The placing of this evidence in different vaults was for the purpose of preventing George T. Sullivan or any of his friends from securing it on a writ of replevin.
Wooldridge slept until 5 o'clock, then went to the residence of Charles S. Deneen, State's Attorney. Arriving at his house and finding that he had not arisen from bed, Wooldridge pulled up a settee which he found on the veranda and placed it in front of his door where it would be impossible for him to get out of his house without first awaking Wooldridge.
Wooldridge laid down and went fast asleep and was found there when State's Attorney Deneen was making his departure next morning for his office. Wooldridge, upon being aroused from his sleep, told Mr. Deneen of the raid made and the evidence gathered and showed him some 10 or 15 telegrams from reputable Board of Trade men who were worth over $20,000,000 collectively. The substance of the telegrams was as follows:
"Officer Clifton R. Wooldridge: We are informed that you raided George T. Sullivan's bucketshop. You have done your duty and been criticised and assailed for doing it. My name is —— and my attorneys name is —— and we are at your service night or day, without any expense to you."
Mr. Deneen asked Wooldridge how soon he would be ready to present his evidence to the Grand Jury. Wooldridge replied that he had two cases already prepared before he made the raid and would be ready in six hours with a number of additional cases.
Mr. Deneen told Wooldridge to accompany him to his office, which was done. He called Assistant State's Attorneys Albert C. Barnes, F. L. Barnett and Howard O. Sprogle and instructed them to assist Wooldridge in preparing the cases for the Grand Jury and give him a clean road just the minute he was ready. They were further instructed to give him all the assistance and advice he should need in the matter.
The special complaints were drawn, the telegraph wires became busy and at 10 o'clock Wooldridge and witnesses went before the Grand Jury and George T. Sullivan was indicted for keeping a bucketshop and common gaming house.
George T. Sullivan was also active from Saturday until Monday morning. He had prepared writs of replevin and warrants for larceny for Wooldridge and officers who were with him.
Wooldridge was called up over the telephone by Sullivan's friends and offered a bribe of $5,000 if he would release and turn over the books, letters and records which were seized in the raid, so Sullivan could resume business. This offer was refused by Wooldridge and the matter reported to the State's Attorney.
Sullivan then resorted to sending various friends and powerful politicians for the paraphernalia seized. Still Wooldridge turned a deaf ear to their requests and entreaties.