Dorsey Orders Body Exhumed in Phagan Case

Inquest, To Be Resumed Thursday, Will Bring Out Important Facts Not Yet Made Public — Medical Experts To Be Called by Coroner A new layer of mystery was added to the Mary Phagan case on Wednesday, May 7th, 1913, when the authorities failed for reasons not yet disclosed to carry out the order given by Solicitor Dorsey for the exhumation of the remains. Solicitor Dorsey stated that he had issued the order in the hope that new clews might be discovered. A difference of opinion regarding the advisability of the exhumation had evidently arisen among officials, though those involved remained tight lipped on the matter. Coroner Donehoo acknowledged that Dorsey's order had been given but confirmed it had not been carried out, declining to elaborate further. An earlier report published in The Georgian, based on statements made by officials, had indicated that the body had been exhumed for the purpose of conducting a microscopic examination of every wound on the body for finger prints and other clews. It is nonetheless the clear intention of the authorities to proceed with the exhumation. Dorsey Maintains Silence Solicitor Dorsey has very properly refrained from making public every move of the prosecution or disclosing the evidence he has been able to obtain. It would appear probable that the exhumation will take place, if not on Wednesday then soon thereafter, as belief continues to grow that clews worthy of further examination may yet remain on the body. It was reported that finger prints on the body were to be photographed and compared with the prints of persons under suspicion, though whether this report has any basis in fact remains uncertain. Following the discovery of the remains in the factory basement, the body was handled by several persons including embalmers, and whether any finger prints of value still remain is considered doubtful. Chart May Be Made It is said that a complete chart will be prepared by medical experts for use at trial, documenting every wound and mark found on the body. Notwithstanding speculation regarding the purpose of the exhumation, Solicitor Dorsey declared on Wednesday morning that obtaining a record of finger prints was not the primary aim. One of the principal reasons for the action, he stated, was to secure a strand of the girl's hair for comparison with hair found on the lathing machine in the tipping department at the factory, where detectives previously discovered blood spots on the floor and other evidence of a struggle. "I cannot talk in regard to the matter," he said. "The body was exhumed, it is true, at my request. But to reveal further plans would be hurtful." Thinks She Did Not Leave Factory The Solicitor expressed full agreement with the theory that Mary Phagan never left the factory after receiving her pay on Saturday noon. He declared that if any search was being conducted for the man seen in the company of a girl on Saturday, April 26th, by employees of the Terminal Station, it was not being carried out under his direction. The results of the chemical analysis conducted in Dr. Harris's laboratory at the State Capitol have not yet been made public. Dr. Harris declined on Wednesday to confirm whether traces of drugs had been found, which would support the belief that the girl was drugged and rendered helpless before being slain inside the factory. All remaining evidence in the case is to be presented when the coroner's inquest resumes on Thursday morning, May 8th, 1913, at 9:30 o'clock. Coroner Donehoo intends to limit testimony to points regarded as essential, with the aim of concluding the hearing by Thursday night. Have Two Hundred Names The Coroner and the Solicitor General hold the names of approximately 200 persons who may be called to testify, among them girls and women employed at the pencil factory. It is unlikely, however, that more than a few of those girls will actually be placed on the witness stand. The remainder will be held in readiness, as was the case the previous Monday afternoon when the roll call room was filled with waiting witnesses. Based on information provided by the authorities, the most significant testimony is expected to come from the physicians and chemists who have been working on the case under the direction of Coroner Donehoo and Solicitor Dorsey. Dr. H. F. Harris, director of the State Board of Health, will submit a report on his chemical analysis of the contents of Mary Phagan's stomach, as well as the findings of his careful examination of the wounds and bruises found on the body. Dr. J. W. Hurt, county physician, conducted the first examination of the girl's body after it was discovered in the factory basement. He was also present when the body was exhumed from its grave in the Marietta cemetery and a second examination was carried out at the order of Solicitor General Dorsey. He will present the results of his observations to the jury during Thursday's hearing. Dr. Smith to Be Quizzed Dr. Claude A. Smith, city bacteriologist, has conducted a chemical examination of the bloodstains found on a shirt recovered at Newt Lee's home, as well as on pieces of wood chipped from the factory floor where blood stains were discovered. He will be questioned by Coroner Donehoo regarding his findings. The recalling of Newt Lee to the stand is regarded as a strong indication that the authorities expect the night watchman to reveal something that was either forgotten or withheld during his previous examination. Factory girls are expected to testify regarding their acquaintance with Mary Phagan, her companions and habits, and the conditions under which they work at the factory, insofar as those matters bear any relation to the mystery. Bowen Released in Houston Among the new developments accompanying the ongoing hunt for the slayer was the news that Paul P. Bowen, held in Houston for the Atlanta authorities, had been released and cleared of all suspicion. Bowen had been employed with the Morrow Transfer Company in Atlanta as a stenographer and shipping clerk, and later with the Southern Railway. He was well regarded among his many friends in the city. His father and other relatives reside in Newnan, Georgia, and are counted among the most respected families in that part of the state. Chief of Police Davison of Houston expressed strong displeasure that his detective chief had exceeded his authority in arresting Bowen and promptly removed him from his position. Through letters Bowen had written from Texas and statements provided by his friends, it was conclusively established that he could not have been connected with the Atlanta mystery, and he was accordingly freed.