The Empire County argus., 1856-06-07
THE CANVASS.

Inc ItdceTCiUe american IN ts last Issue, dScOur-
ses about fraud in villalnous and slanderous ar-
Gle In large black letters it proclaims the EN-
dorSement of the fraud by two Supervisors Not
content with maligning the reputation of the
Supervisors, Beard composed of honorable mon,
and who, in the discharge of their official duties
have proved themselves capable and efficient, COM
mandng the respect of their political opponents,
this malicious print goes On to SANDER the County
Clerk, and says:
There is use in an election for any purpose.
so long as cur County Clerk will allow the returns
to be tampeIed with before cansassing.'
This is wilful and malicious SANDER exhibiting
the low spite of disappointed knave. The Clerk
is too well known throughout the county to be
injured by the rawlings Of an
What are the facts ? Polls were opened through
out the county in the customary manner, elections
held, and the returns made up and sealed bv the
judges, inspectors and clerks Of elections The re-
turns so sealed up were brought into the Clerk s
Office by somo one of the precinct officers and de-
posted with the Clerk. Each return was endorsed
by the officer bringing it, or if brought by person
other than an election officer, an affidavit was en-
dorSed upon the sealed envelope containing the
return, to the effect that it vas received from one
of the judges or inspectors and that it had not
been opened or altered by him. These returns so
brought in, were deposited in an iron safe by the
Clerk and We're never handled or seen by any per-
son other than his Deputy until they were brought
out and opened in the presence of the Board of
Super' isors and large number of spectators. We
are authorized to say that any statement nsinu-
alton to the contrary is absolutely false.
The returns were canvassed by the Board of Su-
peryisors and properly canvassed. Their duty in
this respect is ministerial not judicial Returns
made out in conformity to law they cannot reject
they cannot hear proof Of fraud, they cannot take
depositions nor receive them touching the legality
or illegality of an election Their duty is Limited
to the simple act Of canvassing returns made in
conformity to law and to declare the result This
duty was faithfully performed in open day, in the
presence OF large number of spectators. If
frauds had been committed in the returns the Su-
peryisors or Clerk could not know it nor received
testimony concerning it.
The Supervisors and Clerk have not ''endorsed"
any fraud or frauds whatever neither have they
committed any; and any declaration that they
have, or countenanced fraud in any manner, is
malicious and libelous slunder
That frauds were committed is beyond doubt
The illegal and fraudulent vote Of llacervillc is
testimony in proof of fraud of the most unblushing
character. That the great mass of the citizens Of
Ilacerville were guilty of illegal voting or fraud
we do not believe. A few only set the ball of
fraud in motion--its want of success is what the
Amcrlean is raving and tearing its shirt about. To
begin and perpetuate swindle and then be caught
at it and beaten besides, is not only humiliating
but ontrageously provoking The people of Cooma
arc good natured people, not disposed to find fault
with. or censure their fellow citizens if they differ
with them in their views Of public policy. While
they are always prepared and ready TO defend and
maintain their own rights. they accord to others
freely the right to maintain their own interests and
views also. Hence we are willing to leave the cti-
zens of Flacerve to enjoy themselves to the top of
their bent. Meantime we reserve the privilege Of
laughing at the gyratons. contor,ions and lies of
the gander shanked lady killer Of the Amerlcan