New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1846-02-21
Tho Bribery Case ut Harrisburg.


HARRISBURG. Pa. Feb IL, 1916.
Harrisburg for the las. ten days has been the the
ara of occurrences which have greatly agitaed the
nublic mind Bribery, bold, high handed bribery
has been attempted upon a member OF the House OF
Representatives, under circumstances OF very pc
culiar, character The parties concerned all belong
TO the "incOuaptible Democracy that order OF
men who have been wont TO make the Alpha and
the Omega Of their political harangues Bank Brb
eyH-" Corruption &c.-men whose extraordinary
povers OF perception have enabled them discover the
Mieous ghost that has haunted every Wing assembiage
,nce birth of the Monster which they profess to
hare sbunned with the pious horror and for the
itcernln ent which they claim from the dear PEG
pe' an increased appropriation OF their honors and
tmoluments.
But 10 the of the OF bribery undergoing
investigation before Committee OF the House OF Re-
pesentatlyes.
Daniel NlcCook of Carroioa Ohio and recently Clerk
the Courts of Carol Countybrother to the Hon. Nc
Cook, former member OF Congress from the Coumbiana
District came Harrisburg last Thursday or Friday
The prOessed object OF his Visit WAS in relation 10 some
osnsions IL turned out however that MIS- real object
us secure II favorable report from the Commitree ON
psnks OF the House G Representatives. who were about
catering upon an investigation OF The affairs OF the LIE.
thh County Bank Of which Mr. Moses Y. Beach is the
principal. some alleee the sole Stakeholder. Nc
Cook found that the report likely TO be adverse and
win zeal and determination worthy OF better cause
resolved 10 apply the lever of influence 10 ateca change
h,he contemplated report of the Committee
Being entire stranger N town the happy thought
struck him that long purse would not be an unsuitable
,ce Of machinery TO bring INTO pay-and as that art
Gle az hand the only remaining difficulty with him
was the point OF application. After deli liberation he con-
Guided TO make the first application to Col Piolett of
Bradford member the Committee on Banks. But, be-
lore making the grand effort his experience suggested
trio,
would be advisable He accordingly called upon Hon.
John Lsporte, Surveyor General and much to the
OF the clever old gentleman, informed him that he
lacCook had sent for his Qapore's) SON. and promised
him three hundred dollars il he would come. Mr.. La
porte told him that his could not come to Harrisburg
now on account Of sickness i'll his family McCook
then said he wanted a favorable report to the Lehigh
County Bank and m0dtStty asked Judge Laporte IL
he could assist him.
This the Judge very properly declined. Finding the
disadvantage OF limited acquaintance, and growing des
perate the day OF investigation nearly approached he
summoned up courage and went TO Col. Piolett himself
and told him that he had written TO the Coonels father
come 10 Harrisburg for the purpose al assisting him
carrying the point he had i'll view Col. p. Informed
him that it impossible for his father TO come here
oene very old man and III Hiirm health, anu that ne
could be OF no service TO him al any By and by
Tie bank agent gave miniature view OF his objects 10
me Colonel himself stating that he would deposit S5O0
IN his hands. in the hands Of any person be should
name favorable report could be procured Al such
70 astounding proposal Col. Polett pretty indig
uant could with difficulty suppress manifestation
Of bis feelings. This ne managed TO do, however, as
vel as possible, until out OF McCook's presence.
poett then some OF his personal friends, and
ld the matter before them They advised him let
the scheme be perfected in order that there might be II
full exposure OF the corruption attempted to be praciced
Mr. Pioett acted IN accordance with the advice oil his
friends and after several conversations McCook count
ed out four hundred dollars Col Piole promising 10
pay hundred after the report OF the Commit
should be made. Pioett opened his drawer and told
McCook 10 put it in, which he did. Mr. Bueher was
called, who sealed the money and endorsedit Mr. Pic
let, took the package and immediately laid the be-
fore the House Of Representatves and placed the money
the Speakers desk for the disposition of the House
An Investigating Commi,iee consisting OF Messrs.
Knox, Nicholson. Trego. Galloway and Gwnn, was APP
pointed with power TO send for persons and papers.
warrant directed 10 the ScrscantatArms, was Issued
the Speaker for the OF McCook and the money
was ordered 70 be deposited in one OF the Harrisburg
Banks subject to the Speakers order. Thus, whilst
acCcok wan no doubt dreaming Of the success OF his
scheme his revery broken by the strong OF the
law reminding him that he had Weakened the wrong
passenger"
TIE Committee hold daily sessions Mccormick,
Esq appears as counsel for the accused. McCook is
aneookDg man. gray headcd, OF easy manners and nne
address Yours truly PENN.