Wooldridge's Raid.
On the morning of May 23, 1903, ten picked detectives were secured from the Detective Bureau to accompany Wooldridge in the raid on George T. Sullivan, which turned out to be one of the largest as well as one of the most sensational raids and arrests that had occurred in Chicago for years.
Sullivan did an extensive business. The offices of the company which were raided were elaborately furnished, and there was a complete assortment of tickers, blackboards and like paraphernalia. At the time of the raid the offices were crowded, the operations on the open board and the Board of Trade being remarkably exciting. The officers who assisted Wooldridge in the raid were Detective Sergeants Howe, Mullen, Quinn, Qualey, Miskel, McLaughlin, Weber, Flint and McLane.
Offices Filled with Patrons.
It was at 10 o'clock in the morning, when the largest throng of speculators can be found in the offices at 259-261 LaSalle street, opposite the Board of Trade, that Wooldridge and his men swooped down on the place and proclaimed "every one there a patron of a bucketshop and under arrest."
The wildest excitement prevailed. Telegraph operators, messenger boys, pit men and persons of every station in life were caught. Some of the traders, thinking of their wives and children, pleaded frantically for their freedom. Some attempted to force their way from the betting rooms, but, meeting with armed resistance, they desisted.
"I don't belong here," said one man, indignantly. "I only dropped in here to see a friend." His plea was unavailing.
Another man, attired in a frock coat and a silk hat, attempted to bribe one of the detectives. "I can't have it get out that I was arrested," said he. "State your price and I will give it to you gladly."
