. Continue reading A. S. Colyar Released From Bond on Thursday
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Wednesday, May 28th, 1913
Declares That He Will “Clean Out” Disorderly Places When Hutcheson Furnishes List.
Renewed crusades to clean out vice in Atlanta have been precipitated by the publication Tuesday of an open letter to Chief of Police Beavers by Carl Hutcheson, an Atlanta attorney.
Chief Beavers called up Hutcheson with a demand for his information, asking names, addresses and character of occupants, and declared Wednesday that he would proceed to clean up if the requested information was furnished.
Hutcheson is now preparing a list of the places which he declared are immoral and told the chief he would place the list in Beavers’ hands three days hence. Hutcheson was asked by the chief to swear to the character of the inmates of each house he names and to sign his name to his affidavit, and will be called as a witness in prosecuting the landlords.
“We will have some clean-up sure,” said Chief Beavers Wednesday. “When I get Hutcheson’s information I will prove that I am giving no protection to anybody. I would be glad to have every one report to me any resort that they might know of. It will help in the crusade. I will take speedy action against them all.”
Dorsey to Confer With Felder.
Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey declared Wednesday that he would confer with Colonel T. B. Felder relative to the proposed Grand Jury probe of his corruption charges against police officials and the counter charges of bribery made against him by the police.
Colonel Felder would not comment on the affair at all, other than to say he was not yet ready to issue his statement substantiating his sensational charges. Continue reading Chief Beavers to Renew His Vice War
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Wednesday, May 28th, 1913
Mrs. Rebecca Brannon Declares Her Belief in Innocence of Factory Superintendent.
Mrs. Rebecca C. Brannon, 356 Forest Avenue, a well known Atlanta woman, has written a letter to The Georgian in defense of Leo M. Frank. Mrs. Brannon, in her communication, avows a strong belief in the pencil factory superintendent’s innocence, and denounces the hardships which the law has thrust upon him.
In line with its policy to present all sides of the Phagan case, The Georgian herewith prints Mrs. Brannon’s letter:
In the name of God, humanity, and justice, I beg the public to suspend judgment in the case of Mr. Leo M. Frank, indicted for the murder of Mary Phagan, until he has had a fair trial before a jury of his peers.
I consider Mr. Frank an innocent man. Is it because he is a Jew that the negro’s word is taken as gospel truth, and reflection cast on his testimony? From the first, pap seemed to be put in Newt Lee’s mouth, as well as that of Conley, to make them say or hint that Mr. Frank was suspected by them of committing the crime.
Calls It Persecution.
What negro, with dread of lynching or summary justice being meted out to him, would not swear to a lie, and put the crime on another if he could thereby escape the consequences of his crime? And even so late as Saturday the negro Conley admitted he wrote the notes found beside the murdered girl, as he said, at the suggestion of Mr. Frank.
Is it not inconceivable to think that an astute man, planning with finesse, to kill a little girl who might possibly call for her pay envelope the following day, would take into his confidence the sweeper Conley and have him write what he contemplated putting in a note he intended to lay before her mutilated body, when he shall have murdered her the next day, and exclaiming, “There is no reason why I should hang for it!”
Oh, no! Gentlemen, this is entirely too unlikely a thing for a man of his astuteness and caliber to have done or said. There has been some colossal blunder on the part of the city detectives in rounding up the quarry.
It looks very like persecuting this man simply because he is a Jew. I like to see fair play and justice. This is the first time a Jew has ever been in any serious trouble in Atlanta, and see how ready is every one to believe the worst of him. Continue reading Woman Writes in Defense of Leo M. Frank
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Wednesday, May 28th, 1913
Police Secure Admission From Negro Sweeper During Examination for Phagan Clews.
Admission that he was in the National Pencil factory on the day of the murder of Mary Phagan was gained from James Conley, the negro sweeper on whom suspicion has turned, after cross-examination by detectives at police headquarters.
The negro, who became the center of attention with his amazing story that Leo Frank had told him to write the death notes, changed his narrative again to-day. Confronted by E. F. Holloway, a foreman in the plant, he admitted having been in the factory after having steadily maintained that he was on Peters Street between 10 and 2 o’clock that fatal Saturday and at home all other hours of the day.
Says Confession Is Near.
Holloway, after leaving the secret grilling at which the admission was obtained, declared he was sure it was only a matter of hours before Conley would confess. He asserted that if he had been allowed to put questions to Conley he could have gotten important information.
The police questions were, of course, all put with the idea of gaining information against Frank.
Chief Lanford had announced that he would go before Judge Roan with a request for an order allowing him to confront Frank with the negro, so that Conley’s statement would be admissible in court. Lanford, however, failed to carry out his plans, although he would not admit they had been abandoned.
Found Negro Falsified.
Conley told the officers when he was first arrested that he could not write. Later they found releases that he had written for watches, and he admitted he had been lying. He gave them an address on Tattnall Street when they took him in custody. It later was found that he had not lived there for six months or a year. Continue reading Conley Was in Factory on Day of Slaying
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Wednesday, May 28th, 1913
Calls Rim [sic] “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. Hutcheson appeared in The Journal Tuesday afternoon. It was addressed to both Police Chief Beavers and Detective Chief Lanford. Mr. Hutcheson declared in this letter that the chiefs should be removed from office because, as he alleged, immoral houses were being operated on Spring, Ivy, Pryor and other streets, without police interference.
Mr. Hutcheson, in his first letter, announced that he had the addresses in his possession which he would furnish to the chiefs if called upon to do so within three days. Continue reading Carl Hutcheson Again Attacks Chief Beavers
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Wednesday, May 28th, 1913
Negro Sweeper in New Affidavit Denies His Former Testimony and Makes Startling Assertions; Now Declares He Wrote Notes Saturday.
James Conley, negro sweeper, in an affidavit made Wednesday, said that he was lying when he said he went to the National Pencil Factory on Friday. He said that he made the statement that it was Friday when Frank (as he says) told him to write the death notes, because he was afraid he would be accused of the murder of Mary Phagan if he told the truth.
He said he felt that if he said he was there Saturday the police would connect him with the murder. Conley said he got up between 9 and 9:30 o’clock Saturday morning, he knew the time because he looked at the clock on the Atlanta University from his front door. He returned indoors and had breakfast.
He got three silver dollars from his wife to exchange for paper money so that she would not lose it. He continued: Continue reading Conley Says Frank Took Him to Plant on Day of Slaying
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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,’” the city detectives are said to have commanded James Conley, negro sweeper at the pencil factory, in jail Wednesday.
The result is said to have been “night-wich.”
So also the note found beside the dead body of Mary Phagan spelled it.
The detectives regard this strongly corroborative of Conley’s admission that he himself wrote the notes found beside the dead girl. Conley declares that he wrote them, however, at the dictation of Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the pencil factory, under indictment for the murder. The detectives are disposed to place full credence in his story now, it is said, since he has declared that he did the writing on Saturday afternoon instead of on Friday afternoon as he first swore, and has gone into details.
A new and lengthy affidavit, going into detail in sequence throughout the day of the fatal Saturday, was sworn to by the negro in the detective headquarters Wednesday morning.
In it the negro recited as minutely as he could remember them, his actions and movements upon the day. Continue reading Conley Tells in Detail of Writing Notes on Saturday at Dictation of Mr. Frank
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Wednesday, May 28th, 1913
Negro Sweeper, It Is Stated, Acknowledges That He Erred in Former Statement to the Detectives.
POLICE NOW SATISFIED WITH NEGRO’S EVIDENCE
Conley Is Taken to Frank’s Cell, But Prisoner Refused to See Him Except in the Presence of His Lawyer.
In a gruelling three-hour third degree at police headquarters last night, James Conley, the negro pencil factory sweeper, is reported to have made the statement that he erred in the date of his original confession and that he wrote the murder notes at Leo Frank’s dictation at 1 o’clock on the Saturday of Mary Phagan’s disappearance instead of the preceding Friday.
In an effort to confront the suspected pencil plant superintendent with this acknowledgement, Chief Beavers, Chief Lanford and Harry Scott, of the Pinkertons, took the negro to the Tower at 8 o’clock, where they tried to gain admission to Frank’s cell. Sheriff Mangum refused entrance unless permitted by Frank.
When word came to him that the police chiefs and the Pinkerton man desired to confront him with Conley, the prisoner positively refused them an audience, declaring that he would have to first consult his counsel, Attorney Luther Rosser.
Secrecy Shrouds Confession.
Secrecy shrouds the negro’s reported confession amendment. All three men who subjected him to the third degree admit that he has made a statement of importance, but will neither deny nor affirm the rumor of his change of dates. Chief Lanford was seen by a reporter for The Constitution at police headquarters a few minutes after the negro had been returned to his cell.
He admitted that an important admission had been made by Conley, and, that as a result, he would be used as a material witness against Frank. Continue reading Conley Reported to Admit Writing Notes Saturday
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Tuesday, May 27th, 1913
What will be the defense of Leo M. Frank when he is called upon next month to answer to the charge of strangling little Mary Phagan?
With the confident announcement of the police Monday that they had completed a case against the factory superintendent that was as conclusive as it possibly could be without the testimony of actual eyewitnesses of the crime, this question naturally is being asked to-day by everyone who has any interest in the mystery, and that means practically every person in Atlanta.
The people will not get their answer from Luther Z. Rosser, the close-lipped and able attorney of Frank, until the trial actually begins. But even at this early date, when only the vaguest of hints have been given as to the course that will be followed in the battle to free Frank from all suspicion, it is patent that there are many openings offered the defense for attacks upon the theories of the State.
Burden of Proof on State.
Those who are close to the daily developments in Atlanta’s baffling murder mystery and who venture to predict the line of defense that will be offered are bearing in mind that, in the first place, the great burden of proof is upon the prosecution and not upon the defense.
It is absolutely necessary, due to the protection with which the law has hedged everyone under suspicion of crime, that the State in some manner, by some piece of evidence, connect Frank directly with the crime or establish his connection beyond a reasonable doubt.
Until the State is able to do this, Luther Z. Rosser may rest on his oars if he so desires. Leo Frank is innocent this moment in the eyes of the law. His innocence does not need to be proved. It is presumed. Continue reading State Faces Big Task in Trial of Frank as Slayer
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Tuesday, May 27th, 1913
C. W. Tobie, chief criminal investigator for the Burns Detective Agency, formally withdrew from the Phagan investigation Tuesday morning. The calling off of the Burns forces was announced by Dan P. Lehon, superintendent of the Southern branch, after Tobie had stated explicitly that he would not withdraw from the case.
Colonel Thomas B. Felder, who brought the Burns detectives into the Phagan case, would make no statement relative to their withdrawal but announced that it did not mean the end of his investigation or connection with the case.
Tobie made up his mind last Friday to drop the Mary Phagan investigation so he said Tuesday—but deferred action until, Monday night, when he announced his intention to withdraw to Solicitor General Dorsey.
Disgusted With “Fuss.”
Acute disgust at the “four or five cornered fuss” raised by the Phagan investigation was assigned by Tobie as the cause. This disgust was superinduced by the direct charge and general impression that the Burns Agency was pretending to ferret out the Phagan case, when in reality its purpose in Atlanta was to investigate the police department.
Tobie said to-day that while he has quit and was going to leave Atlanta, still the withdrawal of the Burns Agency need not be permanent. Continue reading Burns Man Quits Case; Declares He Is Opposed
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Tuesday, May 27th, 1913
Attorney Carl Hutcheson Accuse Beavers of Permitting Unlawful Houses to Operate.
GAMBLER’S PLOT, SAYS LANFORD IN HOT REPLY
Detective Head Declares “Ring” Is Trying to Fix Charge of Bribery Against Him.
Ignoring the fresh volley of charges made by Carl Hutcheson, an attorney, who offers to cite resorts which are allowed to operate by the city police. Chief Beavers Tuesday morning reiterated his declaration that the entire matter would be laid bare before the Grand Jury for decision.
Detective Chief Lanford revealed another angle of the warfare when he declared that the fight being made against him was backed by the gambling ring of Atlanta. C. C. Jones was named as the leader of the opposition in this fight.
Beavers in commenting upon Hutcheson’s charges, declared that they were inspired by Thomas B. Felder, with whose office Hutcheson is connected, and that the attack was not therefore that of Hutcheson, but of Felder and his “gang.”
Hutcheson, a young lawyer connected with the firm Felder, Anderson, Whitman & Dillon, wrote an open letter to Chief of Police Beavers, charging him with permitting unlawful houses to operate uncertain city streets and promising to give addresses if the Chief asks personally for them within three days.
Beavers to Ignore Attack.
Characterizing Carl Hutcheson as of too little importance to warrant an answer to his charges made against the police force. Chief Beavers declared that he would ignore him altogether.
“I don’t care to answer Hutcheson’s attack,” said the police official. “Hutcheson is too small a fry to even take notice of. An answer to him would give him too much dignity. This young man is in Felder’s office and is merely being used as a tool of Felder and his gang. Felder prompted him to make the statement that he did, and so I will pay no attention to Hutcheson. Continue reading Felder Aide Offers Vice List to Chief
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Tuesday, May 27th, 1913
“If Beavers and Lanford permitted Febuary, ‘a trusted man,’ to go out and circulate lies about corruption in the police department in an effort to trap someone, they have debauched their officers, and the sooner they are put out the better it will be for the men who work under them.”
Mayor James G. Woodward made the above reply to Chief James L. Beavers in a statement to The Constitution late Monday afternoon. They mayor declared that Febuary’s part in the conspiracy has destroyed his usefulness with the department, and he is not fit to serve with honorable men.
“In my opinion, and I believe every decent citizen of Atlanta will agree with me, Febuary is not fit to serve in the department in any capacity.” Mayor Woodward continued. “How can Beavers or Lanford, or the members of the police commission, place faith in him. He has dragged the department through filth of his own making. He has cast reflection, by his act, on the blue uniform.”
Beavers’ Charge Refuted.
Mayor Woodward scathingly denounced Chief Beavers’ allegations that he (Woodward) urged the reopening of the Manhattan avenue district. He admits telling Beavers that the district would be opened as a result of public demand for the interest of society, because of the scattered conditions.
He declared that he has never placed a straw in the way of Chief Beavers’ vice crusade, and explained that whenever he called the chief to his office it was for the purpose of referring complaints to him—complaints of bad conditions in respectable neighborhoods.
Mayor Woodward said that on one occasion he referred to the chief a letter written by a respectable woman—the mother of little children—who complained that there was an immoral house near her home, and she wanted the police to protect her and her babies.
“This woman told me that she had written Chief Beavers about the house some ten days before she wrote me, and nothing was ever done,” Mayor Woodward said. “All that I have ever heard of the complaint is that the house is quieted down.” Continue reading Chief James L. Beavers’ Reply to Mayor Woodward
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 Felder told him “that he was going to get the detectives.”
The solicitor said nothing of the attorney’s confidences.
A short time later, however, the detectives came in and asked the solicitor if he could get them a dictograph.
Mr. Dorsey says that he thought the officers wanted it for use in some phase of the Phagan case. In fact, he was busy and didn’t even ask why they wanted the delicate little instrument, but immediately thought of Mr. Felder and the Burns people. Continue reading Felder Barely Missed Being Trapped by His Own Dictograph
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Tuesday, May 27th, 1913
Negro, Whose Story That He Wrote Notes at Frank’s Dictation Is Generally Disbelieved, Was Often Drunk. Mrs. White Can Not Identify Him.
Suspicion in the Phagan case was Tuesday morning turned full-flare upon James Conley, the negro whose unexpected assertion last week that he had written the notes found beside the body of Mary Phagan, at the dictation of Leo M. Frank, was followed by a speedy indictment of the pencil factory superintendent.
In the opinion of E. F. Holloway, timekeeper and foreman in the factory, Conley is the guilty man.
Careful study of the negro’s story has revealed many absurdities in its structure, wherein evidences of childish cunning are rife in an effort to throw the blame onto Frank. It is this which has served to bring the deed to Conley’s door.
However, Mrs. Arthur White, wife of a machinist at the factory, who testified that she saw a negro lurking in the building between 12 noon and 2 o’clock on the afternoon of the murder, denied the published report in an afternoon paper that she had identified Conley as the one. Mrs. White stated Tuesday morning that she had secured only a glimpse of the man. It may have been Conley, or another negro. Mrs. White was asked to pick Conley out of a crowd of twelve negroes some time ago, but her identification was a second choice. Continue reading Suspicion Turned to Conley; Accused by Factory Foreman
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Tuesday, May 27th, 1913
Dan P. Lehon Holds Conference With Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey and Other Officials and Then Makes Announcement of Severance of Connection With Case.
FELDER TO CONTINUE PROBE, HE DECLARES; NO STATEMENT SOON
“One of the Girls” in the Pencil Factory Brings Statement to The Constitution Defending the Character of Employees — Bribery Attempts Are Denied.
As a startling climax to the sensational turn of affairs in the Mary Phagan murder investigation, it was announced yesterday by Dan P. Lehon, superintendent of the Burns southern offices, that his agency had retired from the investigation of the Atlanta mystery.
The announcement was made after a conference he held for several hours with Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey and other officials promoting the investigation. C. W. Tobie, chief of the Burns criminal department, who has been in command of the Burns men at work on the case, leaves for Chicago this morning.
Tobie Makes Statement.
Tobie was seen last night by a reporter for The Constitution in his apartments at the Piedmont hotel. He was preparing to leave the city, but spared time to give the newspaper man a statement regarding the departure of the Burns forces and their attitude in the Mary Phagan case. General Superintendent Lehon, he said, left Atlanta Monday afternoon.
“The connection of the William J. Burns agency with the Phagan case,” he told the reporter, “is now severed entirely. We have nothing whatever to do with the investigation. When these bribery charges were published I immediately notified Dan Lehon, general superintendent of the southern branches of our organization.
“He came to Atlanta Monday morning. After he and I had conferred and he had talked with the solicitor general and other officials interested in the case, his decision was to drop operations and return to Chicago. I will probably leave tomorrow or the following day—just as soon as matters can be satisfactorily arranged.” Continue reading Burns Agency Quits the Phagan Case; Tobie Leaves Today
Originally published by the American Mercury on the 100th anniversary of the Leo Frank trial.
by Bradford L. Huie
THE AMERICAN MERCURY now presents the final closing arguments by Solicitor Hugh Dorsey (pictured) in the trial of Leo Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan — a powerful summary of the case and a persuasive argument that played a large part in the decision of the jury to find Frank guilty of the crime. It is also riveting reading for modern readers, who have been told — quite falsely — that the case against Frank was a weak one, and told, equally falsely, that “anti-Semitism” was a major motive for the arrest, trial, and conviction of Frank.
Here we present it for the first time on any popular periodical’s Web site. Not until the Mercury began its efforts have these or the other arguments in this case and relevant contemporary articles been presented on a popular Web site in correctly formatted, easy-to-read type with OCR errors removed. (For background on this case, read our introductory article, our coverage of Week One, Week Two, Week Three and Week Four of the trial, and my exclusive summary of the evidence against Frank.)
_____
THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR THE STATE.
Mr. Dorsey:
Gentlemen of the Jury: This case is not only, as His Honor has told you, important, but it is extraordinary. It is extraordinary as a crime — a most heinous crime, a crime of a demoniac, a crime that has demanded vigorous, earnest and conscientious effort on the part of your detectives, and which demands honest, earnest, conscientious consideration on your part. It is extraordinary because of the prominence, learning, ability, standing of counsel pitted against me. It is extraordinary because of the defendant — it is extraordinary in the manner in which the gentlemen argue it, in the methods they have pursued in its management. Continue reading The Leo Frank Trial: Closing Arguments, Solicitor Dorsey
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 No Place for a Stranger,” Says Tobie
Colonel Thomas B. Felder Tuesday ridiculed the statement of Police Chief James L. Beavers that he would insist upon the grand jury making a searching investigation of the charges against Colonel Felder and also the countercharges published by the latter against the police and detective departments.
Colonel Felder appeared to be very much amused while discussing Chief Beavers’ declaration, which he branded as bluff and bluster. “I don’t believe Beavers has the least idea of going b[e]fore the grand jury,” he said, “but even should he do so there is nothing for the grand jury t[o] consider.
“If all the charges which the police and detectives have made against me were true no law has been violated. I have a perfect right to seek truthful evidence from whatever source I may choose.
“If the grand jury cares to investigate my charges against the police and detective departments I will have no hesitancy in supplying it with a list of the disorderly houses and gambling places which are operated in Atlanta without police interference, and an amazingly long list it will be, too.
“Why, there are more houses of an immoral character in the territory between the Baptist Tabernacle and the governor’s mansion than ever existed in the old segregated district, and places of this kind are scattered throughout the city, no section being immune from them. Continue reading Col. Felder Ridicules Idea of Grand Jury Investigation of City Detectives’ Charges
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Monday, May 26th, 1913
Police Board Minority as Anxious to Overthrow Chairman as Beavers and Lanford.
Well informed politicians declared Monday that any efforts to remove Chief of Police Beavers and Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford were doomed to failure because of the support of the two officers by Carlos Mason, chairman of the Police Board, and his supporters.
Despite rumors of changes of line-up on account of developments of the last few days, all indications are that, if the issue of removing Beavers and Lanford is made, the relative strength of the two old factions will remain constant, as follows:
How Board Lines Up.
For Beavers and Lanford—Chairman Carlos H. Mason, First Ward; W. P. Fain, Second Ward; W. A. Vernoy, Third Ward; B. Lee Smith, Fourth Ward; J. N. McEachern, Seventh Ward; A. R. King, Ninth Ward, and Graham P. Dozier, Tenth Ward. Total, 8.
Against Beavers and Lanford—Mayor Woodward; George E. Johnson, Sixth Ward, and Robert C. Clark, Eighth Ward.
Doubtful—A. R. Colcord, chairman of the Council Police Committee. Continue reading Mason Blocks Attempt to Oust Chief
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Monday, May 26th, 1913
Pencil Factory Owners Told Him Not to Shield Superintendent, Scott Declares.
Harry Scott, assistant superintendent of the Pinkertons, announced Monday his belief that Leo M. Frank was responsible for the slaying of 14-year-old Mary Phagan April 26. He added that his agency had been working on this theory from the time its services were engaged by officials of the National Pencil Company, two days after the crime.
Scott previously had said the Pinkertons were on the case to find the guilty man, even though it might be Frank. His latest statement is believed to have been prompted by the attack on the Pinkertons by Colonel Thomas B. Felder.
Mr. Scott declared he not only believed Frank responsible for the killing, but that he proposed to lay his evidence before the court and assist in the prosecution of the factory superintendent. He is in possession, he said, of considerable evidence which has not been made public.
Soon after the investigation was undertaken, Scott says he went to the men employing him and asked if he was supposed to protect Frank. He said if he was he would have to throw up the job. He was told, he said, that he had been engaged to find the guilty man, whoever he might be. It was on this assurance the Pinkertons continued the investigation, according to Scott.
* * *
Atlanta Georgian, May 26th 1913, “Pinkerton Man Says Frank is Guilty,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Monday, May 26th, 1913
Topeka, Kans., Chief Wires Beavers That Burns Detective Was Not Convicted.
That the local police authorities are tracing the past record of C. W. Tobie, the Burns operative investigating the Phagan case, came definitely into light Monday morning when Police Chief Beavers received a telegram from the Chief of Police of Topeka, Kans., regarding the detective.
The telegram was in answer to one sent by Beavers some days ago to Topeka asking for Tobie’s police record there. The answer stated that while Tobie had been involved in a kidnaping case in Topeka, that he had never been convicted on this score. The telegram read:
Topeka, Kans., May 26, 1913.
Chief of Police, Atlanta, Ga.:
Tobie tried to kidnap incubator baby at Sedan, Kansas, but failed, being employed by Detective Tillotson. Subesquently, Tillotson kidnaped the child at Topeka and was convicted, but Tobie was not convicted of the Topeka kidnaping.
J. W. F. HUGHES.
Chief of Police.
Burns Men Going Ahead. Continue reading Accuses Tobie of Kidnaping Attempt
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Monday, May 26th, 1913
Mayor James G. Woodward Monday gave out a sizzling interview in reply to Police Chief Beavers’ accusations, which he concluded with this statement:
“If Beavers and Lanford authorized February [sic]. ‘a trusted man,’ to go out and tell lies about corruption in the department in an effort to trap somebody, they are unworthy to hold the places they occupy, and the sooner they are put out the better it will be for the police department and the city.
“February has proved that he is not fit to serve in the police department in any capacity.”
Mayor Woodward, before beginning his statement, said he wanted to make it clear that he was vigorously opposed to public controversies with heads of departments. He said it was not the way to run the city’s business, and but for Chief Beavers’ attack, which misrepresented his position, he would say nothing. Continue reading Mayor Gives Out Sizzling Reply to Chief Beavers
Originally published by the American Mercury on the 100th anniversary of the Leo Frank trial.
The American Mercury continues its centenary coverage of the trial of Leo Frank for the slaying of Mary Phagan with the closing arguments presented by the prosecution and defense.
by Bradford L. Huie
IT’S A LONG READ — but an essential one for everyone who wants to consider himself well-informed on the Leo Frank case: the closing arguments from indefatigable Fulton County Prosecutor Hugh Dorsey and his assistant Frank Hooper, and from Leo Frank’s brilliantly skilled defense attorneys Reuben Arnold and Luther Rosser. Continue reading The Leo Frank Trial: Closing Arguments of Hooper, Arnold, and Rosser
Originally published by the American Mercury on the 100th anniversary of the Leo Frank trial.
In a few days the Mercury will present Week Three of the trial of Leo Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan. Today, on the 100th anniversary of Leo Frank taking the stand in his own defense, we present a digest of opinion and contemporary sources on his statement.
AT THE CLIMAX of the Leo Frank trial, an admission was made by the defendant that amounted to a confession during trial. How many times in the annals of US legal history has this happened? Something very unusual happened during the month-long People v. Leo M. Frank murder trial, held within Georgia’s Fulton County Superior Courthouse in the Summer of 1913. I’m going to show you evidence that Mr. Leo Max Frank inadvertently revealed the solution to the Mary Phagan murder mystery.
In addition to being an executive of Atlanta’s National Pencil Company, Leo Frank was also a B’nai B’rith official — president of the 500-member Gate City Lodge in 1912 — and even after his conviction and incarceration Frank was elected lodge president again in 1913. As a direct result of the Leo Frank conviction, the B’nai B’rith founded their well-known and politically powerful “Anti-Defamation League,” or ADL. Continue reading 100 Years Ago Today: Leo Frank Takes the Stand
Originally published by the American Mercury on the 100th anniversary of the Leo Frank trial.
Join The American Mercury as we recount the events of the final week of the trial of Leo Frank (pictured) for the slaying of Mary Phagan.
by Bradford L. Huie
ON THE HEELS of Leo Frank’s astounding unsworn statement to the court, the defense called a number of women who stated that they had never experienced any improper sexual advances on the part of Frank. But the prosecution rebutted that testimony with several rather persuasive female witnesses of its own. These rebuttal witnesses also addressed Frank’s claims that he was so unfamiliar with Mary Phagan that he did not even know her by name. (For background on this case, read our introductory article, our coverage of Week One, Week Two, and Week Three of the trial, and my exclusive summary of the evidence against Frank.)
Here are the witnesses’ statements, direct from the Brief of Evidence, interspersed with my commentary. The emphasis and paragraphing (for clarity) is mine. The defense recommenced with a large contingent of Frank’s friends, business associates, and employees who would say that Leo Frank was of good character and had not, to their knowledge, made any improper sexual approaches to the girls and women who worked under him: Continue reading Leo Frank Trial: Week Four
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Monday, May 26th, 1913
Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford Monday announced that the mystery of the Mary Phagan tragedy is solved, as nearly as is possible without the absolute, direct testimony of eyewitnesses, and expressed himself as perfectly satisfied with the evidence now in hand.
Accompanying this statement comes the authoritative announcement that the great strangling crime will be placed on Leo M. Frank, now under indictment on the charge of murder, and that Newt Lee, the suspected negro night watchman of the National Pencil Factory, will not be indicted. Lee will be held in jail until the trial as a material witness and will be placed on the stand to give evidence against the factory superintendent.
Lee has completely been eliminated from the case as a suspect, and is now counted as one of the strongest witnesses against Frank.
“There is not the slightest doubt of the innocence of Newt Lee,” said Chief Lanford. “I’m certain he has told all he knows of the death of Mary Phagan.”
Can Hold Lee Indefinitely.
No further action nor proceedings of any kind will be necessary to hold the night watchman for the trial. He was ordered by the Coroner’s jury held for investigation by the Grand Jury, and until the latter body either returns an indictment or a “no bill,” he can not be freed from jail. Continue reading Evidence Against Frank Conclusive, Say Police
Originally published by the American Mercury on the 100th anniversary of the Leo Frank trial.
The trial of Leo Frank (pictured) for the murder of Mary Phagan ended its third week 100 years ago today. Join us as we break through the myths surrounding the case and investigate what really happened.
by Bradford L. Huie
AS THE THIRD WEEK of the trial dawned, the prosecution had just made its case that National Pencil Company Superintendent Leo Max Frank had murdered 13-year-old laborer Mary Phagan — and a powerful case it was. Now it was the defense’s turn — and the defense team was a formidable one, the best that money could buy in 1913 Atlanta, led by Reuben Arnold and Luther Rosser. And many would argue that the city’s well-known promoter and attorney Thomas B. Felder was also secretly working for Frank and his friends, along with the two biggest detective agencies in the United States, the Burns agency — sub rosa, under the direction of Felder — and the Pinkertons — openly, cooperating with the police, and under the direction of the National Pencil Company. (For background on this case, read our introductory article, our coverage of Week One and Week Two of the trial, and my exclusive summary of the evidence against Frank.)
As the defense began its parade of witnesses, few suspected that the defendant himself, Leo Frank, would soon take the stand and make an admission so astonishing that it strained belief. Continue reading The Leo Frank Trial: Week Three
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Monday, May 26th, 1913
[A substantial portion of the beginning of this article is illegible with the PDF copy in our possession. If anyone has a copy of this newspaper, please let us know and we can complete the transcription of it. Thank you! — Ed.]
… if I did introduce you to my wife and you [2 words illegible] 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 the effrontery (fortunately for him that I was absent) to approach my wife in the hotel parlor on Friday night in the presence of another lady and try to scare her to death with threats, which I would hate to believe met your approval.
I wish to say to you, sir, that in any controversy that I might have with you, or any other man, and I become so low and so prostituted that I forget my mother and your mother and our wives, are women, pure, sweet women, of this bright and beautiful southland, and make an attack upon them, I want some one to shoot me as they would a mad-dog. Continue reading Five Good Men Say if Charges Are Untrue, Says A. S. Colyar to Col. Felder
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Monday, May 26th, 1913
“Thousands of people in Atlanta are living the lives today that the murderer of Mary Phagan lived, and which culminated in the atrocious crime,” declared Rev. W. W. Memminger, pastor of All Saints’ Episcopal church. In a sermon yesterday morning which he devoted in great part to pleading for a better standard of morals in the daily life of man and woman.
The woman who uses paint and powder, who dances the turkey trot and who dresses in a suggestive manner came in for scathing remarks from the rector, but the man who boasts of being the stronger sex, and yet bends his efforts to tearing down woman’s standard, instead of upholding and protecting virtue and purity, was given even greater blame.
“Women are wrong to adopt any suggestive manner of dress or to use paint and powder which for hundreds of years has been the mark and symbol of a certain type of women,” said the pastor, “and I agree with the church councils which have passed resolutions deprecating it.” Continue reading “Thousands in Atlanta Living the Life of Mary Phagan’s Murderer”—Rev. W. W. Memminger
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Monday, May 26th, 1913
Chief of Police James L. Beavers issued a statement Monday forenoon defying his accusers to prove that he had been guilty of any act of moral turpitude as Chief of Police or as a citizen.
He characterized the attack by Colonel Thomas B. Felder merely as an effort to detract attention from his own (Felder’s) actions.
Referring to A. S. Colyar, in his sweeping denial of the charges that have been made against the police department, he made the pertinent observation, “that it many times required a crook to turn up another crook.” Continue reading Mayor Eager to Bring Back Tenderloin, Declares Chief
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 connected with Topeka kidnaping.
“J. W. F. HNGHES [sic],
“Chief of Police, Topeka, Kan.”
Efforts were made to reach Tobie by The Journal Monday, but the detective was not at his hotel.
* * *
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Monday, May 26th, 1913
Sufficient Evidence Found to Convict Him, Declares Man Hired by the National Pencil Company.
Announcing that he had secured evidence sufficient to convict his employer Harry Scott, assistant superintendent of the Pinkertons, who has been retained by the National Pencil company since the second day of the Phagan tragedy, said to a reporter for The Constitution Sunday night that it was his intention to help prosecute the suspected superintendent.
Scott has been in command of the Pinkerton forces working on the investigation. His employment came about in answer to a telephone call from Frank on Monday morning following the murder. He was engaged, he states, for the sole purpose of finding the murderer.
Scott’s Connection With Case.
His connection with the case was explained once before when he was called to the stand at the coroner’s inquest. The Constitution Sunday morning published an exclusive story explaining that although Scott was employed by Frank’s defense, and although reports of the Pinkertons daily progress were submitted to the prisoner’s counsel he was working on the theory that Frank was guilty. Continue reading Frank is Guilty, Says Pinkerton
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Monday, May 26th, 1913
Chief of Detectives Lanford was given two papers Monday accusing friends of Leo M. Frank of attempting to bribe a man and a woman to swear that they saw Mary Phagan at 10:30 Saturday night, April 26, at a soda fountain at Marietta and Forsyth Streets.
These papers were given Lanford by A. S. Colyar, whose entrance into the Phagan case has been marked by one sensation after another. Colyar told Lanford that the papers were copies of sworn affidavits and that he had the originals which he would produce at the proper time. The copies are not signed.
Haas Denies Charge.
Emphatic denial that he had in any manner resorted to bribery in behalf of Frank was made by Herbert Haas, well-known Atlanta attorney and friend of the pencil factory superintendent. Mr. Haas further declared that any intimation that he had sought to bribe anyone was absolutely false.
Two Affidavits Alleged.
Colyar said that one of the affidavits was signed by the woman it was sought to bribe and the other by the man, a traveling salesman. Five hundred dollars each is said by the alleged of the affidavits to have been offered to the man and the woman for their testimony.
Colyar alleges that the woman was brought here from Birmingham with the intention of inducing her to swear to the statement that she saw Mary Phagan late Saturday night. He said that he knew where she was at the present time, although the friends of Frank though that she had left the city. Continue reading Lay Bribery Effort to Frank’s Friends
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
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 that he is in possession of no affidavits relating to attempts to bribe Phagan witnesses, nor has he proof of any sort, he says, which would show that friends of the man indicted for the murder or anyone else, had sought to bribe any witness.
Chief Lanford says, however, that he personally believes that efforts to influence witnesses have been made, and that he is vigorously probing the rumors.
The indictment of Leo M. Frank, on a charge of murdering Mary Phagan has not halted the several investigations of the case. Monday morning neither the city detectives, the Pinkertons nor the Burns forces ceased their efforts to unearth new and cumulative evidence in the case.
The principal efforts of the detectives are now as they have been since from the beginning, directed towards securing evidence to building up the state case against the factory superintendent. Continue reading “I Have No Proof of Bribery in Phagan Case,” Says Chief
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Monday, May 26th, 1913
Reported Two Telephone Operators Will Swear to Conversations Held Over the Pencil Factory’s Line.
GAVE THEIR TESTIMONY BEFORE THE GRAND JURY
A. S. Colyar Confers With Chief Beavers on Bribery Allegations—Case Now in Its Infancy, Says Chief.
With the entire city aroused over the recent sensational Felder bribery charges and counter charges of graft and corruption in the police department, investigation of the Mary Phagan mystery continues. Police headquarters was elated Sunday over the progress and over new developments which have arisen.
New testimony has been given by girl telephone operators relative to conversations which were held over the pencil factory’s line on the night of the tragedy, Chief Lanford says. Secrecy shrouds the nature of the alleged conversations. No one acquainted with the evidence will talk. It is hinted to be the strongest yet secured.
No one acquainted with the evidence will talk. It is hinted to be the strongest yet unearthed.
Coupled with this development comes the rumor of a telephone call reported to have been made on the Friday morning preceding the murder, in which Mary Phagan is said to have been instructed to come to the pencil factory Friday afternoon to obtain her pay envelope. Detectives will neither deny nod [sic] admit that the rumor has been confirmed.
Phone Message to Pope.
J. B. Pope, of Bellwood avenue, a county policeman and neighbor of the slain girl, to whom the rumored telephone message was made, could not be reached last night by The Constitution. Mrs. Pope says she knows nothing of the report, but says numerous calls came to her home for Mary Phagan and members of her family. Continue reading New Witnesses in Phagan Case Found by Police
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Monday, May 26th, 1913
Chief of Police Beavers and Chief of Detectives Lanford both stated emphatically Monday that they intended to go to the full limit of the law in making Thomas B. Felder prove his charges of graft in the police department.
Both Beavers and Lanford will take the matter before the Grand Jury, and they will take other action in the courts against Felder forthwith.
Chief Beavers shortly before noon held a conference with City Attorney Mayson, after which he announced that he would take the whole matter of alleged attempted bribery and “conspiracy against him” before the Grand Jury next Friday.
The chief was advised by the City Attorney that this was the proper course to pursue. He declined to specifically name all of those who will be involved, remarking that he will lay all of his evidence before the grand jurors and ask indictments.
They do not intend to let Felder’s statements go with a simple newspaper denial made by them. They intend to have a thorough investigation, and they intend further to make Felder come forward with his evidence or take the consequences; and the consequences, they intend, shall be the fullest penalty that the law can inflict upon him.
SAY THEY WILL BARE “SECRETS.”
Both Beavers and Lanford have determined to go at the matter systematically, thoroughly and in a legal way; and they intend that the investigations before the Grand Jury and in the courts will lay bare all the “secrets” that Felder is alleged to have of bribery and graft in the police department; and also make public the reasons Mayor Woodward has in the attempt to restore the restricted vice district in Atlanta. Continue reading Will Take Charge of Graft to Grand Jury for Vindication
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Monday, May 26th, 1913
“I Shall Lay Evidence Gathered by the Detectives and Col. Felder’s Charges of Graft and Corruption All Before the Grand Jury,” Says the Chief, “Asking That a Searching Investigation Be Made So That the Whole Truth Shall Come Out”
“ONE CROOK FREQUENTLY TURNS UP ANOTHER,” DECLARES CHIEF IN STATEMENT MONDAY MORNING
Mayor Woodward Gives Out Interview, Answering the Chief and Denying That He Has Hampered Him in His Crusade. He Says Chief Should Clean Up Center of the City—Hints of an Investigation by Police Board—Col. Felder Has No Statement Monday
After giving out a tart statement in which he vigorously arraigns Colonel Thomas B. Felder, Police Chief James L. Beavers Monday morning announced that he would at once go before the Fulton county grand jury and insist upon a thorough investigation by that body of the charges which have been made against Colonel Felder, Mayor Woodward, E. O. Miles and C. C. Jones.
Chief Beavers declared that he would also urge the grand jury to make searching inquiry into Colonel Felder’s charges that graft and corruption exists in the police and detective departments and would ask that the grand jury thoroughly investigate Colonel Felder’s allegations that both he (Chief Beavers) and Chief Lanford are guilty of acts involving moral turpitude.
“I want the official limelight turned on this entire affair,” said the chief of police. “I shall request the grand jury to hew to the line and let the chips fall wherever they may.”
Chief Beavers will carry the matter to the grand jury in person. He will lay before that body all of the affidavits in his possession as well as the records of the dictograph which are sworn to, and will also invite the grand jury’s attention to Colonel Felder’s charges against himself, Chief Lanford and the department in general. Continue reading Thorough Probe of Charges Against Felder and Latter’s Charges Against Police Asked
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Thomas B. Felder, the Atlanta lawyer who is accused of having offered a bribe for an affidavit of J. W. Coleman, stepfather of Mary Phagan, now in the possession of the police, yesterday issued the following statement: To the People of Atlanta:
The publication of the sensational “story” in The Atlanta Journal on yesterday afternoon relating to myself and my connection with the Phagan case is but the symptom or manifestation of one of the most diabolical conspiracies ever hatched by a venal and corrupt “system” to protect crime in a civilized community.
To be more specific, this conspiracy was formed just after the arrest of Newt Lee and Leo Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan. The controlling genius of it is Newport Lanford, chief of the city detectives; its object is to shield and protect the murderers of this innocent child, and in its wicked ramifications it marks our distinguished (?) chief of detectives as the Lieutenant Becker of our “system,” and renders his co-conspirators as dangerous to the lives, liberty and property and reputation of our citizens as the bloody and deadly Society of the Mafia.
Part Played By Papers.
Pity it is that the press of the city has been and is being made the innocent, if effective, instrument in their hands to further and effectuate the object of this wicked conspiracy by prostituting their potential columns in the exploitation of the mass of forgeries and perjuries which has been given to the public through their columns, for be it known that these papers have tacitly sanctioned the utterances of Colyar by reproducing his affidavits in the face of the fact that the editors and proprietors of all would without hesitation swear that they would not believe him on oath if called upon to do so. Strangely enough, a portion of the criminal record of this man Colyar is reproduced, showing him to be a man steeped in crime and infamy, while in the parallel column is published his defamatory utterances against me. Continue reading Thomas Felder Brands the Charges of Bribery Diabolical Conspiracy
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
following affidavit concerning his connection with the Phagan case and with A. S. Colyar.
Georgia, Fulton County—Personally appeared before the undersigned, an officer authorized by law to administer oaths, C. W. Tobie, who, first, being duly sworn, deposes and says:
That he is a citizen of Chicago, with offices in the First National Bank building of that city, and that he is manager of the criminal department, west, of the William J. Burns National Detective agency; that he has occupied this position for the past ten months; that he has been connected with the William J. Burns National Detective agency, as manager of the Kansas City, Mo., branch office, since May, 1910; that for a year prior to that time he was connected with the Tilletson Detective agency, correspondents of the William J. Burns National Detective agency; that prior to that time deponent was connected with the Pinkerton National Detective agency for a period of nine years; that he severed his connection with the Pinkerton National Detective agency in May, 1909.
Charge Is False.
Deponent says, on oath, that the statement that he was discharged by said agency is utterly, absolutely and deliberately false; that he resigned from said agency, and not under compulsion, but of his own volition. Continue reading C. W. Tobie, Burns’ Agent, Tells of the Conferences He Held With A. S. Colyar
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Going to A. S. Colyar’s room in Williams House No. 2, on Forsyth street, Wednesday afternoon to make efforts to get information of alleged grafting on the part of Chief of Police Beavers and Chief Lanford, Mayor James G. Woodward walked into as neat a trap as was ever devised. The same dictagraph which was alleged to take down the statements of Colonel T. B. Felder, is said to have been working while the mayor of Atlanta was in conference with E. O. Miles, a private detective; Febuary, Chief of detectives Lanford’s clerk, and A. S. Colyar.
The mayor admits frankly he was there, but says he offered no money, but that he would subscribe to a fund to unearth graft in any city department; and also said that his visit had nothing whatever to do with the Phagan case.
“These parties told me they had evidence of the corruptness of Beavers and Lanford. I wanted to see what they had,” he is quoted as saying.
Part of the conversation, as alleged to have been taken down by George M. Gentry, nephew of the president of Southern Bell Telephone company, dealt with the early arrival of Miles, who discussed the Phagan case with Colyar.
After Mayor Woodward arrived in the room, Colyar stated that Febuary had the goods on certain members of the police and detective department. There was some discussion about the right of the police to arrest anyone who could get such evidence. Mayor Woodward staying that he didn’t understand how such an informer could be thrown in jail. Continue reading Here Is the Dictagraph Record of Woodward’s Conversation
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
National Pencil Company Director Gives Written Statement of Confidence in Superintendent.
Declaring that he cannot too strongly indorse Leo Frank’s moral character or business capacity, John O. Parmele, president of the Parmele company, manufacturers and importers, and a member of the board of directors of the National Pencil factory, last night gave The Constitution a written statement:
“I am a member of the board of directors of the National Pencil factory,” he writes. “My duties require me to be at the factory and in the private office of our superintendent, Mr. Leo M. Frank, and through the different departments of our plant. For about five years Mr. Frank has been our superintendent, and I wish to say that I have never known a more efficient, a more intelligent, a kinder or more conscientious worker. My intimate association with Mr. Frank enables me to say with the greatest pleasure that I have never known a nobler, nor truer nature; one who exemplifies in everyday life true manhood.
“Mr. Frank is a God-fearing man, and stands for all that is good in our community.
(Signed) “JOHN O. PARMELE.”
* * *
Atlanta Constitution, May 25th 1913, “Frank is Praised by John O. Parmele,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Four sworn statements concerning the career of A. S. Colyar, and declaring him a criminal and unworthy of belief, have been furnished The Constitution by Colonel Thomas B. Felder. They are as follows:
Record in Nashville.
State of Georgia, County of Fulton—Personally appeared before the undersigned, an officer authorized by law to administer oaths, C. R. Atchison, who, first being duly sworn, deposes and says: That he was born and reared in the city of Nashville, Tenn., and lived there until January 1, 1913, when he removed to the city of Atlanta, state and county aforesaid, and since that date has been a citizen thereof.
Deponent further says that he resides at the Georgian Terrace, in said city, and is vice president of the Massengale Advertising agency, with offices in the Candler building, said city, county and state.
Deponent further says, on oath, he has known A. S. Colyar, Jr., from boyhood, and that he is thoroughly well acquainted with his reputation and character for truth and veracity.
Deponent further says, on oath, that he is in a general way familiar with the criminal record of Colyar, covering a period of approximately twenty-five (25) years. Deponent knows that he has been arrested during this period in several states of the union for the offenses of forgery, perjury and impersonating others to obtain money; that he has been incarcerated in the jails of several states; that he is a moral degenerate, pervert, and a chronic crook and black leg, and deponent does not hesitate to say that from a knowledge of his character and reputation he would not believe him on oath. Continue reading Colyar Declared Criminal and Not Worthy of Belief in Four Sworn Statements
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
That’s the Way Mayor James G. Woodward Made Answer Saturday to Published Dictagraph [sic] Record.
After Mayor James G. Woodward and read the published dictagraph record of the conversation alleged to have been held between him, A. S. Colyar, G. C. Febuary and E. O. Miles, in room No. 31, Williams House, Wednesday afternoon, he declared that it was a “frame-up by a dirty gang.”
The mayor told The Constitution that he would be willing to start a fund to employ Burns detectives to trace the motive which inspired Colyar and his companions.
“I haven’t much money to spend, but I would contribute to a fund to carry this investigation to the finish,” he said. “It has just gone that far that it is not complete. There certainly must be more in it than has been published. I haven’t been able to find a thing but froth and no substance. Now, let’s get at the substance.”
All the Record Not Given.
Mayor Woodward says he is sore only because the dictagraph record did not get all he told Colyar and Febuary in the Williams House room. He says that some part of the conversation is reported correctly, and other parts have been eliminated and words put into the record to fit the aims of the conspirators.
“I’ll stand on a drygoods box in the center of the street at Five Points and repeat every word that I uttered in that room,” Mayor Woodward said. “There are some things I said and which were eliminated, which I have stated in print, and which I would like to have in that record as long as they have it. Continue reading “Charge Framed Up by a Dirty Gang”
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Lanford Declares No Printable Words Can Be Found to Describe Lawyer’s Attack.
“As for Tom Felder’s charges of graft in the police or detective departments,” said Chief Lanford last night, “they are as rotten as we have shown his character to be. There is no printable words that might be used to describe them. All Atlanta knows they are untrue, unfounded and are but the explosions of a distorted brain—a brain deformed by years of treachery, and they call him ‘Colonel’ Felder.
“He directs most of his charges of corruption toward the detective department,” the accused official continued. “There’s a reason. The detective department is responsible for trapping him into the dictagraph [sic] conspiracy. The police department has done but little damage to him and to show him up in his true colors. He should not worry over uniformed men. It’s the detective department that has prodded him.
Police Have Special Squad.
“To anyone who is acquainted with depar[t]mental operations, it is a known fact that the detectives have nothing whatever to do with the enforcement of laws pertaining to disorderly houses. The sleuths could not afford to take a chance in such cases. The police have a special squad to attend to this duty. Felder says he has seen a graft list of the detective department, in which are contained the names of lewd resorts under protection of the detective department.
“How absurd this all is. I gave him credit for having at least brains enough to know something of the workings of the police. The detectives have not the slightest opportunity to graft from disorderly houses in case such a condition was in existence. This alone is sufficient to prove that his charges are without foundation. Continue reading Felder’s Charges of Graft Rotten
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Mayor Woodward last night was interviewed by a Journal reporter in regard to Chief Beavers’ statement.
Among other things, the mayor said:
“I haven’t read the chief’s statement; but if he charges or intimates that I am connected with or in sympathy with any conspiracy to throw him out of his job, then he is simply mistaken.
“I have not been a supporter of Chief Beavers since I became mayor, but everybody’s known that. There’s been no secret about it so far as I was concerned. I’ve got nothing personal against him. I simply differ with his policy in reference to the vice question. And I must say that neither he nor Chief Lanford have elevated the standard of the police department in the way they have handled the situation.
“Now, understand me. I don’t want to get into any controversy with Chief Beavers. As I said, I’ve got nothing against him personally at all. And I have not hampered him or intersfeerd [sic] with him in his management of that police department, and don’t intend to.
“As for conspiracy which you say he speaks of, there is no such thing so far as I know. I think about the conspiracy that exists, is what Lanford and his detectives have tried to create.
“It looks like the detectives fixed up what they thought was a nice little trap, and then went to work to catch everybody they had it in for—myself included. Continue reading Woodward Hoots at the Idea of “Plot” to Oust Beavers
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
The probability of bribery charges to be made against others as well as Colonel Felder was intimated last night by Chief Lanford to a Constitution reporter.
Documentary evidence involving one or more men is rumored to be in Lanford’s possession. Also, his dictagraph [sic] is said to have reported secret conferences relating to the use of bribe money in the Mary Phagan case.
This new phase of the bribery charges is said to pertain only to the bribing of witnesses in the Phagan investigation. Rumors to this effect have been coming to police headquarters for several days. Corroboration of the reports came recently from Mrs. Mima [sic] Famby [sic], of 400 Piedmont avenue, a witness in the case.
Offered Money to Leave City.
Mrs. Famby declared to a reporter for The Constitution that she had received six offers of large sums of money to leave the city until the Mary Phagan trial has been finished. It is said that she has made an affidavit, naming the men who approached her, and that the document is in the hands of Chief Lanford.
Lanford declared to a Constitution reporter that he would not reveal his new bribery evidence until the trial. He would not state the nature of affidavits said to be in his hands.
Solicitor Dorsey has been apprised by Harry Scott of the position of the Pinkerton agency in the Phagan investigation. The solicitor said last night that Scott had told him that, primarily, the detective organization was in the employ of Frank’s defense, in that it was paid by the National Pencil company, and that reports of his progress were turned over to the suspect’s counsel. Continue reading Others Will Be Involved In New Bribery Charges Intimates Chief Lanford
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Former Tennesseean [sic] in Open Letter Tells Colonel Felder That He Was Never Caught With Goods Until Last Wednesday—Colyar Says He Strayed From the Path He Should Have Followed When He Went to Wash Attorney’s Political Linen in a State in Which Colonel Felder Could Not Set Foot
A. S. Colyar has addressed the following open letter to Colonel Thomas B. Felder: Continue reading “You Went to Williams House Like a Lamb to the Slaughter,” Colyar Tells Felder in Letter
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
He Will Not Go to Trial Before the Latter Part of June, According to Solicitor General Dorsey.
Leo M. Frank, indicted Saturday afternoon for the murder of Mary Phagan, the 14-year-old girl whose dead body was found at 3 o’clock on the morning of April 27 in the basement of the National Pencil factory, will not go to trial before the latter part of June, according to a statement which Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey made last night.
Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, who called the police to the place, was left under consideration by the grand jury. A bill of indictment charging him with the same murder was presented to the grand jury with the bill against the factory superintendent, but the grand jury failed to act, and it is believed that his case will be allowed to rest, pending the trial of the indicted man.
Both Confined in Tower.
Both Superintendent Frank and the negro, Lee, have been confined in the Tower since they were ordered held by the coroner’s jury for the murder of the girl.
In discussing the time of Frank’s trial, the solicitor stated that he could not say when it would be started.
“It will not be possible to hold it before the latter part of June,” he asserted, “and whether or not it is held then depends on a number of things. I have much work to do to get the case ready and there is also the defense to be considered, as they may secure additional time. Continue reading Frank Indicted in Phagan Case
Originally published by the American Mercury on the 100th anniversary of the Leo Frank trial.
The trial of Leo Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan ended its second week 100 years ago today. Join us as we delve into the original documents of the time and learn what the jurors learned.
by Bradford L. Huie
THE EVIDENCE that National Pencil Company Superintendent Leo Frank had murdered 13-year-old child laborer Mary Phagan was mounting up as the second week of Frank’s trial began in Atlanta, and passions were high on both sides as star witness Jim Conley (pictured) took the stand.
The attempt to frame the innocent black night watchman, Newt Lee, had failed, despite 1) the “death notes” left near the body implicating him, 2) the bloody shirt planted in his trash barrel, and 3) the forged time card supposedly showing that he had left his post for several hours the night the murder was discovered. Although no one of significance suspected Lee at this point, the defense would still try to attack the medical testimony that placed the murder near midday on April 26, and would introduce Lee’s second alleged time card, provided by Frank, purporting to show that Lee had many hours unaccounted for on the night of the 26th and the early morning hours of the 27th of April.
Newt Lee’s testimony of Frank’s peculiar behavior that afternoon and evening was compelling. Another African-American was about to become pivotal in this case: factory sweeper Jim Conley would testify that he had helped Frank by keeping watch while Frank “chatted” with Mary alone in his office, and by assisting Frank in moving her body to the basement after she was accidentally killed. Conley was about to become central to the defense’s case, too — they would allege that Conley was the real killer. (For background on this case, read our introductory article, our coverage of Week One of the trial, and my exclusive summary of the evidence against Frank.) Continue reading The Leo Frank Trial: Week Two
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Following are five affidavits submitted to the newspapers by Colonel Thomas B. Felder, of Atlanta, for publication with his statement answering the dictograph quotations.
First appears the affidavit of C. W. Tobie, representative of the Burns detective agency investigating the murder of Mary Phagan. Second is that of W. A. Milner, an attorney of Cartersville. Third, comes that of W. D. Rhea, formerly of Nashville. Fourth, is the deposition of C. R. Atchison, formerly of Nashville. And fifth, comes the affidavit of E. W. McNeal, formerly of Nashville.
Following is Mr. Tobie’s affidavit:
MR. TOBIE’S AFFIDAVIT. Continue reading Here Are Affidavits Submitted by Col. Felder
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Hugh M. Dorsey, Solicitor General, made it plain last night that if investigation develops the fact that there is anything in the charges of graft and corruption in the police department, or that Colonel Felder attempted to bribe public officials to secure evidence in the Phagan case, he most assuredly would present the matter to the Grand Jury.
He said, however, that he does not think the charges and counter charges would amount to anything when sifted to the final analysis, other than a controversy between the city detectives and the man who brought the Burns detectives into the Phagan case.
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Atlanta Georgian, May 25th 1913, “Dorsey to Present Graft Charges if They Stand Up,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
“Frank will be convicted. He is the guilty man, and we will show it beyond a doubt. Evidence that we hold but will not reveal will startle those who believe his innocence into conviction of his guilt. It will not be disclosed until the trial.
“I have been confident throughout the investigation of his guilt. I am satisfied now. Colonel Felder’s charges that we have shielded Frank can find no substantiation. The evidence we have unearthed is proof to the contrary.
“The detectives of police headquarters have solved the mystery of Mary Phagan’s murder. They have combatted against odds heavier than those we ever encountered before. I am proud of my men.
“I know my duty has been done. The murder of the little pencil factory girl has been cleared, and Tom Felder has been shown up in his true colors. That is why the Atlanta detective department sleeps well o’ nights.”
—Chief Newport A. Lanford.
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Atlanta Constitution, May 25th 1913, “Frank the Guilty Man, Declares Chief Lanford,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
So Declares Colonel Thomas B. Felder in Scathing Arraignment of Chief of Detectives and Those Assisting Him. Says Lanford and the Pinkerton Detectives Are Doing All They Can to Hamper the Phagan Investigation — Refers to Lanford as the “Lieutenant Becker” of the Department
CHARGES A. S. COLYAR WITH BEING A SELF-CONFESSED FORGER AND BLACKMAILER
Colonel Felder Says He Met Colyar Two and a Half Years Ago. During His Controversy With Governor Blease, and That Colyar Palmed Off Forged Affidavits on Him — Declares Colyar Came to Him With Tales of Corruption in Police Department and Asked for $1,000 for His Information
Charging Atlanta police officials with a conspiracy to shield and protect the murderers of Mary Phagan and styling Chief Newport Lanford as “the Lieutenant Becker of Atlanta and controlling genius” of the plot, Colonel Thomas B. Felder late Saturday gave out an emphatic statement vehemently denying the attempted bribery and other charges hurled at him by the police in the now famous dictograph records.
That a dictograph was used Colonel Felder doubts, and if one was used in the Williams house, he asserts, the record was changed by the persons using the record. This he tends to establish by showing that the record quotes him now in the first person singular and again in the second person singular. The record, he asserts, was “framed.”
Colonel Felder asserts that the plot was hatched with the day Leo M. Frank was arrested and maintains that since that time the police have done nothing else save protect the two suspects and obstruct the work of the Burns agency and Solicitor Dorsey.
He attacks A. S. Colyar in a half dozen affidavits appended to his lengthy statement. Colyar, he says, is morally and mentally irresponsible and merely a tool in the hands of Lanford and his agents.
He charges that the Coleman affidavit, imputed by the police to be a repudiation of Felder’s connection with the Phagan investigation, was obtained from J. W. Coleman under pressure.
The police plot, he charges, involves the [P]Inkertons and was organized by Chief Lanford and the Atlanta operatives for the Pinkertons employed the day after the Phagan murder by the National Pencil company.
HIS RELATIONS WITH COLYAR.
The statement given out by Colonel Felder, as he had announced Friday, constitutes a narrative of the events leading up to the conferences in Williams House No. 2, where the dictograph was operated by Colyar and G. C. Febuary. Continue reading “Lanford is the Controlling Genius of Conspiracy to Protect the Murderer of Little Mary Phagan”
Originally published by the American Mercury on the 100th anniversary of the Leo Frank trial.
100 years ago today the trial of the 20th century ended its first week, shedding brilliant light on the greatest murder mystery of all time: the murder of Mary Phagan. And you are there.
by Bradford L. Huie
THE MOST IMPORTANT testimony in the first week of the trial of National Pencil Company superintendent Leo Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan was that of the night watchman, Newt Lee (pictured, right, in custody), who had discovered 13-year-old Mary’s body in the basement of the pencil factory during his nightly rounds in the early morning darkness of April 27, 1913. Here at the Mercury we are following the events of this history-making trial as they unfolded exactly 100 years ago. We are fortunate indeed that Lee’s entire testimony has survived as part of the Leo Frank Trial Brief of Evidence, certified as accurate by both the defense and the prosecution during the appeal process. (For background on this case, read our introductory article and my exclusive summary of the evidence against Frank.) Continue reading The Leo Frank Trial: Week One
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Woodward Brands Dictograph Trap Scheme to Make Him “Goat” Against Beavers.
Mayor Woodward declared Saturday night that the sensational dictograph records were merely the “froth of a plot of a ‘dirty gang,’” and too unworthy and ridiculous to require any official action from him.
“I think the matter reached its proper culmination when the dirty old crook Colyar, seemingly the chief promoter of the plot, was arrested on a charge of forgery.”
Then taking a more serious view of the situation, Mayor Woodward gave some illuminating views on Atlanta police politics.
Mayor Picked for “Goat.”
The filling in of the dictograph statement, purporting to be from me, is a good illustration of the efforts of certain persons to make me the ‘goat’ in their campaign to get rid of Police Chief J. L. Beavers. I have never posed as a sympathizer of Beavers, but I have never made any effort to oust him. Nevertheless, certain persons, some of them posing as his friends and supporters, have continually sought to bring a focus, through me, the fight to fire him.
“I told Beavers I was not going to try to put him out.
Dictograph Report Wrong.
“The first part of my conversation reported in the dictograph statement was correct. But some dirty crook added to the last part—that is unless the mistakes were inadvertently made by the operator. I did not mention Chief Beavers nor Chief Lanford nor any other names. They tald [sic] me—that is, Colyar told me with the assent of February [sic]—they had evidence of graft against Beavers and Lanford and I answered I wanted the evidence, no matter whom it hit.
“I did not offer them any money, but I will say now that I will subscribe to a fund to unearth any graft in any city department. I did not even tell them how strongly I felt on such matters, because I did not like the appearance of their whole dirty affair. Continue reading ‘Colyar Arrest Proper End to Plot of Crook’
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Columbia, S. C., May 24.—(Special.—Governor Cole Blease, on whom the dictagraph [sic] was first sprung in the south, and by a strange coincidence through the instrumentality of Colonel T. B. Felder, feels that his time has come, and recent events are pointed to by him as his complete vindication.
“’He that putteth on the sword by the sword he shall perish’—or words to that effect—is my biblical authority for the paraphrase that ‘he who uses the dictagraph against another and fails to prove anything by it, by the dictagraph himself shall be crucified,’” said Governor Blease in talking of the Atlanta situation today.
“And the worst part of it all,” continued Governor Blease, “is that this same man, A. S. Colyar, is the identical sleuth hound turned loose by Felder on me to injure me among my own people—Colyar, this proven criminal and madman. He was the man chosen by Felder to wreck me, and now he turns up by wrecking Felder, and the strangest part of the whole thing is that Felder, now in his own defense, is forced to the dernier resort of proving that the man he sent to get evidence against me is too contemptible to be worthy of either confidence or belief. My own vindication, therefore, comes from Felder himself. Who would have thought it—and this so soon!”
“I do not suppose anybody that knows Tom Felder would be surprised if he is guilty or if this is a scheme worked up by him to get a little cheap notoriety and advertising.
“However, I presume that the members of the Atlanta bar will immediately furnish certificates of character for their darling Tommy and show that he is above suspicion and a gentleman of the highest character, with unblemished reputation as a man and attorney; and if a court of Georgia should order his arrest, that General Anderson will forthwith call out the militia and have him released, as General Anderson, his former partner and lifelong friend, knows of his character and reputation, and will not for a moment allow his Tommy to be interfered with.
“I am satisfied that poor little misled Joe Brown has had his pardon clerk ready fixing up a release for his innocent darling in case of any conviction.
“And as a matter of course the gutter snipes who went over to Augusta from South Carolina will hurry to offer their services to go on sweet Tommy’s bond, and also to appear in the courts, along with ‘Seaboard Bill,’ and his friend, J. L. Lyon, who have heretofore been his bosom friends in his defense; all save Chairman Carlisle, who, I suppose, will be too busy ‘moneying’ to leave his own state just now.
“Consequently, all will be well. Birds of a feather flock together and, of course, if the lead buzzard rings his bell the congregation will assemble.”
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Atlanta Constitution, May 25th 1913, “‘Knew It Was Coming,’ Declares Cole Blease,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Knoxville Charge Against Him Not Pressed for More Than Four Years
A. S. Colyar was detained late Saturday afternoon on the request of E. D. Conners, chief of police of Knoxville, Tenn. to face an indictment charging forgery returned four years ago by the grand jury at that city. The amount involved is $90.
Colyar hotly maintains that his arrest is a plot of Colonel T. B. Felder’s to get him out of town. He declares that the Knoxville official was prompted to press the old charge against him by a friend of Felder’s.
Colyar was taken into custody by city detectives on the street and accompanied them to police headquarters. He was closeted with Chief of Police Beavers and Chief of Detectives Lanford for nearly an hour. Later he secured bond and was allowed his liberty.
SAYS FELDER CAUSED ARREST.
“I have been in Knoxville many times since the indictment was returned against me,” Colyar told Chief Beavers, “and there never was any attempt to press the charge or arrest me. If Felder had not devised the plot, no action would have been taken at this time. Continue reading Colyar Imputes Arrest to Felder Conspiracy
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
A deluge of statements and affidavits tending to connect him with criminal operations all over the United States and Mexico, and showing that he has served time in half a dozen penitentiaries and been an inmate of a number of insane asylums, poured in Saturday upon the head of A. S. Colyar, the man who has stirred the city with his dictograph plots and his graft and bribery accusations involving Colonel Thomas B. Felder, Mayor James G. Woodward and others.
Twenty-four hours after Colyar fired his first shot he was in jail. He was arrested by detectives at the request of the police of Knoxville, Tenn., who wired Chief Beavers that they hold a Grand Jury indictment against Colyar for forgery. The wire received by Chief Beavers follows:
Knoxville, Tenn., May 24, 1913.
J. L. Beavers, Chief of Police, Atlanta, Ga.:
I hold Grand Jury warrant for A. S. Colyar, charge forgery. Age 50 to 55. Six feet high. Long black hair; large Roman nose; smooth shaven; slightly stoop-shouldered. All around crook. Found around hotels. Arrest and wire.
ED D. CONNERS,
A number of affidavits dealing with the character of Colyar and each declaring him to be the last word in crookedness were made yesterday afternoon by various persons, and are in the possession of Colonel Felder. Extracts from a few of them are printed below: Continue reading Long Criminal Record of Colyar is Cited
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Marion Jackson Has No Comment to Make on Beavers-Felder Controversy.
Marion Jackson and John J. Eagan, leaders of the Men and Forward Religion Movement were seen strolling down Decatur street last night about 9:30 o’clock. With them was N. A. Best, editor of The Continent, a religious journal published in Chicago. That Mr. Jackson and Mr. Eagan should be seen going down Decatur street in the direction of the police headquarters, at this time, when a new attack on the chief has been made, naturally caused considerable comment.
Mr. Jackson denied, however, that his appearance in that locality had any connection with Chief Beavers and the police department.
“The chief is amply able to take care of himself and needs no assistance from me,” said Mr. Jackson. “I have no comment to make on t[h]e controversy between Mr. Beavers and Mr. Felder.”
Mr. Jackson added that he was on Decatur street to show his friend, Mr. Best, something of life among the negroes in a southern city.
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Atlanta Constitution, May 25th 1913, “Says Chief is Able to Care for Himself,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Capt. English, Robt. F. Maddox and Others Comment on Dictograph Interview
Captain James W. English, president of the Fourth National bank, Saturday gave The Journal a statement to the effect that he has had no connection whatever with Attorney Thomas B. Felder’s investigation of the Mary Phagan murder mystery.
Robert F. Maddox, vice president of the American National bank, made a similar statement.
Captain English said:
“I don’t know what Mr. Felder could have had in mind when he made the statement, if he did make it, that I, among other citizens, was backing him in his efforts to solve the Mary Phagan murder mystery. I never had a conversation with him or with anyone representing him in regard to the Phagan case. In fact, I have not conferred with anyone about the case, beyond casually asking some of the city detectives their theory of the case, and casual discussion of the case with friends. I want to make it clear that I have never talked with Mr. Felder, with anyone representing him, or with anyone associated with him, in regard to his efforts to discover the guilty party.”
Mr. Maddox said: Continue reading Citizens Deny Authority for Using Their Names
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Athens Judge Tells Colonel Felder That Dictograph ‘Trapper’ Is Under Suspended Sentence in Georgia. Knoxville Complaint To Be Pressed.
A. S. Colyar, soldier of fortune, who plotted the destruction, by means of the dictograph, of Colonel T. B. Felder and Mayor Woodward, last night was released under bond from the city prison.
The charge of forgery on which he was arrested, he declared, was trumped up in order to take him from Atlanta, and was brought, he says, by Felder or his friends.
Colyar was arrested at Marietta and Forsyth Streets Saturday afternoon by Detectives Chewning and Norris when a telegram came from Ed Conners, of Knoxville, Tenn., to hold him. The charge mentioned in the telegram was that Colyar obtained $90 from Rosa Johnson, of Knoxville, on a forged draft.
Several hours later two friends came to Colyar’s rescue. Detective R. S. Ozburn signed the required bond of $1,000 and an unknown friend delivered $200 as a cash bond for the prisoner. Colyar was released.
Chief Beavers said last night that he arrested Colyar as a matter of courtesy to Chief Conners, possessing no warrant authorizing him to take Colyar into custody. It probably will be Thursday, according to the telegram from Chief Conners, before requisition papers can be had.
“The alleged incident occurred four years ago,” Colyar said last night. “During that period I have been to Knoxville a number of times, and have not been molested. The charge, coming as it does now, is the result of a plot to “get me away from Atlanta.” Continue reading Colyar, Held as Forger, is Freed on Bond; Long Crime Record Charged
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
“Except to say that I have absolute confidence in the honesty and integrity of Chiefs James L. Beavers and Newport Lanford, I do not care to express myself,” said Carlos Mason, chairman of the police commission, yesterday when asked for an official expression in regard to the charges made by Colonel T. B. Felder that the police and detective departments are full of graft and corruption.
“All that I know of the case has been learned through the evidence and statements made public,” he said added, “and as I have not been drawn into the matter and am not conversant with its details I would not care to say in what light I regard the attack.
“I knew nothing in advance of the efforts of the detectives to fasten evidence upon Colonel Felder through the use of a dictagraph [sic],” he added, “and it has come as a surprise to me.
“As to the charges themselves, as made by both parties to the case I have formed no opinion which I could express. I have no hesitancy, however, in stating my belief in the honesty of the departments.”
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Atlanta Constitution, May 25th 1913, “Police Chairman Confident of Honesty of Officials,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Denies That Police Have Suppressed Evidence in the Phagan Mystery
Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford when apprised of Colonel Felder’s statement as issued Saturday afternoon to the effect that the police had plotted to protect and shield the slayers of Mary Phagan, pronounced the charges as absurd as they were false.
In replying to Colonel Felder’s assertion that Chief Lanofor[d] and some of the men on the detective force hda [sic] leagued themselves with the Pinkertons to suppress evidence in the Phagan case the minute Leo M. Frank and Newt Lee were placed under arrest, Chief Lanford said:
“The people of Atlanta themselves can judge just how much evidence we have suppressed on Frank and Lee from the result of the Phagan investigation thus far. Our efforts have been to find the slayer of Mary Phagan at any event and we believe that we have succeeded.
“The mere fact that my men worked with the Pinkertons spells nothing sinister. The Pinkertons are employed by the National Pencil company, it is true, but they are obligated only to find the murderer of Mary Phagan. Like the city detective department the Pinkertons believe they have succeeded.
“At any event, no matter what Tom Felder may charge against this or any other department of the police, future developments in the Phagan case will vindicate utterly the position of the police.
THE COLEMAN AFFIDAVIT.
On Colonel Felder’s accusation that the affidavit of J. W. Coleman, imputed to repudiate Felder’s employment in the case, was forced from Coleman by Chief Lanford, the head of the detectives said: Continue reading Chief Lanford Calls Felder’s Charges False
This is the epic true crime case from early 20th century Atlanta resulting from 13-year-old little Mary Phagan’s murder by Leo M. Frank in 1913 – her employer and superintendent at the National Pencil Company in 1913. Leo Frank’s lynching was inspired by outraged citizens after his death sentence was commuted by his lead trial attorney’s law partner the Governor John M. Slaton; followed by the century-long effort by Frank’s Jewish co-religionists to exonerate him, ending with his pardon in 1986 by the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles–which specifically refrained, however, from exonerating Frank.
Please purchase a copy of this book on Amazon or Ebay and follow along while the narrator reads each chapter.
In spite of the fact that the author Mary Phagan (now Mary Phagan Kean) is the great-niece of little Mary Phagan, and naturally has strong emotions about the affair, this book contains the most balanced account of the case so far, as Ms. Kean has gone back to the complete trial record, and studied it extensively. She corrects the false statements that are mendaciously used in most accounts to convince readers or viewers of Frank’s supposed innocence, while acknowledging that it it impossible to know with 100% certainty that Frank was the murderer.
Reference:
https://archive.org/details/TheMurderOfLittleMaryPhaganByMaryPhaganKean1987
Atlanta Georgian
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Colonel Thomas B. Felder Saturday night issued an exhaustive statement denying once more that he had offered a bribe of $1,000 to Chief Lanford’s clerk, G. C. February [sic], for evidence involving his superiors; charging that the dictograph records of his conversations with February and A. S. Colyar were padded; denouncing Colyar as a proved crook and ex-convict, and charging wholesale corruption in the police department, particularly against Beavers and Lanford. He said he would furnish positive proof of this corruption later.
Here is Colonel Felder’s statement, in full:
To the People of Atlanta:
The publication of the sensational “story” relating to myself and my connection with the Phagan case is but the symptom of manifestation of one of the most diabolical conspiracies ever hatched by a venal and corrupt “system” to protect crime in a civilized community.
To be more specific, this conspiracy was formed just after the arrest of Newt Lee and Leo Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan. The controlling genius of it is Newport Lanford, chief of the city detectives. Its object is to shield and protect the murderers of this innocent child, and in its wicked ramifications it marks our distinguished (?) chief of detectives as the Lieutenant Becker of our “system,” and renders his co-conspirators as dangerous to the lives, liberty, property and reputation of our citizens as the bloody and deadly Society of the Mafia.
Pity it is that the press of the city has been and is being made the innocent, if effective, instrument in their hands to further and effectuate the object of this wicked conspiracy by prostituting their potential columns to the exploitation of the mass of forgeries, and perjuries which has been given to the public through their columns, for it is known that these papers have tacitly sanctioned the utterances of Colyar by reproducing his affidavits in the face of the fact that [t]he editors and proprietors of all would, without hesitation, swear that they would not believe him on oath if called upon to do so.
Says Police Shielded Frank.
Strangely enough, a portion of the criminal record of this man Colyar is reproduced, showing him to be a man steeped in crime and infamy, while in the parallel columns is published his defamatory utterances against me. Continue reading Attorney, in Long Statement, Claims Dictograph Records Against Him Padded
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Editor The Journal:
I herewith hand you a telegram in answer to one that I got Chief of Police Beavers to send, which explains one of Thomas B. Felder’s visions, which appeared in the Morning Eye-Opener of Saturday, and from my relations and connections with this astute and would-be bribe giver, my conscience tells me that society at large would be better off if T. B. Felder and myself were both in Sing Sing.
(Signed) A. S. COLYAR.
The telegram referred to follows:
Ossining, N. Y., May 24, 1914.
J. L. Beavers.
Chief of Police, Atlanta, Ga.
No record of A. S. Colyar can be found in Sing Sing prison.
JOHN S. KENNEDY, Warden.
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Atlanta Journal, May 25th 1913, “Colyar Tells Where He and Col Felder Ought to be for Good of Society,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Professed Conversion During Revival at Cartersville and Married Rich Widow Before the Meeting Was Over.
Athens, Ga., May 24.—(Special.)—A. S. Colyar, now in the public eye in the Felder matter, had a short, hot, meteoric career in Athens in 1905. He came here representing himself as a former law partner of Hon. Andrew Lipscomb, of Washington, ingratiated himself with the bar, passed a forged check on his father at the Georgia National bank, secured the indorsement of Colonel C. H. Brand, then prosecuting attorney for the state, on a fraudulent draft and disappeared.
He was located in Richmond, Va., serving a sentence on the chaingang for a serious offense. Requisition brought him back to Athens and on April, 11, 1905, he faced the charges of forgery, was convicted, and in a speech to the court before he was sentenced, he not only had jurors and attorneys weeping, but actually those he had wronged financially and the court itself, Judge Russell. He broke down and was carried from the room.
The sentence was suspended, a fund was made up in the court room of enough to buy him a suit of clothes and a ticket to Chattanooga. At Cartersville he left the train and was drawn to a revival meeting in progress, professed conversion, and went to preaching with great apparent power. Before the meeting was over, he had married a rich widow whose husband had been dead only a short time and he is said to have absorbed a small fortune left his wife.
He preached in Athens a number of times, billing himself ahead like a circus and filling the old Colonial theater with the curious crowd that wanted to hear him.
He went to Atlanta that summer and spoke at a tent meeting which was being conducted under the direction of Dr. Broughton and the Tabernacle church. On the docket of the superior court today the suspended sentence is still open and stands against Colyar. Judge Russell, who suspended that sentence, is now on the appellate court, which this week decided that a judge cannot effectively suspend sentences.
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Atlanta Constitution, May 25th 1913, “Colyar a Success in Preacher Role,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
“This is the First Gun in a Fight to Oust Me From Office,” Says the Chief in an Interview Given Out Saturday Afternoon — “This Issue Is Between the Decent People and the Allies of Vice Who Have Controlled the City Politically for Years”
MAYOR WOODWARD SAYS HE’S AGAINST BEAVERS, BUT NOT IN ANY CONSPIRACY TO REMOVE HIM FROM OFFICE
Says He Differs With the Chief on Policy, Not Personally. The Mayor Says Recent Dictograph Episode Has Destroyed His Belief in the Efficacy of That Ingenious Instrument — Charles C. Jones Denies Any Part in Fight to Remove Chief
As one of the many outgrowths of the alleged dictographed conversations of Colonel Thomas B. Felder, Mayor Woodward, Charlie C. Jones and E. O. Miles, in which they are quoted as seeking evidence to impeach Police Chief James L. Beavers and Detective Chief N. A. Lanford, Chief Beavers late Saturday afternoon gave out a red-hot statement in which he charged that the vice gangsters were conspiring to oust him from office because of his activity in closing up Atlanta’s restricted district.
The chief declared that Colonel Felder was the mouthpiece and agent of the gang which seeks his scalp. He said this gang was endeavoring to get him in a corner and that the fight now on and that it would be a fight to the finish.
According to Chief Beavers he has been informed that checks aggregating $1,500 have been deposited to be given over to any woman who could get him into a room with her.
“The houses have been closed eight months and they will remain closed as long as I am chief,” he says. “Those fighting me will resort to any political trick to bring my undoing. I am fully advised as to what they are doing and all I ask is that the decent people of this city continue to give me their support.” Continue reading “Felder is the Mouthpiece of the Vice Gang,” Declares Chief of Police Jas. L. Beavers
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Declares He Will Die Fighting ‘Foes of Reform’
Felder Denies Bribe Charges and Scores Police
Chief Sees Conspiracy to Overthrow His Rule and Calls Felder Leader in the Plot
Chief of Police James L. Beavers Saturday night gave to The Sunday American a sensational statement in reply to Colonel T. B. Felder’s accusations against him and the police department, and declared that he would go before the Grand Jury, and seek to indict Felder and all others implicated in the “conspiracy” against him. He made it very plain that if there were men “higher up” he would go after them, too.
While the Chief mentioned no names but that of Felder, it is known that the dictograph evidence in the hands of the police involves the names of Mayor Woodward, Charles C. Jones and Edward O. Miles.
The Chief said he would present his evidence to the Grand Jury at its next session. He said further that he does not depend solely on the evidence furnished by A. S. Colyar, Jr.
Has Proof of Plot, He Says.
“I have the testimony of other reputable witnesses that will show up this plot against me,” asserted the Chief.
The Chief declared that the alleged attempt to bribe Detective Secretary G. C. February [sic] to steal the evidence in the Phagan case was but an effort to discredit him and is “the fight of a gang of vice promoters and defenders.” He asserted that the fight is now open and on to the finish, and that he will “fight to the end, even if he dies in his tracks.” Continue reading I’ll Indict Gang, Says Beavers
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Sunday, May 25th, 1913
System of Corruption as Poisonous as That of the Mafia Exists in Atlanta, According to Statement Made by Attorney Accused of Trying to Bribe Secretary G. C. Febuary to Steal Affidavit in the Phagan Case—Says Detectives Are Trying to Shield Murderer of Girl.
COLONEL FELDER IS MAKING HIMSELF LAUGHING STOCK, SAYS LANFORD; HINTS AT NEW BRIBERY CHARGES
A. S. Colyar, Leading Figure in Bribe Charges, Is Placed Under Arrest on Warrant From Knoxville, But Is Released on Bond—Connally [sic], Negro Employee of the National Pencil Factory, Tells Officers He Wrote Notes at Dictation of Frank—Police Believe These Were the Ones Found by the Body of Mary Phagan.
Branding Detective Chief Newport Lanford as the “Lieutenant Becker” of the south, and charging that there exists in the Atlanta police department a “system” of corruption that is as poisonous as the deadly society of Mafia, Colonel Thomas B. Felder has issued counter charges to those of attempted bribery made against him Friday afternoon.
He declares that every bit of his sensational accusations can be supported by substantial evidence. He even asserts that the charges against him were made in an effort to shield and protect the murderer of Mary Phagan, whom the detective department are alleged to be assisting by the destruction of damaging evidence and by procuring witnesses.
First, and the most important of Saturday developments, was the indictment by the grand jury of Leo M. Frank, the suspected factory superintendent. The true bill was returned before noon. He now will be tried before Fulton superior court on the direct charge of Mary Phagan’s murder.
Second, was the confession of James Connally, a negro sweeper in the pencil factory, who declares that he wrote, at the dictation of Frank, notes which the detectives believe to be the ones found by the body of Mary Phagan. After making complete acknowledgement to Detective John Black and Harry Scott, he made an affidavit supporting the confession. Continue reading “Becker of South” Lanford is Branded by Col. Tom Felder
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Sunday, May 24th, 1913
No Documentary Evidence Was Placed Before the Grand Jury and James Conley, the Negro Sweeper Who Made Sensational Affidavit About Writing Certain Notes at Frank’s Dictation on Day Before Tragedy, Was Not Examined by the Jury
DR. HURT COULD NOT SAY POSITIVELY THAT MARY PHAGAN HAD BEEN ASSAULTED BEFORE DEATH
Both the Other Two Witnesses Gave Their Opinion in the Affirmative—Complete Summary of Evidence on Which the Grand Jury Decided That Frank Must Stand Trial for Death of Girl—Has Lee Given New Evidence to His Attorney?
While Solicitor General H. M. Dorsey will make no statement, it is undoubtedly true that the state did not show “its hand” even in the secrecy of the grand jury room to secure the indictment Saturday of Leo M. Frank on the charge of murdering Mary Phagan.
Sharing interest with the returning of a true bill against the factory superintendent, is the sensational eleventh hour statement of James Conley that he wrote certain notes similar in language to those found by the murdered Mary Phagan at Mr. Frank’s dictation.
Despite the fact that Conley stuck to his story when vigorously cross examined by Solicitor Dorsey, it is said that the official does not fully credit the negro’s sensational statement.
It was not necessary to put the negro before the grand jury and Mr. Dorsey did not go into the details of his statement until after the true bill had been returned.
Even then he did not consider Conley’s statement of sufficient importance to secure from a safety deposit vault the notes found by the slain girl’s body, and they have never been offered to Conley for identification.
The effect of the negro’s statement on the state’s whole case is known to the solicitor alone. Its influence is apparently disturbing, and it has been said that the solicitor was preparing to introduce finger print and handwriting experts in an effort to show that Frank himself wrote the words on the two sheets of paper found in the basement of the National Pencil factory on the morning of April 27.
If Conley’s story can not be shaken, the experts will not be needed unless it is to swear to the similarity of his handwriting to that of the notes. Continue reading State Didn’t Show its Case to Secure Indictment Against Superintendent Leo M. Frank
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Chief of Detectives Newport A. Lanford said Saturday that the whole sinister significance of the charges brought against Colonel Thomas B. Felder lay in the fact that the forces of evil in the city had been steadily laboring for the downfall of himself and Chief Beavers ever since the city was cleaned up and the disreputable resorts put out of business.
He declared that since that time spies and agents of “the interests” that were most harmed had been on the trail of himself and Chief Beavers trying to “get something on them” which would result in their disgrace and dismissal from office.
The theft of affidavits and other papers from his safe, he declared, was only a part of the deep plot to discredit the heads of the police and the detective departments.
Every accusation that is made by Lanford, Colonel Felder has denied to The Georgian, and has replied to Lanford by saying that the detective department has not been seeking to find the real criminal in the Phagan mystery, but has been making every effort to save the guilty man from the consequences of his terrible crime.
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Atlanta Georgian, May 24th 1913, “Felder’s Fight is to Get Chief and Lanford Out of Office,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Originally published by the American Mercury on the 100th anniversary of the Leo Frank trial.
Take a journey through time with the American Mercury, and experience the trial of Leo Frank (pictured, in courtroom sketch) for the murder of Mary Phagan just as it happened as revealed in contemporary accounts. The Mercury will be covering this historic trial in capsule form from now until August 26, the 100th anniversary of the rendering of the verdict.
by Bradford L. Huie
THE JEWISH ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE (ADL) — in great contrast to the American Mercury and other independent media — has given hardly any publicity to the 100th anniversary of the murder of Mary Phagan and the arrest and trial of Leo Frank, despite the fact that these events eventually led to the foundation of the ADL. Probably the League is saving its PR blitz for 1915, not only because that is centenary of Leo Frank’s death by lynching (an event possibly of much greater interest to the League’s wealthy donors than the death of Mary Phagan, a mere Gentile factory girl), but also because encouraging the public to read about Frank’s trial might not be good for the ADL — it might well lead to doubts about the received narrative, which posits an obviously innocent Frank persecuted by anti-Semitic Southerners looking for a Jewish scapegoat.
For readers not familiar with the case, a good place to start is Scott Aaron’s summary of the crime, from his The Murder of Mary Phagan and the Lynching of Leo Frank, which states in part:
“ON SATURDAY morning at 11:30, April 26, 1913 Mary Phagan ate a poor girl’s lunch of bread and boiled cabbage and said goodbye to her mother for the last time. Dressed for parade-watching (for this was Confederate Memorial Day) in a lavender dress, ribbon-bedecked hat, and parasol, she left her home in hardscrabble working-class Bellwood at 11:45, and caught the streetcar for downtown Atlanta.
“Before the festivities, though, she stopped to see Superintendent Leo M. Frank at the National Pencil Company and pick up from him her $1.20 pay for the one day she had worked there during the previous week….
“Almost no one knew it at the time, but by one o’clock one young life was already over. For her there would never again be parades, or music, or kisses, or flowers, or children, or love. Mary Phagan never left the National Pencil Company alive. Abused, beaten, and strangled by a rough cord pulled so tightly that it had embedded itself deeply in her girlish neck and made her tongue protrude more than an inch from her mouth, Mary Phagan lay dead, dumped in the dirt and shavings of the pencil company basement, her once-bright eyes now sightless and still as she lay before the gaping maw of the furnace where the factory trash was burned.”
Continue reading 100 Years Ago Today: The Trial of Leo Frank Begins
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
“Gang of Vice Promoters Have Been After Me,” Declares Police Chief.
Chief of Police J. L. Beavers, in answering the turmoil of accusations of graft and frame-ups which have been cast at himself and Detective Chief Lanford, declared the whole to be the result of a plot of gangsters which has been working against him ever since he closed up the Tenderloin section of Atlanta.
“This whole proposition is a fight against me by a gang of vice promoters,” declared Chief Beavers. “Tom Felder is the leader of it and C. C. Jones is his chief lieutenant.
“They have made repeated attempts to attack me. Only last Christmas I learned that they had offered $300 to a man if he would get me into a room with a woman of ill fame.
“Their action now is the result of the constant prodding I have been giving them. They have had to come out into the open and fight. This is going to be a fight to the finish, too.
“I am going to carry this matter before the Grand Jury. It is going to be a fight to the finish, even though I get killed in the meantime.”
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Atlanta Georgian, May 24th 1913, “Beavers Says He Will Seek Indictments,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Certain residents of Bellwood, the part of Atlanta where live Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Coleman, the parents of little Mary Phagan, wish The Journal to put them publicly on record in denouncing as absolutely untrue certain published reports to the effect that a subscription has been collected from them to employ Attorney Thomas B. Felder or any other lawyer, to assist in the prosecution of the alleged slayer.
Saturday morning, J. W. Hammond, of 161 Bellwood avenue, delivered the following statement to The Journal:
“There is absolutely no truth in the report that a subscription has been started by the residents of Bellwood to employ Thomas B. Felder to assist in the prosecution of the slayer or little Mary Phagan. I have lived out there for a long time, and certainly would have been approached had such a move been started.
“When I heard of the list, and yet did not see it, I could not understand why the persons circulating it had not been to me.
“I began to inquire around, and soon became convinced that no such move had been started.
“The people out here know of no such thing having been attempted, and certainly all of us would have been more than willing to give—had we wanted Mr. Felder.
“He simply ‘butted in.’”
J. M. Redd, proprietor of a drug store at 195 Bellwood avenue, declared to The Journal, with Mr. Hammond, that he had never been approached for funds and had heard of no such list being circulated.
George C. Barron, of 151 Wheeler street, how is conducting a series of revival meetings in Bellwood, was another who desired to be quoted. He said that he had heard nothing of the subscription being gotten up. Continue reading Residents of Bellwood Ask The Journal to Say That Mr. Felder Was Not Employed by Them
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
COLUMBIA, S. C., May 24.—When asked for a comment upon the Felder dictograph story, Governor Blease dictated the following:
I do not see that it is necessary for me to give out any interview or to have anything to say. It is not inside of my State and I do not suppose anybody that knows Tom Felder would be surprised if he is guilty, or if this is a scheme worked up by him to get a little cheap notoriety and advertisement.
However, I presume that the members of the Atlanta Bar will immediately furnish certificates of character for their darling Tommy and show that he is above suspicion and a gentleman of the highest character, with an unblemished reputation as a man and attorney, and if a court of Georgian should order his arrest that his friends will forthwith call out the militia and have him released, as they know of his character and reputation and will not for a moment allow Tommy to be interfered with. I am satisfied that poor little misled Joe Brown has had his pardon clerk already fixing up a release for his innocent darling in case of any conviction.
And, as a matter of course, the gutter snipes who went over to August from South Carolina will hurry to offer their services to go on sweet Tommy’s bond, and also to appear in the courts, along with Seaboard Bill and his friend, J. F. Lyon, who have heretofore been his bosom friends in his defense—all save Chairman Carlisle, who, I suppose, will be too busy “moseying” to leave his own State just now.
Consequently all will be well. Birds of a feather flock together, and of course if the lead buzzard rings his bell the congregation will assemble.
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Atlanta Georgian, May 24th 1913, “Blease Ironic in Comments on Felder Trap,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
“Where Is Col. Felder’s Fee in Phagan Case Coming From?” He Asks
Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford told The Journal Saturday afternoon that he doesn’t want to make any formal statement at this time regarding the charges of Colonel Thomas B. Felder. The charges were absurd, as any one familiar with the workings of the detective department would know, he said. The “personal attacks” were entirely unwarranted, he said.
“I want Felder to answer this question,” the chief said. “Why was he working without fees? Ask him where were his fees coming coming from.”
Chief of Police Beavers said he did not care to discuss the matter at this time.
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Atlanta Journal, May 24th 1913, “Chief Lanford Replies to Col. T. B. Felder,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Denouncing A. S. Colyar as an “eagle-beaked crook,” W. C. Tobie, the Burns detective who is here making an investigation of the Phagan case, declared on Saturday that the charges of bribery and double-dealing brought against Felder were a frame-up concocted by the Pinkerton Detective Agency and the Atlanta Police Department, with these three ends in view:
To discredit the Burns Agency.
To drive the Burns Agency from the State of Georgia.
To discredit Colonel Felder because he employed Burns men.
Tobie charges also that Colyar was used as the “capper” in the frame-up. He declares that Colyar tried to induce him to be a party to a fake frame-up on the Police Department and the Pinkertons, and that Colyar invited him to attend the conference at the Williams House No. 2 between Colonel Felder, G. C. February [sic] and Colyar. He declares that Colyar told him he had affidavits that proved crookedness and graft in the Police Department and that he heard Colyar, on last Sunday, offer to sell the evidence to Colonel Felder for a stipulated sum. He declares also that Colyar said he wanted to get even with the police because they had arrested him once.
Tobie’s Complete Statement.
Mr. Tobie’s complete statement, in which he outlines the position of the Burns Agency in the squabble, follows: Continue reading Frame-Up Aimed at Burns’ Men, Says Tobie
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Neither L. Z. Rosser Nor Herbert Haas Had Any Statement to Make
“Not a word to say,” was Attorney Luther Z. Rosser’s comment when informed by a Journal reporter that his client, Leo M. Frank, had been indicted by the grand jury for the murder of Mary Phagan.
Mr. Rosser held in his hand a Journal extra telling of the affidavit by the negro, James Connally [sic], that on the day before the tragedy Mr. Frank called him into his (Frank’s) office and asked him to dictate two notes, and that he believes the notes he dictated are the same ones found beside the murdered girl’s body in the pencil factory basement.
Asked if he would permit The Journal to interview Mr. Frank, Mr. Rosser said he would not.
“I have no statement to make. You’d better see Mr. Rosser,” was the reply of Attorney Herbert Haas when seen a few moments later by the same reporter and informed of Mr. Frank’s indictment.
Mr. Haas is associated with Mr. Rosser in the defense.
He likewise declined to permit Mr. Frank to be interviewed.
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Atlanta Journal, May 24th 1913, “Frank’s Attorneys Make No Comment,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
True Bills Already Drawn by Solicitor Against Frank and Lee.
The Grand Jury resumed Saturday morning the Phagan murder case with indictments against Leo M. Frank and Newt Lee charging strangulation.
While nothing definite could be learned, it was confidently expected at the office of the Solicitor Saturday morning the case of Frank might be completed during the day. Only a few more witnesses were to be called. It was learned, and these could tell what they knew in a few hours.
The indictments are the first of the kind to have been drawn in Fulton County in the recollection of the oldest court officials, and for this reason the exact verbiage is being kept secret. Fearing that if the indictments are not drawn in strict conformity to law, there would of course be some question of their validity, and there being so little law on this particular form of indictment, the Solicitor would not make public the phrasing of the bill until his assistant could find some precedent in the Supreme Court records.
It became known Saturday that none of the “star” witnesses for the State would go before the Grand Jury unless at the last moment the Solicitor thought it would be necessary to introduce them to secure the bill. Those who testified Friday were the detectives who appeared before the Coroner, and similar witnesses are awaiting their turn to be called upon Saturday.
The city detectives are the principal witnesses. From their investigation and examination of witnesses they are telling the Grand Jury everything they have found out. The Solicitor was confident this form of introducing evidence would not only greatly expedite matters, but would present the case in a more concise form. Continue reading Strangulation Charge is in Indictments
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
City Detective Department Holds Statements Alleging Attorney Made Attempt to Secure Coleman Affidavit.
SAY FELDER OFFERED $1,000 FOR THE PAPER
Report of Conversation Between Col. Felder, Secretary Febuary and A. S. Colyar Taken Down by Gentry
Colonel Thomas B. Felder—the man who brought the dictograph south and used it with such telling effect in the Blease investigation in South Carolina—has himself [several words illegible] and a charge of [several words illegible] against him and [several words illegible] which [several words illegible] the department declared [several words illegible].
Charges are made that Colonel Felder offered a bribe of $1,000 in order to have affidavits [1 word illegible] Phagan murder case stolen from the [1 word illegible] of Chief of Detectives N. A. Lanford and that he offered [several words illegible] the chief’s secretary if he would make the theft.
The charges are backed up by a detailed dictograph record of [several words illegible] which took place in a room of the Williams house No. 2 last Wednesday [several words illegible] Colonel Felder, Secretary G. C. Febuary and A. S. Colyar, [several words illegible] the [several words illegible] according to sworn statement by George M. Gentry [several words illegible] the expert [several words illegible] who is a nephew of Colonel W. T. Gentry [several words illegible].
Affidavit Says Felder Approached Colemans
The affidavit which the detectives declare Felder offered $1,000 to gain is a statement signed by Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Coleman and stepfather and mother of Mary Phagan. In this statement they [1 word illegible] that Colonel Felder approached them and [several words illegible] it would not cost them 1 cent.
Affiant told him he did not want to employ him and did not want to have anything to do with him, reads the affidavit. It goes on to explain that Mr. and Mrs. Coleman are satisfied with the work of the Atlanta police department. Continue reading Felder is Charged with Bribe Offer for Phagan Papers
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Grand Jury is Now Engaged in Conducting Investigation of the Murder of Mary Phagan.
That the state in its bills of indictment for the murder of Mary Phagan, brought separately against Leo M. Frank and Newt Lee, charges that the girl was strangled, was learned yesterday afternoon following the adjournment of the grand jury, which took up the case at 11 o’clock in the morning and went into its details until 1:45.
Shortly after the adjournment of the grand jury Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey expressed himself as well pleased with the results of the morning session.
“I am well satisfied with results to the present time,” said the solicitor when asked how the case was progressing.
“No, I can’t say how many or what witnesses I will place on the stand tomorrow,” he replied. “That depends to a great extent on the members of the grand jury and on how they feel in regard to the matter.”
Hearing Resumed Today.
The hearing will be resumed at 10 o’clock today, and according to Solicitor Hugh Dorsey, he is uncertain as to whether or not a conclusion will be reached during the day’s session, which is expected to adjourn shortly after 1 o’clock.
Six witnesses were taken before the grand jury by the solicitor in his attempt to secure indictments. The indictments were drawn separately, but were presented at the same time. Both the men held are charged with murder, that being the charge upon which the coroner’s jury bound them over to the grand jury.
Witnesses Before Jury.
The witnesses examined were Dr. J. W. Hurt, recently elected county physician, who examined the body before it was interred; Police Sergeant L. S. Dobbs, one of the officers who first found the body; R. P. Barrett, the machinist who found the evidences of blood and hair on a machine in the factory; “Boots Rogers, in whose machine the officers rode to the factory on the morning the girl was found, and City Detective J. N. Starnes, whose names appears as prosecutor on both bills of indictment. Continue reading Girl Strangled, Says Indictment
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Bernard L. Chappell, Lawyer for Negro Suspect, Declares His Client’s Testimony to Be Invaluable to the Case
Bernard L. Chappell, attorney for Newt Lee, the negro night watchman held as a suspect in connection with the murder of Mary Phagan, gave The Journal a statement Saturday indicating that his client will give practically convicting evidence as to the identity of the murderer.
“I consider his testimony the strongest known to the public against the guilty party,” said Mr. Chappell. “Before I would see him released and give the guilty party a chance to get his hands on Lee, I, his attorney, would swear out a warrant to hold him for the murder of Mary Phagan.”
It is to be presumed from the tone of Mr. Chappell’s card that Lee has given his attorney information yet withheld from the detectives. Mr. Chappell’s card to The Journal follows in full:
“To The Journal: I represent Newt Lee, the Phagan suspect. I wish to state that anyone who says that Newt Lee, the negro suspect in the Mary Phagan case, should be set free, is wrong, and before I would see him released and give the guilty part of this, the deepest and foulest murder ever committed in our state, a chance to get his hands on Lee, I, his attorney, would swear out a warrant to hold him for the murder of Mary Phagan.
“I consider his testimony the strongest known to the public against the guilty party. I want the public to know that it is my desire that the state’s custodian, our sheriff, C. W. Mangum, must hold my client, Newt Lee, to help avenge the murder of the little Mary Phagan girl whose blood cries to the Creator of us all.
“(Signed)
“BERNARD L. CHAPPELL.
“Attorney for Newt Lee.”
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Atlanta Journal, May 24th 1913, “Newt Lee Will Give Convicting Evidence Attorney Indicates,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Records Show He Has Been Confined in Numerous Prisons and Twice in Asylum.
Who is A. S. Colyar?
The records show that Colyar was once confined in the Middle Tennessee Insane Asylum, and that more recently he was sent to Lyons View, the East Tennessee Asylum. Information from Nashville is that he served time in prisons all over the State, as well as in Sing Sing, New York, and a jail in Virginia. Telegrams from Chattanooga paint him as a wild adventurer who spends considerable time in prison and is always in trouble.
In Prison Many Times.
NASHVILLE, TENN., May 24.—A. S. Colyar is a son of the late A. S. Colyar, of this city, one of the most brilliant lawyers and statesmen Tennessee ever produced. When not violently insane his mind works brilliantly, but always to the wrong end. He has been in prison time after time, but always evaded long sentences through influence of his father’s friends.
Young Colyar’s most noted exploit, as it is understood here, consisted in connection with the famous Mollineux murder case in New York. He went from Nashville to New York, saw General Mollineux and offered to have his son acquitted for $20,000.
“Your son is innocent,” Colyar is reported to have said, “One of my clients, now in the Tennessee penitentiary, is guilty. He confessed to me. For $20,000 I can get him out of the penitentiary, bring him here, induce him to confess and save your son’s life.”
Next day, so the story here runs, General Mollineux advanced him half the money, Colyar went back to Nashville, engaged a well-known pickpocket as a confederate, took him to New York with half a dozen guards and claimed the rest of the $20,000. The ruse might have worked, except for the fact that an assistant district attorney secured information about Colyar and blocked his plans.
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Atlanta Georgian, May 24th 1913, “Colyar Called Convict and Insane,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
“I am not surprised,” said Chief Beavers when asked to give an expression on Colonel T. B. Felder’s alleged statement regarding graft and immorality in the detective department. “I am not surprised in the least.
“However, I don’t think it would be very nice of him to have me ridden through the streets naked, as he is reported to have threatened. Besides being not nice, he might lay himself liable to prosecution for public idecency.”
Further than this, Chief Beavers maintained the sphinx-like attitude which has characterized him ever since a certain memorable occasion when he closed the red light district.
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Atlanta Constitution, May 24th 1913, “Chief Beavers Not Surprised at Col. Felder’s Statements,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Proprietor of “Rex” Near-Beer Saloon and Private Sleuth Are Quoted as Having Negotiated With Febuary for Papers in Phagan Case—Jones Was Very Cautious in His Utterances
MILES WAS QUITE POSITIVE MAYOR WOODWARD WOULD SEE TO IT THAT FEBUARY WAS PROTECTED
Following the alleged dictographed conversations of Colonel Thomas B. Felder and Mayor Woodward Wednesday afternoon an engagement was made by A. S. Colyar for Charles C. Jones, proprietor of the “Rex” near-beer saloon, and E. O. Miles, a private detective, to meet G. C. Febuary, secretary to Chief of Detectives N. A. Lanford, in room No. 31 of Williams House No.2, to further discuss the subject of extracting certain papers from the safe of the chief of detectives.
This alleged discussion was also dictographed, and from the dictograph record it appears that Jones was too foxy for the ingenious machine. He was apparently very guarded in his utterances, although he took occasion to attack Police Chief Beavers and Marion Jackson, of the Men and Religious Forward Movement, for their part in closing up the restricted district.
Miles was more frank in his conversation. The dictograph record quotes him as agreeing to meet Colyar and Febuary outside Fulton county for the transfer of the papers and assuring the latter that he would be protected by Mayor Woodward.
THE DICTOGRAPH RECORD.
Following is the dictograph record on the Miles-Jones-Febuary-Colyar conversation:
The following conversation occurred in room No. 31 at Williams House, No. 2, 34-36 N. Forsyth street, Atlanta, Georgia, Wednesday evening between eight and nine o’clock, between C. C. Jones, E. O. Miles and A. S. Colyar:
Colyar: It has been very warm today, hasn’t it?
Miles: Yes, it has. I asked Mr. Felder if you mentioned Mr. Jones’ name to him and he said no. Continue reading Charlie C. Jones Shown by Dictograph to Have Been Foxy; Detective Miles Talks Freely
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Colonel Thomas B. Felder entered into an explicit and detailed denial to The Georgian of all the charges of attempted bribery contained in the affidavits signed by G. C. Febuary, secretary to Chief of Detectives Lanford, and A. S. Colyar, a private detective with spectacular career.
Colonel Felder declared the alleged dictograph record of conversation he is alleged to have had with Colyar and Febuary in Williams House No. 2 a “frame-up” and a fabrication.
The report that he had offered $1,000 for the Coleman affidavit in the Phagan case and affidavits said to indicate graft in the Police Department he branded as absolutely false.
The whole plot had been concocted, he said, to discredit himself and W. J. Burns and drive them from the Phagan case so the guilty person might be protected.
“Every move made by the police in the Phagan case has been for the protection of the real criminal,” said Colonel Felder. “The police have kept an innocent negro there in a cell for three weeks in the hope that they can crush a confession out of him and let the real culprit go free.
“Guilty Person Protected.”
“If the desire were not to protect the guilty person, why should they desire to eliminate Burns and myself? Burns has a reputation for landing every criminal he goes after. He has a reputation for being absolutely merciless in the manner he hunts down his man. It is as certain as anything can be in the detection of criminals that he will be successful, once he gets started on a case. He is known to be unpurchasable. Everybody knows that he could have accepted a million dollars at any time during the chase for the McNamara brothers if he had been willing to say that he had not been able to find the dynamiters. Continue reading Felder Charges Police Plot to Shield Slayer
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
A. S. Colyar, when seen last night by a representative of The Atlanta Constitution, gave out the following statement:
“I have just read Colonel T. B. Felder’s card in the bedtime edition of The Atlanta Georgian, in which he sees fit to call me, behind my back, a liar and a crook. Knowing the colonel as I do, and as his intimate friends know, he is a past grand master on explanations. The Atlanta Journal, in its Friday afternoon home edition, published every detail of the case, with the sworn statements of Mr. February [sic], Mr. Ozburn, Mr. Gentry, Mr. Suries and myself, and I do not care at the present time to dignify this astute politician with any further controversy.”
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Atlanta Constitution, May 24th 1913, “A. S. Colyar Makes Answer to Charges of Col. Felder,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Says He Will Not Allow Himself to Be Drawn Into Row of Attorney and Detectives
Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey said Saturday morning relative to the Felder affair:
“This controversy will have no bearing on the prosecution of any one who may be indicted in the Phagan case. I have no reasons to question the good faith and sincerity of Colonel Thomas B. Felder. Also, I am certain the city detectives are not ‘double-crossing’ or misleading me as has been suggested.”
Mr. Dorsey would make no statement relative to the grand jury following Chief Lanford’s suggestion that it was “up to them to act” in the Felder matter.
In the detective’s dictagraph [sic] manuscript, which purports to record a conversation between Attorney Felder, A. S. Colyar and G. C. February [sic], in Williams House No. 3, Mr. Felder is quoted as saying he could “control” among other officials, the solicitor general.
Solicitor Dorsey is quoted as saying in reply:
“Why there is no use for me to deny any such remarks as those attributed to Colonel Felder, and I certainly do not wish to express my opinions in the matter. In fact, I know nothing whatever of the affair except what is generally known to the public.
“Colonel Felder never expressed to me any intention of taking steps to attempt to show graft or fraud on the part of the city police or detectives,” replied the solicitor when asked if during his conference in regard to the Phagan case. Colonel Felder had made any expression in regard to the present situation.
“The latest conference I had with Colonel Felder was when he came to my home last Sunday night to confer upon the Phagan case. As I announced publicly some time ago, I worked with him as I have done with others interested in probing the matter. I received what information I could from them, but kept my own theories and results of investigations to myself.
“As far as I know, there had never been any disturbing force in operation between the city detectives and Colonel Felder,” he replied to a query on this point.
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Atlanta Journal, May 24th 1913, “Dorsey Steers Clear of Felder Controversy,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
by Scott Aaron
IT MAY WELL BE the greatest murder mystery of all time. Some assert that the Mary Phagan murder case is solved, but those who so assert are of two different and mutually exclusive camps. And those two camps still stand diametrically opposed to this day, four generations later. The case aroused the outrage and ire and vengeance of two great communities. One, the Jewish community, feel overwhelmingly today, and felt to a lesser but still substantial extent in 1913, that Leo Frank was tried and condemned simply because he was a Jew. They believe that Leo Frank is so obviously innocent that he never would have been tried had it not been for endemic anti-Semitism in 1913 Atlanta. And they have been remarkably effective in making Southern anti-Semitism the leitmotif of virtually all drama, documentary, and other remembrance of this case for the last half century. The other, the largely Christian Southern gentile community, believed overwhelmingly in 1913 — and to an unknown but doubtlessly large degree still believes today — that justice was done when all the jurors, and every appeal court in the land including the Supreme Court of the United States, after a monumental and impressively-funded defense, agreed that Leo Frank was fairly tried and convicted for the murder of Mary Phagan. And it must rankle Southerners almost beyond words to be accused of anti-Semitism, when no Christian community anywhere on earth has so respected and welcomed Jews, has so openly acknowledged its spiritual roots in Judaism, or has so enthusiastically supported the Jewish state of Israel. Continue reading Three Strangling Deaths: Why I Chose to Write About the Leo Frank Case
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Wanted Woodward to See Just What Sort of a Crook Colyar Was, He Declares.
Edward O. Miles, a private detective, assumes the responsibility for the presence of Mayor Woodward at the Williams House, resulting in the dictographing of the Chief Executive of Atlanta. He also says it was at his suggestion Colonel Thomas B. Felder discontinued even his acquaintance with A. S. Colyar, the wild-eyed investigator from Tennessee.
Miles’ statement to a Georgian reporter follows:
“Colonel Felder had already been to see Colyar and he asked me to go and see what he had; to examine any papers, etc.
“I went and as soon as I saw Colyar I was disgusted. The Lord doesn’t make mistakes, and the Lord certainly put the brand of a crook on that fellow’s physiognomy if He ever put it anywhere.
“Colyar wanted Mayor Woodward and asked me to get him. I went to the Mayor and said: ‘I want to take you down to see the greatest freak and crook you ever saw in your life. I want you to hear his line of bunk. You don’t have to say anything—just come along and listen to what he hands out.”
Thought Someone Listened.
“That was Wednesday afternoon. I didn’t think anything about a dictograph, but I knew, or at least thought, that he had somebody listening in the next room. I couldn’t help knowing that, because every now and then Colyar raised his voice so they could hear. Anybody on the streets a block could have heard him had they listened.
“After the conversation, practically as reported in the dictograph, Mayor Woodward left.
“Colyar told me not to forget to bring Colonel Felder and the money next morning at 10 o’clock. I asked him what money, and he said the $1,000 for the papers. I told him I didn’t want to buy any papers; that if Colonel Felder or anybody else did, that was their business, but I didn’t believe they did.
“Then I went back and reported to Colonel Felder and advised him to have nothing more to do with Colyar, not to go back to the Williams House and even not answer his telephone calls.
Felder Quit Negotiations.
“They waited all day Thursday, and Colonel Felder didn’t go back and didn’t answer the telephone calls. That’s why it was published in incompleted form. They saw the jig was up, and I believe Colyar then sold the story.
“I know young Gentry, who took down the dictograph report, and I’ll wager $100 he won’t sign an affidavit it has been published in unexpurgated form. Nothing has been added, but some things have been left out. However, I can’t say that the omissions made any material change.
“Yes, I am the one that caused Mayor Woodward to go there. He is all right. I just wanted him to hear the line of bunk that crook had to hand out.”
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Atlanta Georgian, May 24th 1913, “Miles Says He Had Mayor Go to Room,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
A merry laugh was the first comment made by Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey when told of the reported dictograph evidence in which Colonel T. B. Felder is quoted as saying that he could control the mayor, the criminal court judge and Hugh Dorsey.
Solicitor Dorsey was at his home at the time, endeavoring to find rest and recreation after the morning’s work of placing the evidence in the Phagan case before the grand jury. Hugh Dorsey, Jr., was in his arms at the time and from the lad’s continuous efforts to express his joy in billing and cooing, he was as happy at having his father with him as the solicitor was to be at home and away from the strain of work in the case to which he has devoted his entire time for weeks.
“Why there is no use for me to deny any such remarks as those attributed to Colonel Felder, and I certainly do not wish to express my opinion in the amtter [sic]. In fact, I know nothing whatever of the affair except what is generally known to the public.
“Colonel Felder never expressed to me any intention of taking steps to attempt to show graft or fraud on the part of the city police or detectives,” replied the solicitor when asked if during his conferences in regard to the Phagan case, Colonel Felder had made any expression in regard to the present situation.
“The latest conference I had with Colonel Felder was when he came to my home last Sunday night to confer upon the Phagan case. As I announced publicly some time ago, I worked with him as I have done with others interested in probing the matter. I received what information I could from them, but kept my own theories and results of investigations to myself.
“As far as I know, there had never been any disturbing force in operation between the city detectives and Colonel Felder,” he replied to a query on this point.
“I really would prefer not to discuss the matter at all,” the solicitor insisted. “I have no connection with the affair whatever it may be, and I don’t care to be drawn into it. I want to devote my entire time and thought to the Phagan case and to securing a conviction of the guilty parties.”
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Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Attorney Who Was Dictographed by the Detectives Gives Out a Statement, Additional to the One He Made Friday Afternoon, in Which He Goes After Police and Detective Departments, and Intimates That More Is to Come in the Sunday Papers
SAYS DETECTIVES ARE DESTROYING EVIDENCE AGAINST FRANK IN THE PHAGAN MURDER CASE
Attorney Thomas B. Felder, who has been charged by city detectives with attempted bribery of Chief of Detectives Lanford’s secretary, G. C. Febuary, has made statement additional to one he made Friday afternoon before reading the dictograph records in The Journal.
The attorney’s complete and detailed statement, in which he promises sensational exposures of the police, will be given the Sunday press, he says.
Colonel Felder asserts that the police department is corrupt and vile and that Atlanta is fostering a system like that of New York.
“I had information,” said Mr. Felder, “to the effect that the detectives have been destroying evidence against Leo M. Frank in the Phagan case.
“It was to obtain proof of this that I consented to visit A. S. Colyar’s room at the Williams House on Wednesday afternoon. Continue reading Graft and Corruption are Charged to City Detectives and Police by Col. T. B. Felder
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
But He Fails to Produce Man to Prove Charge, as He Promised.
A. S. Colyar, Jr. failed entirely to produce the “mysterious man” whom he declared had been hired to “shoot to death” Chief of Police J. L. Beavers.
When Colyar gave the sensational information of the conspiracy to kill the police official he declared that he would bring to police headquarters the man who had been secured to commit the deed; that this person would make affidavit to bear out the plot charges, and would swear also that he had been promised immunity from punishment for his act.
Colyar asserted at the time of his charges that he man was at present in Atlanta and intended remaining here until he had killed Beavers. Colyar also declared that the person had intimated that he might also kill Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford. Colyar then stated that he knew of the person’s whereabouts and would bring him before the police to prove the charges.
Disclosures of the amazing conspiracy came to light Saturday morning. Police officials have been quietly investigating it since the astounding information was given them.
This report created an intense sensation in police circles, and produced one of the greatest sensations of the Phagan mystery.
The name of this mysterious man has not been furnished detectives, but Colyar promised to take him Friday night to the office of Chief Lanford, in the police station, where the affidavit was to be made. Up to a late hour to-day, however, neither he nor Colyar had put in an appearance.
According to the story told by Colyar, this man is not a resident of Atlanta, but has been here several days. He is an old friend of Colyar. He said this man would swear positively that the murder plot proposition was made to him shortly after his arrival here, and that he would give the name of the man who engineered the deal.
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Atlanta Georgian, May 24th 1913, “Plot on Life of Beavers Told by Colyar,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
State of Georgia, Fulton County: The affiant, J. W. Coleman and wife, citizens of Atlanta, Ga., who reside at 146 Lindsay street.
The affiant is the stepfather of Mary Phagan, deceased, the child who was foully murdered by a hellish brute on April 26, 1913.
The affiant is in the employ of the City of Atlanta in the Sanitary department.
The affiant, while at the police station during the coroner’s inquest, the exact day he does not remember, was approached by a man somewhat under the influence of liquor, and said to the affiant, “I am working for the law firm of T. B. Felder, and I would like to have you go to his office, as he wants to see you, and I advise you to employ him.” Affiant said, “No, I won’t go to his office.” The Piker then said, “will you talk to Colonel Felder if I bring him here?” whereupon the affiant agreed to see him. He went off and came back in a few minutes with Felder. Colonel Felder then said, “I want you to employ me to prosecute this case, it will not cost you a cent, as certain people have promised to pay me my fee, but I have go to have your consent to the employment before I can get into the coroner’s jury.” The affiant told him he did not want to employ him and did not want to have anything to do with him, as the affiant did not know him and had never seen him before that day, and affiant did not employ him, nor did the affiant’s wife employ him, and the only information the affiant ever had that he was employed was what he read in the newspapers.
Affiant has many good neighbors, and he appreciates their sympathy for him and his broken-hearted wife, but he cannot see how they would come to employ Colonel Felder without his knowledge or consent.
A man met the affiant on the street and offered him one dollar to go upon the fee of this astute counsel, but he declined to accept it and told the party he had not employed Felder.
Affiant is thoroughly satisfied with the great work done by Chief of Police Beavers and Chief of Detectives Lanford and the able men working under them, as he believes, as thousands of others do in Atlanta, that they have the real murderer in jail, and the affiant cannot reconcile himself to the conduct of Colonel Felder, who is posing as a prosecuting attorney, and wanting $5,000 from the people of the city as set out in the afternoon’s papers, to bring a noted detective here, and according to the press of the city, large amounts have been subscribed by people the affiant does not believe are anxious to prosecute the men under arrest. Continue reading Coleman Affidavit Which Police Say Felder Wanted
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Chief Lanford Stated Saturday That Mayor Woodward, C. C. Jones and Others Were Also Dictographed on the Same Day That Col. Felder Was—The Complete Dictograph Record of These Conversations Appears in Today’s Journal
“I HAVE DONE MY WORK,” DECLARES CHIEF LANFORD, “IT IS NOW UP TO GRAND JURY FOR FURTHER ACTION”
The exclusive story in The Journal’s home edition Friday afternoon, describing how the city detectives and their representatives dictographed Colonel Thomas B. Felder in an alleged offer of $1,000 for the theft of certain papers in the Phagan case from the safe of Detective Chief Newport A. Lanford, has created a sensation in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama where Colonel Felder is well known.
Atlantians were “put on edge” by this story. Everywhere one turned Friday afternoon and evening he saw persons reading and commenting upon the story in The Journal.
Chief Lanford Saturday morning made it known that Mayor Woodward, Charlie C. Jones, E. O. Miles and others were also dictographed. The record of their conversations are given elsewhere in today’s paper.
Chief Lanford did not discuss the substance of the mayor’s dictographed conversation. He gave it as his opinion that the publication involving Colonel Felder would in no wise hamper or affect the work of the Burns detective in their investigation of the Phagan murder mystery. The chief expressed his confidence in the integrity of the Burns men. Continue reading The Journal’s Big Story of Dictograph and Alleged Bribe Has Stirred the Whole City
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Denies, However, That He Ever Offered Money During Course of Conversation Recorded.
Mayor Woodward Saturday admitted that the dictograph record of his conversation in the room of the mysterious Colyar was correct. After reading the report in The Georgian, he said:
“This is not as strong as the conversation I told you I had before I knew they had a dictograph on me.
“I did not offer them any money, but I will say now that I will subscribe to a fund that might unearth any graft in any city department. But I haven’t got any $1,000 to give.
Denies Phagan Connection.
“Another thing I want to make clear is that my dealing with those men had nothing whatever to do with the Phagan case. They told me they had evidence of the corruption of Beavers and Lanford. I wanted to see what they had.
“I don’t suppose anyone takes seriously the statement that Colonel Felder controls me. It is just as absurd to believe that he controls Solicitor Dorsey or the Governor.”
“G. C. February [sic], secretary to Detective Chief Newport Lanford, and A. S. Colyar, that long-haired mysterious investigator, talked to me about evidence they had proving that Chief of Police Beavers and Chief Lanford were protecting disorderly houses and blind tigers. They talked of protecting February’s job and the need of $1,000 to pull off the affair.
Told Them to Get Proof.
“My reply was if February could show up any crooks in the police department I did not think the people of Atlanta would stand for him losing his job. I told them to produce the evidence. If it was worth anything I told them I did not think there would be any trouble about a just reward, but that I did not have any $1,000 to give them. Continue reading Mayor Admits Dictograph is Correct
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
The little dictograph cunningly hidden in Detective Colyar’s room in the Williams House No. 2 is said to have caught a conversation between Mayor James G. Woodward, Secretary G. C. Febuary of the detective department and Edward Miles, Wednesday afternoon, between 3 and 4 o’clock.
Detective Colyar who drew Attorney Thomas B. Felder into the conspiracy was also present at the interview. Colyar sent Miles to the private office of Mayor Woodward in the Empire building, with an invitation that he examine affidavits which Colyar alleged to have in his possession charging police graft.
Mayor Woodward admitted to The Constitution, Friday night, that he went to the room designated by Miles. He charges that Colyar tried to induce him to agree to pay $1,000 for certain information in documentary form which Colyar declared was sufficient to convict the heads of the police department of corruption in receiving money for protections from disorderly houses.
Mayor Had No Money to Give.
They were the only ones who spoke about money, Mayor Woodward said “I told them that if they were looking for money from me I had none to give, but I suggested that if they would make out a list to show just what evidence they had to give there would be no trouble getting up the money to extend the investigation.”
Detective Colyar visited Mayor Woodward’s office in the city hall one day last week, according to Frank Hammond, the mayor’s secretary. He explained that he wanted to see the mayor on important business, and when informed that he would have to wait he became impatient, and declared that there was more red tape in getting to the mayor than to the president of the United States. Continue reading Mayor Woodward Reported Caught by the Dictograph Seeking Police Evidence
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Big Part of Published Record Absolutely Untrue, Declares Mayor, Though “There’s Nothing In It,” He Says
“WHOLE THING AMOUNTS TO HIRING DETECTIVE”
“It’s all a frame-up of a dirty gang,” declared Mayor James G. Woodward, in commenting Saturday afternoon on the published dictograph record of the conversation alleged to have been held between him, A. S. Colyar, G. C. Febuary and E. O. Miles in Room 31 of the Williams house, No. 2, on Wednesday afternoon.
“The dictograph record has been filled out by some one,” he declared. “I don’t know who. Some one either filled it out or fooled the dictograph after I left.”
Part of the record—almost all the first half of it—was correct, the mayor said. The rest was untrue, he vowed.
“The whole business amounted to employing a detective,” he said. “Certainly I would vote to protect any one who unearthed graft. Certainly I would.
“While there is nothing in this published record, what there is is mostly incorrect. I’m willing to admit anything I said. The record has certainly been filled out after ‘they’ got hold of it.
“I didn’t mention anything about Dozier deserting Beavers. In fact, I didn’t even know he’d ever been with Beavers. I didn’t say anything about any members of the police board. Call it ‘protection’ to Febuary if he unearths graft if you want to. I’d vote to protect any one unearthing graft.
“They told me they could furnish evidence that disorderly houses were protected. I wanted to get it.”
Mayor Woodward declared that the entire portion of the dictograph record from the sub-head “Woodward Says There is Evidence Against Beavers” had been either filled in or spoken by some one after he left “to fool the dictograph.”
Mayor Woodward dictated the following statement to a reporter for The Journal before reading the dictagraph [sic] report: Continue reading “Dirty Gang” Filled Out Record or Else “Fooled Dictograph” — Mayor Woodward.
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
The following conversation occurred in room No. 31, at Williams House No. 2, 34-36 N. Forsyth Street, Atlanta, Ga., Wednesday evening, between 8 and 9 o’clock, between C. C. Jones, E. O. Miles and A. S. Colyar:
Colyar—It has been very warm to-day, hasn’t it?
Miles—Yes, it has. I asked Mr. Felder if you mentioned Mr. Jones’ name to him and he said no.
Colyar—He told me Monday night that Mr. Jones was a friend of his and he thought it an outrage the way they had done him.
Miles—You know I asked you this afternoon why you wanted to see Mr. Jones.
Colyar—If you don’t want to talk, that’s all right.
Jones—In what way?
Colyar—Tom told me they did you pretty dirty down here at the station house.
Jones—Yes. They closed up the houses I had. I had a lot of property.
Colyar—He told me they framed up on you.
Jones—There is no doubt but what it was a frame-up.
Colyar—Tom told me he would like to see the gang out of business.
Jones—The record now is (voice very indistinct just then). They never grafted me. Wouldn’t be any use for me to give them any money.
Miles—You told me you wanted to see Jones. It is not a question of lack of confidence, as what I told you was true as far as I know, but if he knows anything at all about it, I don’t know just what it is.
Jones—I don’t know anything. I just told them to go ahead and build them houses and move them across the street. Even some of them went and paid for them. Three or four days before they closed the houses, the Chief of the City of Atlanta —— —— —— that it would never do to close this district and I was surprised one morning by a telephone message from someone at No. 18, that the Chief had given five or six days notice to get out, I don’t remember which, and I never even went to the trouble to go out to this man to ask him what he meant, as I could not figure it out to save my life what he meant. That is all that I know of. I found out what he was doing. I understand that Jackson was holding conversation with him anywhere from one to three times a day. Continue reading Jones Attacks Beavers and Charges Police Crookedness
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
The criminal career of A. S. Colyar reads like a story from the Arabian Nights. Probably no man in Tennessee has imposed so successfully upon the public and has escaped so lightly.
The son of Colonel A. S. Colyar, in his day one of the most prominent citizens of Nashville and a grandson of ex-Governor Albert S. Marks with a family connection that includes many of the aristocrats of this section, he has been exceptionally fortunate in escaping the law although on various occasions he has done time.
He has probably been arrested more than a score of times and for years Alex Barth-[illegible], special agent for the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis railway, did little else but follow his trail.
Two of Colyar’s exploits stand out above the others. The first of these was his impersonation of the son of the late John G. Carlisle. Having forged a check on his father, at that time the controlling spirit of the old Nashville American, Colyar went west and finally drifted into Mexico. A newspaper reporter boarded the train and inquired for the son of John G. Carlisle. As the latter was not aboard, Colyar’s quick mind saw an opportunity for a coup. He introduced himself as Carlisle, was received at Mexico City with great éclat and a big dinner was given in his honor which was attended by the president of Mexico and other notables. The following night Colyar gave a theater party, and later informed the American ambassador that he was embarrassed by the failure of funds to arrive, and secured from him the sum of $10,000. He went out to take a smoke and never came back. Later he returned $7,500 of the money, mailing it from a point in Florida.
On his return here he stopped over at McMinnville, Tenn. and stole a mule which he rode into Nashville selling the animal on the Haymarket. Continue reading Career of A. S. Colyar Reads Like Some Story In the Arabian Nights
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
The Journal is Presenting Below the Complete Stenographic Report of the Interview in the Williams House, In Which Mayor Woodward, E. O. Miles, G. C. Febuary and A. S. Colyar Took Part, While the Dictograph Recorded the Conversation
That Mayor James G. Woodward was dictographed by the city detectives on Wednesday afternoon, shortly after Colonel Thomas B. Felder had concluded his interview in Room 31 of Williams House No. 2, 34-36 North Forsyth street, was made public Saturday morning by Chief of Detectives N. A. Lanford.
The Atlanta Journal presents below the complete stenographic report of the conversation imputed to Mayor Woodward by the dictograph. The report also gives in detail the statements accredited to E. O. Miles, the private detective present while the dictograph was at work. Only one or two unprintable words have been omitted from the sworn record which The Journal has secured.
The feature of the interview accredited to Mayor Woodward by the dictograph is the statement by him that he was looking for evidence against the police department and particularly against Chief of Police James L. Beavers. The mayor is also quoted as saying that there were enough votes in the police board to remove Chief Beavers if they could get the evidence.
The sworn statement of Stenographer George M. Gentry, detailing the alleged dictographed conversation in which the mayor figured is given below. Continue reading “We Have Enough Votes if We Get the Evidence,” the Mayor is Quoted by the Dictograph
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
A. S. Colyar, Jr., author of the alleged dictographing of Mayor Woodward and Colonel Thomas B. Felder, was placed under arrest Saturday afternoon at the request of Chief of Police Edward Connors of Knoxville, Tenn., on the charge of forgery.
The arrest came on a capias from the Criminal Court of Knoxville.
Upon receipt of the request from Connors, Police Chief Beavers ordered Colyar’s arrest. Colyar was located at the corner of Forsyth and Marietta Streets by Detectives Chewning and Norris and taken to the police station. He was taken to Beavers’ office and the charge placed against him. Colyar is now being held at the station awaiting further action from Knoxville.
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Atlanta Georgian, May 24th 1913, “Colyar Held for Forgery,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Affidavits and Alleged Dictagraph [sic] Record Are Made Public, Accusing Prominent Lawyer, of Offering Bribe of $1,000 to Secretary Febuary, of Police Department, to Secure Affidavit Made for Police by J. W. Coleman, Stepfather of Mary Phagan, in Regard to Felder’s Connection With Case.
ALLEGATIONS ARE MADE TO FORESTALL A PROBE OF POLICE, SAYS FELDER
Mayor Woodward Also Dictagraphed [sic], According to Report—Admits He Was Called Into Conference by A. S. Colyar, Who Offered Him, He Says, Evidence That the Police Department Is Giving Protection to Disorderly Houses in Atlanta—“I’ve Done My Duty, It’s Up to Grand Jury,” Says Lanford.
Developments came thick and fast yesterday following the publication of affidavits, charging that Colonel Thomas B. Felder—the man who freed Charles Morse, and who used the dictagraph on Governor Cole Blease, of South Carolina—had himself been dictagraphed, and had made an attempt to secure an affidavit in the Mary Phagan murder case now held by the police department, through bribing Secretary February by the offer of $1,000.
Stinging counter charges that the Atlanta detective department is reeking with graft and corruption were hurled at Chief Newport Lanford by Colonel Felder, who asserts that the affidavits now in the possession of Lanford are perjured and the charges prompted by the desire to forestall an investigation of the department.
MY DUTY HAS BEEN DONE AND IT’S UP TO GRAND JURY, SAYS LANFORD
“I have proved Felder to be an attempted briber,” said the chief. “My duty has been done. It’s now up to the grand jury to take action.”
It also developed that Mayor Woodward has himself been dictagraphed, this instrument being used on the mayor during the course of a conversation at the Williams house, held by the mayor, Secretary February, of police department, A. S. Colyar, who worked up the affidavits against Felder, and Ed Miles, head of the Miles detective bureau.
Felder says he has viewed with his own eyes a police “graft” list, containing the names of owners of disorderly houses in the city, which resorts are given police protection in return for money. This, he said, was shown him by G. C. February, stenographer for Chief Lanford, right hand man of that official. Continue reading Bribery Charges False Declares Col. Felder; Calls Them “Frame-Up”
by Scott Aaron
and the editors of LeoFrank.info
GEORGIA, as a part of the South, is a place where, though freethinkers are certainly not unknown, the vast majority of the population is deeply committed to Christianity — largely Protestant, fundamentalist Christianity. One’s personal “walk with Jesus” is taken very seriously here, and the religion informs almost every aspect of private, family, and public life. The fundamentalist worldview is dominant, as it is throughout the South, which, along with a few border states, is not called the “Bible Belt” for nothing. This was doubly true in 1913.
by Scott Aaron
and the editors of LeoFrank.info
ON SATURDAY morning at 11:30AM, April 26, 1913 Mary Phagan (pictured) ate a poor girl’s lunch of bread and boiled cabbage and said goodbye to her mother for the last time. Dressed for parade-watching (for this was Confederate Memorial Day) in a lavender dress, ribbon-bedecked hat, and parasol, she left her home in hardscrabble working-class Bellwood at 11:45, and caught the streetcar for downtown Atlanta.
Before the festivities, though, she stopped to see Superintendent Leo M. Frank at the National Pencil Company and pick up from him her $1.20 pay for the one day she had worked there during the previous week. She had been laid off for most of that week because the material needed for the tipping department in the metal room, where she worked, had been late in arriving. Continue reading The Crime: Mary Phagan’s Death by Strangling
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
True Bills Against Pencil Factory Superintendent Returned Less Than Ten Minutes After Evidence Was Closed, at Noon, Saturday — Authority Quoted That He Will Be Tried During Third Week in June—Negro to Stay in Jail
SOLICITOR DORSEY DID NOT ASK JURY TO ACT ON BILL PENDING AGAINST NIGHT-WATCHMAN
Grand Jury’s Session Began Friday Morning — Many Witnesses Examined, but Not All That Solicitor Has Were Introduced Into Grand Jury Room—Charge Is That Frank Killed Mary Phagan by Choking Her With a Cord That He Tied
Leo M. Frank [pictured], superintendent of the National Pencil factory in the basement of which the slain body of Mary Phagan was found in the early morning of Sunday, April 27, stands formally charged with her death.
A grand jury indictment, a true bill charging that he killed Mary Phagan, was returned by the Fulton county grand jurors at 12:23 Saturday afternoon.
Less than ten minutes earlier, the jury had gone into executive session and Solicitor Dorsey, who had been conducting the examination of witnesses, had left the room. In the interval, the jury reached its verdict, and each of the jurors signed his name to the formal document upon which Frank will be arraigned on the charge of murder.
NO ACTION AGAINST NEWT LEE.
No action was taken with regard to the negro night watchman, Newt Lee, held by the coroner on a “suspicion” warrant for the grand jury.
Mr. Dorsey stated afterward that he had not asked the grand jury to take action with regard to Lee. It is probable, seemingly, that the grand jury will not return a “true” or “no” bill in Lee’s case until after the trial of Superintendent Frank. Continue reading Leo M. Frank is Indicted by Grand Jury for Mary Phagan’s Death; Negro, Newt Lee Held
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
Sensational dictograph conversations, in which Mayor James G. Woodward, Charles C. Jones, former Tenderloin proprietor and present owner of the Rex saloon; E. O. Miles, a private detective; A. S. Colyar, accuser of Colonel T. B. Felder, and Chief Lanford’s clerk, February [sic], all figure, are made public by The Atlanta Georgian to-day.
The conversations, all reported by a dictograph installed at the Williams House, in the same room and by the same man who figured to the “trapping” of Felder, tend to throw new and startling light on the alleged plot to “get” Chief of Police James L. Beavers, who wiped out the Tenderloin, and Chief of Detectives Lanford.
As reported by George M. Gentry, who took down the conversation as it trickled over the thin spun wires through the door between Colyar’s room, No. 31, and room No. 32, it is apparently made clear that the Mayor was not only after evidence of graft in the police department, but more directly after evidence on which Chief Beavers could be impeached and discharged. The Mayor has never hesitated to make plain that he was not in sympathy with the chief’s attitude.
The conversation in which the Mayor figured seems to show that he promised protection to the man who would get the evidence if he should get in trouble doing it, and that he gave assurances the work would be well paid for.
The Mayor was present at the conference with February, Colyar and Miles. The entire dictograph conversation in which he figured is given elsewhere.
Far more sensational is the conversation in which Jones, Miles and Colyar took part. Jones viciously attacked the police department, charging graft and crookedness; accused Marion Jackson, Men and Religion Forward Movement leader, of being the beneficiary of vice, and said he had been double-crossed in the wiping out of the Tenderloin.
Colonel Felder’s name is mentioned time and again in the conversation of the three, and more than one reference is made to the alleged offer of $1,000 for evidence. Continue reading Dictograph Catches Mayor in Net
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
He Thinks These Notes Are the Same as Those Found by the Body of the Murdered Girl, but Had Not Seen the Original Notes When He Made His Sensational Statement to the Detectives Saturday Morning
NEGRO STUCK TO HIS STORY THROUGH GRUELLING EXAMINATION IN SOLICITOR’S OFFICE SATURDAY
Conley Voluntarily Sent for Detectives to Make His Statement, It Is Declared — He Told the Detectives That He Wanted to Confess the Whole Truth, That Frank Called Him Into His Office and Told Him He Wanted to See His Writing
Saturday morning, James Conley, the negro sweeper formerly employed in the pencil factory where Mary Phagan was killed, and who was arrested on suspicion and has been held in jail since as a material witness for the state, sent for Detective John Black and declared that he wanted to tell the truth.
“Boss, I wrote those notes,” said he, referring to the mysterious notes found beside the dead body of Mary Phagan.
He declared that he could not identify them positively, inasmuch as he had never seen the originals, but that as they were read to him out of the papers he believed they were the ones he wrote.
On Friday, the day before the murder, said he to detectives, Leo M. Frank called him into his (Frank’s) office at the factory and said he wanted to get some samples of his handwriting, and dictated for him to write—dictating, said the negro, what he remembered as substantially the notes that afterward were read to him out of the newspapers.
The negro was taken immediately to the courthouse. Continue reading Negro Sweeper Tells Officer Frank Asked Him to Write Some Notes Day Before Tragedy
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Saturday, May 24th, 1913
On Night of Murder Prisoner Was Not at Residence, as He Says He Was, States Head of Detective Dept
WITNESSES WILL SWEAR TO THIS, HE ASSERTS
Leo Frank Swore at Coroner’s Inquest That He Reached Home at 7:30 O’Clock and Did Not Leave House
“I can prove that Frank was not at home during the hours of Saturday night, the night of the murder that he claimed he was. I will have witnesses to swear to this.”
Such was the startling statement by Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford to a reporter for The Constitution Friday night.
Further than this Chief Lanford said he had a great deal of evidence which had not found its way into the papers.
“I will admit though,” he said, “it has been almost as hard to keep evidence out of the papers as it has been to get hold of it in the first place.”
Chief Lanford’s statement that he can prove Frank was not at home during the hours he says he was is the most important one in regard to the Phagan case that has come from the detective department in some days.
Leo Frank, in his statement at the coroner’s inquest, said that he reached home shortly after 7 o’clock Saturday night and did not leave his residence until the following morning when he accompanied the detectives to the undertaking establishment to identify the body of Mary Phagan. Frank’s statement was substantiated by his mother-in-law and father-in-law who stated that they were engaged in a card game that night and that Frank was in the next room reading a magazine.
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Atlanta Constitution, May 24th 1913, “Frank Not Home Hours on Saturday Declares Lanford,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Saturday , May 24th, 1913
Here follows, in part, the alleged dictograph record of the conversation that took place in a room in the Williams House Wednesday afternoon between Colonel Thomas B. Felder, G. C. Febuary and A. S. Colyar.
Febuary: Let me understand you. You want this Coleman af[fi]davit and all other Phagan af[fi]davits that I can get hold of.
Felder: Yes. Colyar told me that he was to have the evidence that would get those two chiefs out of commission, the Phagan papers and the Coleman af[fi]davit. Now what have you got?
Febuary: I haven’t got these papers. The chief has these pap[e]rs in a large envelope. I do not know whether he keeps any graft sheets or not. I never saw one.
Colyar: You will have to examine the papers after Mr. Febuary brings them up. ———— Tell me this. Wasn’t you employed by Coleman to work on this case?
Felder: Coleman said this to me: (failed to catch part of conversation). Then I said, “Mr. Coleman I was invited by Mr. McCall.” I believe that was his name (scraping of feet on floor interfered with dictograph). I said, Mr. Coleman, I would like to go in on the prosecution of this case. He said, I haven’t got any money to employ a lawyer. I said, you misunderstand me. It isn’t necessary for you to pay me any money, that has all been arranged. McCall said, now you meet us down there at 4:30, wasn’t it Febuary, that the inquest was to be held that afternoon, and I went down and was introduced to Mr. Coleman, but I have forgotten who introduced me to Coleman. Now he said Mr. Felder we would like to have you look after the case, but I haven’t money to employ anybody with. Now I said Mr. Coleman, you misapprehend the gentleman, now he is asking you for your consent to represent you. Before we could close the deal the coroner’s jury broke up and we all separated. Now there wasn’t anything said about the regularity of my employment, but it was taken for granted.
Colyar: I want to put you in position where you can act, without bringing me into it.
Felder: I don’t have to say you gave me the papers. Continue reading Dictograph Record Alleged Bribe Offer
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
Says He Overheard Col. Felder Offer $1,000 for Phagan Papers
State of Georgia,
County of Fulton.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned notary public, for the state and county aforesaid, R. S. Ozburn, who makes oath, in due form of law, and says he is a citizen of Atlanta, GA., and a member of the detective department of the Atlanta police force; that he was in J. M. Hewitt’s office, 1409 Fourth National Bank building, in said city, on Tuesday, May the 20th, 1913, at 11:43 a. m., and that at that time there was J. M. Hewitt, N. A. Lanford, chief of detectives; A. S. Colyar, and the affiant in the room. A. S. Colyar called over the telephone, Main 1103, and called for T. B. Felder to come to the phone; the affiant got up and put his ear by the side of the said Colyar’s ear and had the receiver to said phone between the two ears, and the affiant heard what the said Colyar said to T. B. Felder. “If I get the p[a]pers for you in the Phagan case, with the Coleman affidavit, do we get the thousand dollars,” and T. B. Felder said, “Yes,” and then Felder said also, over the telephone, “Now, will these papers impeach both chiefs?” and Colyar said “What chiefs,” and the voice answered back “Beavers and Lanford.”
R. S. OZBURN.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 22d day of May, 1913, A. D.
HAROLD HILTON,
Notary Public, Fulton County, Ga.
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Atlanta Journal, May 23rd 1913, “Detective R. S. Ozburn Swears to Phone Talk,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
The Georgian on Wednesday published an exclusive story that Colonel Thomas B. Felder was involved in the Phagan murder case in a manner that would at least require a very explicit explanation.
Developments Friday would seem to indicate that the police officials intend to bring the whole matter before the Grand Jury for a thorough investigation of Felder’s attitude for attempted bribery.
He is accused by A. S. Colyar, Jr., of offering G. C. February [sic], Chief Clerk to Newport Lanford, $1,000 for an affidavit made by J. W. Coleman and wife denying that they had engaged Felder in the Phagan case.
Chief of Detectives Lanford, in commenting on the charges made against Colonel Felder, said:
“Premature publication of this matter has so upset my plans that at this time I can not sayy [sic] what action I will take. Justice has been thwarted. I will have to think the situation over. I shall not arrest Colonel Felder at present.” Continue reading Dictograph Record Used Against Felder
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
A. S. Colyar has given to the police the following affidavit:
STATE OF GEORGIA.
FULTON COUNTY.
Personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the above State and County, A. S. Colyar, who being duly sworn says:
“At 11 p. m. on May 18th, 1913, I called ttelephone [sic] number Ivy 3508, which is the phone of T. B. Felder’s residence on the Howell Mill Road, about seven miles from Atlanta, and after waiting several minutes, some one finally answered the phone and lasked [sic] the question, ‘Is Col. T. B. Felder there?’ and the party on the other end replied, ‘This is Col. T. B. Felder.’ And I asked the question again, ‘Is Col. T. B. Felder there?’ and he said, ‘This is Col. T. B. Felder,’ and I said, ‘Colonel, since I saw you tonight, I have got on to another piece of evidence,’ and he said, ‘Oh, is that so,’ and I said, ‘Yes, I have found where they were trying to back up Coleman’s affidavit,’ and he said, ‘ Is that so?’ and I said, ‘Yes, there is a man under indictment or will be indicted and they have promised this man that if he will swear he heard J. W. Coleman refuse to employ you, they will have his case nol [sic] prossed [sic] and thrown out of court,’ and I then said, ‘Now, Colonel, if I get this evidence up by tomorrow and hand it to you tomorrow night, will you be ready to give me the thousand dollars in cash?’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir; I will have the money to hand you when you hand me the papers.’”
A. S. COLYAR.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 31st day of May, 1913.
W. W. BROWN,
Notary Public Fulton County, Georgia.”
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Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
Here is an affidavit in possession of the police sworn today Lanford’s secretary, G. C. Febuary and A. S. Colyar detailing the conversation alleged to have taken place Monday night in Colonel Felder’s office:
State of Georgia, County of Fulton—Personally appeared before me, a notary public in and for the above State and County, A. S. Colyar and G. C. Febuary, who being duly sworn, deposes and says,
“We met Mr. Felder in his office Monday night at 8 o’clock p. m., and Mr. Felder said, ‘I know who killed Mary Phagan. I have had a Burns man here for three weeks, I know when she was killed and how she was killed. She was murdered 30 minutes after she reached that building, on the second floor, and then body was lowered to basement. And I know who wrote those notes that were found by her body.
“This d—d fellow Lanford has had that poor negro Ed [sic] Connally [sic] locked up for three weeks without a warrant, and he knows it, and he can be impeached from office for it; he knows there is no evidence against Newt Lee and yet he holds him. I would expose Lanford and Beavers right now, but I don’t want to detract attention from the Phagan case or mix their case up with the Phagan case. Continue reading Here is Affidavit Charging Bribery
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
Instrument Was Put In by Lawrence O. Surles of the Southern Bell Telephone Company—George M. Gentry, Took Down the Conversation in Shorthand
The dictograph, through which was recorded the conversation held by agents of the city detectives with Attorney Thomas B. Felder, was most ingeniously arranged and installed by Lawrence O. Surles, chief clerk of the traffic department of the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph company, who is the Atlanta representative of the Dictograph Manufacturing company.
Just behind the lower portion of a dresser front board in room No. 31 of Williams House No.2 was screwed two tiny dials, the transmitters or sounders of the cunning little device. Running from these dials were two dark red wires, which were so hidden in the crevices of the dresser as to be invisible even to a suspicious person who might have made a minute investigation.
The dresser was placed directly in front of a door which connected with room No. 32, and the two wires were run through the keyhole of this door. To further avoid the possibility of discovery of the instrument or its wires the dresser was then screwed to the door frame so that it could not be pulled or moved.
Inside room No. 32 the wires ran through two small dry batteries, of the type used for electric door-bells and were there attached to the receiver, which hung upon a hood-piece exactly similar to those employed by operators of private branch telephone exchanges. Continue reading How Dictograph Was Installed in Williams House No. 2 to Trap Colonel Thomas B. Felder
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
Colonel Felder late this afternoon issued this statement:
“The first development in this case was a visit from Colyar, at which he told me that the police were framing up on me, Dorsey and The Constitution. He said the police had affidavits to show that we were working in the interest of Leo Frank, and that large sums of money had been paid us and that I had been paid by an uncle of the accused man in New York.”
“Colyar also told me that he had proof of the corruption of Lanford and Beavers and that they were covering up evidence in the Phagan case. I replied to Colyar that I would not believe him; that I was not interested in the moral character of Beavers or Lanford, but that if he could produce evidence to me that the guilty persons in the Phagan murder were being shielded or that evidence was being suppressed I could verify this evidence; I might be interested in that.
“Colyar insisted that he did not want any money. Colyar brought Febuary to my office in the Equitable building. Febuary denounced the police department. He said he had evidence against Beavers and Lanford, and it was so rotten he wanted to get out. He asked me about a job. I told him that if he was able to produce such evidence as he claimed it would not be difficult to get him as good a job as he had.
“Colyar then suggested that I meet them at his room in the Williams House. I told him I couldn’t come next day but would come the day following, which was Tuesday, I think. I went there, but didn’t stay more than five minutes. I didn’t care about any dictograph. I was willing to say what I had to say at Five Points. I repeated to them that I was only interested in the Phagan case. They said they thought I was working for the Mayor and others. I told them that if they had evidence of corruption in the police department I thought Mayor Woodward would be glad to get it but that I cared nothing about it. They mentioned the fact that they were liable to be put in the penitentiary for getting this data. I told them that if they had real proof of graft I didn’t think there would be any trouble about the Solicitor not prosecuting them no matter how they got it.
“They asked if I knew who would pay a thousand dollars for it. I told them I thought I did—a Mr. Myles. They asked me if I would introduce them and I told them I would not. He then wanted me to go to East Lake to receive these documents. I refused to go. I told them I didn’t care to go.
“I saw Myles afterwards and Myles told me he thought he would go out there, but I told him Colyar was a liar and a crook and I would drop the matter.
“I will give a full and detailed statement of the whole case later. This whole plot was inspired by jealousy following my employment of the Burns Agency. Witnesses have been kept from talking to the Burns men here and barriers have been placed in their way as much as possible. In my written statement I will turn the limelight on them, although I don’t think it’s necessary. The people of Atlanta appreciate the condition of affairs.
“The affidavit printed was secured from Coleman after the arrival of the Burns detective. I was not employed by Mr. Coleman. The direct cause of my employment was the visit of a committee of ladies, but with the consent of Mr. Coleman. I refused to go into the case without the consent of the parents of the child.”
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Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
STATE OF GEORGIA:
FULTON COUNTY:
The affiant, J. W. Coleman and wife, citizens of Atlanta, Ga., who reside at 146 Lindsay St.
The affiant is the step-father of Mary Phagan, deceased, the child who was foully murdered by a hellish brute on April 26, 1913.
The affiant is in the employ of the City of Atlanta in the Sanitary Dept.
The affiant, while at the Police Station during the Coroner’s inquest, the exact day he does not remember, was approached by a man somewhat under the influence of liquor, and said to the affiant, “I am working for the law firm of T. B. Felder, and I would like to have you go to his office, as he wants to see you, and I advise you to employ him.” Affiant said, “No, I won’t go to his office.” The Piker then said, “will you talk to Col. Felder if I bring him here?” whereupon the affiant agreed to see him. He went off and came back in a few minutes with Felder. Col. Felder then said, “I want you to employ me to prosecute this case, it will not cost you a cent, as certain people have promised to pay me my fee, but I have got to have your consent to the employment before I can get into the Coroner’s Jury.” The affiant told him he did not want to employ him and he did not want to have anything to do with him, as the affiant did not know him and had never seen him before that day, and affiant did not employ him, nor did the affiant’s wife employ him, and the only information the affiant ever had that he was employed, was what he read in the newspapers.
Affiant has many good neighbors, and he appreciates their sympathy for him and his broken-hearted wife, but he cannot see how they would come to employ Co. Felder without his knowledge and consent.
A man met the affiant on the street and offered him one dollar to go upon the fee of this astute counsel, but he declined to accept it and told the party he had not employed Felder. Continue reading Here is Coleman Affidavit Which Officers Say Col. Felder Offered to Purchase for the Sum of $1,000
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
Leo Frank was seen this morning by a reporter for the first time since he was put in jail. He absolutely refused to talk on the Mary Phagan murder mystery, saying he had been advised not to say a word.
“What do you know about the affidavit, charging that on the night of the murder of Mary Phagan you called Mrs. Nina Famby [sic] on the telephone and tried to engage a room for yourself and a young girl?”
“I will not talk,” said Frank. “I have been cautioned not to say one word.”
“Do you deny or admit it?”
“I refuse to answer,” replied Frank.
Frank is confined on the second floor of the county jail on the west side of the building. His cell is roomy, and as the reporter was admitted by the guard Frank arose from a chair in which he was sitting puffing on a cigar.
“How are you feeling?” Frank was asked. Continue reading Frank Feeling Fine But Will Not Discuss His Case
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
Affidavit, Detailing Conversation Which Is Alleged to Have Occurred in Col. Felder’s Office, Is Given Below
“GO AND GET EVIDENCE,’ COL. FELDER IS QUOTED
“Lanford Couldn’t Detect an Elephant at Five Points,” He Is Alleged to Have Said, Both Chiefs Are Denounced
The city detectives have in their possession an affidavit sworn to by G. C. Febuary, secretary to Chief Lanford, and A. S. Colyar, a private investigator, detailing the alleged conversation which it is claimed took place between Colonel T. B. Felder, Colyar, and Feburary [sic], on Monday night at Colonel Felder’s office in the Equitable building.
So much of the affidavit as can be printed in a newspaper like The Journal is given below:
“STATE OF GEORGIA,
COUNTY OF FULTON.
Personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for the above State and County, A. S. Colyar and G. C. Febuary, who being duly sworn, deposes and says:
“We met Mr. Felder in his office Monday night at eight o’clock p. m. and Mr. Felder said, ‘I know who killed Mary Phagan. That d—d Jew Frank killed her, and I have known it for three weeks. And another thing I want Lanford to know,” the affidavit quotes Mr. Felder as saying, “I have had a Burns man here for three weeks, I know when she was killed, and how she was killed. She was murdered thirty minutes after she reached that building, on the second floor, and then the body was lowered to the basement. And I know who wrote those notes that were found by her body, Frank wrote them, and Frank pulled that staple out of the door……. He was afraid her family would kill him or send him to prison …. And he murdered her.”
“This d—d fellow Lanford, who could not detect a stud elephant at Five Points, knows that Frank killed this girl, but he has sold out to the Jews for big money which he is getting and has got, and he is trying to discredit the solicitor general, Hugh M. Dorsey, and myself, in his effort to protect this d— Jew. …. I have traced his record back, d— him, from H— to breakfast. I want Lanford to know that he can’t clear this d— Jew through graft and make a goat of an innocent negro. He has had that poor negro Ed [sic] Connally [sic] locked up for three weeks without a warrant, and he knows it, and he can be impeached from office for it; he knows there is no evidence against Newt Lee, and yet he holds him. I would expose Lanford and Beavers right now, but I don’t want to detract attention from the Phagan case or mix their case up with the Phagan case.”
“Beavers is a — — —, but I came pretty near catching him one day last week, but when we do catch him, we are going to put the d—d reform — in a two-horse wagon, naked, and drive him through the streets of Atlanta with a sign on him. “Here is Atlanta’s Reform Chief of Police.” Lanford is a d—d drunkard and keeps a quart of whiskey in his desk all of the time, and the people of this town are indignant at the conduct of those flunkeys down there; I am receiving at least twenty letters every day, and as many telephone calls, telling me that the people are behind me in this fight to impeach those — —. Right here on my desk is a letter (getting letter from his desk and reading aloud) from one of the most prominent women in the city of Atlanta, commending my course.
ATTACKS BOTH CHIEFS.
The affidavit then continues, “The Colonel then said, ‘I want the evidence to impeach both Beavers and Lanford.’ The remark was made that we might get in jail, and Colonel Felder said, ‘There are only two ways of getting to the jail; one is through the mayor and the other is through the governor; and if you get arrested by the policemen, Jim Woodward, with whom I had a long interview this afternoon, will make those …. down there jump a rope to turn you loose, and I don’t give a d— who the governor is, whether it is Joe Brown or Jack Slaton, I will have any man turned loose that will get me the evidence that will impeach those ….. If they arrest you, call on me and see if I don’t come with the bond at any hour. I can call a mass meeting tomorrow afternoon through the papers and have ten thousand of the best citizens in this town meet at Five Points tomorrow night and go to the station house and hang Beavers and Lanford to telephone poles, the two corrupt grafters and thieves.”
GET THE EVIDENCE.
“’Now, I want to say to you further (talking to Febuary). You go and get me the evidence in the Phagan case, and that Coleman affidavit, and bring it to me, and I will give you one thousand dollars in cash for it. And if you lose your job I will place you in a government position in Washington or a job in New York; and if I fall down on that I will give you a job here in my office.’ It was suggested to Colonel Felder that we would have to steal the papers, for no one knew the combination in the safe except Chief Lanford and Mr. Febuary, and in reply to this, Colonel Felder sad, ‘Go ahead and get them and I will pay you one thousand dollars.’ And we then stated to Colonel Felder that this would larceny after trust, and Colonel Felder said, ‘Larceny H—. It is not larceny to steal a perjured affidavit and forged statements and other crooked papers that a d— thief like Lanford has gathered against an innocent man; and you get them and I will stand behind you and pay the money. I have such men as James G. Woodward, C. C. Jones, Robert F. Maddox, Sam Inman, J. W. English, and the best men in this town behind me, and who are determined to put that gang … to the bad, and they will stand behind you gentlemen with their money and their lives.”
“Colonel Felder further stated that Lanford and Beavers were feasting and fattening off of the rich graft they were getting out of certain disorderly houses they were shielding, after they had had people to believe that they had closed them up, and c[e]rtain blind tigers and gamblers that were favored by these grafters; and upon being asked how much they got, Colonel Felder replied that the amount was colossal.”
The above is the sum and substance of a conversation between Colonel T. B. Felder, A. S. Colyar and G. C. Febuary, held in the office of Colonel Felder, in the Equitable building, on Monday night, May 19, 1913, at about 8:15 p. m.
A. S. COLYAR,
G. C. FEBUARY
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21st day of May, 1913.
W. W. BROWN.
Notary Public Fulton County, Georgia.”
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Atlanta Journal, May 23rd 1913, “Febuary and Colyar Swear That Felder Offered Big Bribe,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
Affidavits and an alleged dictograph record made public Friday afternoon, accuse Colonel Thomas B. Felder of offering to G. C. February [sic], a bribe of $1,000 for possession of police records of the Phagan case.
These affidavits and the dictograph record are sworn to by A. S. Colyar, Jr., of Nashville, and February, who is stenographer to Newport Lanford, Chief of the Atlanta Detective Department.
The Georgian on Wednesday published the fact that there were rumors on the streets that connected the name of Colonel Felder with the Phagan case in a sinister way.
Colonel Felder made a statement to a Georgian reporter to the effect that these rumors were false.
At that time, however, the police department was engaged in the effort to entrap Colonel Felder and bring against him a charge of bribery.
From developments Friday, it would seem that Colonel Felder was engaged in an effort to entrap Lanford and Beavers.
Colonel Felder has issued a statement to that effect. A statement from Mayor Woodward tends to corroborate it. Continue reading Felder Denies Phagan Bribery; Dictograph Record Used Against Felder
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
At the Request of The Journal He Left Trial of a Case in Marietta and Came to Atlanta Friday Afternoon, Where He Dictated a Statement Without Having Read the Dictographed Interview Which Is Given Elsewhere in This Paper.
WELL-KNOWN ATTORNEY GIVES HIS VERSION OF WHAT HE SAID TO SECRETARY G. C. FEBUARY
Col. Felder Declares He Told Febuary and Colyar He Would Introduce Them to Some Gentlemen Who Might Be Interested in Getting Possession of Evidence on the Detective Department—Says He Never Claimed He Had Been Employed by the Colemans.
The Atlanta Journal has developed the fact that the city detectives have dictographed a conversation alleged to have taken place between Colonel Thomas B. Felder, the widely known attorney, G. C. Febuary, secretary to Chief of Detectives N. A. Lanford, and A. S. Colyar, a citizen, alleged to have occurred between them Wednesday afternoon shortly after 3 o’clock in Room 31 of Williams House No. 2. That the detectives believed they were setting a trap for the astute attorney is known, but there is also a probability that Colonel Felder on his part was endeavoring to trap the trappers.
After having secured a stenographic report of the dictographed conversation, which has been sworn to by George M. Gentry, a nephew of Colonel W. T. Gentry, president of the Bell Telephone & Telegraph Co., the detectives, for reasons satisfactory to themselves, failed to proceed any further. A copy of the stenographer’s typewritten record is in their possession, but if they had any intention of bringing charges against Colonel Felder, they seem to have, at least temporarily, abandoned their plans. Continue reading Col. Felder Denies Offering $1,000 or Any Other Sum for Affidavit Held by Detectives
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
Great Mass of Evidence Carefully Prepared by Solicitor Submitted to Grand Jury.
CRIME STUDIED 3 HOURS, ADJOURNS TILL SATURDAY
Utmost Care Taken to Insure Secrecy at the Investigation, Diagram Studied.
The Phagan case is now in the process of investigation by the Fulton County Grand Jury.
Two bills for indictment of Leo M. Frank and Newt Lee, for the murder of Mary Phagan, were presented before that tribunal at its session Friday morning by Solicitor Dorsey.
A host of witnesses gave their testimony. The torn and blood-stained clothing of the slain girl also was turned over to the Grand Jury for inspection.
The Grand Jury studied carefully an elaborate diagram drawn by Bert Green, one of the Georgian’s staff artists, and setting forth in black and white the prosecutor’s theory of how the murder was probably committed. Intense interest was displayed in the drawing.
After being in session for nearly three hours, the Grand Jury adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock, when the Phagan case will be taken up once more.
Woman Gives New Testimony.
Whether the sensational testimony of Mrs. Mima [sic] Famby [sic], 400 Piedmont Avenue—or Nina Famby [sic], as the woman says her name is—will be introduced at the Grand Jury probe, is a matter of doubt. Mrs. Fomby’s affidavit declaring that on the evening of the murder Frank called the affiant on the telephone and in an excited voice asked her to arrange a room for himself and a girl whose name he would not disclose, is in the hands of the Solicitor General.
Important as is the bearing which the alleged telephone conversation appears to have on the mystery of Mary Phagan’s death, doubts are already being expressed as to the part it will be permitted to play in the present hearing or any to come, owing to the chary wording of the law on such evidence. Continue reading Indictment of Both Lee and Frank is Asked
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
Mrs. Mima Famby Swears Suspected Man Wanted a Room for Himself and a Girl on Murder Night.
TO PRESENT AFFIDAVIT TO GRAND JURY TODAY
Mysterious Telephone Message Caused Detectives to Interview Woman Who Conducts Rooming House.
Mrs. Mima [sic] Famby [sic], who conducts a rooming house at 400 Piedmont avenue, near Currier street, has signed an affidavit to the effect that on April 26 Leo M. Frank called her up repeatedly by telephone and endeavored to secure a room for himself and a young girl.
The affidavit was signed Monday, May 11, but had been kept a secret. Mrs. Famby attached her signature to the document in the office of Detective Chief Lanford in police headquarters, and was sworn by Recorder Nash Broyles to the presence of Probation Officer Sidney J. Coogler. The affidavit was then turned over to Solicitor Dorsey.
Detectives say this is one of the most important bite of evidence they hold. It will, in all probability, be submitted to the grand jury when it takes up the Phagan case this morning at 10 o’clock. It was gained through a mysterious telephone call which came to police headquarters only a short while after the body had been discovered.
Some one, who refused to give a name, telephoned Chief Lanford, giving this message:
“Look up Mrs. Mima Famby. She knows more than she has told.” Continue reading Rooming House Sought by Frank Declares Woman
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Friday, May 23rd, 1913
In Interview With G. C. Febuary, Secretary to Chief of Detectives Newport Lan[f]ord, in Room 31 of Williams House No. 2, Heard by Dictograph and Taken Down in Shorthand, Col. Felder is Alleged to Have Offered Bribe
“I CONTROL MAYOR, SOLICITOR AND JUDGE,” HE IS QUOTED AS SAYING IN ASSURING FEBUARY PROTECTION
East Lake Was Agreed Upon as Place for Transfer of Papers, Although Colonel Felder Suggested the Transportation Club, According to Stenographic Report of Conversation That Occurred—All of Alleged Interview That is Printable is Given Below
The Atlanta Journal has in its possession a sworn copy of an alleged dictograph conversation, said to have occurred Wednesday afternoon in Room No. 31, of Williams House No. 2, 34-36 North Forsyth street, between Colonel Thomas B. Felder, well-known Atlanta attorney; G. C. Febuary, secretary to Chief of Detectives Newport A. Lanford, and A. S. Colyar, a citizen.
In this record of the alleged dictographed conversation Colonel Felder is quoted as offering a large sum of money to Secretary Febuary if he would extract certain affidavits and papers relating to the Phagan murder mystery from the safe of Chief Lanford and turn them over to him.
Colonel Felder is also quoted as having promised immunity to Febuary if any attempt was made to prosecute him for extracting the papers, and according to the dictograph record Colonel Felder declared to Febuary that he controlled Mayor Woodward, Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey and the judge of the criminal court.
It is said that Colonel Felder offered one thousand dollars to Febuary for the papers, and that he agreed to have the delivery of the papers and the payment of the money occur at East Lake, although he preferred that the transfer take place at the Transportation club. Continue reading Dictograph Set by Detectives to Trap Col. Thos. B. Felder; Here is the Dictograph Record
Misnamed “Anti-Defamation League” wants harsh penalties for alleged “crimes motivated by hate” to intimidate White resistance to genocide.
THE Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced recently the formation of a new campaign to improve legal response to hate crimes across the United States. (ILLUSTRATION: Rep. John Lewis and Jonathan Greenblatt)
The announcement came during an event in Atlanta, Georgia, with U.S. Rep. John Lewis, as the ADL unveiled its 50 States Against Hate initiative. The “Initiative for Stronger Hate Crime Laws” will work toward the passage of hate crime laws in the five states which do not have them — Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Wyoming — while simultaneously seeking to make existing hate crime laws in the other 45 states more inclusive and comprehensive.
Continue reading Jews Use Leo Frank As Excuse to Impose New “Hate” Laws
Accuracy wasn’t much better then than now; these are translations from the Yiddish “Forverts” coverage of 1915.
ATLANTA, August 17, 1915 — A telephone dispatch was received today at 55 minutes past 8 in the morning reporting that Leo Frank was lynched in Marietta (Marietta is the town where the murdered Mary Phagan was from and was buried there.)
No details are known yet.
Continue reading How the Jewish Press Reported Leo Frank’s Execution in 1915
American Dissident Voices broadcast of August 29, 2015
by Kevin Alfred Strom
IT WAS a century ago that Leo Frank, the president of Atlanta’s B’nai B’rith, met his death. His arrest and eventual conviction and execution for the grisly sex murder of little Mary Phagan set off a huge national campaign by the Jewish power structure, in which unheard-of sums were spent to reverse the verdict of the jury, which found Frank guilty of murder. The central theme of this Jewish campaign was that Frank was a “victim of anti-Semitism” and that the charges against him were baseless. An entire literature has grown up around these claims, it has infected the academy and, through distorted media accounts, colored the average reader’s perception of the case. We of the National Alliance aim to correct that perception: Leo Frank was found guilty, and his guilt is the only reasonable explanation of the facts of the case.
The Jews are losing control of the Leo Frank narrative, as search results and the public comments on the controlled media’s articles clearly show. Today we conclude our series on the Frank case with part 3 of the new audio book by Vanessa Neubauer, based on the series published in the American Mercury by Bradford L. Huie. We now offer you “100 Reasons Leo Frank is Guilty,” part 3. I give you Miss Vanessa Neubauer:
American Dissident Voices broadcast of August 22, 2015
by Kevin Alfred Strom
MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO, Leo Max Frank — a Jewish employer of child labor — was executed for the sex murder of his 13-year-old employee Mary Phagan. The controlled media have published literally hundreds of articles, dramas, and documentaries on the case in recent weeks — and it looks like the flood will continue unabated all this year.
The theme they endlessly repeat is this: Leo Frank was innocent — and his arrest, indictment, trial, and conviction were all motivated by anti-Semitism. Recently-retired Jewish ADL boss Abraham Foxman even went on record saying that Leo Frank was “convicted without evidence.” But there is a mountain of evidence proving Leo Frank is guilty. Good enough for the coroner’s jury, the grand jury (which included four Jews), the trial jury, the Georgia Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. If you sincerely think that these were all motivated by “anti-Semitism,” then you are truly paranoid.
The Jews make up these falsehoods — including the totally fabricated tale of a murderous mob outside the courtroom threatening the jury with death, which appears in no contemporary account — and then they cite each other’s lies to give a pseudo-scholarly sheen to the thrust of their central narrative: Good Jews versus Bad Yahoos.
American Dissident Voices broadcast of August 15, 2015
by Kevin Alfred Strom
MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO, Jewish sweatshop operator Leo Max Frank was executed by hanging for the crime of murdering a 13-year-old girl employee of his, Mary Phagan (pictured). Some have called the hanging a lynching, but was it? It was not carried out by an undisciplined mob, but by a citizens’ militia, who, with military precision — and commanded by eminent men, leaders of their community — removed Frank from his cell and carried out the sentence of the court. These men were outraged that Frank’s sentence had been overturned by an outgoing governor not only in the pay of wealthy Jews but actually a partner in the law firm that defended Frank. The militia men did not believe in mob rule — far from it. But they felt they had no alternative but to take the decision to carry out the jury’s sentence out of the hands of a corrupt governor and into their own. Why? What made these men so certain of Frank’s guilt, when today all we hear from the controlled media is that he was innocent, innocent, innocent?
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
Thursday, May 22nd, 1913
Names of Leo M. Frank and the Negro, Newt Lee, to Be Presented by State as the Accused
DORSEY TO CONCENTRATE EFFORT AGAINST FORMER
Improbable That Evidence Favorable to Mr. Frank Will Be Attempted—Experts Ready on Various Phases
The Phagan investigation will go to the grand jury on Friday and the state will use every effort to introduce sufficient evidence against the two suspects ordered held by the coroner’s jury to secure true bills.
Solicitor General Dorsey announced late Thursday that there had been no development which would change his plan to present the case to the twenty-three grand jurors on Friday. The names of both Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the National Pencil factory, and Newt Lee, negro nightwatchman, will be presented the jury, but it is said that the state will concentrate its evidence in an effort to secure a true bill against the factory superintendent.
WILL WITHHOLD EVIDENCE.
As to whether his expert testimony by physicians and by finger print, handwriting and blood specialists would be introduced before the grand jury, Mr. Dorsey would make no statement.
It is said, however, that the state will withhold all evidence possible without jeopardizing its chances of securing a true bill.
The grand jury session to take up the famous case has been called for 10 o’clock Friday morning, and a small army of deputy sheriffs and attaches of the solicitor’s office will be used Thursday in subpenaing [sic] the numerous witnesses in the case. Continue reading Phagan Case Will Go to Grand Jury at 10 A. M. Friday
by Elliot Dashfield
a review of The Leo Frank Case by Leonard Dinnerstein, University of Georgia Press
IN 1963, nearly a half century after the sensational trial and lynching of Leo Frank become a national cause célèbre, a graduate student named Leonard Dinnerstein (pictured) decided to make the Frank case the subject of his PhD thesis. Three years later, Dinnerstein submitted his dissertation to the political science department of Columbia University — and his thesis became the basis of his 1968 book, The Leo Frank Case. Dinnerstein’s book has undergone numerous tweaks, additions, and revisions over the years – more than a half dozen editions have been published. His latest version, published in 2008, is the culmination of his nearly 50 years of research into the Leo Frank affair.
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Georgian
Thursday, May 22nd, 1913
Understood That Cases Will Be Brought Separately, With One Accused as Accomplice.
Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey announced Thursday afternoon that he was prepared to go before the Grand Jury Friday morning with his strongest evidence in the case of Leo M. Frank and Newt Lee, held in connection with the murder of Mary Phagan.
Although Mr. Dorsey would not discuss the form in which the cases would be presented, it was reliably stated they would be heard separately and the charge against one would be that he was an accessory to the fact.
Neither of the defendants will go before the jury. Mr. Dorsey said that in the event any move was made to introduce evidence for the defense he was prepared to block it. He said he had looked up Supreme Court decisions on this question, because when the Grand Jury was asked to indict Dr. W. H. Gillem for beating W. H. Johnson the jury in his absence had allowed Dr. Gillem to come before it, which, he said, was contrary to all law.
Twelve to Govern Action.
The opinion of 12 of the 21 jurymen will govern the action of the body. There can be no minority, said the Solicitor. If 12 of the men indict or decline to indict, the other jurors have to sign the “true” or “no bill” with the 12. Eighteen of the 21 constitute a quorum. Continue reading Grand Jury Won’t Hear Leo Frank or Lee
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Thursday, May 22nd, 1913
Two Investigators Are Added to Wm. J. Burns’ Forces Already in Atlanta—P. A. Flak in City.
The William J. Burns forces in the investigation of the Mary Phagan mystery have been reinforced by two expert investigators who recently arrived in the city and are assisting Chief C. W. Tobie in his work.
Their identity is being withheld. Both began work Wednesday. One is a noted handwriting and finger print expert, and his first object was to examine the notes found beside the girl’s body and to obtain finger prints at and around the scene of discovery.
Chief Tobie visited the negro night watchman, Newt Lee, in the Tower Wednesday morning for an hours’ interview. Although he will not state positively his views, the impression is gained that he believes the negro innocent, in both the actual murder and as an accessory either before or after the crime.
Finger Print Expert Engaged.
P. A. Flak, one of New York’s most successful finger print experts, has been retained by Solicitor General Dorsey to examine prints found upon the victim’s clothing and on the notes written by her slayer. Flak was brought to Atlanta by the Georgia State Banker’ association, the convention of which recently was held in Macon.
He and the solicitor visited the pencil factory Wednesday afternoon. Later they visited the jail, where, it is said, they secured finger prints from both suspects, Frank, the plant superintendent, and the negro watchman. They spent practically the entire day together. Continue reading Experts Are Here on Finger Prints
Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Constitution
Wednesday, May 21st, 1913
Burns Operative Finds New Theory in Detailed Study of Life of Girl Who Was Murdered.
Investigation into the life of Mary Phagan from the time she was a child until the day upon which she was murdered has been the work for the past several days of C. W. Tobie, the investigator who is preceding William J. Burns in the attempt to find the perpetrator of the crime.
The detective will not reveal his specific reasons for accumulating a record of the girl’s life, but steadily he has been familiarizing himself with every detail which it has been possible to learn. When his chief reaches Atlanta he will have practically every detail in the life of the murdered girl at his finger tips. Tobie states that this is an important part of his criminal investigation.
All of Tuesday morning was spent in interviewing Mrs. James W. Coleman, mother of the dead girl, at her home, 146 Lindsay street. The grief-stricken parent broke into tears before the examination was finished. Tobie learned that on the morning of Mary’s disappearance she had arisen early to help her mother with the day’s housework.
Ironing Sunday Frock.
Up until the time she caught the trolley car for town, shortly after 11 o’clock, she had been ironing a summer frock which she intended wearing to Sunday school the following Sunday. It still lies carefully spread across the chair upon which she had folded it, a cherished memento of her bright young life. Continue reading Tobie is Studying Mary Phagan’s Life