Nellie Bly Interviews Reformer — December 10, 1893
In 1891, Dr. Charles Parkhurst, a clergyman elected president of the New York Society for the Prevention of Crime, launched a campaign against Tammany Hall’s political and social corruption. He exposed their connections with the police and their role in shielding crime and vice. Challenging Tammany Hall from the pulpit on February 14, 1892, Parkhurst emphasized the link between the hall’s political influence and police collaboration. Faced with the municipal grand jury’s request for evidence, he personally hired a detective, went undercover with John Erving, and presented documented proof of corruption on March 13, 1892. This effort led to the formation of the Lexow Committee to investigate conditions and the election of a reform mayor in 1894. Nellie Bly interviewed him at the height of his influence.
