Luetgert Trial Draws Bets

Chicago Journal, October 2, 1897:

Woman Wants to Bet $30,000.

An unknown woman in the courtroom yesterday became so convinced from what the bone experts said that Luetgert would be convicted that when the court adjourned she declared herself willing to bet $30,000 on the result.

No one offered to take the bet, and a bailiff, overhearing the offer, quickly pushed the woman along towards the door and told her to leave the building. The woman has been present at several sessions of the trial, but her identity is not known.

Just before an adjournment was taken considerable attention was drawn to a well-dressed woman seated near the door. She was talking earnestly, and a crowd gathered about her, but a bailiff made all move away.

The woman was declaring she was willing to wager $30,000 that Luetgert would not be acquitted. There were no persons prepared to take the bet, and the woman shortly afterward left the court.

Nobody seemed to know who she was. …

The offer of such a big wager was the subject of comment about the building after adjournment, and efforts were made to learn her identity.

She had not been noticed before at the trial, and nothing could be learned regarding her.