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Municipal Scandal

Oath-Boiuul Consjiu'iicy

Most extraordinary -revelations of an oath-bound plan to plunder an Amen-1 ™ municipality have just hcon madca , St Louis, though it has long been known tot the House ~f Delcsate, the local law making body, was corrupt. One tramear company deposited £15 ()■:<) in safe deposit vau'ts to be paid in consideration of getting £. ec privileges for which others were willing to pay hundreds of thousands (f pounds. lii<insistence upon larger bribes led to the failure of this p-irticulur transaction and the espoiure of the scandal last «inter. Several delegates have been indicted, and'souie convicted, while ot ers are still awaiting trial. Mr Murrell, the presiding otlicer, fled to Mcx co after his indictraeut, but returned yesterday, unable to withstand the pangs of • conscience. Ho confessed that there were nineteen members in what was known as the combine," which controlled tho legislation and granted concessions. He says that each niembe;' of Uie combine" received .£SOO for his vote for the lighting Bill two years ago. Ninool the eighteen members accused by Mr Murrell, who says all are bound by oath.-have been arrested. The oath required each member to vote as ordered, and to agree not to reveal the receipt of money by himself or by others. It proceeded: —"And 1 authorise the other members of this combino to take as forfeit my life in such manner as they may deem proper, and that my throat may bo cut.m v tongue torn out, and body cast into thoMississippi."

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19020920.2.11

Bibliographic details

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7404, 20 September 1902, Page 2

Word Count
249

Municipal Scandal Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7404, 20 September 1902, Page 2

Municipal Scandal Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7404, 20 September 1902, Page 2