Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-06-22


cussing the Frank case did not ap-
pear so excited as the day wore on,
the police ordered all near-beer sa-
looms closed shortly before IL o'clock
and an extra 100 policemen were put
on duty. orders were Immediately
issued to arrest anyone attempting
violence.
ATLANTA, Ga, juno 21.-Leo NJ.
Franks death sentence was com
muted to lifo imprisonment today by
Governor Slaton. Frank was SEN
fenced to hanged here tomorrow for
the murder of Mary Phagan in April,
1918.
Frank was secretly removed from
the county Jail here shortly after
midnight last night and taken under
heavy guard to the state prison farm
at Milledgeville, upon orders OF Gov
ernor Slaton.
When early reports that Franks SEN
tence had been commuted began TO cirou-
late, crowds began to gather on the prn-
cipal downtown street corners The arrest
OF man who attempted to dismount a
policeman by grabbing the horses reins,
stirred on the crowd to excitement and II
followed the officers to the city hall.
block away. Speakers started TO ha-
rangue tho crowd from the city hall
steps. but were stopped by an extra force
of police. It was stated that a delega-
xr~aI
former home OF Mary Phagan
statement by Governor.
Governor Slaton still was at his coun-
try home when he announced his decision
In making the announcement the gov
eTnor dictated the following brief state
ment;
IAN that I ask is that the people OF
Georgia read my statement Of the reasons
why commuted Leo NJ. Franks death
I tsentenee to life imprisonment before they
pass judgment. y
Feeling as I do about this case.
would be murderer IL allowed this
man to hang II means that must live
in obscurity the rest OF my days, but I
would rather be plowmg In a field than
TO feel for the rest of my life that I had
that mans blood on my hands"
|
In his statement hnustively explain
ing his reasons for committing Franks
sentence. Governor Slaton reviewed the
circumstances surrounding the murder
of Mary Phagan In the National Pencil
factory here. on April Se. 1913, the con-
viction Of Frank. and his appeals for
clemency. Continuing, the statement
reads:
THE murder was a most heinous one
and the offender deserved the punish
ment OF death. The only question is as to
the identity OF the criminal. The respon-
sibility is upon the people of Georgia 10
protect the lives of It's citizens and to
maintain the dignity Of It's laws, and II
the choice must be made between the ap-
probation of citizens OF other states and
the enforcement OF our laws against Of
tenders, We must choose the latter al
IternAtive
'It Is charged that the court and jury
were terrorised by a mob and that the
Jury were coerced into their verdict.
When Frank was indicted and the air
was filled with rumors as to the murder
and mutilation Of the girl. there was in
tense feeling and to such an extent that
my predecessor, Governor Brown, stated
In argument before me that he had the
militia ready to protect the defendant IL
any attack was made.
Some weeks later the defendant was
put on trial"
Important Facts cited.
The governor then referred to Georgia's
laws relating 20 change OF venue, de-
lcIaring these provisions most broad in
behalf OF the defendant to insure a fair
trial. Frank. he said. went 10 trial with
out asking a change Of venue and sub
mitted his case to jury that was ac-
ceptable 10 him.
During the progress Of the trial" the
statement continued. after evidence had
been introduced laying the crime with
many offensive details upon Frank. the
feeling against him became intense.
II the audience In the court room
manifested their deep resentment toward
Frank, IL was largely by this evidence Of
feeling, beyond the courts power to cor
Teot. IL would be difficult for an ap-
pelate court or q trial court TO grant a
new trial in such q long case because
the audience in the court room on a few
occasions indicated It's sympathy.
The jury found the defendant guilty
and with exception OF the demonstration
outside the court room there was no dis
order. Nothing was done which the
courts could correct through legal ma
chinsry."
! The governor pointed out that the
! United states supreme court had sus-
tained this ruling He declared the q arge
AGAINST the state OF Georgia OF racial
prejudice was unfair. He then reviewed
the evidence.
Important Facts Cited.
! He asserted the state proved that Frank
was in his office at the factory little
after u o'clock the day OF the murder
and that he admitted paying Mary Pha-
gan wages due her So far as known. he
says. Frank was the person who saw her
L alive last other facts enumerated by
the governor as 20 him. the more inn
I portant OF those shown by the state we're;
That Frank al o'clock the afternoon
of the murder allowed the negro watch
Continued on Psge Two, Column one)