Monday, 7th June 1915: Dorsey To Fight Frank Petition Before Governor, The Atlanta Constitution

Sends Letter to Slaton Asking Permission to Appear Before Him to Oppose the Plea for Commutation.

SLATON SENDS LETTER TO SOLICITOR DORSEY

Understood Solicitor Will Present New Affidavits and Protest Against Commutation to Governor.

Solicitor Hugh Dorsey will appear before Governor Slaton and make a fight against the Appeal for Commutation for Leo M. Frank. This was definitely established when Correspondence passed between the Solicitor and Governor last week. It is known that Dorsey wrote to Governor Slaton a request that, in the event he was called upon to decide the Frank Case, he be permitted to appear and present Facts and evidence in rebuttal to the Commutation Plea. It is also known that the Governor replied to the note, granting the request in case the Frank Case was ever brought to his Official Attention.

Slaton to Hear Dorsey.

Governor Slaton, reached over the telephone last night, stated that he had replied to a letter received from Solicitor Dorsey to the effect that "he would be pleased to grant his request in event the Frank Case came to his Official Notice." He was asked if he would divulge the substance of the letter received from the Solicitor, but asserted that comment upon Dorsey's Communication should come from the Solicitor. The contents of the latter missive have not been made public, and probably will not be for days to come.

Dorsey was asked to talk of his letter, but refused to disclose it. He was asked the Direct Question, "Have you asked Governor Slaton to give you a Hearing in protest in Case the Frank Commutation comes before him?"

Has Many Affidavits.

It is understood authoritatively that Dorsey is in possession of a large amount of data and evidence which he intends to submit to the Governor, including Affidavits of a nature not yet divulged. A large number of Petitions opposing the Frank Commutation Plea are also in his hands. It is reported that delegations of Georgia residents will also go before Governor Slaton to oppose the move to commute the Death Sentence. Dorsey would not comment upon this or other Reports.

The question whether or not Dorsey would make any move against the Frank Plea has caused wide speculation among people and legal authorities interested in the famous Case. Dorsey has been uncommunicative in this regard and it was purely a matter of Prophecy. Now, however, it is assured that he will personally protest against the Appeal.