The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-16
RUEF, IN TEARS,
MAKES DRAMATIC
PLEA OF GUILTY

San Francisco. Cal. May 1e-Abraham
Ruef. nervous and pallid, yesterday, In
Judge Dunne's court, pleaded guilty 10
the crime OF extorton, the felony for
which he was to have been tried by the
Jury already selected. In pleading guilty
he made an impressive address to the
Judge, stating that he had begun his ca
reer in politics with high ideals for him
self and for the city. but that conditions
had broken him down. and he now desired
only an opportunity TO make reparation
and restore his character before the
world.
When he concluded his address he fell
back into his chair almost fainting, and
the tears coursed down his cheeks.
His health, he said. could not endure
the strain OF the trial which he was fac
ing and the torture was beyond the en-
dearest to him.
Before Ruef arose his attorneys, Henry
Ach, Samuel Shortridge and Frank Muir
ply. one byl one, stated TO the court that.
owing to a grave difference of opinion
with their client each of them must
withdraw from the case.
Judge Dunno, at the termination of
Ruefs address. made no comment. except
TO continue the case two weeks for SEN
tence.
The specific charge in the indictment
concerned the payment OF Ruef of Hl75
by the proprietors OF Delmonico's French
restaurant 10 secure for the place per-
mission to sell liquor in private rooms.
When Ruef arose 10 plead. the court
room was crowded Ruef irst acknowl-
edged the work done by his various at
torneys. thanking them for their friend
ship. counsel and guidance. Then he con-
tinued:
This trial has become a threatening
danger 70 my health, both mental and
physical.
II am unable to bear the strain any
longer. The strain on those nearest and
dearest to me IL undermining them. They
are on the verge OF collapse. Their lives
hang In the balance and I must take some
action"
Ruef. who evidently was laboring un-
der great emotion, after pausing a mo-
ment. continued:
'T have occupied a prominent posi-
zion In this city. I hope TO remain here.
and this will be the place OF my eternal
honored name in my professional life.
There has been no stain upon my honor.
and until the present board of super
visors was elected there was no act
Of mine that could be justly censured.
Nevertheless, owing to the assaults OF
the press, / have been placed in
wrong light and have been burdened
with n bad name
1T is true that In order 10 hold to-
sether the political machine which
had built up with great difficulty l did
lower the high political ideal that I
had hitherto upheld. Last night
reached the conclusion that there might
still be an opportunity TO make some
effort to restore myself in public favor
and be a power for good. ] will do all
that still lies In my power to help
overthrow the system which has made
possible the terrible corruption OF pub
lie officials. To do this / Will work
even as the humblest citizen. My future
career will be one OF integrity.
IT hope that I can still accomplish
some good. / am making the greatest
sacrifice that could befall a human
being Of my disposition--namely TO ac-
knowledge my faults and my mistakes
TO restore myself in public favor. Duty
calls me wherever the path may lead,
that I am not guilty of the charge
made against me in this instance.
Nevertheless. on account OF the reasons
stated, l withdraw my plea OF not
guilty and enter a plea OF guilty"
As Reuf resumed his seat he was
trembling and his face was the color
OF parchment. Tears coursed down his
cheeks A crowd gathered about him.
but the bailiff thrust them away. Ruef
sat alone. save for the protection of
the bailiff and the elisor. His attorneys
were all gone-forced away by his de-
eisi6n to tell all, and throw himself
upon the courts mercy.
After Judge Dunno made an order
setting the case over two weeks for
sentence. Ruef left the court room with
Detective Burns. They entered an auto
mobile and drove to the house on Fill
more street. which is Ruefs prison.
While in consultation with his attor-