The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-11-16
NEW HERALD TUESDAY NOVEMBER TO- 1ss9TRPLE


Kings County Eiection-Thc SheriN,s Cnse.
II is very apparent that gross frauds have
been committed by the canvassers Of election
of Kings county in making their returns of
the votes cast for the rival republican and
democratic candidates for Sheriff of that
county in the late election That frauds such
as are charged in this particular instance are
of eyer-recurring commission in this city as
well as in Brooklyn is but too well known; but
that their first official exposure is due to the
latter city is fact that the proper authorities
there to take cognizance of such frauds may
politicians in Brooklyn, yclept ''ring,"
who, in small and contemplate way, initiate
the role of the old Tammany ring of our own
city, but which nevertheless as effectually
utilities the honest expression of the peoples
win in all election contests as the heart Of the
most partisan politician could desire. The
ring has complete control of the democratic
machine, and runs it, too, in its own especial
interest and in direct opposition to the Oft
expressed viii of the people as demonstrated
at the polls.
The last attempt to stultify and to render
nugatory the peoples vote has been brought
to light in a manner, it is to be hoped, that
viii summarily dispose of this ring. On the
Kings county ticket for the late election for
Sheriff there were, of course, two candidates.
Mr. Anthony Walters, republican, and Mr..
John Cunningham, democrat. At the count
ing of the votes it was evident that the repub-
lican nominee had secured majority OF the
votes of the electors of the county, and that
he would, therefore, succeed the present
democratic incumbent of that important Office.
During the canvass of the votes several fraudu-
lent erasures and transfers of figures on the
returns ir many of the districts have been dis
covered, showing gross attempt on the part
of the canvassers, or on the part Of the crea-
lures Of the ring to whom the returns were
temporarily entrusted, to subvert the will OF
the people in this matter. All the tricks and
devices Of political chicanery were set in
motion to invalidate Walters legal election,
and by these fraudulent returns to foist Gun
ningham into the position. So clear was Mr..
Walters majority that the District Attorney,
Mr.. Morris, has deemed it his duty to take Off
cial cognizance of the fraud. He has declared
from his own personal investigation into the
returns and the evidence he has thus far
elected in this connection, that the vote is in
favor of the republican candidate, and has
expressed his determination to have the whole
49, ia. - tho for +ha;r
action.
1t is to be hoped that decisive action will be
taken to expose the manner Of these election
frauds and to bring the parties directly and
ishment If stop cannot be put to this out
rageous system of robbing the people of the
elective franchise which they hold so dear,
then the franchise is nothing more than delu-
sion, a mockery and snare. There has been
no more positive and fragrant invasion upon
the rights of the citizens Of Kings county ever
attempted than is exposed in this matter of the
election of sheriff, and if not reprobated
and punished az it deserves, then the whole
elective system will be brought into utter
aud might as well be abolished altogether.
Mr.. Morris having put his hand to the
plough ought not to turn aside from the duty
he owes to himself, to his important Office and
to the people whose representative he is until
the whole matter ia brought into the full light
Of day, and such punishment as the law pro-
vdes is vigorously meted out to the offenders.
If his sword is double-edged and both parties
ore guilty, the more effectual will be his action
in the premises and the sooner will these cleo
ton frauds be suppress sed.