The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-19
TELLS HER SHAME
GirPs Secret Cruelty Dragged
Into Public Gaze.
Leta Foster on Witness Stand
in Libel Case.
She PLEADS FOR MERCY
Attorney COmpeIS Her to Twice
Confess Misconduct.
Ericsson Plotted for Her to
Trap Judge GilIett.

With her face white as marble
and fighting to keep back the tears
Leta Foster today told her story of the
Gillett criminal libel cases to a jury in
Judge Whitcomb's court. Twice Capt
Waters forced from the girl confessions
of her disgrace. only to have the girl
relate on redirect examination that II
was Charlotte Thomann-one of the
defendants-who caused her disgrace
and with the assistance of Detective
Medlock sought to use her as dupe
in the plot to defame Judge Gillett.
of Kingman.
Leta Fosters testimony consumed
the greater portion of the morning
session. In all parts of the court room
men and women stood on tiptoe tS
catch every word of the country girls
simple story. Sometimes her memory
was defective, but only once did she
hesitate to answer the scores of em-
barrassing questions that Capt. Wa
ters hurled at her in his effort to mud
die her story and reveal the dark side
of her life.
She Pleads With Waters.
Il don't want to answer that ques-
ton, please, Mr.. Waters" the witnese
pleaded with the lawyer who pointed
an accusing finger at her when he con-
nected her life with that of Topeka
man. When the court said she should
answer, the girl bit her lip, her face
paled and she grasped the arms OF the
witness chair in stubborn determine
ton to regain control of herself. Then
the answer came in even, decided tones.
Nothing was kept back and the jury
and the crowd in the court room heard
in plain, simple words the story of the
17-year-old girls disgrace.
County Attorney Simon conducted the
direct examination.
did you ever work for Mrs. Tho
mann?" was asked.
"Yes. Pretty near two weeks"
what was the name of her hotei?"
THE Southerland in Holton."
She Tells of Topeka Trip.
After you went to Barnes, did you
have a communication from Mrs Tho
mann to meet her in Topeka?"
"Yes. Some time in January.
did you meet Medlock in Holton7
''Yes. From there we all came to
Topeka"
Defense objected but court said
witness could answer if she registered
under assumed names. Said that Med
lock registered her as Minnie or Emma
johnson and that Medlock and Mrs.
Thomann registered as Mr.. and Mrs.
Chambers.
BY Waters: Did you see the reg
ister?"
had registered"
Objection was renewed, but evil
dence was held as competent, coming
from one conspirator to another.
Direct examination renewed by
Simon.
"At this time. had you met Erics-
SOM"
mo, he came in later
"Tell the nature of the conversa-
ton"
"He went to the room occupied by
Medlock and Mrs Thomann and we
all had a talk"
Ericsson Explains Plot.
What was said there?"
Ericsson wanted me to go to the
National hotel and get in with Judge
Gillett. Said to smile at him, to make
eyes at him and probably he would
ask me to his room"
What did you say?"
81 said 1 wouldn't go"
What did Medlock and Mrs. Tho
mann say?"
''They told me to go to the hotel the
next morning and told them 1 would
CO."
Were you acquainted with Judge
Gillett?"
Never heard of him until that
morning."
Did Ericsson describe the judge to
you ?''