PHOTOGRAPH OF A BRIBE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9377, 22 February 1909, Page 2

PHOTOGRAPH OF A BRIBE.

A clever ruse, it is declared, led to the detection of the councillors whose alleged corrupt f operations in Pittsburg are the topic of the hour. A contractor bidding for the work of paving Fourth Avenue was informed, it is stated, that the Finance Committee would refuse to ratify the contract unless £2OOO were paid to its members. The Mayor, Mr Guthrie, learning of this, arranged for a detective to appear as a partner of the contractor.

The detective received ( a note saying, ‘‘Christmas is coming, boys. We need money. Bring it.” He replied, ‘‘All right. Come to the Fort Pitt Hotel, and I’ll pay you. ■ ’ The leader of the corrupt councillors, it is declared, then appeared, and £2OOO in notes were handed to him. While he was counting them a flashlight was exploded, and he was photographed, a revolver being held to his head at the same time. Mr Guthrie, the story proceeds, sent the photograph to Mr Roosevelt, who, after placing it in the archives of the White House, encouraged the Mayor to proceed ruthlessly with the cleansing of the city of corruption. Six councillors, apart from those arrested, have fled from the city. The prisoners were arraigned, and evidence was given to the effect that the German National Bank paid the members of the Finance Committee £4OOO for the privilege of receiving the municipal deposits. This privilege was granted, though other bauks were ready to pay a higher percentage on the municipal moneys.