Atlanta Daily World

Express Thanks For Over $5,000 Donations

The goal set by a group of citizens for the defense of Melvin Lewis Smith, a young father facing a conviction for criminal attack, has been reached. The goal was $5,000.

The Smith Defense Committee, headed by Co-chairmen C. A. Scott, Jesse O. Thomas and Rev. Arthur Perkins, and Treasurers Dr. Miles G. Amos and Fletcher Coombs, and others of the committee, expressed "a feeling of deep gratitude and confidence at the prompt response from the general public to this effort."

The committee heads made special mention of the churches in general and some civic groups and clubs for their efforts in behalf of the fund drive for the young condemned father of three children.

WIFE IS GRATEFUL

No committee official has seen young Smith since the goal was reached Saturday evening, but Mrs. Melvin Smith, wife of the accused man and mother of three young children, expressed sincere thanks for the confidence the public has shown in her husband.

The committee announced that no more funds will be sought but any contributions enroute to the committee will be publicly announced as have other donations.

NEW TRIAL MOTION

Attorneys Dan Copeland and Phillip Slotin, who secured a mistrial for Smith at his first hearing in January, have been employed by Smith and the defense committee to represent the accused man at a hoped for new trial.

Arguments in behalf of the motion for a new trial are scheduled to be heard before Superior Court Judge E. E. Andrews on May 5.

The motion for a new trial will mainly be based upon the attorney's general contention that the verdict rendered by the all-white jury was contrary to evidence presented in the case. Other contentions on the reason a new trial should be granted Smith are scheduled to be added to the original motion by defense attorneys in the near future.

Meanwhile, Smith, in his cell at Fulton County Jail, was very anxious about the possibility of a new trial and he was apparently very much pleased at the public's response in behalf of his defense when he was last seen. The dominating question in his life still seemed to be "When will the new trial come up."

Saturday's Smith Fund Contributions

Rev. W. W. Weatherspool 5.00

Community Progressive Club, Mrs. Beatrice Williams, secy. 5.00

C. D. Wilkerson Chorus, Hunter Hill AME Church 5.00

Mrs. Anna R. Durham 2.00

Mrs. Ozeil Woolcock 1.00

Royal Music Arts Study Club, Mrs. Julia Burton, pres. 2.00

Blue Bird Club, Mrs. Florence Rhodes, pres. 4.00

Howell Station Baptist Church 4.70

TOTAL TO DATE AND GOAL $5,081.81

With this report the goal set by the Melvin Smith Defense Committee is reached. The committee expresses thanks for the prompt response of the people. However, any funds collected for the case and is in progress to the committee will be publicly acknowledged as has other contributions.

NOTE: In connection with the contribution in yesterday's report by the National Postal Employees, John M. Thomas should -have been listed as president.