The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-09-03
She Asserts Her Innocence But Is
Resigned TO Any Fate


now under arrest on suspicion of being
concerned in the mysterious murder of
Mrs. Dunning by sending her a box of
poisoned candy, has made the following
statement through the press:
4 believe the time has arrived when it
is proper for me to speak, and 1 take this
method of requesting the publication Of
the following statement:
up TO the present time have main
tanned silence by the advice of my hus-
band, who told me, when this awful sus-
picion was first brought upon me, that in
my historical and terrified condition talk
ing could do me no good, and that any
thing 1 might say would undoubtedly be
distorted and misrepresented, and perhaps
used to my disadvantage by sensational re-
4 rters. Since Iihave obtained legal coun-
sci, have been told that this advice was
good. Therefore 1t has been through no
desire to keep from the public Informal
ton of my hefence In this matter that 1
have remained silent under the most try
ing circumstances, but ho-cause in the hu-
initiation and terror of being arrested on
suspicion of having committed an awful
crime. 1 felt that it was not safe for me
to speak
Now, however, my friends. those to
whom 1 have given the history of my life
for years past advise me that ought to
at least publicly assert my innocence. To
those who know me and know that / am
incapable OF committing such a crime as
has been laid al my door / need say moth
ing. They viii not believe a word against
me. To strangers who may think the
newspaper reporters have made out a case
against me. / only ask what should be
granted TO every accused persona sus-
pension of opinion until 1 be heard in
court.
Il am a woman and almost defenceless.
I am FRUSTRATED with grief and humilia-
ton am filled with horror at the posi-
ton in which am placed. 1t is unreas-
enable under these circumstances 10 ask
those who do not know me to await the
hearing? If given an opportunity l shah
prove my innocence. for I am innocent be-
fore God. have told Chief Of Police Lees
everything. Z have accounted for every
minute Of my life nor months past. l have
told one of my attorneys. Senator Meow
an. the whole story Of my life. He be
lieves me innocent and says I need have
no fear that harm will come to me.
4 thank Heaven that at least one strong
and resolute man is prepared to defend me
with all his talent influence and power.
The newspapers. which should always es-
pouse the cause of innocence, and the au-
thorties Of this city. who should ever sus-
tain the weak and defenceless, seem 10 be
against me.
Il do not know the wife of John P.
Dunning and have no feeling against her.
l am NOT, and never was in love with Mr..
Dunning. l befriended him when he was
in trouble and that Is all. Ny son was
very fond Of him, and both OF US believed
that he is a true gentleman. and THAI none
or the things ne is reported 10 have told
the Delaware police officers against me
are true. l am incapable Of committing
any such crime as this.
My relations with Mr.. Dunning were
only those of a friend. ! never wrote him
love letters, nor has he written me such
letters. Chief Lees has all my letters. in
Guiding those written by my husband for
year past. and they contain nothing
which shows in any other than a proper
light What more can say? l deny ev-
eryrhing. can ii be possible that I am
TO be convicted by the newspapers of a
a. ttliD u N4AtNAt atlt- 4-tNttAk NAtltaN.
because 1 was 80 unfortunate as 10 enjoy
the acquaintance ot John p. Cunning and
60 help him in his financial troubles?
What possible motive could / have for
poisoning his wife? He has told me that
she was a lovely woman. and he thought
more Of her than ne could tell. I respect
ed him Tor that I was not responsible .
for his troubles. 7 only did for him what
pther friends did for him while he resided
In san Francisco. I aided him in nv weak
snd humble way TO retrieve his fortunes.
have said ell this. not because / expect
70 be believed, for / know that every hand
Is raised against a helpless woman in NV
position, but because I can no longer re-
strain my emotions
In cue time know shall come out OF
this ordeal unscathed. I am confident that
& Just God viii not permit an innocent
wonian TO suffer, and have faith In F.-n.
nave read about innocent persons 1,airs /
convicted on clrcu-rstantia evidence and
which afterward turned out 10 Re mis-
seading ana untrue. and the thought that
may become victim ~ such a thing
Nils me win horror and d.srav. But 7
shan try 10 bear Up and meet whatever
tate shall have IN store for ne conscious
In my heart that am innocent and cha,
the truth IN the end Will v.ndicare ne
"CORDEI-IA BOTKIN.'
Inc Grand Jury met tonight and heard |
the testimony Of several witnesses in the /
Botkin case. This has been done Al the
instance Of the police.
Mrs Bo'kin's attorneys. when the ex-
tradition proceedings come up. viii argue |
mat she should De tried in this state II
tne court should then decida sba, .-As.s