Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1907-05-17
RUFF PLEADS GUILTY.
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A San Frsucisoo d;spSsoh Of tho 10Th
sAye!
Abraham Ruei. ervou and pallid,
today in Judge Dunoe's court, pleaded
guilty 10 the crime OF e1tortoD, The
felony for which he uAs ~ have been
tined by the jury already selected.
In pleading guilty no made an i'm
pressive address TO the Judge. stating
that be had commenced bis career IN
politics with high ide ale for hinsclt and
for the city but that conditions had
broken him down, and he now desired
only opportunity TO make reparation
and restore his character before the
world.
As he concluded his address he fell
back into his chair. almost iaintinR, and
the tears coursed down his checks. His
health. he said, could not endure the
strain OF the trial which he wa facing ,
and the torture was beyond the endur.
dearest TO hun.
Before Ruef srose his attorneys,
Henry Ach. Samuel NJ. Shortridge and
Frank Murphy, one by one. aroso and
stated that owing 70 a grave difference
o; opinion with their client each Of thcm
must withdraw from the case.
Ruei, in his address, spoke with emo
ton of the fidelity OF his counsel.
Judge Dunno, at the Termination Of
Ruei's address, made no comment ex-
cept TO continue the case two weeks tol
sentence.
At ten minutes 70 IL o'clock Ruef and
his attorneys. who had been IN consulta
ton, returned TO the courtroom, Henri
Ach led the way. lie wRs followed by
Ruei, who looked pale, weak and self
conscious, as though he were laborins
under some tremendous mental burden
Ach was the first To speak. lie sale
there had been q disagreement between
himself and his client and hat he wouIc
be forced to withdraw from thu case
Ruef expressed himself as agreeable e
this. Ach the reupon left the courtroom
and Samuel ShortridRe rose. He ala
said that he could no longer represen
Ruei rs his attorney, as with RuetI
consent, be would withdraw. Ruet COD
sented, and Shortndge left. Franl
Murphy rose and made Il similar state
ment. lie declared. however, that Will,
tile case had reached u point where h
coulo no longer continue as an attorue,
Tor the defendant, he would uevertheles.
remain in the COURTROOM to give hiu
tie benefit Of what advice and counsa
lie could.
Ruef rose, trembling under a great
emotional strain. He spoke with gsea
difficulty. by this time the courtroom
was crowded and most Of the spectator,
were standing.
Ruet tirst acknowledged the worI
done by his various attorneys, thank
ing them for their friendship, oounse
and guidance. Then he continues:
This trial has become a threaleDlnI
danger to my health, 10Th mental AZ,
physical. l Am unable to bear tn
strain any longer. The etrain ON thes.
~neareet and dearest TO me is undermin
ing them, They arc ON the verge o.
collapse. Their lives hang In tn,
balance and | must take some acton"
Ruct, who vas evidently laborinI
under great emotion, after pausmg
moment continued:
Il have occupied a prominent position
in this city. ! hope to remain here, an,
this will be the place Of my e.erna
sleep. Heretofore l have boz 0 al
houored nane i'll my professional life
There q been no stain upon my homo
and until the present board OF super
visors was elected there was no act o
mine that could be- justly c~ensured
Nevertheless, owing to the assaults o
the press, | have been placed in a wropI
light aud have been burdened with ,
bad NAME,
at Is true that in order TO hold 10
Rether the political machine which
had built up with great difficulty, that
did lower the high political ideals tina
had hitherto upheld. Inst night
reached tho conclusion that there nigh
still DO an opportunity 10 make ON,
effort to restore myself in the publ
favor and 10 a power for good. I vii
do all that still lies IN my power 10 hel,
overthrow the systom which has mad
possible the terrible corruption u
public officials. To do thin I will worl
even rs the humblest citizen. N,
future career win be n Of integrity.
hope that car still accomplish som
good. .g5ttg,ya
Il attn making The greatest sacriHo
that could be fall q human being Of my die
position nnmely, to acknowledge IN,
faults and mistakes 10 restore myself {,
public favor. Duty calls mo whereye
the path may lead, but | want the Who'll,
world TO know that | am not guilty Of IN,
charge .msde aRains. mein this instance