Bacteriologist's report reveals blood was applied to garment externally; Mary Phagan's body exhumed a second time
New witnesses had been summoned for the inquest, with indications that the session, promised as the final one in the coroner's investigation, could last the entire day.
Before the inquest convened, it emerged that several witnesses uncovered by detectives would not be called to testify at all. Whatever evidence they could provide would remain out of public view until a later date.
Also confirmed Thursday morning was that Dr. Claude A. Smith, the city bacteriologist, had mailed his analysis of stains found on a shirt to Chief of Police Beavers late Wednesday afternoon. The shirt was believed to have been found at the home of Newt Lee, a Negro man. According to the report, the stains were not old and were likely human blood.
More significantly, the report stated that the shirt had not been worn since it was last washed. This meant the blood had either been deliberately applied to the shirt or used to mop up something. It had not been transferred through normal wear.
Floor Chips Also Show Blood
The bacteriologist's report also addressed wood chips taken from the floor of the pencil factory, concluding that they too bore traces of human blood. However, no comparison was made between the blood on the chips and the blood on the shirt.
Body Is Exhumed
The body of Mary Phagan was removed from her grave in Marietta for a second time Wednesday evening. Dr. H. F. Harris of the State Board of Health conducted another examination, the details of which are being kept secret.
Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Coleman, the murdered child's parents, have objected so strongly to the second exhumation that investigators do not expect the body to be disturbed again.
Solicitor Questions Lee
Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, who has taken active charge of the murder investigation, spent more than an hour in Newt Lee's cell at the Tower on Wednesday, subjecting the Negro to close questioning. Despite vigorous cross examination, Lee is said to have held firmly to his original account.
Bill Bailey, who shared a bunk with Lee during a stint on the chain gang years ago, spent twenty four hours in Lee's cell after being placed there by detectives. Bailey may yet be called as a witness at the inquest.
Detectives Visit Factory
Shortly after 1 o'clock, City Detective John Black and Harry Scott of the Pinkerton Agency were driven to the National Pencil Company plant in the automobile of former County Policeman "Boots" Rogers.
The two officers entered the building and remained inside for approximately half an hour. Upon returning to the street, both men declined to comment in detail, though they acknowledged the visit was meant to clarify certain points in the investigation.
