The Mena weekly star., 1911-09-07
BRIBERY PLOT IN
 FORT SMITH UPSET
Candidate for Prosecuting Attorney Sets Trap for Man Said to Be Working for Whisky Interests
 But Stranger Jumped Bond.

But Stranger Jumped Bond. | Fort Smith, Sept. 2.-Is there a Chicago Business Mems Club en- gagged i'll sending emissaries throughout Arkansas to corrupt public officials in the interest of liquor dealing and gambling? Is 'G. Wheeling, Missouri" a myth or a greater bungler than the man who corrupted Hadleyburg?n
 These are two of the questions that are being asked in Fort Smith and while they are not very defi- nitely answered, it is agreed that . very clumsy effort has been made and thwarted, to bribe a prominent candidate for prosecuting attorney of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. The
 incident has aroused indignation in Fort Smith, and any further at tempt of the kind will meet with much more summary treatment if discovered.
 Attorney John W. Goolsby is the candidate responsible for the un- masking and arrest of "G. Wheeling, Missouri" a we'll dressed man, wearing diamonds and J. Rufus Wallingford air. Wheeling landed in Fort Smith, and casting about | for what he considered easy prey, approached Goolsby and arranged conference with him. He connd- ed to Goolsby that he was a law yer representing a syndicate cover | ing many cities. It was known he said as the Chicago Business Mems Club.'
 Would Protect Gambling. Wheeling said he had been in Fort Smith four weeks and had ob- served that there was a great deal of gambling in progress, notwith- standing the stringent state law against it. His mission was to or ganize clubs throughout Scott and Sebastian counties, comprising the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, for the protection of gambling and liquor selling. He was convinced, from his observations, that Goolsby's chances for election were very fine, and he and his associates had decided to solicit his cooperation, for con- sideration, in their campaign of protection.
 Wheeling, at a subsequent meet ing, submitted to Goolsby copy of a contract for him to sign.
 Goolsby Lays a Trap. GOolsby, convinced that he was in the hands of crooks or enemies, pro- ceeded to lay trap for them, and asked time for consideration and arranged a later meeting. The at torney then, accompanied by his friends, consulted Detectives Carr and Pitcock. It was agreed the de- tectives should shadow Goolsby, and they followed him to room 2i, Hotel Main, where he met Wheel ing, according to arrangement. Wheeling locked the door and pro- ceeded to business while the de- tectives stood outside and listened. Wheeling went over his proposition again, offering to supply Goolsby with campaign funds, and when elected to pay him $500 month for protection in Fort Smith and $200 a month for protection Ill Green wood district and Scott county. Wheeling took from his grip copy of the proposed contract, which he handed to Goolsby, asking him to sign it. Goolsby made sure of the paper given him, then denounced Wheeling in strong terms and open ed the door for the admission of the detectives.
 Gives Bail and Forfeits It. | Wheeling attempted to destroy the contract, but was quickly ar rested. He was searched and SIC found in his possession. His bond was fixed at Si00, thinking he could lnot raise that amount. But on the street he met prominent resident Iwho supplied the $30 needed for
 cash bond. Wheeling is charged
 with vagrancy, which could not have been sustained. But Wheel | ing had no notion of fighting and dio not appear in court the following morning and the bond was for
 feited.
 | Whether the incident will be talk
 len before the grand jury has mol lbeen determined. Goolsby's friend: