Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 59, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1908 — SEEK MORE MEN AT PITTSBURG [ARTICLE]

SEEK MORE MEN AT PITTSBURG

Investigators Will Try to Get Others In Net. WORK MUST 60 ON SWIFTLY Guilty Men Who Are Still at Large Are Becoming Frightened and Endeavoring to Clean Their Hand*-Public-Spirited Citizens Coming to the Front with Cash to Help Break Up the Corruption Which Befouls the Smoky City. Pittsburg, Dec. 25.—Although the graft prosecution has been halted so far as additional arrests are concerned, it is believed that this is only temporary. It is said that the efforts of the investgators will be directed toward others said to be implicated in the alleged corruption as well as the seven counctlmen and two former bankers under arrest.

One of the inquisitors stated that quick action was necessary, as undoubtedly other persons guilty of grafting were frightened and were making endeavors to remove any trace of their participation. Rumors are circulated that a second raid will be made against councilmen and business men charged with corrupting the councils. The' Voters’ League of Pittsburg is said to have prepared twenty-two warrants for the arrest of these persons. Plans are on foot to give the first nine defendants a court trial as soon as possible. It is believed that District Attorney Blakeley, who has taken charge of the matter, will present the cases to the grand jury early next month. By the latter part of February it is expected that the trials will be under way. According to a statement by a member of the Voter’s League a number of prominent and wealthy Pittsburg men have come to the front to offer assistance In making the “clean-up” complete. The league depends upon donations of money to carry on its work and many citizens have told it to go to th® limit.