The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-29
Illinois State Senator Creates
p .ound Sensation by
His Statement
STORY IS CORROBORATED
BY FURNITURE SALESMAN
ccEved Bribe for Voting for Con-
trnct TO supply Furniture
for the State

Springfield, ILL.,, May 2S.-Bursting like
q bomb within few hours after United
States Senator Lorimer's speech at
Washington, State Senator John Brod-
erck, a leading Chicago democrat. late
today was indicted on bribery charge
by the grand Jury. Broderick's indict-
nent was the result of a confession made
- the grand jury by State Senator o. w.
Holtslaw of Iuka, ILL.,, who says Brod-
ericlS paid him $500 to vote for Lorimer
for senator.
A capias was at once ordered for Brod-
erick and bench warrant issued for his
arrest.
The unexpected turn in the Lorimer
scandal was an offshoot of States A.
|, torney Burke's investigation of alleged
4 graft in legislative furniture deal. SEN
ator Holtslaw has been indicted on a
perjury charge in connection with the
furniture contract, and upon advice Of
his lawyers when offered immunity
agreed to make confession
Senator Holtsaws confession regarding
the furniture deal was corroborated be-
fore the grand jury by Otto Freier of
Chicago, who as agent for the Ford
johnson Furniture company, obtained
the furniture contract The two confess
sions regarding the furniture contract re-
Elsuted in two additional indictments on
conspiracy charge. These were: State
Senator s. c. Pemberton, republican, OF
Oakland, ILL.,. and Representative Joseph
II S. Clark, democrat, of Vandalia. Ill. AS
In the case of Senator Broderck in the
Lorimer alleged bribery matter, capiases
and bench warrants were Immediately is
sued for Senator Pemberton and Repre-
sentative Clark on the conspiracy charges
/ In connection with the furniture contract.
n Indictment NolIed
n Although an indictment charging con-
a spiracy was returned against Senator
lHotslaw, it was Immediately nolled and
immuuity for Holtslaw was ordered by
'Judge James A. Creighton upon recon-
mendation of States Attorney Burke
When the indictments had been re-
turned and the court orders entered in
the two separate scandals, the members
4 3of the grand jury adjourned until next
XfTuesday. After conferences with Attor-
ney A. M. Fitzgerald. his lawyer, Senator
Holtshaw this morning communicated
gard and driven almost to distraction
liuring a sleepless night, Senator Holt
flaw told the prosecutor he was ready
10 confess and all liability to prosecu-
ion and punishment was waived when
Immunity was offered. and later granted
because Holtslaw was a material wit
hess Before going to the grand jury
Boom Holtslaw made a preliminary state
snent to States Attorney Burke In the
PRESENCE of his attorney. This statemen.
WAS as follows:
HoItslaw's Statement
I'm making the statements to the San
famon county grand jury regarding the
layment of money to secure the contract
lor furniture and for the purpose of
hecting William Lorimer United States
Senator have been governed by the firm
belief that my actions in this matter
lave been reprehensible in this connec-
on. 1 offer no Defense | have, how
Eer determined to make such repara-
Hion as is within my power, and the only
heans by which / can do this. as it
Etsems to me- is by fully and honestly
ating what know about these transac-
1ons
NJ voted for William Lorimer for
inited States senator and received there
fbr $3.50. also received 500 which was
5}ven me without explanation with the
Ilatement that it was coming to me-
Nth the letting Of the furniture con-
jact."
"A Brodericlx's Offer
IHoltslaw went before the grand jury
Il 2:30 o'clock. and it was late when he
Merged. Following his appearance be-
lire the inquisitorial body, Holtslaw re-
Hated his conversation to the Associated
Ness. He told in detail of the meeting
II had with Senator John Broderick of
|i{,icago in front of the St. Nicholas ho-
it in this city the day before William
|briner was elected United States sem
'lor He and Broderck talked for some
NE about other matters and then the
Ynatorshp question was brought up.
3Ioltslaw says that Broderick asked
IN If he could vote for Loriner and he
Billed that 1t was possible for him to do
that some of his democratic constitu-
rs had told him that such move
luld be a good thing towards disrupt
E the republican party In the state
Xltslaw says Broderick then said to
"a that if he would vote for Lorimer
'Are would be s25OO In it for him. Holts-
M SAYS that he then agreed to cast his
He the next day, May 26, for Lorimer.
n said that he had never been ap-
Rached on the question before and de-
;ld that Lee. ONeil, Browne or Senator
ltcimer had ever brought the subject to
n attention.
oltslaw said that up to this time ne
HI voted consistently for the democratic
didate Lawrence B. Stringer of Lin
XII. During their conversation in front
dthe st. Nicholas, said Hotslaw, Brod-
Nix told him that Lorimer was going to
III put over the next day, and that
flre was no question about It, so he con-
f1ed, "he might just as well get in
band wagon
Payment Of Money
III this time, according to Holtslaw's