The daily gazette., 1882-06-10
Dailp GGxette
SATURDAY, JUNE 10.
A substantInl vIndication.

The decision of the Ninth ward election
case of Ferris We. johnson, in the Court of
Errors and Appeals, which is fully reported
ia the GAZETTE, Is "A substantial vindication
of the position taken by the Democratic
party, and reflects the highest credit upon
Ignatius c. Grubb, Esq, who so maniully
battled for the party in this matter.
Through all the stages Of the case Mr..
Grubb and the party were bitterly assailed
by the Republican journals, who classed
the proceedings as being grossly unjust and
subv.rsive of the rights of the people. But
at last the Democratic party is vindicated,
and the highest court in the State and its
ablest jurists have rendered a judgment
which sustains the much abused writ OF
error, while II demonstrates the legality and
propriety of the course pursued by Mr.
Grubb, ON the one hand, and on the other
discloses the error and injustice of the
Republican proceedings.
Justice though slow of foot is sure. Here
after it may be well for those Republicans
who eolumniate, as we'll as those honest but
hasty citizens who mjustly condemn, the
Democratic party, to bear this maxim in
mind 1t may not be amiss in these days of
judicial partisanship for all fair-ninded men
to note the concluding words of the opinion
read by the learned and conscientious chan
eellor who delivered the Judgment of the
court Democrat though he be he has not
failed to reflect severely upon such alleged
misconduct of election officials of his own
party as the real facts Of the case may dis
close 1t must, however, be remembered
the case were no. before the Chancellor and
the Court of Errors They had Tor their
consideration only such facts as were part
of the record OF the court below.
The facts which appeared in the hearing
of the cause in court below were exclusive
ly Republican made facts. For, as before
stated, the Democrats had no time all owet
them for preparing either the facts or TIN
law on their side before the hearing in tli
court. If such time had been accorct
them they could have proven beyond TIL
shadow of doubt that three Illegal vote
were cast and counted ia favor Of Ferris, L
make his one majority viz. the vote Of a non
vote of convict. Deducting all these an
johnson had a majority of two over Ferris
Subtracting even but one and the vote woul
be a tie, with the legal right with the Dem'
cratic inspector, Knight, TO give the castil
vote in favor of johnson, Democrat In 4
event was Ferris legally elected in view
the real and probable facts. L
a.. ~.
permitted to get these facts before Il
Court, otherwise the ChancellOr's II
piled censure-conditional, however, up
the Ferris allegations being true accord
TO all the facts of the clecJion-cOuld Il
justly have been uttered. Nevertheless t
Democrats have every reason 10 rejoice
the result of this notable ease. The Coz
has decided that the law is on their side,
are the facts in the judgment Of a ia
minded and justice-loying public. In she
justice has ut last been done according
the real merits OF the case.
On the other hand the Republicans HI
much occasion for regrettul repentance,
well as wholesome reflection aud anne
nent
lney nave borne lalSe witness agal
their Democratic neighbor. They have
Cured the costs Of an unsuccessful Il
venture. They have in the legal /
"monkeyed with the buzz saw when
"moshun."
Hereafter they should be ''more backw
in coming forward" ''Don't!" is
best advice they can follow in future
like case. We tender them heartfelt 5
pa;hy and commend for their cnusola
the old and true saying, ''uc who lau
last laughs hest"