The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1907-05-16
LAsoRlNo UNDER GREAT EMO
TON HE PLEADS GUILTY BUT
DECLARES INNOCENCE.
SUSPENSE MEANTDEATH
Hc Says to His Loved ones--Frsco
Boss Pathetic Figure as He
Stands and Tells of
Blasted Ideals.

san FFduClscO, tal, Mly l1.-~A
raham Ruef nervc us and palIid, tc
day in Judge Danne cour., pleade,
salty to he crime OF extortlon a fel
ony for which he was to have beer
u ei by a jury already selected II
pleading guilty he made an imDressiy,
address to the Judge, stating that he
had commenced his career in politics
with high ideals for himself and The
city, but that conditions had broker
him down and hal he now desired
only an opportunity to make repara
ton and restore his charact before
he world.
ht 1850 Ruet ana hts attorneys,
Mlo had been in consultation. enter.
ed TO the court room Henry Ach led
ne way He was followed by Ruef.
who looked pale, W ak and self-ccn.
sclous as though he was laboring un-
der some terrible mental burden.
Attorneys Desert One BY One.
Ach was first to speak. He said
there had be II a disagreement be-
tween himself and his client and that
he would be forced to withdraw from
the case. Ruef expressed himself
agreeable TO this Ach thereupon left
tie court ro1m and Samuel Shortridge
arose. r also sad that he could no
longer represent Ruef as his attorney,
and with Ruef's consent he would
withdraw. T. et consented and Short.
ridge left Frank Murphy rose and
made a similar statement He de-
clared, however that while the cas-
had reached point where he could
no longer continue as attorney for the
defendant he would ueverths less re.
main in the courtroom 10 give him the
benefit of what advice and counsel he
could.
Ruef. arose trembling under great
emotional strain. He spoke with
great difficulty. BY this time the |
court room was crowded and most of |
tie spectators were standing. Ruef |
first acknowledged the work done by |
his valious attorneys, thanking them
fer their friendship, counsel and guild
ance. Then he continued
Unable to Bear Awful Strain.
This trial has become a threaten
ing danger to my health, both mental
and ply ical. am unable to bear
the strain any longer. The strain on
those nearest and dearest to me is
them. They are on the
verge of collapse. Their lives hang
n the balance and | must take some
iction
Ruef, who evidently was laboring
lnder great emotion. after pansing a
continued:
Il have occupied prominent posi- {
ions in this city | hope to remain 5
lorc, and this will be the place of
ny eternal sleep. He. .etofore | have {
'orne an honored name in my profess q
tonal life. There IS no stain upon /
~ honor and until the present board i
( supervisors was elected there was D
% act OF mine that could be Justly
,nsuled. Nevertheless, owing to as.
lults of press | have been placed in
'rong light ana been burdened with
bad name.
Sacrificed Ideals for Power
'It is true that in order to hold to-
ether the political machien which
ad built up with great difficulty.
id lower the high political idea | had
iiherto upheld. Last night | reached
ne conclusion that there might still
e an opportunity TO make some eff
vi TO restore myself in public favor y
nd be a power for good. | will do
! that lies in my power to help over
ROW the system which has made
)ssible the terrible corruption of
,blic officials To do this will
ork even as the humblest citizen. H.
Y future sareer will be one of in
gritty. / hope can still accomplish -
me good 49,
Not Guilty Yet Pleads Guilty. -.
Il am making the greatest sacri- -
e that could befall human being -
any sposition-namely. to ac- 49,
iowledge my faults and mistakes to -
store myself in public favor. Duty y"
lis me, wherever the path may lead. :,
( | want the whole world 10 know -
am not guilty of the charge made =, -
ainst me in this instance Never az
eless. ON account Of reasons stated. ~
my plea not guilty and ~
tered the plea Of guilty" "
As Reuf resumed his seat he was 'n
milling like leaf. his face the sii
Ior of parchment Tears course1 iei
wn his cheeks crowd gathered
cut him but baiiiff brushed then
ay. Ruef sat alone save for The
i,ection Of the baiiiff and the elisor.
5 attorneys were all gone-forre1 We
ay by his decision TO tell all and re'
ow himself nnou the mercy ~ The an
;rt an
Judge Dunno made an order Sc ting pr
fCrur1sslrs4 ~.