Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 May 1886 — JAEHNE SENT TO PRISON. [ARTICLE]

JAEHNE SENT TO PRISON.

A Sentence of Nine Years and Tea Months Imposed on the Bribe-Taker. (New York apaoial.) Ex-Alderman Henry W. Jaebne, convicted of bribery in connection with the Broadway franchise steal, has been sentenced by Judge Barrett to serve nine yean and ten months in State Prison. Jaehne was pale and his eyes had a weary look when he stood up to receive his sentence. In reply to the clerk he said that he was 36 yean old, and a jeweler- by trade. He made no reply when asked if he had anything to say why sentence should not be pronounced. In passing sentence Judge Barrett said that it was humiliating that a man who was selected to public office in this city should have so heinously betrayed his trust as the prisoner had. “I could not be unmoved at the spectacle of your weeping wife and broken-hearted mother,” continued the court; “but the saddest thing of all about your case is the doubt which pervaded many good and honest minds of your conviction. There was not a doubt of your guilt. It was universally conceded when the evidence was in that' the case against yon was clear, convincing, and overwhelming. There was no doubt of yqpr guilt, but there was a doubt concerning the chances of convicting yon. “The first doubt seems to have arisen from lack of faith in the efficiency of our jury system, the zeal of our public proseeutor, and the efficiency of our police. These doubts will be dispelled by your conviction. It teaches an important lesson. The majority of people in public life have have not their price. Let me again say at this point that your offense was not technical bribery, but a stupendous bribery for the furtherance of $ stupendous transaction. “Have the people of this city ceased to remember the fate of Tweed, of Genet, of Connolly, of Fish, and of Ward? The people are not all honey-combed with corruption. According to the testimony in your case the two only honest men in the board were sneered at by you as dudes. Our worthy Sheriff—Grant—refused the proffered bribe, and it is entirely immaterial, as was suggested, whether they expected the reward—Grant to run for Mayor and O’Connor for Governor.” In conclusion Judge Barrett said that he would not impose the full penalty of the law, in order that the prisoner might have the privilege conferred by recent statnte, which provides that wherever the maximum penalty is abridged a prisoner, in addition to his commutation for good behavior, can leave the State prison between the months of March and May. The prisoner was also informed that he would not be taken to State prison at once, but would be given an opportunity to consult his counsel in regard to an appeal. Jaehne’s counsel made, application to Judge Daniels for a stay of proceedings and it was- denied. Jaehne has been taken to Sing Sing.