The Caucasian. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1874-1875, 1874-11-21
THE RETURNING BOARD.
A COMMITTEE OF CITIZENS TO BE
PRESENT AT THE COUNTING
OF THE VOTES.

The in terest Of our citizens nat,
9 rally ccnterlng now in the doing
of the Returning Board sitting i
New Orleans, we publish below tn
t proceedings up to our latest mails
From Fridays Bnlletin.]
4 Yesterday about 10 o'clock, the MON
bers of the Returning Board commence
, to assemble, and at 1890 they were all o
l hand, Tom Anderson included, with tn
exception Of Longstrect, whose non-arri
val delayed the call to order until 1875
o'clock, when he put in an appearance.
} Anderson had been duly qualified SOM
/ two hours previous, Judge Atocha admin
istcring the oath.
After the meeting was declared read,
for business, Mr. +. Zacharie, as one of tw,
/ counsel (the other being Mr.. Fergus Fuse
lier) for Hon. J. G. Moncure, presented
their power of attorney to represent HIM
and claimed under the last clause of the
third section the right to do so, and as
his representative to be present at the
count and compilation Of the vote.
! Wells went into y cross-examination, III
tending to ascertain if tho object of the
gentlemen in being present was not to SUI
pcrvisc the action of the board.
Mr.. Zacl,arie assured him that it was
merely to guard the interests of the Nj
Moncnre. There might arise in the count
of the vote, something that would mill
tate against them, and it was for the pur-
pose of having q voice under snch circum-
stances that had actuated them in making
! the application.
After some further talk, Anderson ask
ed it it would not be just as satisfactory
if tho Board should agree to allow com
nittee Of three, appointed by the Demo-
cratic State Central Committee, to be
present during the sessions of the Board
He made the suggestion to facilitate
matters, because if Mr. Moncure was al
lowed a representation all the other can
didatos could demand the same right. 1t
would he better to have a committee rep-
resenting all the candidates.
Mr. Zacharie said that it would be sat
is'actory he had no doubt.
The board agreed to allow tho committee
to be present, and at tho request Of Mr..
Zachare's time was granted for the max
ing of the appointments, Mr.. Wells, Of his
own motion, giving until 10 o'clock this
morning.
The board then went into executive
session. On the executive session being
raised the board adjourned until 10 o'clock
to-day.
[From Saturdays Bulletin.
il was HOS o'clock when the Board
was called to order yesterday morning
with all the members and Messrs. Zac|,a-
ric, Whitaker and Fusilier, REPRESENTING
the Democratic State Central Committed.
present. and the nsnal number of the GU
rious in attendance in the bah.
There seems to he some misnndcrsfand|
ing in reference to the attendance of fine
citizens committee at The proceedings cf1
the board and for the benefit of every |
body in general, and Ill" candidates in |
particular, the statement is made that the
action OF the State Central Committee in
appointing representatives does not inter
f"re with or prejudice the right Of csnd-
dates, under the law to have their cnun
sci present nj the canvass of the votes.
After the approval Of the minutes Of the
meeting Of Thursday, several al; Il humber
Of communications received by the board
were read
They were from a number Of the can
diaatrs on TIE Democratic and Consrrva-
tive ticket, claiinnv The right to be rem
resented by counsel at the canvass Of the
returns from their respective districts.
and requesting notification OF the day and
hour when such canvass world be made
Further reading was dispensed with nm
til the Democratic committee could I've
heard from.
Mr. Xacharic said that in pursuance oil
jhe suggestion of the board, tho Demo
ratio Conservative State Central Com
nit'ee had appointed a committee to he .
present at the proceedings of the board
The committee had appointed five gr,tlc-
men, but claimed ~ " right under the
'greement, the admission OF but three at
me time.
1T was the understanding that tho can :
lidates would acqniesce in the action of
he committee, but they took advantage
# Their right to make application for the
privilege of helng represented at the
onnt of the votes so that in case the
between the committee
nd the board should DO INTERRUPTED. !
heir rights would not be passed by. with -.
nut hearing,
lie said further that the Committee de p,
Ired t" have spread on the minutes pro- Z
est against the Board proceeding with
he count of the totes. The protest had {
ot been formally drawn up, but it was
.uo -" 'tiC Aoii'N M, SIOhii'lS.
]. That the act is unconstitutional in G
hat it coniers powers on the board that i.
eloug solely to the judiciary. l
2. Admitting, the constitutionality of |
he act, its provisions have not been COM
lied with in the organization of the board,
II which the Democratic party is not rep
The law provides that all par,
les shall pc represented.
Mr.. Wells said that 50 far as the cues I
on Of the constitutionality Of the act was !;
it was one for the courts to de- -
de.
AR. Zacharie replied, admitting the fact, s
Mt said that the committee desired to be =
laced on record as having objected, so t
rat, in case of proceedings hereafter, ac- r.
uiesce i'll the organization and constitu-
onality of the Board could not be urged C
yalnst those appearing in such proceed .
lgs. q
The Board decided to allow time until S
'-morrow morning for the protest to be
FINALLY drawn up and presented for ac-
on.
Gen. Anderson said that, on the oues- y
& -