The Topeka state journal., 1903-01-16
SECRET IS OUT.
Police Think Mrs. Thorpe Told
on Them.
Hold Her Responsible for DR..
McFarIand's Charges.
MAKES A STATEMENT I .
Mayor Parker Will Not Give It
to Public.
Report She Is TO Be Displaced
Is Denied.
A STATEMENT.

Mrs. Laura E. Thorpe, police matron
of Topeka, IS said to be the one who fur
nished the evidence upon which Dr.
Mcfarland based his recent sensational
charges against the police department.
Mrs. Thorpe refused to sign the de-
NAL affidavit which was published in
Thursdays State Journal She is the
only member of the police force who re-
fused to sign.
It is said that she may be forced to
resign her position for giving away the
secrets. of the department. and accusing
certain members of the police depart
ment of the various misdeeds alleged to
have taken place.
Yesterday afternoon Mrs. Thorpe had
a secret conference in her Office with
Mayor Parker. Chief Donovan. Detec-
tive Ed Pavey and other police officials
Mrs. Thorpe was accused of giving DR.
Mcfarland information. and it is said
that she did not deny the accusation.
She today gave to Mayor Parker a writ
ten statement of the situation. The con-
tents of this statement have not been
made public Mayor Parker today said
that he had not read the statement, and
would say nothing as to its contents.
1t is said to sustain to some extent at
least the charges made by Dr. McFar-
land.
When seen by a reporter for the State
Journal today. Mrs Thorpe said:
1T IS true that J have made a state
ment in regard to the charges made by
DR.. Mcfarland That statement is in
the hands of the mayor [ have nothing
to say in regard to its contents I will
not make public the names of the Offi-
GERS on the force who are not what they
ought TO be-"
rs it true that you were threatened
by Mayor Parker with dismissal for re-
fusing to sign that denial afidavit?"
mo, nothing was said about dismiss
ing me. My interview with Mayor Par
ker yesterday was perfectly fri <ldly.
expect to tell the truth about this mat
ter come what may. 1t would be d
hard blow to me to lose my position
There are three people dependent upon
my earning for support besides myself =
1t is interesting to remember that Mrs
] ThOrpe's salary is $50 a month. She was
the only member of the police force
whose pay was not raised in the recent
DO you know where DR.. Mcfarland
got his information upon which he
/ based that sermon p
L know where he got part Of it. If
it comes to an Investigation will tell
What is your opinion of the charges
made by Dr. McFaFland?
II think they were too sweeping. They
I lDCIuOeQ all Ine men on 4ne LOECe- II
was wrong to make a lot of innocent
men suffer for the sins of a few
Ma yor Parker was asked today
whether or not Mrs. Thorpe had been
threatened with dismissal from the
force.
NO, she has not. If I had wanted to
dismiss her could have done SO long
ago, couldn't 70"
Did Mrs Thorpe give the informa-
tion upon which DR.. Mcfarland based
/ his charges against the departments
I don't know who else could have
given it." said the mayor. Mrs
/ Thorpe has been there at the station for
long time. and she ought to know
what is going on. She has given US a
statement Of what she knows about
/ the conditions there. I have not had
time to read it yet
Does this statement confirm the
/ charges Of DR. McFarland2"
mo, Of course not" said the mayor.
1t would be most unfortunate thing
for the city if Mrs. Thorpe should bs
/ dismissed from the police force She
gives the city eleven hours of her time
every day, besides numerous night
calls, and is the only police matron who
/ has ever given satisfaction A board Of
4 police commissioners once dis9lace
4 Mrs Thorpe, but they were not long in
I reinstating her. 1t Is disgrace that a
woman who devotes her life to human
/ lty should be subject to political whims
/ If Mrs. Thorpe gives out anything about
police conditions it is pretty safe to say
/ that It is true.