The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-06-01
BRIsEHY In MAssAcaUsErTs.
An Ensrmess Csrspsiss Fund Used 10 In
nue nee Lenislnsien.


A Boston special Of the 18th says: The
largest corruption fund distributed among
Massachusetts, legislators for many years
has been used during the present session
TO influence the passage OF bills regulating
the manufacture of gas. The bribery was
80 wholesale and paIpable that the Legis-
lature was finally shamed into ordering an
investigation, which was begun tonight.
The gas monopoly OF Boston is pro-
tected by law in this way: A statute
requires that no Illuminating gas for
public consumption shall contain more
than 10 per cent. OF carbonic oxide,
and no gas company Is allowed to
organize with capital OF more than
100000. A number Of capitalists desired
to form q company 10 Boston for the manu-
facture OF water gas, which contains from
% to 30 per cent. OF carbonic oxide. A
capital OF at least two millions was also
necessary. The proposed changes in the
law were desperately opposed by the Bos-
ton Gaslight Company. The menopoists
became alarmed, aud TO gain popular favor
reduced the rates from $3.50 per thousand
feet TO $3.50. But in spite Of all influence
the bills in favor OF the water-gas people
passed the House and received two read
ings In the Senate. When the mea-
sure came up for its third reading the
following day there was an astonishing
change Of base on the part OF several sena-
tors. One or two who bad voted in favor
OF the bill STAYED away. Two others who
had voted the same way were sent for be-
fore that days session by well-knowD
railroad president. and on returning 10 the
chamber reversed their votes. Even then
the measure bad q majority Of one, when
TO eyerybody's establishment President
Bruce directed the clerk to call his name
and he voted against the bill, thus defeating
il by tie vote. There Is no question
about Bruce's legal right to vote as he did,
but his action is probably without prece-
dent in the Massachusetts, Senate.
There were plenty OF stories afloat Civ.
ing names and the amounts OF brides, and
the matter became so scandalous that the
Senate ordered an investigation. But the
next day the senator offering the resolu-
ton moved a reconsideration in order to
make the order include an investigation OF
bribery in both branches. Thereupon the
Senate defeated both orders, and the lob
byists breathed more freely. But this
smothering OF rank public scandal raised
such widespread storm Of Indignation
that every Republican senator began to see
that his political life was at stake, and
finally the investigation was ordered.
Even then 1t was intended that the in
quiry should be as brief and farcIcal as
possible, for the Legislature had voted to
finish its session tomorrow. But tonight
Senator Whittier. Of Boston. testified that
he was offered bride OF $1,000 to remain
away when the vote on the bill was taken.
Senator Norris, who changed his vote from
yes to no, said he was influenced by "per-
sonal considerations, which he declined
to explain. There is tonight consterna-
ton among the LOBBYISTS, for the names OF
those implicated have not yet been given.
The investigation will go on tomorrow,
and the Legislature will probably be kept
i'm session q week longer. There are also
charges against the water-gas people, but
they have not yet been brought out in evil
Hpnpp