The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-10-25
LOCAL MATTERS.

ioOtAlI MIA i i LIND.
INSTRUCTIONS TO SUPERvIsoRs.-The fol-
lowing instructions have been prepared by
Mr.. Pleasants for the guidance OF superv1-
sors Of registration and election:
| Instructions to the Supervisors of Election
TOR the Eastern District of Virginia.
Gentlemen,-Having been duly commits
stoned by the United States Circuit Court as
supervisor OF election it is proper that you
should be fully informed as to your duties
and powers under the act Of Congress.
These are clearly set forth in the revised
statutes as follows: q-.s..I
Section 2016 Supervisors OF elections are
authorized and required to attend at all
times and places fixed for the registration
OF voters, who being registered would be
entitled to vote for representative in Con-
gress, and to challenge any person offering
to register whose right to do so may be
doubted; to affix to each page OF the regis
try list their signatures for the purpose Of
identification, and to detect and expose the
improper or wrongful removal therefrom,
or addition thereto, OF any name.
Section 2017. They are authorized and re-
quired to attend at all times and places Of
holding elections for representatives in
Congress; to remain where the ballot-boxes
are kept at all times after tie polls are open
| until every vote has been cast, the canvass
Of the votes completed and the certificates
| or returns made, and to personally inspect
and scrutiniZe the manner in which the
voting is done and the way in which all lists
and books and returns are made and kept,
whether under the United States or State
law.
Section 201S. They and each OF them are
required to personally scrutinize, count,
and canvass each ballot in their voting dis
trict cast, whatever may be the Endorsement
thereon, or in whatever box found; to
make such lists rs may be required by the
chief supervisor, and to attach to the regis
try-list any and all copies thereof, and any
certificate, statement, or return, lohether the
same be required by the lalos of the United
States or the State; any statement touching
the truth or accuracy Of the registry or the
fairness Of the election and canvass aohich
the Supervisors, or either of them, may de-
sire to 7,dlce, or aohich should be made, that
the facts may become kno,on. .....sa,
Section 2019. TO enable them to perform
these duties, supervisors are authorized on
the days Of registration and election to take
such position from time to time, whether
before or behind the ballot-box, az they in
their Judgment may think best for the pur~
pose, and must there remain until every
duty in relation to the canvass, certificates,
and returns is completed.
Section 1920. Ii molested or threatened
in the discharge OF their duties, the super
visor must report the fact in writing, under
oath, to the chief supervisor within ten
days.
These are the powers and duties attached
to the Office Of supervisors in cities contain
ing 10000 inhabitants. Those appointed
for any county [Sectlon 2029] or parish in
any congressional district have no authority
to perform other duties than to be in the
immediate presence Of the officers holding
the election, and to witness all their pro-
ceedings, including the counting OF the
votes and the making Of q return thereof.
The duties above set forth are to be per-
formed under severe penalties for wilful
failure or neglect. You will be protected
in their performance, il any protection be
needed (Which do not belieye) by. the dep
uties of the United States marshal, in whose
absence [Section 2022l you have all their
powers Of arrest for the preservation OF the
peace. ~,
You see, gentlemen, by the extracts from
the law above given that your responslblll-
ties are grave and your powers great. They
should be firmly met and fearlessly eXer-
| cised. I trust and believe. that, acting cor
daily with the State authorities, and exer-
cising your powers solely to secure a just
and fair expression OF the will OF the peo"
ple, no conflict will, ,or can arise. I1-i*
AT the close OF the count OF ballots you
will not fail to attach to the return OF the
Judges OF election the statement OF fairness
or otherwise required BY section 201S, above
referred to. e. 80 e. !, .,,gl.2.!.: ~.
On the days Of registration and election
will be at the Chief Supervisors ONCE, I'm
the cnstom-house, Mt all hours, where you
can communicate with me ii necessary.
NJ. F. PLEAsASTs, Chief Supervisor.