The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-07-31
ASKS $4,000 DAMAGES.
MISS GIBSON BRINGS SUIT AGAINST
MIR. AND MRS. TODD.
Alleging That She Lost Her Position
Through the Action of Defendants.
No Reflections ON Mrs. Hatcher.

Circumstances that have for several
months past created something Of a SEN
sation. and caused no end of Talk and
gossip. were brought to point yesterday
morning by action in court.
Heretofore the matter has been only
quietly discussed. because OF the promi-
nence and influence of the parties con-
cerned and the care that has been taken
not 10 allow 1t undue publicity.
THr sCrr.
Yesterday. Miss Louisa II. Gibson.
through her counsel, Alessrs. r. l.. Mon
tague and c. V. Meredith. brought suit
in the Law and Equity Court against
Mr.. Thomas J. Todd and Mrs. Matte ".
Todd. his wife for SlGeo. damages FOR
alleged SANDER. The plaintiff has until
August 18th TO make her charges. and the
declaration in the case will not be filed
before next Monday.
Miss Gibson the plaintiff in the case,
was for some time a saleslady I'm the
dry-goods store OF Miller 4 Rhoads. and
up 10 the time OF the present affair gave
satisfaction In that capacity. Previous
20 her connection with the store Of Miller
& Rhoads. she was i'm the employ of
Woodward & Lothrop. who. when they
discontinued business in Richmond. gave
her letter Of recommendation 10 the
other firm
Mr.. Todd against whom and his wife
the suit is brought. Is a weii-to-do cii-
zen. who resides al 52i west Grace street,
and besides being large property owner.
conducts milling operations in Manches-
ter and other business He and Mrs
~.II and Influential rarafnlgrS
Of Or. Hatcher's church.
The PLAINTIFFS ALLEGATIONS.
The PLAINTIFF will allegc that a few
months ago. Mrs. Todd and three other
well-known ladies of the West End, went
to Miller q Rhoads. and told member
Of the firm that Miss Gibson had made
statements rejecting on Mrs Hathers
character I'm her dealing with stores. and
that the representations were such that
TO satisfy a large number Of influential
persons. Of which this committee was sup
posed 10 be the representatives. Messrs.
Miller q Rhoads reluctantly asked for
and received the young wOman's resigna-
ton. The plaintiff claims that she has
letter from Miller X Rhoads, which init
mates. II IL does not say so I'm plain
words. that Miss GibsOns resignation was
called for solely for the reason that
committee representing q large portion OF
their trade demanded il.
MISS GIBsoN's DENIAL.
Miss Gibson denies that she ever by
single word reflected upon Mrs. Hatchers
character. or her methods Of dealing in
stores. and declares that she has never
heard any one else say the things about
Mrs. Hatcher that are attributed 20 her
self
Messrs Henry r. Pollard and Conway
r. Sands will represent the defendants.
MR.. TouD's srtTFMrNr.
Mr.. Thomas j. Todd. when seen by
Times reporter last night and asked Tor
a statement IN reference 10 the suit. SAID
Mrs Hatcher was informed by a lady
friend Of veracity that Miss Gibson had
been making slanderous charges against
Mrs Hatchers character, whereupon she,
with this lazy friend and two others,
called az the store and had a private
Interview with the firm and Mi Gibson.
None Of the ladies' asked for Miss Glib
sons discharge. and the firm was cs-
pecially asked TO retain her I'm their
employ. as they did not wish 10 in!ure
her i'm any way. The ladies' were not
I'm the capacity Of a committee. bur
friends Of Mrs Hatcher. None Of tho
members OF the church or congregation
have ever asked for the discharge OF
the girl, and did not desire it,