The Sting on Washington Street

A brazen bribery attempt occurred yesterday morning that has brought to light the corruption prevalent in the city. A man named Ah How approached a city official and told him that, under Territorial law, he could avoid prosecution for certain crimes by paying a bribe. Shortly before 7 a.m., Ah How said to the official, 'Now pull your friend and you're together, now I say I'll help you. One of the Chinese arrested me. A hundred dollars. You can let him go if you want to. I'll give you $50 and keep $50 so we both make money.' The Prosecuting Attorney was in Olympia at the time, but Judge Jones was consulted. The Judge walked up Front Street to meet with Constable Caldwell, and the plan was set. The Judge instructed the constable to meet Ah How. At 1 p.m., Ah How returned to the office and passed a half-dozen people, then met with Caldwell and the Judge. They walked up Washington Street together, and Ah How told them he did not have the money yet but would get it. He went toward Chinatown and returned in fifteen minutes, saying he could not put the deal through until the office opened at 10 o'clock today. The judge refused to wait, and Ah How returned again an hour later. After some further discussion, he produced $50 in gold pieces, two $10 bills, and two $5 bills. Constable Caldwell picked up the money, put it in his pocket, and signaled to the officers. Ah How was arrested and taken to the police station. The charge is based on section 880 of the Code of Washington, which prescribes imprisonment for any length of time not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding $1,000, or a fine only.