Pinkerton agency insists state holds no significant evidence beyond what has already been reported; identity of solicitor's secret investigator remains unknown
Saturday, May 10th, 1913
Investigation Presses On
Two weeks after the discovery of little Mary Phagan's body, the investigation into her death shows no sign of slowing. A large and varied force of professional, amateur, city, state, and private detectives continues to pursue the case with undiminished energy.
The Mystery Detective
The identity of Solicitor Dorsey's private investigator, whom the solicitor himself has described as among the best in the country, remains a complete mystery. Dorsey refuses to name the man, and even members of his own office claim not to know who he is.
Chief of Detectives N. A. Lanford, who has not known a twelve-hour workday since the crime was discovered, takes a relaxed view of the mysterious newcomer. His opinion is that the celebrated sleuth is nothing more than a capable and conscientious young deputy already working within the solicitor's office.
Pinkertons: The Public Already Knows Everything
Officials of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, retained by the National Pencil Company to investigate the murder, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the case Saturday. They added a striking assertion: the public is now in possession of practically every significant piece of evidence the state holds.
The Pinkertons said they were unaware of the identity of Dorsey's mystery detective.
"We welcome any assistance which the alleged detectives can give the state, for we are only interested in seeing the mystery cleared and the guilty party brought to trial. However, working with the city department, and giving it the benefit of everything we learn, we have done all that is humanly possible for detectives to do, and we are continuing the probe with the intention of leaving no stone unturned."
The agency singled out the testimony of Monteen Stover as among the most important evidence developed so far.
Gantt Interviewed; Lee Retains Counsel
Solicitor Dorsey spent most of Saturday on the investigation, meeting with city detectives throughout the morning. Among those he interviewed was J. M. Gantt, who was briefly held by detectives in the early days of the case. Gantt is said to have made a statement concerning the behavior of Superintendent Leo M. Frank when the two men encountered each other at the factory door on the afternoon of the murder, two Saturdays ago. Investigators noted Frank appeared visibly nervous at that meeting.
Newt Lee, the night watchman held by order of the coroner's jury, informed Deputy Plennie Minor on Saturday that he would no longer speak to anyone except through legal counsel.
