The Great Telephone Bribery Scandal
Tacoma councilmen testify before an investigative committee regarding allegations that a telephone franchise promoter offered cash and stock to secure their votes.
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Councilmen Conrad, Hawley, Whitman, and Wright testified under oath that Frank Mortimer, promoter of the Independent Telephone Company, approached them with offers of stock and cash to influence their votes on a telephone franchise. The testimony was taken before a special investigating committee of the city council. Councilman Wright provided the most direct account, alleging that Mortimer offered him $1,800 in stock and later $1,500 in cash, and even suggested a $500 payment to stay away from the council meeting entirely. While some councilmen admitted to being approached, others like Councilmen Hoenig and Richards denied receiving any inducements. The testimony also touched upon rumors of political pressure from local business interests regarding how councilmen voted. The investigative committee concluded its hearings, with findings to be reported to the council for further action.
“If you won't support, we are prepared to pay you not to antagonize us.”
This 1904 investigation into utility franchise bribery highlights the long-standing tension between municipal government and the corporations seeking to monopolize essential services in Tacoma. The struggle for public control over utilities remains a recurring theme in local governance, echoing contemporary debates over public versus private ownership of infrastructure.
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