Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-02-20
THE PHILADELPHIA ELECTION


Reports from the Philadelphia election
have been surprisingly meagre. That the
Reformers have met with defeat is evident
but particulars have been Withheld. The fol-
lowing despatch to the New York Times dated
the 18th gives more intelligence than we
have had Mcclure, in the municipal elec-
ton which occurred to-day, sustained a
crushing defeat, Stokely, his opponent, being
elected by majority which will range from
IL 900 to II, 900. The returns have not yet
been received from all the wards in the city,
and consequently it will be impossible to give
the exact figures. This result has complete
y demoralized the Municipal Reform organ
zation and the Democracy, and has proved a
telling blow, which was not the least expected
by them. The most intense excitement pre-
vailed all day, and SO general was the atten-
ton given to the election that business was
almost wholly suspended, and especially was
this noticeable in the wholesale quarters and
in the manufacturing districts of Kensington.
The streets were crowded with people, and
the city wore somewhat of holiday appear
ance The campaign had been fought so
desperately and so much interest had been
awakened that il had the direct tendency of
bringing out an unusually heavy vote. In all
the wards the increase in the votes over that
of last year was very perceptible, and this
helped to swell the majority for the Republic
can ticket.
Tonight the excitement reached fever heat,
and the streets in the neighborhood OF the
newspaper offices and political head quarters
were thronged with anxious seekers after
news In frost Of the Mcclure Head quar-
tiers, in the Press Building, at Seventh and
I - ut
the friends of the Reform candidate gathered,
and waited patiently for the announcement OF
the returns; but as the general character Of
the figures was opposite from what was ex-
pected the disappointment was great.
Your correspondent interviewed Mcclure
about / o'clock to night, and asked him what
he was expecting. His reply was: 81 have
| been cheated clean out of it," Chestnut
street was enlivcned by Republican clubs and
delegations, headed by bands of music, which
saluted the elected Mayor at his office, at
Fifth and Chestnut streets, while the hearth
est enthusiasm was manifest and the cheering
continuous.
! Last night the leading Republicans calcu-
lated upon a majority of about 5000, and
some OF the less sanguine declared that if
( / 800 was obtained, it would be satisfactory.
| The tremendous majority which the ticket
8 mas IcCelNtu tdAch SOHPlc'S-
/ ly by surprise, as it has astonished every one
else. In the early part of this evening, a
transparency was placed in front of the
Mcclure head quarters, bearing an inscription
to the following effect: "a. X. Mcclure,
the Centennial Candidate for Mayor is cleo
ted"
| The election was by no means quiet one,
and considerable violence and disorder pre-.
vailed. In the tenth and nineteenth wards,
as well as in several others, citizens were
knock ed down at the polls, and free fights
occurred. The infamous Reading Hose gang
operated extensively in the former ward and
raided upon two polling places, driving the
voters away. There is no doubt that con-
siderable repeating was accomplished, not
outstanding the new Constitution provided
admirable protection to the ballot. The
nineteenth ward gives Stokely majority OF
about 1000, and in all the Democratic wards,
such as the Fourth Fifth, Seventh, and Six
teenth he makes large gains. His ma iority
in 1871 was $3.50 Mcclure was repudiated
| by the Democratic Party, and had he received
the full strength Of this organization, together
with the Republicans regulating the Ring
his chances for election would have been eN-
| celent.
The remainder of the city ticket was cleo
ted by ma; ority which will not fall far below
that given to Mr.. Stokley. Gen. c. I. H.
Coils il elected City Solicitor and Thomas J.
Smith Receiver Of Taxes.
GENERAL NEWS.
Ioya claims to have built l2iG school houses