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

Atlanta Journal

Wednesday, April 30^th, 1913

Money Will Be Paid for Information Leading to Arrest of Girl’s Murderer

At a special session called at 10 o’clock Wednesday morning, the city council of Atlanta voted for the appropriation of $1,000 as a reward for information leading to the arrest of the party or parties guilty of the brutal murder of little Mary Phagan. In the building of the National Pencil company’s factory on Forsyth street, last Saturday afternoon or night.

Immediately afterward the aldermanic board met and concurred in the appropriation.

The only objection made to the money as a reward came from Councilman A. D. Thomson, who declared it would be best to use the money at once for hiring competent detectives to work on the case. He pointed out that rewards often resulted in stool pigeons swearing away the life of an innocent party. “If the detectives now working on the case are not competent,” said Councilman Thomson, “then let us use this money in securing men who can clear up the mystery.”

It is expected that Mayor Woodward will approve the action of both bodies during the day, so that the money will be obtainable at once.

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Atlanta Journal, April 30th 1913, “Reward of $1,000 is Appropriated by City,” 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

Thursday, May 1^st, 1913

Atlanta’s city council met at 10 o’clock Wednesday morning, adopted a resolution appropriating $1,000 as a reward for information which may lead to the arrest and conviction of the party or parties responsible for the death of Mary Phagan, and immediately afterwards the aldermanic board met and approved the action of council.

The resolution went to Mayor Woodward before noon and he immediately attached his signature to it giving it official approval. The money is now available.

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Atlanta Constitution, May 1st 1913, “City Offers $1,000 Reward for Capture of Phagan Slayers,” 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, April 30^th, 1913

Brown Offers $200 for Capture of Slayer—C. C. Jones Also Gives $100.

Governor Joseph M. Brown to-day offered a reward of $200 for the apprehension and conviction of the murderer of little Mary Phagan and Mayor James G. Woodward issued a call for a special meeting of Council for tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock, urging a $1,000 reward.

Governor Brown’s decision was reached on receipt of the following letter from Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey:

“From the best information obtainable, it is my belief that the circumstances surrounding the death of little Miss Mary Phagan indicate a most brutal murder, probably attended with another horrible and detestable crime.

“The officers of the local police and detective departments seem to be using their best efforts toward the solution of the mystery, but I believe it advisable to ask that you offer a reward for the apprehension, with evidence to convict, of the guilty party.”

The Mayor’s message follows:

“To the General Council, City of Atlanta:

“Gentlemen—The General Council of the city of Atlanta is hereby called to convene in special session to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock, April 30, 1913, to take cognizance, in an official way, of that most brutal crime that was committed in this city on last Saturday night.

“I think it is proper that the city government should take some befitting action as regards this most deplorable matter, which, as it is, is liable to cast unenviable criticism upon the name of our fair city, and I would suggest that your honorable body offer a suitable reward of not less than $1,000 for the capture of the brute or brutes that committed such an outrageous crime. I feel satisfied that every taxpayer of this city will heartily co-operate in indorsing the action of the Mayor and General Council in offering this reward. Respectfully submitted,

J. G. WOODWARD, Mayor.”

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Atlanta Georgian, April 30th 1913, “Reward of $1,000 Urged by Mayor,” 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, April 30^th, 1913

At Special Council Meeting Called by Mayor Only One Man Opposes Action.

At a special session of city council to-day, called by Mayor Woodward, to give the city’s financial aid to the apprehension of the guilty persons in the Mary Phagan strangling case, $1,000 was appropriated as a reward to the person furnishing information leading to the arrest of the man or men who committed the deed.

The appropriation found one opponent in Councilman Thomson, who said the lure of a high award would be likely to result in the arrest and hanging of an innocent person who might be sworn to his death by some one desiring the reward.

The Councilman said he was in favor of using the money in engaging an additional force of expert detectives.

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Atlanta Georgian, April 30th 1913, “City Offers $1,000 as Phagan Case Reward,” 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

Wednesday, April 30^th, 1913

Mayor Woodward Declares the Stain of Blood Must Be Wiped Out.

Atlanta, April 29, 1913

To the General Council,

City of Atlanta:

The general council of the city of Atlanta is hereby called to convene in special session tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock, April 30, 1913, to take cognizance, in an official way, of that most brutal crime that was committed in this city on last Saturday night.

I think it proper that the city government should take some befitting action as regards this most deplorable matter, which, as it is, is liable to cast unenviable criticism upon the name of our fair city, and I would suggest that your honorable body offer a suitable reward of not less than $1,000 for the capture of the brute or brutes that could so far forget themselves as to commit such an outrageous crime. I feel satisfied that every taxpayer of this city will heartily co-operate in endorsing the action of the mayor and general council in offering this reward. Respectfully submitted,

(Signed) JAMES G. WOODWARD

The murder of poor little Mary Phagan, in the dark basement of the National Lead Pencil company’s factory, Saturday night, will be considered by Atlanta’s city council, today.

At noon Tuesday, Mayor James G. Woodward issued a proclamation calling a special meeting of council for Wednesday morning, at 10 o’clock. He will ask that a reward of $1,000 be offered for the apprehension of the brute or brutes who strangled the girl.

The Constitution has a standing offer of $1,000 for exclusive information leading to the arrest and conviction of the murderer. The state offered $200. Governor Joseph M. Brown will be asked to o[ff]er $2,500 on behalf of the state.

Very nearly every member of council was reached from the office of City Clerk Walter Taylor, before 4 o’clock, Tuesday afternoon, and a majority declared that they will be present and will vote for the resolution. Some believe that the reward should be $2,000. Others are of the opinion that $500 would be sufficient in view of the fact that the city’s finances are a bit strained.

A resolution will probably be introduced by Councilman Ashley, of the fourth ward, to make it possible for the city detectives and policemen to participate in the rewards.

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Atlanta Constitution, April 30th 1913, “City to Offer $1,000 for Slayer’s Arrest,” Leo Frank case newspaper article series (Original PDF)