davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
Confession to Grand Jury Reveals Gigantic
Bribery by Public Service Corporation.

least semblance OF an attempt to
escape he would have been ar
rested.
Lights IN Schmitz's room burned
until far past midnight, where
SchmitZ sat comforting with his at
torneys.
Ruefs astounding confirmation OF
the charge that ScnmitZ received a
large share of the overhead trolley
bribe was sufficiently nauseating,
but that the mayor accepted pro-
lection money from brothels was
not believed by his bitterest
enemies.
The stamp Of truth given this
charge by Ruef has disguised even
those who stood by the mayor
through thick and thin,
In the face of positive statement
made under oath by Ruef that high
officials OF the United railways paid
an immense sum for overhead
| trolley franchises, President Cal
hound, Mutually and Attorney Ford
continue to make strenuous denials.
As much interest centers in to.
y days meeting Of the Citizens com
, mittee as in the session Of the
grand jury. Members OF the com
mittec feel confident that before
| the day Is over Schmitl will have
rclnquished his power and 1t will
be turned over to the committee
with authority to administer the
affairs Of the city,
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
(Scripps News Assoc!ation.)

SAN FRANCISCO, May l7,--San
Francisco awoke this morning and
turned towards the residence OF
Mayor Schmitz, following the direc-
ton pointed by the accusing finger
Of Ruef.
Around the city's chief executive,
branded by his mentor as a CRATER
of the most sordid kind, now CEN
tiers the storm raised by the en-
boss confession. When Ruef shall
have completed his story of the
lOoting of the city, Schmitz and the
interest that center in him will in
evitably be transferred to San
Quentin or suicides grave.
Early In the day rumors Of all
sorts were circulated. One Of the
FIRST was that the mayor had com
nitted suicide.
This was untrue, although many
were only too ready to accept IT,
Another which was given equal
credence was that the mayor had
drawn up letter OF resignation and
would today hand 1t to the commit
tee OF citizens who endorsed the de.
mand of Rudolph Spreckles and
Prosecutor Heney Thursday for i'm
mediate restoration of civic health.
All night long "A squad Of Burns
men stood guard around the
echmitz mansion, and had the
mayor made move that had the
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17

saloon business, and in carrying
their wishes into effect | know |
will have your cooperation. The
present ordinance should be amend
ed to require saloons to close from
i tot a. m. Winerooms even
should be removed by prohibiting
the sale Of liquor behind curtains
or doors. This regulation should ap-
ply to restaurants. and In case OF
private dining rooms, no liquors al.
lowed 20 be sold in these dining
rooms unless to parties Of 6 or
more. Both Of these questions were
before the people and their de-
cisive verdict should urge us to i'm
mediate action.
Much important public work is
now before us and in all this work
the city should receive full value
for every dollar expended. The
new bridges should be Of perma-
nent construction and one lines of
architectural beauty. That they
may be source Of pride to us and
to the generation to come. A fair
proportion of this cost, maintenance
and renewal should be borne by
the street railway companies. The
same care to get good work at q
reasonable price should apply to
grading and all other public work
For this reason we should have men
Of the highest character and ability
on the board Of public works. The
men on this board are responsible
for the protection of the city.
Many other important public
problems are before us for solution
In our work upon these problems
we cannot expect to accomplish the
impossible, but by the best and
most intelligent service within our
power we will be able to get re-
suits Of importance to the city
Among these matters to which
particularly desire to call your at
tention is the necessity Of investi-
eating permanent source of pure
water supply. The installation of
a system of collecting garbage, and
the question OF a municipal lighting
plant. Other question, as they
arise, will be submitted to you
later"
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
MAYOR DAGGETT'S Farewell

The council chambers were pack
ed this morning to witness the in
Stallation of G.. Herbert Moore, the
newly elected mayor, and the retire
ment of Mayor Floyd l.. Daggett.
Following short business session,
Vice President N. S. Pratt appoint
ed Fred C. Baldwin, w. G. Estep
and Nick Laumer. a committee to
wait upon Mayor Daggett and bring
him before the council The mayor
was greeted with applause upon his
appearance. His farewell follows:
Honorable President and Members
of the City Council. Gentlemen:
"In retiring from the Office of
mayor of the city of Spokane | de-
sire to thank your honorable body
for the many courtesies received
from your hands, and the support
that | have had from your honor
able body in carrying on the bust
ness affairs of the city.
Reviewing the past years, it is
amount of business has been trans
acted by your honorable body and
the various city departments. and
nearly double the amount of NUM-
cipal improv made over
previous years. This has demand
ed very large amount of your time
and has taxed the capability and
energy of every one in any official
position.
ut would be exceedingly strange
if everyone thought alike in regard
to the policies or fully agreed as
to the carrying out of details. but in
the main there has been a notice
able lack of partisanship displayed
to the detriment of the business Of
the city.
II bespeak for the incoming ad-
ministration your hearty support
for its policies. and have no fear
but that you will aid and assist in
every way possible in carrying
them out.
The present administration was
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
RUFF SHIFTS BURDEN OF
GUILT ON MAYOR SCHM|Tz

In this connection ii is stated by
Heney that so far as the prosecu-
tion is concerned the supervisors
will not he forced to resign.
An intimation that Chief of Police
Oman and President Duffey OF the
board of works would be ousted was
follow ed by rumor that they
would quit office before the Citi-
2ens' committee had chance to
kick them out.
Ruef arose early this morning.
After a good breakfast he was
taken out for an auto ride by Buggy.
The tremendous strain the ex-hoSs
| is laboring under is telling on him
more palpably every day. When he
walked down the steps of his prison
to enterd the automobile he was
painfully dragging his feet and
carried himself with an air of list
lessness. His once jet black locks
seemed to have grown white over
night.
kilograms OF sympathy continue
to pour in on Ruef Many were re-
ceived this morning from women
and several from old college mates.
There is a continued softening OF
sentiment against Ruef. Even
Heney. whom he hates with dread
liest hatred, showing a disposition
to he magnimous TO the man whose
spirit and power he has broken.
! Ruef's testimony To the CRANE
jury reveals the payment of 500,
000 bribe by the United railways
for trolley franchises Mayo
Schmit1 got $4,000 Of this; Rue
SCI 900, and the balance was di
vided among the superN lsOrs Tn,
chairman Of the board receive,
$4,000
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17

elected 2 years ago upon well de-
fined issue as to policy, and it has
endeavored to carry out the wishes
of the people as expressed at that
election. At the recent election tne
people have demanded a change OF
policy and 1t is your duty, as well
as the duty of the incoming admin
istration, to carry out that policy.
The will of the people as ex-
pressed at the poles should be the
rule and guide of all public officials.
| bespeak for the incoming admins
tration fair play, and sincerely trust
that there will be an absence OF
misrepresentation and vilification,
and that the officials will not only
receive courteous and just treat
ment from each other. but from the
press and the citizens generally.
Thousands of dollars, and a great
deal of energy. are expended an
nually in boosting for our beloved
city of SpoHkane, and while no Of
fetal objects to courteous criticism,
still | believe that no good can come
to the city from constant stream
of abuse and misrepresentation.
without discussing what has
happened in the past, let us from
this time move forward on new
plane and accord to our public Of
ficials the same treatment that we
would extend to them were they in
private life.
"My only regret is that I must
sever some very pleasant relations
that have been established during
the years that l have been an OF,
fetal for the city Of Spokane.
Wishing you the best Of success
personally and officially. and with
the same best wishes to the incom-
ing officials, take pleasure in turn
ing over the ONCE Of mayor to the
gentleman whom | believe well
qualified and who will give to the
people of this city the best admin
istration in his power"
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
LlNEMEN NOT
WORRYING ANY

Electrical contractors claim that
in the course of another weeks
the journeymen electrical workers
will make such concessions as will
bring about satisfactory agree
ment between them and put an end
to the prevailing deadlock. This
belief is founded on the theory that
the work that many of them are
now on will not last longer than 10
or II days.
On the other hand. the electrical
workers say they no longer admit
that there is any trouble, for the
simple fact that all have been as
sured of employment in the fair
shops for an unlimited length OF
time and that they don't care
whether or not the old trouble is
settled, being satisfied in knowing
that the unfair contractors cannot
work their nonunion men upon a
single building now in erection in
the whole city. Contractors claim
that they have been enabled to pro
cure all the nonunion help that they
have needed for the past few days
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
MAYOR M00RE'S INAUGURAL

Following the reading of Mayor
Dsggett's speech, Councilman w. G
Estep moved that the old council
adjourn. Immediately following
such adjournment councilmen and
visitors gathered around Mayor
Moore with congratulations. In Is
minutes the new council was call
ed to order. and after some prelim
mary business @. Herbert Moore
was introduced as the new mayor
He read the following inaugural
speech and was greeted with
aaispicious enthusiasm at it's con
Mr.. President and Gentlemen OF
the City Council
"As representative chosen by
the people we are today starting
upon new period in the city gov.
eminent Of Spokane. The result OF
the election Of May 7 is conclu-
sive expression OF the wish OF the
people of this city that a change
is necessary in the manner OF con
Quoting the affairs Of the mum.
cipahty. That politics shall be re.
tired to the background and service
to the people shall be the considera
ton first, last and all time.
''ln carrying into effect the re-
forms that the voters have declared
themselves In favor OF, you will find
me ready to do my part. 1t is pos
siele that there may be some diff
ferences, but l wish you to under.
stand that my every action will be
for what I believe to be the public
good and not for the advancement
Of myself or any interest No man
will be appointed to public Office as
a reward for political services rem
dered. My wish in every case will
be to find the man who will do the
best work for the city. In many in
stances it will be difficult TO make
ideal appointments, and l ask your
cooperation in naming as good men
as are available. On all questions
Of city policy our interests are iden.
teal and we were elected by the
people for a common pudpose, i. G..
good government.
THE people of the city have un'
mistakably declared that they wish
more stringent regulation of the
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
PRATT HEADS
NEW COUNCIL

The new city council organized
this morning by electing n, s.
Pratt president for the next year,
and n. j. Laumer, vice president.
There was opposition to Pratt, the
names Of John Gray and l.. c.
Brown being placed in nomination.
On roll call Pratt secured 8 votes.
Gray and Brown |. Pratt created
much amusement by announcing
that he would vote for himself.
On motion of w. G. Estep the
dates for meeting nights of the
council were set for the second and
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
RICE ON The JOB

Rem II. Rice, the new chief of
police. qualified for the Office this
afternoon. Regarding any changes
or improvements contemplated in
police affairs, he said that as yet
he was unable to say Just what
course he would pursue except that
he would follow out the platform Of
the reform forces which are now in
power.
Il must first familarize myself
with the work." he said. and then
| shall proceed slowly
Chief Rice introduced himself to
the force right after he qualified
He is not entirely unfamiliar with
the workings of the police depart
ment, having been police reporter
for several years for the Spokes-
man-Review.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
DRUMMER DRINKS POISON

ED Allen, a commercial traveller,
drank a solution of bichloride or
mercury yesterday afternoon at the
Temple Court building He is said
to have told Doris Held. who was
In the room with him, that he took
poison. Or r. NJ. Klussman and
DR.. r. T.. HoXcy, We're called and
worked over Allen until he rested
easily, The police were not notified
Of the case at the time and have
not yet been notified ny either OF
the attending physicians or the
proprietors of the lodging house.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
(Scripps News Associ1tion.)

BOISE, May IA sensational
climax to the action of Governor
Goodng in personally conducting an
excursion Of newspaper men to see
Orchard in prison came today when
Judge Wood denounced it from the
bench and minated that II was
contempt of court. He asked coun-
sci what should be done and finally
referred the matter to the county
attorney for investigation.
Richardson and barrow, for the
defense, denounced the governors
action in unqualified terms. They
said it was deliberate attempt to
influence the jury and openly
charged that the governor intended
to make certain the accused should
not have a fair trial in Idaho.
HaWley and Borah agreed the ac-
ton was bad and unwarranted.
They said it was not taken with
their consent.
The county attorney was called
into the discussion and the ques-
ton arose as to whether the
tt1tCTN'Cw was iIitChoOo ~
influence prospective jurors.
The defense demanded that Good
ing be punished for contempt.
Borah defended the governor. It
was finally ruled that the matter
be taken up by the county attorney
and that the governor and others
who were responsible be punished.
This closed the incident and the
trial proceeded.
The prosecution claims to have
located Jack Simpkins, chief of the
four indicted for the murder of
Steunenbere.
The defense processes to know
nothing Of Simpkns' whereabouts.
The court took a recess without
seat No. being filled. The publ
cation Of the Orchard interview
biased many veniremen and the
work Of securing jury may now
take weeks.
The county attorney has insti-
tuted a searching examination into
the propriety of Gooding's action.
He expects to be ready to report In
court tomorrow or Monday. He de-
clines absolutely to forecast intend
ed action, but his determined att-
tude would indicate someone will
be punished.
While Richardson and barrow
were denouncine the governor and
representatives of the Associated
Press, the New York Sun and the
Times, Judge Wood listened atten-
lively, his face stern and set.
The interview given out by Or
chard was carefully intended to
show that he had not been put I'M
der duress by detectives nor forced
to make confession. He would
not acknowledge he had made a
confession, but dWelt strongly on
the fine treatment he had received
Orchards supposed conversion To
Christianity was brought out as d
strong feature.
This interview, given to press
representatives who have been un
friendly 10 the miners, followed .
( development in court showing that
many jurymen would not believe
Orchard. His alleged confession i'm
plcatins Meyer, Haywood and Pet
tibone in the murder of Governor
Steunenberg, is the point depended
! upon by the prosecution to convict
the defendants.
! It was announced that Orcnar'
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
DEAD MAN NOT MURDERED

The post mortem held yesterday
over the remains of the unknown
man who was found dead near the
Rock Springs coal sheds along the
o. r. q n. right of way near Diyi-
sion st. did not show evidence OF
a wound that would have caused
death. The body was badly dis
eased and Coroner Witter decided
death to have resulted from this.
The murder theory is secuted just
now.
The theory advanced by the po-
lice today is that railroad men, find.
Ing the man suffering, and believing
him drunk, dragged the body away
from the railroad tracks SO the
trains would not run over it.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
Ham BLEN NAMES
FRANK ALLEN

Lawrence r. Hamblen. the newly
appointed corporation counsel, this
morning announced that his chief
assistant would be Frank d. Allen,
of Allen & Allen. In all probability
Harry Rhodes will be the other as
sistant, but Mr.. Hamblen would
neither admit nor deny this. Mr.
Allen will take over the duties
which have in the past fallen to
Alex NJ. Winston.
Mr.. Rhodes, or whoever is named
for the position. will take the place
of Lester p. Edge, who conducts
the police court cases for the city.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
|LSE MAY LOSE
CONTRACT

The board of public works this
morning met and adjourned until
tomorrow. when an effort will be
made to declare forfeited a check
for 5000 given by Contractor
August llse, who has the $4,000
contract to build the First ward
trunk sewer. Use failed to file the
required bond in the time stated in
and the board.
Use explains that his failure to
file bond was the result of an
oversight.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
R|CTBOYC0TT
IN FRISCO

SAN FRANCISCO, May l7-One
hundred and forty-seven cars We're
operated today, being one-third of
the total equipment. Calhoun be-
lieves he will have the entire equip
ment running by the end of the
month.
Union pickets today secured
names of hundreds of persons rid
ing on the cars and the firms by
which they are employed, with a
view of boycotting all firms whose
employees persist in using the cars.
Many large establishments have
already notified employees not TO
use cars while the strike is on. Sew
eral minor assaults were reported
this morning.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
OLD COUNCIL
CLEANS HOUSE

The old city council just before
1t adjourned this morning, passed
an ordinance authorizing the TAX
ing of census of Spokane by the
city clerk and the payment of sta
tionary supplies necessary provid-
ing such expenses do not exceed
500. An emergency was declared
and the ordinance becomes effective
Immediately. The enumeration
must begin not later than June 10.
The exporting committees which
were appointed to check up the
books of the treasurer. comptroller,
Justice Of the peace and chief of po-
lice. reported that they found all
accounts In perfect shape and abso-
mtely correct.
The resignation OF Leroy G.
Waller as chief of police was read
and placed on record. 1t was un-
necessary to make any acceptance
of ii. as the chiefs term expired
with the term Of Mayor Daggett
The mayor then sent in the resig-
nation of Will II. Adams as meat in
spector. This was accepted by the
council. The appointment of a
successor will probably be made
next Tuesday night.
A petition objecting to the grant
ing of a saloon license to the Inland
Brewing Co. for liquor business
on the corner of Sprague av and
Madison st. was referred to the
committee on license. The Women S
hotel people were the DIRECTORS,
saying that such a business just
across the street from their hotel,
would demoralibe the purpose for
which the hotel is conducted-the
protection Of homeless young
women.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
THAT JOSH ON RICE

Chief of Police Rice has the
laugh on The Press. Likewise he
has the laugh on about everybody
else. Back in the beginning of the
campaign The Press mentioned Mr.
Rice as a possibility for the place
in the event that Mr.. Moore was
elected Then everybody. including
Mr.. Rice, gave The Press the laugh.
So the winning bunch was lost sight
of and today it's Rices time to
laugh at the joke.
Probably nobody could have been
found in town for the place who has
any more friends and well wishers
than Chief Rice.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
BABE KILLED IN
STRIKE ACCIDENT

EVANSVILLE, Ind, May IT.
While several strike sympathiZers
were aboard a street car this morn
ing making trouble for strike
breaker, the car jumped the track
and plunged into building. killing
one and wounding three others.
Bessie Cohn, aged Is months, was
Killed, Her elder sister, who was
wheeling her in a perambulator, es-
capped. The conductor Was fatally
hurt
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
COURTHOUSE CHANGES

The entire southwest section OF
the first floor of the county court
house Is now nearly ready for the
occupancy by the assessors Offices,
This portion consists of large, 3
smaller Office room and a vault
The present Offices of the county
assessor will be in part converted
to the use of the county auditors
Offices, while the remaining portion
will be occupied by the supern
tendent of county schools.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
POLICE EXPECT
SHAKE-UP

The police anticipate a general
shake-up of the force as soon as
Rem II. Rice, the newly appointed
chief. gets into the harness. 1t Is
reported today that among changes
contemplated is a new force Of city
detectives. The present force OF
detectives consists of Billy Weir,
Bob Briley, Tom Herndon, Nc
Dermott and Alec Macdonald.
These men have each served sew
eral years as detectives. The re-
port is that some of them will be
returned to uniform, but just which
of them is unknown.
Chief Rice takes Office imme-
diataiv
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
new MAYOR GOES
RIGHT TO WORK

Mayor Moore took charge of the
office Immediately after ne was in
aueurated this morning. lie has as
yet selected no secretary. He said
this afternoon that he would attend
to routine duties himself until he
secured someone, lie has installed
himself at the desk of Otis Alder
sou, Daggetts secretary. Mayor
Moore would not be interviewed
this morning ON any sub in con-
ueclion with the city administra'
ton. He said il all in his inaugural
address before the city council.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17

fourth Tuesdays. Estep tried to put
through a proposition to meet at
1870 o'clock in the afternoon in
stead of s at night, but withdrew
this motion when it was ascertain
ed that Leonard Funk, carpenter,
and n. j. Laumer, printer, would
not be able to leave their work at
that hour
The following committees were
appointed:
Finance ommittee-Estep Funk
Baldwin, Laumer, Phillips.
Judiciary and legislation-Gray
Estep and Dahlke.
License - Funk, Lambert and
Brown.
Streets - Phillips, Gray and
Brown.
Fire. Water and Sewer-Laumer
Lambert, Dalke.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-05-17
OVERCOMES DESPERATE
BURGLAR IN HIS ROOM
J. N. Montgomery Tackles an Armed Crook
earehanded and Makes Him Prisoner.

Then Montgomery returned to his
bed and later was once more
awakened by seeing the burglar in
the room ransacking his trousers.
Montgomery leaped out Of bed
and grappled with the man. The
burglar pulled small revolver, but
Mont gomery kept him from using it.
The noise attracted a crowd, and
while Montgomery held onto his
man others sent for the police, who
took the burglar in custody.