Category Archives: Newspaper coverage

Here is Coleman Affidavit Which Officers Say Col. Felder Offered to Purchase for the Sum of $1,000

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Here is ColemanAnother 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 →

Frank Feeling Fine But Will Not Discuss His Case

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Frank Feeling Fine

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 →

Febuary and Colyar Swear That Felder Offered Big Bribe

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Febuary and ColyarAnother 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.”

* * *

Atlanta Journal, May 23rd 1913, “Febuary and Colyar Swear That Felder Offered Big Bribe,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)

Felder Denies Phagan Bribery; Dictograph Record Used Against Felder

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Felder Denies Phagan Bribery

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 →

Col. Felder Denies Offering $1,000 or Any Other Sum for Affidavit Held by Detectives

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Col Felder DeniesAnother 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 →

Indictment of Both Lee and Frank is Asked

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National_Pencil_Company_diagram_Mary_Phagan_murder

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 →

Rooming House Sought by Frank Declares Woman

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ROOMING HOUSE

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 →

Dictograph Set by Detectives to Trap Col. Thos. B. Felder; Here is the Dictograph Record

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Dictograph Set by Detectives

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 →

Phagan Case Will Go to Grand Jury at 10 A. M. Friday

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Phagan Case Will Go to Grand Jury

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 →

Grand Jury Won’t Hear Leo Frank or Lee

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Grand Jury Won't Hear

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 →

Experts Are Here on Finger Prints

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Experts Here

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 →

Tobie is Studying Mary Phagan’s Life

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Tobie is Studying

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 →

Finger Print Expert Works With Dorsey to Solve Mystery

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Finger Print Expert

Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.

Atlanta Journal

Wednesday, May 21st, 1913

P. A. Flak, of New York, visits Scene of Crime and Also Takes Finger Prints of Men in the Tower

BURNS INVESTIGATOR INTERVIEWS NEWT LEE

He is Said to Be Convinced That Negro Is Innocent—Pinkertons Still Busy in Search for Additional Evidence

The employment by Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey of one of the best known finger print experts in the world on the Phagan mystery was Wednesday’s principal development in the sensational case.

P. A. Flak, of New York City, noted criminologist, and a recognized expert on finger prints, was brought to Atlanta by the “Southeastern Banker” and introduced to Mr. Dorsey.

The expert and the prosecuting officer spent the entire day Wednesday in an effort to find the murderer of Mary Phagan through finger prints.

Together they visited the scene of the crime, and also the jail, where they are said to have secured the finger prints of Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the pencil factory, and Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, the two men held by the coroner’s jury.

Finger prints, which may lead to the conviction of the murderer were found on the notes left beside the dead girl’s body, and they were closely examined by Mr. Flak and the solicitor general.

Mr. Flak recently attended a meeting of the Georgia Banker’s association at Macon and consented at the request of representatives of the Southeastern Banker to come here and look into the Phagan mystery. Continue Reading →

T. B. Felder Repudiates Report of Activity for Frank

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TB Felder

Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.

Atlanta Georgian

Wednesday, May 21st, 1913

Stories That He Was Retained by Prisoner’s Friends Silly, He Declares.

Mystery piles up upon mystery in the Phagan case.

Colonel Thomas B. Felder was asked Wednesday afternoon by The Georgian to reply to rumors circulating on the street, all making the general charge that he had been retained by friends of Leo Frank, prisoner in the Phagan case, and that his object in bringing the great detective, William J. Burns, here, was not to aid the prosecution.

Colonel Felder said:

“Any stories to that effect are silly and ridiculous—if nothing worse. Anybody who knows me or Mr. Burns knows that we would not lend ourselves to any scheme to block justice. Mr. Burns in hunting down a criminal can not be stopped. He could have made a million dollars by listening to the importunities of friends of the McNamaras in the dynamiting cases, but he is above price.”

Loath to Discuss Rumors.

Mr. Felder said that he was loath to discuss the rumors on the street because he wanted to avoid injecting into the case any issues that might impede a speedy solution of the mystery.

He stated also that he had never said he was retained by the family of the dead girl, but that a committee of citizens had been the moving spirits in getting him to take hold and using his influence to bring Burns’ talents to bear on the case. Continue Reading →

Women Declare Phagan Murder Must Be Solved

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Women Declare

Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.

Atlanta Constitution

Tuesday, May 20th, 1913

“Freedom of Murderer Is a Menace to Honor and Life of Every Woman,” Writes Mrs. James Carr.

Optimistic over the prospects for solving the Mary Phagan mystery, C. W. Tobie, chief of the William J. Burns criminal department, told a reporter for The Constitution yesterday morning that he was confident the girl’s murderer would be apprehended and convicted in a surprisingly short while.

“What if Mary Phagan were your child?” is the subject of an eloquent plea made to the women of Atlanta by Mrs. Jane F. Carr for the apprehension of the slyer. Women of all walks of life and classes are uniting in one combined effort to assist in investigation.

Mrs. Carr’s plea is an apt illustration of the widespread sentiment felt by the women of the city. It will be recalled that six prominent women advanced the suggestion to Attorney Felder that Detective Burns be employed, and the fund was started by The Constitution. Women’s clubs and organizations all over Georgia are ready and willing to lead every aid possible.

Women Are Interested.

Mrs. Carr’s letter follows: Continue Reading →

Phagan Case Goes to the Grand Jury in Present Form

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Phagan Case

Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.

Atlanta Journal

Tuesday, May 20th, 1913

Solicitor and Detectives Are Ready With Evidence and Will Present Bills for Jury’s Consideration Friday

CAN FRANK INTRODUCE WITNESSES IN DEFENSE?

This Question Is Being Considered by Solicitor—Another Report That Mary Phagan Was Seen Saturday P. M.

The Fulton county grand jury will commence its investigation of the murder of Mary Phagan on Friday, not Thursday morning, according to an announcement from the solicitor general’s office.

Unless there is an important development before that time, and none is considered likely, the names of only two suspects, Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the National Pencil factory, and Newt Lee, negro night watchman, will be presented to the grand jury by the solicitor.

The grand jury hearing may consume two or three days, although it is possible that the body will be willing to return either a true bill or a no bill in one or both cases, after hearing only the principal witnesses.

While it has never been the custom of Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey to allow defendants and witnesses for the defendant before a grand jury hearing, it is said to be probable that an effort will be made to introduce witnesses in behalf of Mr. Frank.

Solicitor Dorsey would not be quoted on the matter, but he is said to be looking up the law on the subject in order that he may be ready to combat any effort of Mr. Frank’s counsel or friends to introduce testimony favorable to him. Continue Reading →

Cases Ready Against Lee and Leo Frank

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Cases Ready

Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.

Atlanta Georgian

Tuesday, May 20th, 1913

Solicitor General Dorsey Declares All Evidence Will Go to the Grand Jury Friday.

Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey announced Tuesday morning that the State’s case against Leo M. Frank and Newt Lee in connection with the Phagan murder, would go to the Grand Jury Friday of this week. He said that he could anticipate no new arrest or development that would make it necessary to change this plan.

Mrs. Jane F. Carr, 251 Ponce De-Leon Avenue, in an open letter, asked every woman in Atlanta to contribute to the fund to employ the Burns detective and Mr. Burns himself to work in the Phagan investigation. She appealed to women of every walk in life to give according to their means.

“What if Mary Phagan were your child?” was the subject of her letter.

Felder Asks for Funds.

The Burns fund, after going above the $2,000 mark, slacked considerably. Colonel Thomas B. Felder said this sum would not sufficient if it became necessary for the Burns men to make an exhaustive investigation, and asked the people to contribute liberally to the end that Atlanta’s greatest mystery be satisfactorily cleared. Continue Reading →

Burns Eager to Solve Phagan Case

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Burns Eager to Solve

Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.

Atlanta Georgian

Monday, May 19th, 1913

Famous Detective Expected to Arrive From Europe and Start Work Before June 1.

STARTLING NEW EVIDENCE IS REPORTED DISCOVERED

Important Revelation Looked For To-day—Search Being Pushed With Renewed Vigor.

Colonel Thomas B. Felder announced Monday morning that he had received word from William J. Burns that he would arrive in America before June 1 and would probably be on the scene of the Phagan slaying before that date.

Colonel Felder said the great detective had taken an unusual interest in the Phagan mystery and he would not be surprised to hear from him in America any day soon.

“Burns is more interested in this case than I have known him to be in another,” said Colonel Felder. “I am advised that he will hasten his return from Europe on this account and be in America some days before June 1. He will, of course, come direct to Atlanta.

“The meantime developments since his investigator has been here are more than satisfactory. The Burns detective convinced Mr. Dorsey Sunday afternoon that he had touched upon heretofore overlooked evidence of importance, and in his report today we expect valuable information.”

Search Grows More Active.

With investigation into the mystery more active Monday than it has been at any time during the last two weeks, the Solicitor was hopeful that important developments would be made during the day. Continue Reading →

Detectives Seek Clue in Writing of Negro Suspect

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Detectives Seek Clue in Writing

Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.

Atlanta Constitution

Monday, May 19th, 1913

Another Employee of the National Pencil Company Now Held at Police Headquarters.

VALUABLE EVIDENCE FOUND BY BURNS MAN

For Hours the New Detective, Col. Thomas B. Felder and Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey Discuss Case.

In the first report of his investigation of the Mary Phagan tragedy, William J. Burns’ agent informs Solicitor General Dorsey that he already has obtained a valuable clue, and that a new phase of the mystery, upon which he is basing his operations, will be productive of early and startling results.

Sunday was a day of vigorous activity in all three sources of investigation of the Phagan mystery. At police headquarters, a new negro suspect was put through the third degree and forced to give specimens of his handwriting. His wife was taken into custody and thoroughly examined by Pinkerton men and police detectives.

The Burns agent and Colonel Thomas B. Felder held an eight-hour conference with the solicitor at the home of Colonel Felder from noon until 8 o’clock last night. The principal object was to thoroughly acquaint the new officer with the situation as it has previously been developed and with the evidence now at hand.

Frank Has Little to Say.

Leo M. Frank, the suspected factory superintendent, and Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, were both seen in their cells in the Tower last night by a Constitution reporter. Frank had only a few words to say. He would not discuss any phase of the case. Lee talked freely, and appeared optimistic of the future.

Frank’s health is holding up exceptionally well. He declares that he now feels no ill effects whatever of the three weeks of imprisonment. His cell was thronged all day Sunday with scores of friends and relatives, many of whom remained from noon until nightfall. Continue Reading →

Burns’ Investigator Outlines His Theory of Phagan Murder

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Burns' Investigator

Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.

Atlanta Journal

Monday, May 19th, 1913

It Coincides In Practically Every Feature With Theory Held by Solicitor Dorsey, Detectives and Pinkertons

MYSTERY CAN BE SOLVED, INVESTIGATOR DECLARES

He Holds Long Conerence [sic] With Solicitor, Who Has Welcomed Him Into Case, Urged to Contribute to Fund

The theory of the murder of Mary Phagan entertained by the city detectives and outlined in The Journal first on Sunday a week ago is the theory in which C. W. Tobie, manager of the criminal department of the William J. Burns agency, believes.

Mr. Tobie, who has been employed by Attorney Thomas B. Felder, has assumed charge of the investigation of the Phagan case for the Burns’ agency pending the arrival of his chief.

To The Journal Monday morning he outlined his theory of the case in the office of Colonel Felder.

“The Phagan murder is not in my opinion a hopeless or impregnable mystery,” he said, “and I am confident that we will find and convict the guilty man.

“There are several features of the case which I do not care to mention which have not been worked out. I am going right after these ends of the affair, and believe that I will get results.” Continue Reading →