Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1870-05-28

From what we can learn from all sources, IL
seems TO be the intention OF the Bowen ring to
embarrass and prevent as far Is possible fair
expression OF the will of the people at the COM
ing election. One mode they have adopted is to
select the voting precincts on the extreme north
ern boundary Of the wards. The law of May
10th, 1886, reads: cit shall be the duty of the
Corporation to provide at leasttwo election pre-
cincts in each ward, and at all elections held In
the city Of Washington for municipal Offices, the
pells shall be opened at O'Clock a. m, and close
at O'Clock p. M"
By act OF Councils OF different periods the
precincts have been increased to i've for each
ward, which are insufficient to accommodate
all the voters in the Fist, Second, Fourth, and
Seventh wards. In the first precincts In the
Second and Seventh Wards, the people have not
all been able to get in their votes at any election
since suffrage was conferred upon the colored
PEOPLE in consequence Of the largely increased
vote. The law requires ''the Corporation TO
provide election precincts" II does not say in
20 many words that the Corporation shall pro-
vide suitable places. The law makers probably
thought that this would be superfiuous. and
Iaight almost be construed into an insult to the
officials who have the selection OF these places
IL being taken for granted that the servants of
the people viii obey the wish OF the people
and furnish the best accommodations that can
lie obtained without being told to do 90. But
such IL seems Is not the case in the Fourth Ward
at least, Is Mr.. Morris Murphy Was yesterday
hunting for voting places on the extreme north
1rn part Of the Fourth Ward. He succeeded in
engaging the store Of Mr.. Burkhart, corner OF
Fourth and streets north for one place, which
Will compel che people in the lower part OF the
ward to walk upwards Of one mile to enjoy the
privilege OF voting. By what right we would
ask does Mr.. Sayles j. Bowen, or his agent and
TOOL MI Morris Murphy assume to discommods
the public In this manner? III the CORPORATION
fails 10 select suitable voting precincts. IL he
comes a question worthy OF cousiaara,,or
whether the Commissionersof Election havs NOT
a right under the Law to select such place, as
win best accommodate the public. One
object. we understand, In locating the cleo
ton precincts on the extreme edges OF the
wards Is to discourage those Of our citizens who
are aged or iniirm, or who take but little inter
est In elections, from going to the polls. An
other object Is to separate the police foroe. and
give the Bowen ro1ghs a better opportunity tn
ply their work of intimidation and frsud Fo,
several years the voting pyecincts in the Fourth
Ward have been In the vicinity Of the CITY
Hall, In sight Of each other, when, in case Of
disturbance, the police could be quickly massed.
The City Hall Is net far south OF the center 90
the ward, and is n more satisfactory place than
any other tina. can be named; besides, it Is ON /.
wideavehae, and in sight OF police head1uar-
ter. What reason can be given for making
the change? Gan any other inference be drawn
than that Mr.. Bowen does not desire or intend
that this shall be q fair election? Let the peonIe
show their detestation Of such conduct by their
votes On election day.