The sun., 1899-01-26
LAID PLANS FOR BRIBERY.
DETAILS OF THE TRAP LAID FOR
CoUHCILMEN IN LOUISVILLE

woman Reporter who Posed as Lobbyist
and Hsr Interview with Councilman
Ciniotti-second Interview Brought Her
Arrest Cost of Legislation, $4,000.
LOUISVILLE. KY. Jan. 25.-The hearing in
the Alleged conspiracy case OF Mrs. Alice Mont
Romerv, alias Sybil Wilbur. the woman re-
porter employed by the Louisville Commercial
to entrap local Councllmen into accepting
brlbes from a Chicago telephone company.
occupied the entire day in the police court.
Late In the afternoon Councilman Clmlotti,
| the Dude OF the Council" was put on the
stand and subjected TO merciless question
| ing from the defences attorney. Zaek Phelps,
the former baseball maEnate. He asked Mr..
Cimiott what he was doing when he was elect
cd to the Council.
Nothing" was the reply.
When did you 60 to work at the Louisville
and Nashville Railroad"
The following April
You were then ON the Railroad Committee.
were you notI"
Yes. sir"
According TO Cimiotti atrs. Montgomery
visited him at the Louisville and Nashville
Office. Realizing that the place was not de-
sirable for the discussion OF confidential bust
ness. he made an appointment to meet her on
last Thursday night at the Fifth Avenue Hotel
in her room. Mrs. Montgomery told him that
she wanted TO talk to him about bill which a
Chicago telephone company wanted to get
through the Council. She wanted to know all
the particulars. how many votes IL would take
In each board and how much II would cost.
He replied that It might cost $1,000 and It
might cost more.
II was then brought out that his suspicious
were not aroused until the next day. when he
scented u conspiracy and got friend n news
paper man. to 60 with him to subsequent in
terviews. which resulted in Mrs Montgomery's
arrest. On cross examination he admitted
that he was Chairman OF the Telephone Com
mittee OF the Council and had asked the man
ager and President Of the Ohio Valley Tee-
phone Company to go on his note for 5000. but
they had refused.
Mrs Montgomery testified that about Jan
l she received letter from Mr.. oBrien; ask
ing her II she could ccme to Louisville TO work
on the NerS, soon TO be started. She con-
ssented and on reaching Louisville went TO
ciol onfce. Afterward she met the managing
editor who informed her that certain mem
bers OF the General Council were supposed to
be corrupt and that he wanted il investi-
gated, Mr.. Cimiotti was mentioned and sug-
EeSted as good man to begin on.
brlbe. but to iflnd, out how he would act II an
offer was made him. She selected room in
closets were shallow and the acoustic prop.
critics good. This was for the benefit OF con
cealed reporters. She then detailed the first
meeting with Cimiotti at her room After be-
ing informed that she was here in the inter-
est OF a new telephone company she said Ctmi-
otti said he would he willing to work heart and
soul for it. She asked how an ordinance could
be put through the Council
II takes money to do business" was the
reply. The old TELEPHONE company has its
friends in the Council. and you must have
yours"
She asked what it would cost. and he took
out his book aud began figuring. Finally he
said 500
and there would have to be two men at ST. 900
each In the upper and tho lower board"
She asked him If he would be the man to
manage It in the, lower board and he said he
thought he would.
And WHO will do II in the upper board" was
asked. Il think Alderman Duliny would be n
gers name was also mentioned. she said, dur
ing the conversation.
You MAJ think these figures are hgn,"
said Cimintti
"Oh. 10: we have unlimited capital" .he
answered. We'll say S6.5UU may he enough.
but il may go high as S25.O00."
Later In the conversation she asked him
would vote as they promised.
"Oh. they'll vote all right" was the answer.
How do you know"
They've been tested was the reply
There was an outburst Of laughter in the
courtroom at this. but it was rebuked sharply |
by Judge Thompson.
"GentIemen," said he. this is not laugh
shame" On this same evening according to
Mrs. Montgomery. Cimiotti related an in |
stance of n contest for live stock inspector /
which had been carried by tho purchase of
votes at 100 each.
But that was not SO important matter az
this. so this will cost more" he added
Mrs. MONTGOMERY continued at le myth TO the |
same effect and at o clock an adjournment |
until n.