Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-12-01

THE RETURNING BOARD AT woR

THE RETURNING BOARD AT WORK
TALLAHASSEE, Nov. 27.-The canvassing
board met to-day at - o'clock. Mr.. Nc
Lin in the chair A protest was fled by
the republican electors against attorney
general Cooke sitting as member OF the
board, on the ground that be had virtually
decided and given a decision prior to the
assembling of the board, in that he had tel
egraphCd that the democrats had carried
certainly the state, and that the republic
cans could not cheat them out of il. Mr..
Cooke stated he had sent the despatch in
reply to a friend in Baltimore, who had
asked his opinions, and who furnished it to
the newspapers. lie respectfully submitted
that the despatch ard opinion therin con-
tanned did not disqualiiy him from sitting
as member Of the board protest was
entered and the board proceeded with the
regular business.
Tho following rules of procedure
are adopted First. The ofi:e of secre-
tary OF state being small, a limit
ed number only, not exceeding six.
equally representing each political party,
will be admitted to witness the proceedings.
except when the board may think it neces-
sary or desirable to close the doors for
elaboration. Second, the secretary of state
shall open the returns from each county
whereupOn the board will proceed to ex-
anime the same and determine. subject to
nal review, whether the legal formalities
nd requirements have been complied with.
and on an affirmative determination the
chairman shall announce the vote of the
county. Third, On such announcement
any person may give notice that said re-
turns and election. or the vote Of said
county or any precinct thereof, will be
contested and the clerk shall forthwith
note the objection. Fourth, Contestants,
subsequently to the announcement Of the
result, must file with the board brief
statements in writing, giving specially the
objections proposed to be made, with par
tlculars Of time, place and circumstances,
together with the statement OF relief de-
manded. Fifth, In view of the fact that
the board had no power to compel at
tendance or examination on returns. II
will receive in evidence proper athiavits,
and also such official certificates as are
made evidence by law and may be other
wise admissible. If either PARTY desires to
produce viva voce testimony they must sub
NIT to the board brief statement in writ
ing Of names and residences Of witnesses,
and facts expected to be proved by them,
and the board IN their discretion will allow
them 10 attend and will examine them.
Sixth, Aihiavits and documentary proof.
on each side shall be filed with the board
and shall be accessible to the other
side. seventh. =. motions and argu-
n.ents shall be IA whiting and signed.
Eighth, A concurrence of the majority Of
the board being necessary 10 determine its
action, such concurrence with respect 10
any proposition or matter may be fully as
certsined by vote upon motion duly made
and seconded or informally by the assent Of
at least two members. Ninth, The board
reserves TO itself the right 10 make such
notifications or additions to these rules a.
the case may require. Parties in preferlng
charges and in presenting their proofs and
arguments, should bear in mind the canvass
must be completed and result reached in
time for the electors to discharge their duty
under the law.