THE BOOTLEGGERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 114, 15 May 1924, Page 5

THE BOOTLEGGERS.

POLITICIANS IN GAOL.

SENATOR'S '"WHISKY RING."

NEW YORK, May 14.

At Covington, Kentucky, John Langley, a member of Congress,' was convicted of conspiracy in connection ■ witli the illegal sale and transport of whisky in 1921, and was sentenced by the Federal Court to two years' imprisonment. The jury convicted three other defendants, who were similarly sentenced, while two more -will be tried later. The maximum sentence is two years' imprisonment and a fine of IO.OOOdoI, tout the Court intimated that the fine would be omitted.

The charges arose from -what, is known as the Veterans' Bureau scandal. Defendants were charged with conspiring to remove 1400 casee of whisky. Langley was specifically accused of using _ his influence to-induce the State prohibition director to issue permits allowing the whisky to be. transported by truck contrary to law. Tlje trial-had-reached a virtual impasse when two of the accused suddenly changed their pleas to guilty. The Government then placed witnesses on the stand, who confessed that they had been members of Langley's "whisky ring." These witnesses implicated Langley in illegal operations. They alleged that he received huge sums for his influence in obtaining permits. They said he received money supposedly as loans which he need not repay if he succeeded in obtaining particular- permits. Langley received the verdict calmly, his wife standing. composedly beside him. The Court refused an application for a new trial for Langley, whereupon the tetter's counsel filed notice of appeal. He lodged a 5000dol bond, under which Langley was released.— (A. and N.Z. and Eeuter.)