Chicago Tribune
DISMISS THOMAS FROM U. OF
C. ON JUDSON’S ORDER
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Trustees Silent on Definite Charge Against Professor.
Prof. William I. Thomas was dismissed from the faculty of the University of Chicago yesterday. A meeting for this purpose was called yesterday afternoon in the offices of J. Spencer Dickerson, secretary of the board of trustees, by Martin A. Ryerson, president.
This summary action was taken as the result of telegraphic instructions from Harry Pratt Judson, president of the university. Eight members of the board were present. After the meeting a brief but pointed statement was given out by Secretary Dickerson. It said:
"The board of trustees of the University of Chicago, upon recommendation of President Judson, voted to dismiss Prof. W. I. Thomas from the faculty of the university."
Authorities are Silent.
Dean Angell, who received the telegram from President Judson, refused to discuss the matter last night. Mr. Ryerson did not answer calls at his home and Secretary Dickerson refused to comment.
Prof. Thomas was reached at his home and said:
"I do not care to talk about the matter at all.”
Mrs. R. M. Granger, wife of an army officer, arrested in a room with Prof.
Thomas after they registered at the Brevoort hotel as man and wife, was still at
the professor’s home last night. Mrs. Thomas, when asked the condition of Mrs.
Granger, said:
“She is very much improved tonight.”
Warrant Near for Woman.
Mrs. Granger, after being taken into the professor’s home by the professor’s wife, became hysterical and collapsed. A physician has been in attendance upon her.
Detectives have been watching her condition closely and say that as soon as she is able a warrant will be served on her similar to the one under which Prof. Thomas was arrested and arraigned in the Morals court.
Miss Delia Rains, sister of Mrs. Granger, who spent one night at the Thomas home, apparently has vanished. She left the Thomas house two days ago. Her baggage is still at the Colonial hotel — uncalled for. Considerable mail is also waiting for her there.
Prof. Thomas was not present at the meeting which eliminated him as a factor at the University. The refusal of university officers to discuss the matter is in line with a desire on the part of all concerned, it is said, to dismiss from mind as soon as possible, a most unwelcome chapter in the school’s history.
Federal Action Not Ended.
What action the federal government will take as the result of an investigation which has been carried on is not known. Charles F. Clyne, United States district attorney, said last night that the inquire was not over. He declined to forecast action.
Clarence S. Darrow, attorney for Prof. Thomas, yesterday began preparation of a statement, it was said, which will be given out in a few days.
A new story that got about yesterday was to the effect that certain “friends” of Prof. Thomas and the woman had assisted in “arranging “ meetings between them, and that possibly before the affair blows over their names may be brought into it.
