The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1874-12-22
THE GRANT PARISH CONTEST
some POINTS IN THE CASE.

Among some papers relating to the cleo.
| ton in Grant parish, submitted to the Re.
turning Board, were found two 'private
reports from X. j. Harvey, Supervisor Of
Registration, relating a fearful tale. The
first was dated November II, and set forth
that during the registration, which opened on
the 22d Of September, and while it was in
progress, and the books were opened in Col
fax, a body of armed men paid him visit
and compelled him to take as clerk man
he did not want; that an effort was made Che
does not say it was successfully to compel him
to open the books at places in the parish
which did not come on his list of fixed route;
that one hundred and twenty-five negroes did
not register treason why not given, left to the
board to say0 that twenty white Republicans
voted the Democratic ticket, but would have
voted the Republican ticket if they had
dared.
That at polls and the Republican party
was not represented by any one, because the
United States Supervisors filled their places
that although the ballot boxes, poll lists and
other documents were ready for delivery and
the United States Supervisors notified Of that
fact, they made ballot-boxes and held the
election, and that one Of the boxes was handed
in open. For all of which causes he asks that
boxes and be thrown out.
The second private report, which was dated
November %, sets forth that while he was at
work in Colfax, making up poll lists, one Of
the books Of registration was stolen from his
iron safe by Democrats, and that after two or
three days it was returned, but that in that
time, the names of those registered in the
Fifth Precinct, had been copied off and that
with this as poll list the election at poll
was held.
That there were one hundred and sixty
eight names on the list, of which 4S were
colored men, and that 168 Democratic tickets
were cast. He alleges it is sure evidence of
fraud, as no 48 colored men in the parish, let
alone in one precinct, will vote the Democratic
ticket.
The returns from the parish were taken up
on the I'd instant, but in consequence of the
above statements the Republican committee
entered protest. and the case was taken I'M
der advisement by the board, and is still
under consideration.
The negro Ward, the candidate for the
House, is an administration man, because he
is capable of the dirtiest possible work, and
as such there is no doubt that the board will
consider him necessary in the House, will
accept the statement of Harvey, aud will re-
turn Ward and it is only as information
that the following. received by us, is sub
mitted:
MONTGOMERY,
Grant Parish, La, Dec. Is, 1874. {
To the Editor of the N. O. Bulletin:
Sir-The people of this parish are under
lasting obligations to you for the bold advo-
heir distress. The profession of the writer |
IF this article is one that brings him largely |
IN contact with the people Of this much |
abused section and thereby gives him large
Of judging Of their opinions,
wrongs, outrages, etc., and in their behalf, at |
east, until you are better paid, allow him to
hank you and your reporters for your truth
ILLNESS and sympathy.
For the manner in which you ventilated the
asst foul attempt to deprive them of the re-
ult Of their election of the Hon. C. G. Dunn
~ the false report of Supervisor Harvey, they
re especially grateful Amore deliberate and
hing like fair representative than the one of |
Harvey could not have been concocted in the
leart of tiend.
The indignation of these people at his un-
nitigated falsehood beggars description.
They, however, only now seem to nerve
themselves for q still more sublime task of
nduance and forbearance, believing that the
ime will soon come when the protecting
'atronage of the de .facto will no longer
uffice to shield such miscresnts from the
ustice they deserve. The outrage of this
Id rascal Harvey is even worse than you
ave reported it to have been. We have
ositive proof that the book that he alleges
0 have been stolen by Conservatives was, on
elf, removed by Republican clerk then at
,ork with him on the registration.
l send you a copy of sworn statement Of
be facts as to his intimidation, etc., as well
5 his effort to use the military to intimidate
he voters of this parish You will confer
.vor upon the people of this parish If you
ill publish this statement in their defense,
nd you are at liberty to publish this letter.
Vox IN DEsERTo.
81, A. Thompson, citizen OF the parish
Grant, Of the State Of Louisiana, do sol
mnly swear that the following facts are true
, the best of my knowledge and belief
81 was appointed as clerk on the board
registration for the parish of Grant, State
Louisiana, at the last election upon the I'd
{ November. l made the circuit with X. j.
[arvey, after he left the town of Montgomery,
upon the Dist day of September,
nd I was with the Supervisor Harvey as
erk at every place where registration was
Jade thereafter, and from my company and
,tual contact with him and the people, am
repaired to state that all statements made by
le said X. J. Harvey relative to his having
cen inundated by Conservatives, so as to
ndanger or in any way hinder him from the
ithful performance Of his duty, is entirely
Use and without the shadow Of foundation.
II will also state that after the arrival of
.ndidates Ward and Phillips, that these two
in connection with the said X. J.
arvey and one Van Dozen, after trumping
nv frou6 ov6 fa1cohO01 on opfiro1v horns |