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Today in History: “The Lobby King” — The Political Story that Rocked New York
On April Fool’s Day, 1888, undercover reporter Nellie Bly revealed her most shocking story since her escape from the madhouse on Blackwell’s Island, trapping lobbyist Edward Phelps in a bribery scandal. This is the original story that was the basis for my latest Nellie Bly novella, CLEVER GIRL (Sordelet Ink, 2020. You can download a free ebook version here). Enjoy! — David Blixt
New York World — Sunday, April 1, 1888:
THE KING OF THE LOBBY
Nellie Bly
Edward R. Phelps Caught in a Neatly Laid Trap
Nellie Bly’s Interesting Experience in Albany
How the Lobby King Contracts to Kill Bills for Cash
Dealing with Legislators as with Purchasable Chattels
Phelp’s Furnishes “The World” Representative with a List of Assembly Committeemen Who Are Bribable — His Agreement to Kill Assembly Bill №191 for $5,000 — Afterwards Concludes to Take Less — The Check to Be Made Out to His Side Partner, J.W. Chesbrough — “I Pass or Kill Any Bill” — A Revelation of Baseness Which Should Fill the State with Indignation — The Watch Here
For I’m a Pirate King!
I’m in the Lobby Ring!
Oh! what an uproarius
Jolly and glorious
Biz for a Pirate…
