Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-05-29
Many Letters Urge
Clemency for Frank
Governors andU US. Senator'S and
Representatives. Write in Be-
half of Condemned Man.

ATLANTA, May 2s.-Receipt of a
largo number OF letters from United
States Senators and congressman and
citizens Of Georgia. many OF them law
yers. all urging executive clemency for
Leo NJ. Frank, was reported to-day at
the offices of Governor Slaton and the
State Prison Commission. Among the
letters TO the Governor was one from
Governor Brewer. of Mississippi, ex-
pressing his belief in Franks inno-
ccncc. and advising the Georgia execu-
tive to take the safe course and the
one dictated by humanity"
John A. Boykin.'a prominent lawyer
OF this city. wrote the prison commits
sion that the late Judge Roam, who
presided at Franks trial. had ex-
pressed to him grave doubt as to
Franks guilt. Il know Judge Roam
received threatening letters during
Franks trial and while the motion for
new trial was pending" Mr.. Boykin
wrote. and, from conversations have
had with the Judge. l believe these let
ters intimidated him."
Other letters in behalf Of Frank were
received from United States Senators
Williams. mississippi: Mclean, Con-
necticut: Lewis. Illinois, and Brous-
sard. Louisiana; Congressman Brrns.
Tennessee; Hill. Connecticut; Coleman.
Pennsylvania: Dupre. louisiana; Els
ton, California. and Cline. Indiana, and
Harry Pratt Judson, president Univer-
sity of Chicago: Mayor James H.
Preston. of Baltimore, and David r.
Forgan. banker. Of Chicago.
FRANK AND CONLEY
SUMMONED AS WITNESSES
Leo NJ. Frank. under sentence of
death for the murder Of Mary Phaean.
and James Conley. negro, who Ia
serving twelve months imprisonment
as an accessory TO the crime, were
summoned to-day as witnesses in the
10000 damage suit OF the Phagan
girls mother Mrs. ]. ". Coleman,
against the National Pencil factory.
They were cited to appear before a
commissioner next Wednesday, Coun-
sci for the plaintiff will seek to estab-
lish by them that the girl was killed
In the factory
The trial OF the suit will not begin
for AT least two months, It was said
but rs Frank is under sentence to die
next month and Conley will be liber-
ated next Wednesday. counsel for Mrs
Coleman decided to have them exam
incd without further delay
While Frank is testifying before the
commission. the State Prison Commits
sion Is expected TO be hearing his petit
ton for communication OF the death SEN
tcnce to life imprisonment.
SENATOR KERN ASKS
CLEMENCY FOR FRANK
United states Senator John w. Kern
OF Indiana, to-day teleGraphed to the
State Prison Commission asking elem.
ency for Frank. The telegram which
was received at Governor Slaton's ofic.
said:
i have followed proceedings in the
Frank case step by step with great and
increasing interest. and as lawyer
with forty years experience. 1 beg YOU
TO spare this mans life. He will die
as martyr In the estimation of mil.
lions OF American citizens IL YOU hermit
MIN 10 be executed. / have an abiding
opinion that the great hearted Geor.
gians OF your board will be guild ed
by sentiments Of humanity as we'll as
justice, and will give this unfortunate
creature the benefits OF doubts which
must fill the minds Of all impartial
men.
tSigned) JOHN W. KERN.
'WaShinCton n on