New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-06-24
weather prevailed there The absence of tonnage was
tlv 70
PASCO ON WITHERSPOOM

| THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC
STATE COMMITTEE DENoUNCEs THE STATEMENTS
OF NEGRO CANDIDATE FOR CoNGREsS-sOME
EMPHATIC CONTRADICTIONS
s. Pasco, chairman OF the Democratic State Com
mittee of Florida in $780, sends THE TRIBUNE q
reply to statements made by Mr.. Witherspoon, the
colOred candidate for Congress in the Ist Florida
District in that year, in The TRIBUNE's Washington
| dispatches The following are the more important
allegations made
Withcrspoon alleged an improper removal Of
names from the registration lists of Jefferson
County, in order to prevent the negroes
from voting Mr. Pasco says such re-
vision is necessary, among other reasons
because of the frequent change of resi-
dence among the laborng class; also because all
jures drawn from the registration lists, and a
legal registration is prerequisite for voting. In
stead of striking off 1923 Names only SOB were
stricken of, and about 100 were Democrats instead
of less than 80" as alleged. Full opportunity
was given for restoring names improperly stricken
off. The statement that a Democratic election in
spector refused to restore the name of his
gro coachman is denied, and copy of affidavit
by the latter to that effect is given. The statement
that the man who built house for Mr.. PaScO could
not get him to identify him before the, inspectors is
denied. The man named never built house for
him, and his name was not stricken off. Regarding
the use of tissue ballots at Precinct No. T. Mr.
PascO says he was aroused the morning sitter cleo
tOn by an inspector who came for his advice. "The
officers had been surprised at finding very thin
ballots in tho box after the close of the election No
such ballots had been publicly voted, and after dis
cussing their duty in the premises nearly all night"
it was agreed to refer the matter to him
for legal advice. He said fraud must
be eliminated aud the baOt-boX
"spcak the honest voice of the peo-
ple' After the man had gone it occurred to HIM
that he should have put his advice in writing for
his own protection He then sent telegram, and
later, by train. letter strongly urging an honest
count. After breakfast there were rumors of
trouble at the precinct. Pasco went down with
friend, met WitherspOon with large crowd of his
friends invited him to accompany them. He did
so, and the three admitted to the can
vass, which was in progress with open window,
in view of the voters The result was announced: :
Republican vote, 11S; Democratic, 26. Mr. PascO
asked if all were satisfied, and Witherspoon and
others said they were. Tho story that negro
Inspector Richard Broxey, stood guard over the
box with his revolver in his. hand, snatched some
tissue ballots from the fire to keep them as
proof, etc, is denied, and a copy of an affidavit
from the negro denying it is given. Mr.
PascO denies the charges that Witherspoou
by the refusal of Democratic judges to
take testimony the removal of judge who con-
scnted to take it. etc. Judge Christie, who had
promised to take the testimony was sick on the ap-
pointed day and WitherSpoon went to Justice Of
the Peace Whitfield who agreed TO take the tcsti
mOny, and waited all day; but WitherspOOn did not
appear, and has never explained his failure to do