The Portland daily press., 1880-03-19
Sorry For It.
MR.. TABULATOR BROWN ON THE
STOOL OF REPENTANCE.
The Council Knew All About the Fairfield
Case.
Sorry For It.
[somerset Reporter.l

[Somerset Reporter]
Ex-Councillor S. S. Brown arrived here yes
terday morning to attend court. His presence
was more marked than usual owing to the tes-
timony of the Ex-Governor just printed. Mr..
Brown was waited upon by representative of
the Reporter and asked to give an explanation
of the Fairfield case which Garcelon said he
presumed Brown presented to him. Mr..
Brown suggested that he had not been used
just right by this paper and anything he might
say would be distorted, but with an assurance
that nothing of the kind should be done no
talked quite freely. We give his words as
nearly as possible:
When the committee first met was inclined
to go before them and state what 1 knew about
the count. / communicated with my asso-
ciates and they dissented, Capt. Chase and
Fogg denying the legality of the committee.
But that is all nonsense. I uphold the opinion
of the Court. AS we were associated together
and they did not want to respond to the invita-
ton gave up the idea. I do not like to deny
Garcelon's testimony, but my recollection of it
is different. told the Council the whole
Garcelon had not testified I should say it was
in his presence). When I had told the story
some one DIR. Parker perhaps, spoke up and
said, we have no right to seek information
from you. We are to be governed by the re-
turn. The slip of paper referred to was then
on the return but it, the slip,sdid not bear the
signature of any one and we paid no attention
to it.
Reporter. How about the slip attached to
the Skowhegan return? you needed that did
you not?
Mr.. Brown. Yes, but that had the signature
of the selectmen.
When last saw the Fairfield return the slip
was upon it. have no knowledge how it got
off but can see how it could have been re-
moved accidentally. The returns were opened
and placed in elastics and during the examin-
alton they were frequently removed. Now
this slip was very thin piece of paper, and it
might have got torn off in removing the papers
and would not have been noticed.
Reporter. Do you know of case where
names were changed in returns received?
Brown. No, and do not believe there were
any changes made in returns. If 50 do not
know who did it.
Reporter. Did you know how the changes
made would affect the result?
Brown. When the count was completed
did, and Gov. Garcelon must be-well he must
be strange man to receive the votes of GER
tain party, become Governor, and then not
take interest enough in the count to know
which party succeeds.
Reporter. l should say so. Why, supposed
you shook hands all round and congratulated
each other upon what a good job you had
done?
Mr.. Browns only answer was quiet smile
Brown. l did not do single thing that ]
did not feel justified in doing.
Reporter. Not a thing you would not dc
again:
Brown. 1 did not say that. The opinion Of
the Court shows that we counted out men who
had ought to have received their certificates
This decision has righted things but the affair
has caused great deal of trouble and I am
sorry for the part have had in it, although ]
thought was ri rht had a hard place on the
Council and did a good deal of work for which
got $500 day which just paid my board a
| the hotel. 1 have also been much abused by
numerous parties. 1t has been bad piece O.
business for me and upon the whole very un
satisfactory.
Reporter. How will it affect political par
ties?
Brown. do not know, nor do care. 1 an
out of politics entirely and shall resume tn,
| practice of my profession, which l have neg
lected the past year. Do not understand mi
to blame any one for anything that has hap
pened. I simply say it was an unfortunate at
| fair to all concerned.