The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-31
SHE DENIES ALL.
Mrs. BOtkin Firmly Asserts Her
Innocence.

San Francisco, Cal, Aug. 31.-For the
first time since her arrest. Mrs. COrdelia
Botkin has broken the silence which
she has so steadfastly maintained. She
vehemently asserts her innocence of the
murder of Mrs. Dunning and Mrs. Deane
and declares that her regard for Mr.
Dunning was only that of friend Mrs
BOtkin today dictated the following
statement:
Up to the present time I have main
tanned silence by the advice of my hus-
band, who told me, when this awful
suspicion was first brought upon me,
that in my hysterical and terrified con-
dition talking could do me no good and
that anything I might say undOubted-
ly would be distorted and misrepresent-
ed, and perhaps used to my disadvant-
age by sensational reporters
Since L have obtained legal counsel
l have been told that this advice was
good. Therefore it has been through no
desire to keep from the public informa-
ton of my defense in this matter that I
have remained silent under the most
trying circumstances. but because, in
humiliation and terror of being arrested
on suspicion of having committed this
awful crime, felt that it was not safe
for me to speak.
Now, however, my friends to whom
have given the history of my life for
years past advise me that 1 ought to at
least publicly assert my innocence. To
/
am incapable of committing any such
crime as has been laid at my door I
need say nothing They will not be-
ieve a word against me. To strangers
who may think the newspaper report
ers have made out a case against me I
only ask what should be granted to ev-
cry accused persona suspension of
opinion until I can be heard in court
I am a woman and almost defense
less. 1 am Frustrated with grief and
humiliation. 1 am filled with horror at
the position in which l am placed. Is
it unreasOnab BILE, under these circum-
to await the investigation? If given an
opportunity 1 shall prove my innocence,
for am innocent before God. I have
told Ch1ef Lees everything. l have ac-
counted for every moment of my life
for months past. I have told one of my
attorneys, Senator MCGOWAN, the whole
story of my life. He believes me inno-
cent and says need have no fear that
harm will come to me. 1 thank heaven
that at least one strong and resolute
man is prepared to defend me with all
his talent influence and power.
I didn't know the wife of John P.
Dunning, and have no feeling against
her. l am not, and never was, in love
with Mr.. Dunning. / befriended him
when he was in trouble, and that is all
My son was very fond of him, and both
of US believe that he is a true gentle
man, and that none of the things he is
reported to have told the Delaware Of
with Mr. Dunning were only those Of
friend. I never wrote him love letters,
nor has he written me such letters.
Chief Lee has all my letters, including
those written by my husband, for years
past and they contain nothing which
shows me in any other than a proper
light.
What more can say? deny every
thing Can it be possible that 1 am
to be convicted by newspapers of a
crime Of which I am innocent, simply
because I was so unfortunate as to en-
joy the acquaintance of John P. Dun
ming and to help him in his financial
troubles? What possible motive could
I have for poisoning his wife? He mas
told me that she was lovely woman,
and that he thought more of her than
he could tell. ] respect him for that
I was not responsible for his troubles
I only did for him what other friends
did for him while he resided in san
Francisco I aided him in my weak
and humble way to retrieve his nnanceS-
I have said all this, not because eX-
pect to be believed. for know every
hand is raised against a helpless Wo-
man in my position, but because can
no longer restrain my emotions: IN
time I know 1 shall come out OF TINS
ordeal unscathed. 1 am confident that
a lust God will not permit an innocent
woman to suffer, and L have 1alth IN
Him =