Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15
GOVERNOR SLATON HEARS
FRANK CASE TESTIMONY
Solicitor Dorsey Makes Four-Hour
Argument Against Com
mutation.
HOWARD PLEADS FOR LENIENCY
Hearing Adjourned Late in Evening
Until Wednesday-Matte Will Be
Taken Under Consideration by
Chief Executive After Argument.

ATLANTA, GA, June 1.-THE testi-
which was presented at his trial. on
the charge of numbering Mary Phagan
and in subsequent court proce edings
was eNhaustively referred to Governor
Slaton at to-day's hearing on Franks
application for communication of his
death sentence. Early tonight the
Governor adjourned the hearing until
next Wednesday. When 1t Is resumed
w. NJ. Howard will complete his argu-
ment in behalf of Frank, and the case
then finally will be submitted to the
Governor
Solicitor Dorsey in four-hour argu-
ment to-day against communication, un-
dertook to convince the executive of
Franks guilt on testimony of other
witnesses than Jim Conley, the negro
who was convicted as an accessory af-
ter the murder. Eliminating Conley's
evidence, Mr.. Dorsey sought to show
how incidents and circumstances sur
rounding the crime pointed to Frank
as the perpetrator
MIR. Howard also relied upon the
record to show Franks innocence.
He declared that trail of the murder
led from tho murder notes" found be-
side the girls body. The attorney de-
clared Conley's story was "a cunning
invention of Conley's own mind con-
trived to save his own life and to place
the moose of the law around the neck
of another"
DORSEY DISCUSSES POINTS
MADE IN BEHALF OF FRANK
Tn hrin i1t, l,n
Governor. Mr.. Dorsey said he would
by Franks attorneys
First, that Frank was not accorded
fair trial; second. that the evidence
did not show the defendants guilt be-
yond reasonable doubt: third, that
Judge l.. S. Roam. the trial judge. was
not convinced of the prisoners guilt.
Regarding the first point. Mr.. Dorsey
said counsel never made any motion
for change of venue, and that there
was no antaGonistic sentiment toward
Frank prior TO the trial. There were
developments in the trial." he said
which might have been calculated to
incense the people because of the har-
rowing details OF the crime. The State
supreme Court. however. ruled upon
this point that there had been no show =
ing by the defense that there had been
any demonstration in the courtroom
which could have been held to have de-
privcd the prisoner of fair trial"
Judge Roam himself. declared the
solicitor had held that Frank had Il
fair trial The record shows" he
continued, that the demonstration by
the crowd outside the courtroom was
not heard by the jurors. and that there
was nothing to Justify the allegation
that the crowd In the courtroom
shouted to the jury. Hang Frank or
we'll hang you"
The State. Federal and United States
Supreme Courts, said Mr. Dorsey, also
held that Frank had not been deprived
of any right in that he was absent
from the courtroom. at the request OF
the trial judge. when the verdict was
returned. These courts also held. he
said. that allegations OF mob violence
were not sustained.
ATLANTA MINISTER'S
URGE COMPUTATION
At this point Mr.. Dorsey was inter-
rupted in order to allow Rev. c. II.
Wilmer, local Episcopal minister. to
present petition from Atlanta min
listers urging communication of Franks
sentence. DR.. Wilmer urged the Gov
ernor to decide tho case ION its merits
Continued on Second Page.)