Fraud and Bribery: This Is Montana’s Most Notorious Scandal

In 1899, the state of Montana was rocked by one of the most infamous election scandals in its history, involving William Andrews Clark, a powerful copper magnate.

Clark managed to secure a seat in the United States Senate, but his victory was tainted by allegations of widespread bribery and election fraud.

Reports surfaced that revealed the extent of Clark's corrupt practices with claims he spent a staggering amount on bribes to ensure his election victory which then raised concerns about the integrity of the democratic process in Montana.

From Copper Magnate to Political Figure

Clark served as president of both Montana state constitutional conventions in 1884 and 1889. Aspiring to be a statesman, Clark utilized his newspaper, the Butte Miner, to advance his political ambitions. At that time, Butte was one of the largest cities in the West, and Clark became a hero in Helena, Montana, by advocating for its selection as the state capital over Anaconda.

The 1899 Election Scandal

William A. Clark's longstanding aspiration of becoming a United States senator took a scandalous turn in 1899 when it was revealed that he bribed members of the Montana State Legislature for their votes.

Senate Investigation and Guilty Verdict

A Senate investigation into the matter revealed damning findings, which resulted in Clark being found guilty of bribery. Discussions arose about possibly denying him his Senate seat due to his unethical actions. However, before the Senate could take steps to remove him, Clark made a shocking move by resigning in a fit of anger and desperation, effectively ending his scandal-ridden tenure.

In 1899, U.S. senators were appointed by state legislatures, and the corruption in Clark’s election played a pivotal role in the passage of the 17th Amendment. This amendment established the direct election of U.S. Senators, aiming to prevent similar instances of corruption and manipulation in future elections.

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Although the U.S. Senate initially refused to seat Clark due to the bribery scheme, a subsequent campaign proved successful, leading to a single term in the Senate from 1901 to 1907. In response to criticism about his bribery tactics, Clark infamously remarked, "I never bought a man who wasn't for sale."

From Scandal to Wealth

Following a tumultuous political career, William A. Clark passed away at the age of 86 in his New York City mansion. At the time of his death, his estate was estimated to be worth $300 million (the equivalent of $4.15 billion today), making him one of the wealthiest Americans in history.

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Clark's life, marked by both political scandal and financial success, left a lasting impact on Montana's history and the political landscape of the United States.