Tag Archives: Leo Frank Trial

Frank Should Know Fate Before the Week Passes is Opinion of Attorneys

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

Atlanta Journal
August 17th, 1913

While Defense Has About Forty Character Witnesses, It’s Not Believed That Their Testimony Will Take More Than One Day, and Frank Himself Will Probably Tell His Self to the Jury Some Time Tuesday.

REBUTTAL EVIDENCE WILL TAKE TWO DAYS AND THE ARGUMENTS OF ATTORNEYS TWO MORE

This Will Put the Case In the Hands of the Jury at the End of the Week – All Interest is Now Centered in the Witnesses That the Solicitor Will Put on the Stand In an Effort to Break Down Fine Character Showing Made by Frank.

The present week will see the end of the trial of Leo M. Frank charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, all attorneys connected with the case believe.

Counsel expect to conclude the young factory defense certainly before the end of Tuesday morning’s and probably during the day Monday.

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Mary Phagan-Kean Interview Blitz Continues: Ryan Dawson

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Introduction to Mary Phagan-Kean’s Insights into the Murder of Her Great Aunt

HERE ARE SOME of the key points offered by Mary Phagan-Kean in her latest interview with social media activist Ryan Dawson. (video above)

Mary Phagan-Kean’s journey into the dark and complex narrative surrounding the murder of her great aunt, Mary Phagan, began unexpectedly. Her father first shared the story after her name was recognized by a teacher, sparking a lifelong quest for truth and justice. The tale, as recounted by her father, painted a grim picture of Leo Frank, the man convicted of Mary Phagan’s murder. According to testimony, Frank was a sexual pervert who molested numerous young girls and even boys, earning him the moniker “the B’nai B’rith pedophile” — a reference to the fact that he was president of the Atlanta chapter of the Jewish fraternal order B’nai B’rith, the organization which gave birth to the powerful ADL, or “Anti-Defamation League.” Frank was even re-elected president of the group after his conviction for murdering little Mary.

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Solicitor Reasserts His Conviction Of Bad Character and Guilt of Frank

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 24th, 1913

“What I had to say yesterday,” began Mr. Dorsey at the opening of Saturday morning’s session, “with references to character, I think I have demonstrated by law to any fair-minded man that the defendant is not a man of good character.”

“In failing to cross-examine these twenty young ladies who claim his character was bad, is proof, of itself, that if he had character that was good, no power on earth would have kept him and his counsel from plying countless questions in his behalf.”

“That’s common-sense, gentlemen, a proposition that is as fair and a proposition which I have already shown you by law that they had a perfect right to delve into his character. Also, you have seen their failure to cross-question these witnesses.”

“Whenever any man has evidence in possession and fails to produce it, the strongest presumption arises that it would he hurtful if they did produce it. Failure to present such evidence is a glaring Indictment. You need no law book to tell you that.”

“You know the reason, his able counsel did not ask these ‘hare-brained fanatics’ questions of the evidence they had presented against their client. You know it too well, they know it—they know it better than you. That’s why they did not question.”

“You tell me those good people from Washington Street came and said they never heard anything against Frank. Many a man has gone through life, without even his wife knowing his misfortune. It takes the valley to know a man’s life.”

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Leo Frank’s Fate May Be Decided by Monday Night

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 25th, 1913

Solicitor Dorsey Is Expected to Complete His Address to Jury During Morning Session of Court

MANY FRIENDS VISIT FRANK IN THE TOWER

Judge Has Intimated That He Will Be Ready to Receive Verdict at Any Time of Day or Night

By 11 o’clock this morning—and perhaps earlier—Solicitor Hugh Dorsey will have finished his address in the case of Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, and Judge Roan ‘will’ begin charging the jury.

In a talk with a Constitution reporter last night, Mr. Dorsey intimated that the final summing up of his argument would not take two hours, and that it probably would not last much longer than one. He intimated that by 11 o’clock the judge would be well under way in his charge.

With two more hours added to the already record-breaking speech of the solicitor, it will establish a mark that many declare will not be excelled in years to come. Mr. Dorsey has already spoken over six hours.

Because of exhaustion, resulting from his speech of over four hours Saturday afternoon, the solicitor spent a quiet Sunday, getting ready for the end of his argument today.

Rosser at Warm Springs.

Luther Z. Rosser, senior attorney for the defense, spent Sunday and Sunday night in Warm Springs and Woodbury, which he visited with his wife. At Warm Springs during the day, he was besieged by a host of admirers.

Leo Frank spent a typical Sunday in jail. Throughout the day his cell was a mecca for callers. His wife and mother came late in the afternoon, remaining with him for considerable while. On these trips, he is permitted to see them in the jailer’s dining room on the first floor.

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As Bells Tolled, Dorsey Closed Magnificent Argument Which Fastened Crime on Frank

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 26th, 1913

As the big bell in the Catholic church tolled the hour of 12 o’clock Solicitor Dorsey concluded his remarkable plea for the conviction of Leo Frank with the dreadful words— “Guilty, guilty, guilty!”

It was just at this hour, more than four months ago that little Mary Phagan entered the pencil factory to draw her pittance of $1.20.

The tolling of the bell and the dread sound of the words cut like a chill to the hearts of many who shivered involuntarily.

It was the conclusion of the most remarkable speech which has ever been delivered in the Fulton County courthouse—a speech which will go down in history stamping Hugh Dorsey as one of the greatest prosecuting attorneys of this age.

Arnold Makes Protest.

Only after Attorney Reuben R. Arnold had registered a vigorous protest against the action of the spectators, who clapped their hands in tumultuous applause as Solicitor Hugh Dorsey entered the courtroom. Monday morning the solicitor was allowed to continue his speech, which was interrupted by adjournment Saturday.

When court convened at 9 o’clock, there were more people outside of the courthouse unable to gain admission, than there were inside, and about two minutes before the hour of opening court, a roar of cheers told the spectators inside that the solicitor general was coming. His entrance was the signal for the outbreak of approval of his wonderful effort Saturday.

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Frank Convicted, Asserts Innocence

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 26th, 1913

WAITS WITH WIFE IN TOWER FOR NEWS FROM COURTROOM; FRIENDS TELL HIM VERDICT

“I Am as Innocent Today as I Was One Year Ago,” He Cries—“The Jury Has Been Influenced by Mob Law”— “I Am Stunned by News,” Declares ‘Rabbi Marx, One of Prisoner’s Closest Friends—Defense Plans to Carry Case to Supreme Court in Order to Secure New Trial—Judge Roan Will Defer Sentence For a Few Days.

OVATION FOR JURY AND SOLICITOR GIVEN BY CROWD WAITING ON STREET

Judge Roan Thanks Jurymen for Services During Four Long, Hard Weeks, and Tells Members He Hopes They Will Find Their Families Well—Courtroom Was Cleared by Order of Judge Before Jury Was Brought in to Give Its Verdict—“’I’m Sorry for Frank’s Wife and His Mother,” Says Solicitor Dorsey.

 Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the National Pencil factory; president of the B’nai B’rith, graduate of Cornell university, student of literature, and until recently regarded as a man of unblemished character and reputation, and a leader among his people, has been declared guilty of the murder of Mary Phagan, a 13-year-old employee of the factory which Frank is the head.

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Glad and Relieved Trial Is Over; No Doubt of Leo Frank’s Guilt

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 26th, 1913

“I could not begin to tell you how glad and relieved I feel, now that it is all over.” said Mrs. J. W. Coleman, mother of Mary Phagan, talking to a Constitution reporter last night.

“For weeks I have felt that I just could not sleep another wink for thinking of that man Frank, and the possibility that he might escape the consequences of his crime. I have felt satisfied all the time that he was guilty, and the verdict of the jury is no surprise to me. They are good, noble men, and should be commended by all for doing their duty as they have done. I do not see how anyone who has read all the evidence could possibly think there is the smallest doubt as to Frank’s guilt.”

“I have not been well for the last week, and my mother also has been sick, so you see I could not attend all the sessions of the court, but I have gone as often as possible, and I have read every line regarding the progress of the trial published in the papers. I hope that they will not be hard on that Conley negro. Although he lied a great deal at first, he did turn round and tell the whole truth at last, and in my opinion, he should be let off with a light sentence.”

“The only real regret I feel about the entire trial is that I was unable to attend court this afternoon, and shake hands with each member of the Jury and with Judge Roan, I will take the first opportunity of seeing every one of them and thanking them for the patient, careful consideration they have shown to everything connected with the trial any way.”

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Atlanta Constitution, August 26th 1913, “Glad and Relieved Trial is Over; No Doubt of Leo Frank’s Guilt,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)

Guilty, Declares Jury

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 26th, 1913

LEO FRANK’S LIFE HISTORY.

The following chronological history of the life of Leo Max Frank is taken from his statement to the jury, made Monday, August 18, 1913:

April 17, 1884, born in Paris, Texas.

July, 1884, taken by parents to live in Brooklyn, New York.

June, 1902, graduated from Pratt Institute, a Brooklyn high school.

September, 1902, entered Cornell university, Ithaca, New York. 

June, 1906, graduated from Cornell.   

July, 1906, accepted position as draftsman with B. F. Sturtevant company, of High Park, Mass.

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Here Is the Chronological Order Of Final Day of Frank’s Trial

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 26th, 1913

To those who sat with pent-up excitement in the court room Monday on the last day of the Leo Frank trial, the various events called the Jury and began his charge. The various events flashed by with kaleidoscopic regularity. At the time it seemed a long wall between each picture as it flashed on the screen, but looking back on it, the spectator feels that one came after the other in much short order that the real significance of each had not been taken in before the next event was past.

Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey entered the court room promptly at 9 o’clock amid a storm of cheers on the outside and tumultuous hand-clapping in the courtroom. He began his speech and then things went on with regularity until the verdict came.

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Leo Frank Received Fair Trial Declares Chief Newport Lanford

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 26th, 1913

Chief Newport Lanford made the following statement Monday night in talking with a Constitution reporter:

“It is very gratifying to the members of my department that the jury, after their undoubtedly careful deliberation, found Frank guilty. I am not in the least surprised, nor do I think are any of the detectives, who have been associated with me in this case.”

“Frank was given one of the fairest trials it has ever been my lot to figure in. A body of twelve honorable gentlemen of high standing in the community have found him guilty, as charged, of the murder of Mary Phagan, and I am of the opinion that nearly everyone who is familiar with the case believes him guilty.”

“We, the other detectives and myself, have worked very hard on the case and have been untiring in our efforts to get at the truth regarding this terrible crime. We have been severely condemned by a few persons, most of whom are unfamiliar with the case, and with police methods of obtaining evidence, for the manner in which the city detectives have handled the Frank case, but the verdict rendered by the jury comes as a complete vindication of our department. In my opinion, and we feel that we have received the greatest reward possible, namely, the conviction of the man responsible for the little Phagan girl’s death.”

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Atlanta Constitution, August 26th 1913, “Leo Frank Received Fair Trial Declares Chief Newport Lanford,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)

Frank Sentenced on Murder Charge to Hang Oct. 10

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 27th, 1913

Motion for New Trial Made and Hearing Set for October 4, 1913, Thus Making It Certain Prisoner Will Get Delay.

NEWT LEE IS RELEASED BY ORDER OF THE COURT

Leo Frank Tells Judge That He Is Innocent, but That His Case Is in the Hands of Counsel.

Leo M. Frank is sentenced to be hanged on Friday, October 10, 1913. This was the date set yesterday morning by Judge Leonard Strickland Roan, when the man convicted of the murder of little Mary Phagan was brought before him to be sentenced on Tuesday, August 26. The fact that the man’s attorneys immediately made motion for a new trial and that Judge Roan set this hearing for October 4 makes it certain that Frank will not hang on the date set.

Should Judge Roan, after a hearing, grant a new trial, the execution would be postponed; should he refuse it, the execution would be postponed while the matter went through the higher courts.

With the sentencing of Frank came a court order, secured by Attorneys Graham and Chappell, giving freedom to Newt Lee, negro nightwatchman for the National Pencil factory, of which Leo Frank was superintendent. The negro had been in custody since 3 o’clock on the morning of Sunday, April 27 when officers came at his call and found the dead girl’s body in the factory basement.

Conley Still in Tower.

James Conley, the negro sweeper, who testified that he aided Frank in disposing of the body and whose story the jury believed, is still in jail, as an accessory after the fact by his own confession. The maximum punishment for Conley is three years, and it is expected that he will be indicted in short order, and enter a formal plea of guilty. It is believed that he will be given less than the maximum, as is often done where a person turns state’s witness.

When Frank was called upon Tuesday morning by the sentencing judge for any reason why a sentence of death should not be pronounced upon him, he reaffirmed his statement of innocence.

“Your honor, I say now, as I have always said, that I am innocent; further than that my case is in the hands of counsel.” These were the words the man spoke and he looked directly at the judge as he spoke.

Very few persons were present when the sentence was passed. Judge Roan sat in his regular courtroom in the Thrower building, instead of in the civil division of the courthouse, where the trial was held, and not over 50 people were present as spectators.

Mrs. Lucille Frank Not Present.

Not even the convicted man’s wife was present. She had heard of the fact that sentence was to be pronounced and was rushing to the courthouse when the words were pronounced by the judge.

As the prisoner in the custody of Deputy Sheriffs John H. Owen, George Brodnax and T.A. Burdette, was being taken back to the Tower, Mrs. Frank, the wife, came up in an automobile. The two met in front of the Thrower building. The wife greeted her husband with a smile and then followed him to the jail, where she threw her arms around him and kissed him repeatedly.

Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey was not present at the sentencing, and neither was Frank A. Hooper, special attorney who aided him in the trial. The state was represented by E. A. Stephens, assistant to the solicitor. All three of the defendant’s attorneys were present and had a conference with Judge Roan in his chambers shortly before the sentencing. It was then that the judge was given informal notice of the motion for a new trial.

Attorneys Luther Z. Rosser, Reuben R. Arnold and Herbert Haas are all confident that Frank will get a new trial.

Statutory Grounds Given.

In making their motion for a new trial, attorneys for Leo Frank set forth statutory grounds and at an early date will file the real motion as at amendment to the present one.

The motion as filed Tuesday sets forth: that the verdict of guilty was contrary in the evidence; that the verdict was contrary to the law; that it was contrary to the weight of law, and that the court, after overruling motion of the defense, allowed certain testimony, which was relative to other crimes not mentioned in the bill of indictment.

The last mentioned part of the motion will be the principal one on which the amended motion will be made. It refers to the testimony of Conley in which he charged perversion on the part of the young superintendent and also declared that on many previous occasions he had acted as “lookout” for him at the factory.

Leo Frank’s cell was a mecca for visitors yesterday.  Friends came to the jail in crowds, appearing as early as daybreak and as late as 10 o’clock at night. Even when he went to the courthouse to receive the sentence of death, he was accompanied by friends.

Both his mother and wife came to the Tower during the morning. He seemed cheerful. The wife plainly slowed the effect of the terrible strain which she had undergone during the latter days of the trial.

When the trio emerged from the room, both women kissed the prisoner goodbye and left the Tower. They were accompanied by friends and neighbors who left with them. Frank was sent back to his cage and locked in. He occupies an entire cell block in ward 3.

Statement by Defense.

Reuben Arnold and family left for the ford Springs, where they go to spend a month’s vacation.

Shortly before leaving the city, Mr. Arnold conferred with Attorney Luther Z. Rosser. The result was a short statement given out to the newspapers in which the counsel for the defense declared it would have taken a jury of Stoics to have given Frank, a fair and impartial trial.

The statement was:

“We deem it not amiss to make a short statement at the attorneys of Leo M. Frank to the public:

“The trial which has just occurred and which has resulted in Mr. Frank’s conviction was a farce and not in any way a trial. In saying this we do not make the least criticism of Judge Roan, who presided. Judge Roan is one of the best men In Georgia and is an able and conscientious judge.

“The temper of the public mind was such that it invaded the courtroom and invaded the streets and made itself manifest at every turn the jury made; and it was just as impossible for this jury to escape the effects of this public feeling as if they had been turned loose and had been permitted to mingle with the people.”

“In doing this we are making no criticism of the jury. They were only men and unconsciously, this prejudice rendered any other verdict impossible.”

“It would have required a jury of Stoics, a jury of Spartans, to have withstood this situation.”

“The time ought to come when this man will get a fair trial and we profoundly believe it will.” 

“The final judgment of the American people is a fair one. It is sometimes delayed in coming, but it comes.”

“We entered into this case with the profound conviction of Mr. Frank’s innocence. The result has not changed our opinion. Every step of the trial has intensified and fortified our profound conviction of his innocence.”

Signed,

“REUBEN ROSE ARNOLD,” and “LUTHER ZEIGLER ROSSER.”

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Atlanta Constitution, August 27th 1913, “Frank Sentenced on Murder Charge to Hang Oct. 10,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)

Hugh Dorsey’s Great Speech Feature of the Frank Trial

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 27th, 1913

By Sidney Ormond

The Frank trial is a matter of history. Solicitor General Hugh Manson Dorsey and his wonderful speech, which brought the case to a close, form the subject matter for countless discussions among all classes of folk in all sorts of places—on the street corners, in clubs, newspaper offices, at the courthouse and wherever two lawyers chance to get together for an exchange of words.

Beyond all doubt, Hugh Dorsey is the most talked-of man in the state of Georgia today. The widespread interest in the Frank case caused all eyes from Rabun Gap to Tybee Light to be centered on this young man, who, up to a few months ago, was little heard of outside of the county of Fulton.

The Frank case has been to Atlanta and the state—in fact, several adjacent states—what the Becker case was to New York and the country at large.

Made Thorough Probe.

When Herman Rosenthal was killed by a gang of gunmen at the Hotel Metropole, District Attorney Whitman was unheard of outside of New York. Today he is a national figure. The same thing holds true of Solicitor Hugh Dorsey, in a lesser degree.

Incidentally, there is another point of comparison. When Rosenthal was murdered, Whitman plunged into the case and personally directed the investigation which led up to the arrest and subsequent conviction of the murderers. No one criticized him for his activity in the case. Hugh Dorsey did the same thing. The Frank case was one of far too much importance to be bungled. It was worthy of the best efforts of every court official sworn to uphold the enforcement of the law.

The city was in a state of mental stress. Lines were closely drawn. It was no time for mistakes of judgment. Dorsey knew this. He felt the responsibility of his position and he entered into the work of clearing up the awful mystery with but one end in view—that justice should prevail.  Unlike Whitman, he met criticism in some quarters—a criticism which was unmerited. He did what he felt to be his duty, that and nothing more; and it is certain that, had he felt Frank innocent, he never would have sought his indictment by the grand jury.

During the progress of the Frank trial, a close friend of the unfortunate young man said, in a tone that expressed some surprise:

“I actually believe Hugh Dorsey thinks Frank guilty.”

Thought Him Guilty.

And he was right. Anyone who knows Hugh Dorsey has never for one instant doubted that all along he has been firmly convinced of Frank’s guilt. Hugh Dorsey is no head-hunter—no savage thirsting for the blood of innocent men. He is human, with human sympathies—tender as a woman at times, but stern as a Spartan when duty calls.

It was the call of duty that caused him to probe the murder of little Mary Phagan; it was the same call which caused him to prosecute the man he thought guilty of the murder.

Don’t think for one instant that Hugh Dorsey did not suffer during the progress of the trial. He suffered as seldom a man is called upon to suffer. It is hard enough to call upon a jury to convict a man of murder; it is doubly hard to do so in the presence of the man’s wife and mother. During the last half hour of his speech it was nothing short of torture for him to face these faithful, devoted women and ask that the law which condemns men to death, be invoked.  

When he said afterward that he felt for the wife and mother, he meant every word. He is not a man given to the parody of emotion—men who feel deeply seldom are.

But back to the trial of the case. If it is given to one, to view the case without prejudice—and there are many such in Atlanta—the heroic task which Hugh Dorsey had before him is apparent.

First, Luther Rosser was employed. Then Rube Arnold entered the lists for the defense. No more formidable array of legal counsel could have been found in the south. Extremes in method, manner and temperament, equally well versed in the law and experienced in its practice, they formed a bulwark that few men would care to attack.

The knowing ones said:

“Well, Hugh Dorsey will get his. They’ll chew him up and spit him out!”

Did they? Not so you could notice it. For once Luther Zeigler Rosser met his match. For once Reuben Rose Arnold crossed swords with a man who caused him to break ground.

Fought Them Every Step.

They tried all sorts of tactics. They used sarcasm; they interrupted, they hammered and they hauled, but it was to no purpose. Dorsey met them at every turn, countering here, slamming heads there. He fought them any fashion they pleased to try but his speech was the thing that proved him master. It was a masterpiece. No such speech has ever been heard in the Fulton County courthouse, and the words are measured, as they are written. It was, as Burton Smith expressed it, worthy of Bob Toombs in the first-flush of vigorous manhood. It was clean-cut, convincing, forceful. It carried conviction with every sentence. It proved, if proof were needed, that Hugh Dorsey is a lawyer of whom any man need have fear. The speech will live long in the memory of those who heard it, no matter what opinion may be entertained of the guilt or innocence of Leo M. Frank.

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Atlanta Constitution, August 27th 1913, “Hugh Dorsey’s Great Speech Feature of the Trial,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)

Graduates of Cornell Will Aid Leo M. Frank in Fight for Life

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 31st, 1913

Leo Max Frank, recently convicted on the charge of murdering Mary Phagan, is to receive aid in his battle for life and liberty from the alumni of Cornell University of Ithaca, New York, which institution he is a graduate [on June 21, 1906], according to dispatches received in Atlanta Saturday night from New York city lawyers, when the movement was started some days ago.

T. B. Strauss, a prominent Cornell alumnus, is heading the movement, and it is stated that circular letters will be sent out to Cornell graduates throughout the country asking their cooperation in the effort to establish Frank’s innocence. It is further stated in articles recently published in New York that it is possible that a subscription will be taken up to make up a fund to finance his defense.

Frank’s latest method of amusing himself in his prison cell is to solicit the autograph of every visitor. He Is insistent on this point before he will see anyone. It is stated, and it is estimated that he has already accumulated hundreds upon hundreds of signatures. He is keeping a diary of each day’s happenings, and faithfully sets down every detail of each hour. He writes down the time to the very minute at which anyone visits him, what time they arrive, and what time they leave. He is equally consistent in jotting down the time at which he eats, how long It takes him to finish each meal and at what time he arises, and not even the smallest detail of the hours in which he is awake is allowed to escape a place on his record.

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Atlanta Constitution, August 31st, 1913, “Graduates of Cornell Will Aid Leo M. Frank in Fight for Life,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)

Leo M. Frank to Make No Public Statement

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 29th, 1913

It was learned yesterday that, contrary to reports, Leo Frank would not make public a statement attacking his arraignment by Solicitor Dorsey, withholding at the advice of attorneys.

His counsel has advised silence for the present, and it is likely that no statement at all will be made by the convicted man until his case is brought before the Supreme Court, in the event a new trial is granted.

No move of any kind is expected on the part of the defense until October 4, the date set for argument before Judge L. S. Roan. Both the defense and prosecution are busy preparing and outlining their argument.

Mrs. Rea Frank, mother of the factory superintendent, left Thursday afternoon for her home In Brooklyn. She intimated, however, that she; would return to Atlanta shortly, Her husband, it is said, is ill at home.

Frank is resting well in the Tower. Much of his time is spent in attending to business. He receives visitors daily, and his wife has been a constant caller. He slept nine hours Wednesday night. Many out-of-town friends came to see him Thursday morning and afternoon, some of whom were college mates at Cornell.

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Atlanta Constitution, August 29th 1913, “Leo M. Frank to Make No Public Statement,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)

Jail Cell of Leo M. Frank Now Like Living Room

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 28th, 1913

Prisoner is Preparing Statement as Answer to Solicitor Dorsey’s Argument.

The cell of Leo M. Frank in the Tower is fast assuming the appearance of a living room. Yesterday a new bed and a number of furnishings arrived. All the day prison attaches worked renovating the interior, oiling the floor and cleaning the windows. 

Mrs. Lucille Frank appeared at the jail shortly after noon. For the first time since her husband’s imprisonment, she visited him in his cell. Heretofore they have accepted the use of the jailers dining room on the first floor. Frank’s mother, Mrs. Rea Frank, also visited him Wednesday afternoon. The wife remained until nightfall.

Frank Cheerful, Say Friends.

Frank is cheerful, his friends say, and is hopeful of the future. He expresses confidence of a new trial and of the prospect for complete exoneration in the long run. He apparently has suffered no ill effects from the strain of the four long weeks at trial and of the resultant verdict. He has suffered not a moment’s illness during his entire imprisonment.

It was stated Wednesday by friends that Frank is preparing a statement for publication in which he brands the speech of Solicitor Dorsey as unfair and underhanded. “It was as full of holes as a slave,” they quote him as having said, “and if I could have had just one hour In which to reply to his argument, I could have convinced the jury that I was an innocent man and that the solicitor was misrepresenting facts.

“I am preparing a statement in reply to his argument,” he is said to have stated, “and if my lawyers deem it advisable, I will make it public. I know that his statements were presented to the jury unfairly and that they had their weight in influencing the twelve men. Therefore, this Is the only way by which I will be able to cope with this unfair situation.”

Summons Chief Clerk.

Frank summoned his chief clerk, Herbert Schiff, who was an important witness for the defense, to the jail, Wednesday morning and dictated a number of letters, business and otherwise. The prisoner Is compiling a diary.       

Attorney Luther Rosser is busy preparing his case for presentation to the courts. In case Judge Roan refuses to grant a new trial, it will be immediately carried to the Supreme Court. At present, the defense is boiling down its plea to the required brevity.

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Atlanta Constitution, August 28th 1913, “Jail Cell of Leo M. Frank Now Like Living Room,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)

Rosser Makes Great Speech for the Defense; Scores Detectives and Criticizes the Solicitor

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 23rd, 1913

In a quiet yet concentrated tone Attorney Luther Zeigler Rosser, Friday morning at 9 o’clock made the final plea of the defense for the life of Leo Frank.

The beginning of the speech was impressive, it was almost whispered at times, but the voice that delivered it rose above the maze of ozonators and electric fans, and seemed to carry a body message about it. The life of a man was at stake and the message, pleading for his life, was opened almost as a prayer—the subject being fate.

Later on, Mr. Rosser was more vigorous in his methods; he branched from the quiet even tones, and dealt with the ugly features of the case; he told a fib so risqué that probably no other lawyer in the state would have told it in the courtroom, and he talked in plain words of plain facts.

“‘Gentlemen of the jury, all things come to an end,’ he began in a quiet voice, and he leaned over the railing of the jury box and seemed not to address one, but all of the jurors.”

“With the end of this case has almost come the end of the speakers and but for that masterly effort of my brother Arnold, I almost wish it had ended with no speaking. My condition issues that I can say but little; my voice is husky and my throat almost gone.

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Frank Case May Go to Jury Late This Afternoon

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 22nd, 1913

LAWYERS’ BATTLE WILL END TODAY AND JUDGE WILL CHARGE THE JURY

In First Speech for State on Wednesday Morning, Frank Hooper Scored General Conditions at National Pencil Factory, Terming Leo Frank, a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Explaining How Easy It Was for People Who Saw Only One Side of Him to Imagine Him a Paragon of Virtue.

REUBEN ARNOLD BRANDS JIM CONLEY MURDERER OF LITTLE PHAGAN GIRL

Attorney for Defense Dwells on Horror of Convicting Man Upon Purely Circumstantial Evidence, and Cites Many Instances Where Such Action Has Resulted in Great Injustice to the Accused. Scores Detective Department Unmercifully and Charges They Concocted Story Which Conley Told on Stand.

Unless all calculations are upset the Frank case should be ready to go to the jury tonight, provided Judge Roan does not decide to postpone his charge until Saturday morning — in which event the case will reach the Jury during the forenoon Saturday.

After that time, it is all a matter of speculation as to the time the verdict will be returned. It may be returned turned in a few moments after the jury retires; again, it may be hours or days. The general opinion is, however, that Frank will know his fate some time Saturday.

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Many Records Are Badly Broken by State’s Most Expensive Trial

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 24th, 1913

By Britt Craig.

Besides costing Fulton county a small-sized fortune, the trial of Leo Frank has broken many records which at one time seemed likely to stand for all time.

It has been Georgia’s longest trial.

It has sent to court record a half-million more words than any other.

It has been the state’s most expensive.

It brought to court more witnesses than any two criminal trials.

It fostered more widespread Interest.

It brought more sentiment into play.

And that’s not all!

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Dorsey’s Brilliant Address Attacking Leo Frank Is Stopped by Adjournment of Court Friday

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 23rd, 1913

Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey began at 3:30 o’clock Friday afternoon, August 22, 1913, the final argument in the Leo Frank case, and he told the jurors as he started that they would not respect him if he slurred things over in order to please even them.

“Your honor,” he began, “I want to thank you for the many courtesies you have extended me and for the unlimited time you have given me in this argument, and, gentlemen of the Jury, I want to commiserate with you on your situation, but as his honor has told you, this is an important case.”

“It is important to society, to each and every one of you and of us, and do not feel like slurring over any point of it. Although it would be convenient for you, I know you would not have me do it, and would not respect me If I did.”

“A case that has consumed all this time and that is of this magnitude and importance can’t be argued in a short time. The case is an important one, too, as the crime is hideous, the crime of a demoniac, and a crime that has demanded the vigorous, honest, earn at and conscientious efforts of these detectives and of myself, must demand the same vigorous, honest and earnest and conscientious effort of the jurors.

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In Dramatic Phrases Hooper Outlines Events Leading Up to and Following Death of Girl

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

Atlanta Constitution
August 22nd, 1913

“Your honor, and gentlemen of the jury.” spoke Mr. Hooper, the first of the attorneys to address the court, “the object of this trial, as well as all other trials, is the ascertainment of truth and the attainments of justice. In the beginning, I want to have It understood that we are not seeking a verdict of guilty against the defendant unless he is guilty.”

“The burden of guilt is upon our shoulders—we confront the undertaking of putting It upon his. We recognize that it must be done beyond a reasonable doubt, and that it must be purely by the evidence which we produced before you.”

“We have cheerfully assumed this burden. We have cheerfully undertaken this task, but, there is not a single man on the prosecution who would harm a hair of the defendant’s head wrongfully. We want him given the same measure of justice that should be meted to all classes of defendants. He is entitled, though, to the same degree of law as any other prisoner.”

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