Sunday, 13th June 1915: Governor To Resume Frank Hearing Monday, The Atlanta Journal

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### Argument on Commutation Petition Barely Got Under Way Saturday

Arguments before Governor Slaton on Leo M. Frank's Petition for a Commutation of his Sentence from Death to Life Imprisonment will be resumed in the Governor's Office at the Capitol Monday morning at 9 o'clock, and it is expected the Hearing will continue throughout the day.

Governor Slaton has indicated his willingness to hold a Night Session Monday if one is necessary to complete the Hearing. It is possible, however, that such a large portion of the Arguments will remain unuttered at the adjournment late Monday afternoon that the Governor will adjourn the Hearing until Wednesday morning. He goes to Athens on Tuesday, where he is scheduled to deliver the Alumni address at the University of Georgia commencement.

Although the Hearing consumed three and a half hours on Saturday, it hardly got well under way. Only one Speech of any length was made at that Session, Ex-Governor Joseph M. Brown having spoken for about an hour, in the opposition, to Frank's Petition. Attorney W. M. Howard took some time to outline the range which his Argument would take, and Governor Slaton asked a number of questions of both Mr. Howard and Solicitor Dorsey. Brief Speeches in the opposition, to Frank's Petition, were also made by M. M. Sessions and Herbert Clay, of Marietta.

It was announced Saturday that C. E. Mc Gregor, of Warrenton, would like to be heard on Monday in opposition to the granting of the Petition. He probably will follow Solicitor Dorsey, who will submit a written Brief Opposing Clemency for Frank and also make an Argument against it. It is expected that the Solicitor will take up the greater part of the morning Session with his Argument.

Mr. Howard will make the principal and perhaps only Argument for Frank. He is expected to argue at length and to carefully analyze the testimony of James Conley at Frank's trial and other evidence which he will contend clearly indicates Frank's innocence and Conley's guilt.

Although the Plan of the Defense Saturday was for Mr. Howard to make the only Argument for Frank, it was said that Attorneys Harry A. Alexander and M. J. Yeomans might have something to say before the Hearing closes. This, however, was not considered probable.

Governor Slaton announced Saturday that he would spend Sunday studying the Record in the Case. He also announced his purpose to visit and inspect the Pencil Factory where Mary Phagan was murdered and said he would invite Counsel for both Frank and the State to accompany him on his visit. He did not indicate when he would go through the Factory.

If the Hearing concludes Monday, it is considered quite likely that Governor Slaton will announce his Decision on the latter part of the week.

### Another Frank Meeting Held at the Capitol

Anonymous Circulars distributed on the streets resulted in Saturday afternoon in another meeting on the Capitol steps to protest against a Commutation of the Death Sentence against Leo M. Frank. The meeting was called for 3 o'clock and at that hour, there were probably seventy-five or 100 persons gathered on the Washington Street side of the Capitol.

No Speaker appeared and "Fiddling John" Carson, of Blue Ridge, entertained the crowd with a song composed about the Phagan Case.

About 3:30 o'clock a man, who gave his name as N. F. Evans, and stated that he is a clerk for a Lumber Company, addressed the crowd, which had been more than doubled.

The next speaker gave his name as David N. Kent, a Furniture Salesman. He was followed by H. D. Spencer, a jeweler. The meeting broke up about 4:30 o'clock after "Fiddling John" Carson had again sung his song and played his fiddle.

The crowd was constantly shifting, and at one time there were probably 500 or 600 persons present.

Mr. Evans, who introduced the other speakers, was asked who called the meeting.

"It's just a Citizens' meeting," he said, "and was called by about a dozen of us." He would not give the names of the others who joined in the call for the meeting.