The Portland daily press., 1878-09-12
THE CROOKED COUNT.
How -Four Democratic Representatives
Were Counted In.

vote In ard four than the candidates OF the
| same parties for Governor still remains un-
answered. In that ward Connor for Governor
received 81 votes, while the highest Republi-
can average for Representative was 3l2, max
ing difference of 90 votes in favor of the Gov
ernor. On the other hand the vote for Gar
Gallon and Smith combined was 572, while the
average Democratic vote for Representative
was 624, difference in favor Of the Rapresen-
tatives of 50 votes
The only explanation that the Democrats
can make is that there were so or more Republi-
cans who came to the polls and voted for Demo-
cratic Representatives. This is only said Incl
dentally and no ore pretends to say that they
saw any Republicans throw such ticket, and
the Democrats who have the custody of the
ballots do not produce any Republican ballots
thus doctored. If such is the fact there will be
an abundant chance to prove it.
Yesterday Mr. W. I. Small chairman of the
Board of Aldermen, made formal application,
through the City Clerk, for the ballots thrown
in that ward. Warden Andrews was requested
to produce the vote, but answer was returned
that he was out of town and would be absent
for week. Mr.. Sweetsir was then notified,
but he replied that he was confined at home by
an accident. Mr.. Russell was notified but he
ha gone to Biddeford.
The votes are wanted at the Aldermen's
room this afternoon to help settle this suspic-
ious case. The whole affair at that ward room
during the hours the polls were open is mys-
terious and deserves word in addition to what
has already been said in regard to the matter.
The whole surroundings were peculiar and
could not hslp giving slight idea of what the
polling places must be in the South where the
Democrats have complete sway, and Repub-
lican dares not lift his voice to defend the right.
For instance when gentleman who interceded
for the rights of voter. Gen. Anderson de-
nounced him in the severest terms, and as the
Argus says, received three hearty cheers for it,
That is so and more the pity. This same gen.
tleman afterwards made an appeal for the
right of Republicans, and poor, miserable
drunken wretch reviled him in the viii
est language and tauuted him with being
one-armed man. This, toe, when that missing
arm had been lost on the battle fi.li in the de-
fence of the Union. The feeling was SO in
tense against the Republicans that it could be
fairly felt. Gen Anderson expressed it when
he said: "By God we are in earnest in this
matter" Such words used by candidate
while standing ia front of the ballot box do
not call for comment.
Considering all these. surroundings fraud was
feared at first and every effort was made to
prevent it, but without any result. When the
returns came 10 the crookedness was seen at
once ann attention called to it. The PRESS
referred to the mater the next morning, and in
reply to that the Argus of yesterday contained
what was claimed to be true version of how
it happened tn 1T the Republicans were not al.
lowed in the desk. The version is as far from
right as the returns are from being correct.
The facts are these, and they not only can be
proved, but they will be proved and that quick
ly.
When the time arrived for opening the polls
there was an immense crowd about the desk
and much confusion. AS the Warden was absent
the clerk called the meeting to order and read
the warrant for the election as it was his duty
to do. Then some one moved that Mr..
Fickett assist 10 checking the list. 1t was
carried before dissenting motion could be made
as was also motion to have Mr.. Cushman,
another Democratic Greenbacker. When this
was accomplished Mr.. Lyman N. Kimball made
an objection as the proceedings were contrary
to custom. He was told by the clerk that this
was only temporary organization to. select a
warden and that he should bs heard after that
matter was attended to. Mr.. Andrews was
chosen warden and just the moment he took
his place Mr.. Kimball renewed his motion for
a Republican checker. He was quietly told
that two checkers were all that the law allowed
and there could bs no change. Then motion
was made and quickly put and declared to pro-
ceed to ballot and the fraudulent voting
began. Mr. W. B. Smith also m ade protest
against such a procedure but he was only
jeered at as were the other Republicans Mr..
Kimball also appealed to Mr. Fickett to resign
and let Republican take his place, but twas to
no purpose. There is every indication that the
thing was all fixed up before hand and the
leaders of the party in the city, county aud
district were on hand to see it carried out. To
commence with when Mr.. Kimball first OBJ
iecsed he was told it was only temporary
organization and that the Republicans should
have hearing after the warden was chosen.
This of course put him off his guard aud he
charge of the voting lists and ballots all
day they of course saw that the thing would
look bad for them when the fraud was dis
covered if it ever was and SO they endeavored
to cover their tracks slightly but it looks as
though they had only made the fraud more
apparent After the voting was closed they
invited Mr.. George Libby who had not only
been refused place which belonged to him in
the desk but had been grossly insalted several
times, to come into the desk and help count
up. One man was invited to help four others
count. He did help them and it looks
as though he will now be able to help some
one else but in rather different direc ion.
The case is denounced by many honest Demo-
Gratis as a suspicious aft air and there Can be no
excuse given for the conduct of these off cials
even if it is by any means proved that there
was no fraud.
But this is not likely to bs proved If the
ballots are produced this afternoon the case
can be easily settled. If they are not and
there can be no reasonable explanation given
the Aldermen will throw out the vote of that
ward and tho Republican Representatives will
then be elected. The case will undoubtedly 60
into the Legislature as the Democrats are
sin earnest in this matter" as one of them has
said. If the officials of this ward fail to pro-
duce the ballots the Republicans have the
power to show just what votes their party
threw and they will uss that power if it is
necessary.
GRocERs' AND FLOUR DEALERS AssocIA.
TIoN.-Last evening about twenty Commercial
street firms were represented at meeting held
at the Mercantile Library rooms to form an
association of grOcers and -four dealers w f.