Thursday, 26th June 1913, Call of Cool Sea Breezes and Promise of Judge to His Wife, Secrets of Frank Trial Delay

Thursday, June 26, 1913

There Are Many Little Reasons, of Course, but the Biggest of These Is the Simplest—Judge Roan Just Had to Keep Promise to His Charming Wife—And Nobody's Kicking, Either

The trial of Leo M. Frank, which is expected to be the most brilliant legal battle in the history of the state, has been postponed for a month.

There are many little reasons why the trial could not come up on June 30.

And, then, there is one great big reason.

The biggest reason, when analyzed, is also the simplest, as are most big things.

The big reason is the simple fact that Mrs. Judge L. S. Roan wants to go to the seashore early in July.

Of course Mrs. Roan might go to the seashore by herself with any of her many friends, but she wants her husband to make the trip with her, and long before the Phagan case developed Mrs. Roan had secured Judge Roan's promise to take the trip with her.

When the judge called Solicitor Hugh Dorsey, Luther Z. Rosser and Reuben R. Arnold before him Tuesday afternoon and told them that it would be best to agree upon a definite date for the trial of Mr. Frank, they looked a little puzzled for the moment.

Solicitor Dorsey appeared not to want a postponement, and flatly said so. In fact, he argued every time he got a chance, trying to get an early date, and finally asked the court if he wouldn't set the case for the week of July 7.

EVERYBODY WAS PLEASED.

Then the court explained, and after he had explained a quick smile of complete understanding passed over the court room. Mr. Rosser smiled first, then Mr. Arnold, and finally Solicitor Dorsey.

Said the court with the usual dignity:

"Well, gentlemen, another reason is that some months ago I promised my wife that I would take her to the seashore on the week of July 4 and spend some days there with her.

"Of course, if there is any good reason why this trial should be taken up early in the month, if it will be impossible for you to reach it later, I can send Mrs. Roan with friends and remain here."

The judge's statement was made in the nature of a question, but it brought forth no answer.

Those fortunate enough to know the charming lady who is the wife of the judge of the Stone Mountain circuit had no idea even of intimating that from the jurist should be taken the pleasure of accompanying her on a short vacation, and the subsequent remarks of the court and attorneys dealt solely with the best date for the trial—after the trip to the sea.

THE MINOR REASONS.

Of course there are some other reasons why the case was postponed. In the first place if the conference had not been called, it was still very probable that on next Monday when the court opened attorneys in the case might have offered a legal excuse and forced the postponement. The result would have been the state would have been put to the useless expense of summoning 150 veniremen, who could be of no service.