Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 August 1912 — STATE HAPPENINGS RECORDED IN BRIEF [ARTICLE]

STATE HAPPENINGS RECORDED IN BRIEF

NEWS ITEMS FROM ALL OVER INDIANA. MAYOR HELD FOR BRIBERY West Hammond Official Is Charged With Accepting Money From Resort Keeper—Hits Officer on Nose. Hammond, Aug. 19. —K. M. Wosczynski, mayor of West Hammopd, who was elected on a reform ticket supported by Miss Virginia Brooks, the “Joan of Arc” of that community, was arrested on charges of accepting a bribe and assault and battery. The warrant for the mayor was issued by Justice of the Peace Frank Green and sworn out by George Rosenbaum, proprietor of a new hotel which was closed on Friday on an order of the mayor. Rosentaum stated that the “reform mayor” agreed to protect him for a consideration of S4O a month. The keeper of the rooming house further stated that he paid Mayor Wosczynski S4O on July 5 and a similar amount July 31. He stated that he also gave a diamond locket to Mrs. Wosczynski and a diamond ring to the mayor’s son. Complaints were made by Miss Brooks and other residents that the hotel, which opened only a few weeks ago, was being used for immoral purposes. The mayor closed it. When the constable informed his honor that he had a warrant for him, the mayor punched him on the nose and produced a revolver. The constable is sixty-six years old, but he clinched with the mayor, took the weapon away from him, and tore his night dress off. In less than po time the mayor calmed dowm, promised to be good and ■went to put on some clothing. He was released by Justice Green on bonds of $5,000 and the preliminary hearing will be held Wednesday.