The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1907-05-18
ABRAHAM RUFF.

was beyond the endurance OF those
who were nearest and dearest 70 him.
Before Rucf arose his attorneys
Henry Ach. Samuel Shortridge and
Frank Murphy-one by one arose and
stated that owing to a grave difference
OK opinion with their client each OF
them must withdraw from the case.
Ruef arose. trembling under a great
emotional strain. He spoke with great
difficulty. He first acknowledged the
work done by his various attorneys.
thanking them for their friendship.
counsel and guidance Then he con
tinued.
II have occupied a prominent posi-
ton In this city. | hope 10 remain
here and this will be the place OF nv
eternal sleep Heretofore l have borne
an honorcd name in my professional
life. There has been no stain upon
my honor. and until the present board
N supervisors was elected there was
40 act of mine that could be Justly
censured. Nevertheless. owing 20 the
assaults OF the press. have been
placed in wrong light and have been
hurdened with a bad name.
1T is true that in order 20 hold to-
gether the political machine which I
had built UP with great difficulty did
lower the high political ideal that I
had hitherto upheld I reached
the conclusion that there might
stil be an opportunity 10 make
some effort To restore myself in the
public favor and be power for good.
viii do all that still lies in my power
TO help overthrow the system which
has made possible the terrible cor
ruption of public officials. To do this
I Will work even as the humblest citi-
zen. My future career will be one OF
integrity. ! hope that can still &C
complish some good.
Il am making the greatest sacrifice
that could befall human being OF my
Overwhelmingly. TO acknowledge
my faults and mistakes to restore ny
self In public favor Duty calls me
wherever the path may lead. but |
want the whole world TO know that I
am not guilty OF the charge made
against me in this instance. Never
theless. on account OF the reasons
stated, ] withdraw my plea OF not
guilty and enter plea of guilty"
As Ruef resumed his seat he was
trembling like a leaf, his face the
color OF parchment Tears coursed
down his cheeks. Ruef sat alone save
for the protection OF the bailin. His
attorneys were all gone-forced away
by his decision to tell all. and throw
himself upon the courts mercy.
Judge Dunno made an order setting
the case over two weeks for sentence
Then Ruef arose, and YEARLY. still
pale and trembling. went out Of the
court room with Detective Burns. The
two entered an automobile and drove
to the house on Fillmore street, which
Is Ruers prison.
In the course Of a conversation with
a representative of the Associated
Press Ruef said
Il changed my plea to guilty. yes;
but I pledge my solemn word that I
am innocent. have been guilty of
conniving at the corruption OF munich.
pal officials by corporations. but In
these French restaurant cases | am
not guilty. Then why. one might ask.
did l plead guilty? ! pleaded guilty
10 save the lives of those who are
nearest and dearest to me on earth.
! am not overstating the truth when
! say that If my father, my mother and
my sister had been compelled to en-
cure Tie strain Of my trial, lasting at
least two months, and possibly longer
1t would have cost their lives.
i have made no confession. know
much. Some things l shall tell; som
things | shall not tell. Whenever al
innocent man has been forced into
corruption against his will, that man
shall protect. Whenever a man. be
nc high or low. has entered into cor
rupuon with his eyes open, that mar
| shall expose.
Il will not say at the present mo
ment that Mayor Schmitz is guilty
Of the charges that have been brought
against him, OF that he IS innocent.
viii say this: I wanted to break away
from Schmitz before his reelection 3
year ago last November and said tc
him: Il am sick OF the whole thins
and want to get out can't stand 10,
all these labor union buns you have
gathered around you. and Will ap
point They would eat the paint OF q
mousse. In answer, the mayor begged
me to stay with him, and put up the
argument that those fellows must be
allowed their share or we would never
hold the machine together There was
all too much truth In that.
Il stayed with Schmitz and I STAYED
with the machine that I at great labor
and pains had built up"