The Phantom Bribe: A Legislative Ghost Hunt in Olympia
A state representative demands an investigation into a 'phantom' briber, while the legislature becomes deadlocked by scandal and partisan maneuvering.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The monotony of the Metcalfe investigation proceedings was broken today by the introduction in the House of a resolution by Representative Metcalfe himself, authorizing the special committee to take evidence from any source regarding money or its equivalent used to buy votes in the late senatorial contest. The resolution was adopted, with Tiffany only voting nay. Previously, an attempt by Representative Godman to inquire into the story of Representative Frame—who claimed he was approached by a mysterious figure dubbed 'Atwood, the phantom' and offered $3,000—was blocked by the committee on grounds that it was not pertinent to the specific charge against Clarke. It appears now, however, that Metcalfe himself is anxious to uncover the inside history of the campaign. The committee has finished taking testimony, but with these new powers, the hearing might be protracted indefinitely. There is a general impression that the committee, already sated with the business of investigation, will likely ask the House to delegate the duty elsewhere.
“An attempt was made by Representative Godman to inquire into the story told by Representative Frame, about his approach by Atwood, the phantom, who is claimed to have offered him $3,000.”
This 1891 report on legislative 'bribery rumors' and the investigation of political 'phantoms' captures the perennial tension in Washington politics regarding ethics and the influence of money. Today, as in 1891, the struggle to distinguish between genuine corruption and partisan distraction remains a central, unresolved theme in the state’s political culture.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.