The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-05-22
BRIBERY IN PENNSYLVANIA.
THE FtIBEE or IDDTTION. DITISTON,
md SfLENCE THPLICfTED.
-Four Members Swearing that they were Az
pronchcd hy fScmblc-bne of them Oncrrd

Fcur Members Swearing That they were Az
pronched hy tSembic-Dne OF them Dncrrd
$1,000 nnd .Another s1,0OO ror his Vote.
HARRISBURG, May 21.-rhc Riot Bribery
Committee had .hroe sessions to-day. and inn
portant testimony was elected. u part Of which
strongly confirms the opinion that W. II. Kom-
Die tried to huJ the passage Of the bill uppro-
priatne iOlOOOO forthc payment Of the losses
occasioned by the Pittsburgh riots. The most
damaging testimony thus far submitted to the
Committee WIS given to-day by Representative
Miller Of Snylrr County who testified that IN
the last stugcs " the consideration OF the Riot
bill kcmble. who occupied room opposite that
Of witness in the Brady lTouse. called him to
his apartment and requested him to vote for tho
Riot act. Witness replied that he would not
thus antagoniz' the sentiments Of his COM
sttuenta Kcmble then said that he would give
him $4,000 If he would vote for the bill. This
proposal was repeated Kcmblc saying that
he hoped the member would give the oaor
proper consideration. AMI change his mind.
Miller Ia one OF the most conscientious repre-
sentatIves in the Legislature and the fact that
he was corruutly approached has given him
worrimcnt lie did not disclose the informa-
ton he possessed until n few days ago. and
then only TO u personal friend. who kept 1t n
secret As the reputation of Mr.. Miller i sum
nssailp'lc. his testimony duplicating knmble in
corrupt solicitation Is universally believed.
-Four mrmbers OF the Legislature have now
involved Krmlle IN their testimony. MIR Eos.
ter OF Lchgh swore that after he had becn
Boosters kcmuic offered him 81 .uOO to vote
for the bill. and the member having expressed
a doubt M To the fulnlment Of the promise
kemhle proposed to pay the money down. Mr..
SiVcrth0ru Of Eric who agreed to act NJ a do
COY to expose the corrupt pract crs resorted TO
10 pass the bill. testified that Kemlle guaran-
tccd that any negotiations entered into with
Representative Rumherger twho INTRODUCED
divide 81 500 with HIM would bc ratified. RUM
berger has denied Silycrtlorns averments
under onth. rs fur rs they affect his honesty
especially the one To the effect that l,umherger
handed kemble piece OF paper with IN" ilg-
nnr n zoo written on u; On ms sl,t 81 paper
was as successful in convincing SilyerthQrn IA
he had him lRumbergcrl that the Republican
Riot bill. be had no doubt the member from
Erie could be converted. This testimony Is in
| conflict with that Of Kemblc. who indicated in
his evidence before the Committee that a sum
WAS named on me gaper or IN the Language OF
| Representative Gran Of Armstrong has also
| involved Kemble in his testimony. Graf was
first approached by ,Representative. Sater.
his vote for tho Riot bill. sater induced Graf
| 10 visit Kemble in the Office Of the Secretary Of
| dition Division. and Silence told him that any
! arrangement Salter would make would los rau-
| fled 10y him. There II no evidence 10 show that
| hemhe paid any money 70 member; but this
probably was owing to the fact that Decoy Sill,
| Nerthorn played his part hungliugy He had
| been handed card by Kcmue requesting n
| member 10 see that all absent supporters Of tho
! bill were paired. This note was not delivered.
| which. II Is believed. aroused kembles sus-
! picions OF Silvcrihorn's sincerity
| Additional testimony was given to-day impli-
| eating Representative Petrou OF Philade lphia in
corrupt solicitation, Representative McLay Of
! M0lin testified that Petron told him he was au-
! thorized to make IL interesting" 10 members
| who voted for the Riot bill Representative
! Watson Of Mercer had previously testified that
ietron had endeayored to control he, vote for
the bill by suggesting money consideration
! which. he said. Watson had better accept AS
members wero noorly paid tor their Legitimate
| services. Petroif was expelled from the House
| three years ago for corrupt practices In connec-
ton with the passage o. bill. and he stands a
eoS9d change q being kicked out again,
| testified to-day that Kembo's go-hetween. sal
| ter. had given them TO understand that they
could get from $500 TO $1,000 for voting for the
Two members have appeared rs witnesses
| against Representative Smith OF Philadelphia
| knttle Of Columbia swore u few weeks ago
dred dollars Tor his support OF the bin. and to-
day Drum OF Lpzerne testified that smith told
him he was authorized to offer him 81 600 for
| his vote. All except about dozen Of the mem
| bers Of the House have been examined and Of
thiS n@m>r ,wentyisonr nny 70, swor" ',nf
| Nineteen testified THAT they had been offered
! money directly or indirectly but mono accepted
the bride. OF those who are alleged to have
] the Huu-n: Clark. PETROL AMI Smith OF phila-
dcphia kumberger Of Armstrong. and Sncr-
| wood " York.
The Committee held throe sessions to-day.
! and will comUlet" the examination 81 witnesses
tomorrow. II is probable there will bo two re-
| ports. the majority in favor % whitcwashing
tic whole thing. aud tho minority in favor u
! cNpcIliug several 81 tho members implicated.
Tho Committee has been trying 90 cover up
corruption. but Wolfe who started tho inyesti-
CATION and who is a member. has brought cut
duMAlng evidence 81 attempts 40 bribery