Wednesday, May 14th, 1913 New Theory Fails to Change Course of Murder Probe

A Local Celebrity" Is Working Out the New Theory but Had Not Reported to the Solicitor by Wednesday

Girl's Handwriting Gives Important Clue; Grand Jury to Take Up Case May 22 or 23; Criminal Court Postpones Session at Dorsey's Request

Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey had received no word by Wednesday from the individual working on the new theory in the Mary Phagan murder investigation. With witness examinations continuing and the broader inquiry pressing forward along its established lines, it has become increasingly apparent that the new theory, whatever its merits, has not redirected the course of the probe.

The man pursuing the theory is described by Dorsey only as "a local celebrity," working on it alone. The Solicitor gave no indication of when the man is expected to deliver a report.

At ten minutes past two Wednesday afternoon, Dorsey announced that the Grand Jury will take up the Phagan case on either Thursday the 22nd or Friday the 23rd of May, barring any unforeseen developments that might make such timing inadvisable. At that time, bills will be presented against Leo M. Frank and Newt Lee for the jury's consideration.

Court Session to Be Postponed

The demands of the Phagan investigation have so thoroughly consumed the time of Dorsey, his assistant, and the staff of his office that a request was made to delay the regular session of the criminal division of the Superior Court, which had been scheduled to open the following Monday. By two o'clock Wednesday, it was confirmed that the criminal court session will be pushed back to the week beginning May 26th, giving the Solicitor additional time to devote to the case.

Arrest Was Imminent Before Dorsey Intervened

It came to light Wednesday that another arrest in the Phagan case had been on the verge of being made as recently as Tuesday, when Dorsey stepped in and halted it. The identity of the individual who was about to be taken into custody, and what connection they are believed to have with the crime, could not be determined. It is also unclear whether Dorsey has abandoned the idea of a further arrest entirely or has simply held it back while additional evidence is gathered.

Burns Effort Continues

Attorney Thomas B. Felder said Wednesday that he remains confident he can bring William J. Burns to Atlanta to assist in the search for Mary Phagan's killer. However, a message just received by Felder from Raymond Burns, the detective's son, indicates that the elder Burns is still in Europe and is not expected to return to the United States until approximately June 1st.

Despite that, Felder said that if satisfactory financial arrangements can be concluded, a representative from Burns' New York office will come to Atlanta immediately to begin work on the case, with Burns himself then hastening his return from Europe to personally direct the investigation.