A Judge, a Railroad, and a Grand Jury: Spokane's 1909 Corruption Sweep
Judge M. J. Gordon faces six indictments over a $28,000 bad check and embezzlement from the Great Northern, while the state insurance commissioner and secretary of state are pulled into the grand jury's net.
Spokane—Three more true bills against Judge M. J. Gordon were returned by the grand jury Saturday afternoon, making six in all. The indictments charge him with uttering a worthless check for $28,000 and with five cases of embezzlement from the Great Northern railway while acting as its counsel. He was ordered to give $10,000 additional bond Monday, making $20,000 in all.
It is reported the grand jury may soon take a recess and wait in the hope of being able to serve papers upon President Hill, of the Great Northern, who is wanted as a witness.
Assistant Attorney-General Lee has announced that the special committee named by the state legislature has decided to make a thorough investigation of the office of Samuel H. Nichols, secretary of state.
State Insurance Commissioner J. H. Schively is here to answer the indictments returned against him by the grand jury. His bond for appearance was fixed at $10,000 on the charge of embezzlement and $2,500 on the charge of perjury.
“Three more true bills against Judge M. J. Gordon were returned by the grand jury Saturday afternoon, making six in all.”
In 1909, a grand jury could reach from a Spokane courtroom into the state's top offices and the Great Northern's boardroom. The case is a reminder that railroad power and public office were often tangled—and that the fight over who investigates whom is as old as Washington politics.
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