Whoever corrupts or attempts to corrupt any juror, arbitrator, umpire or referee by giving, offering or promising any gift or gratuity whatever with intent to bias the opinion or influence the decision of such juror, arbitrator, umpire or referee in relation to any cause or matter pending in the court or before an inquest or for the decision of which such arbitrator, umpire or referee has been chosen or appointed shall be punished by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary at hard labor not exceeding five years or by fine not exceeding one thousand dollars and imprisonment in jail not exceeding one year.