St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1883-01-05
The New Haven Black Ballots.

io INFER lldl ne W III not soon forget his
friend ''Drexel," the banco man.
The New Haven Black Ballots.
An interesting state of affairs is re-
ported from Connecticut in regard to
the late election. 1t seems that the
democrats in New Haven, DESTROYS of
spotting their voters, had ballots print
ed on black paper with white letters.
This is in violation of the Connecticut
election laws, which provide that bal
lots shall be of plain white paper, with
no distinguishing mark. Seven thou
sand of these black ballots were cast,
and upon them the democratic candi
dates for city offices were declared to
be elected. Some of the republican
candidates for city offices brought the
matter of the black ballots before the
courts, and Chief Justice Park has de-
cided that these ballots are Illegal, and
that the republican candidates are
elected. This places the municipal
government in the hands of the repub
Leans.
The most interesting question arises
in the matter of the state officers elect.
If any question arises, and the black
ballots are thrown Out-as clearly they
must -GovcrnOr-elect Waller and
his colleagues will be in "A minority of
about ii ve thousand. The democrats
have reason to feel alarmed ut the di-
lemma in which they are placed by their
lack of forethought. Their leaders are
holding consultations, i'll the vain hope
of devising some plan by which they
may secure the bauble of power which
has been so unexpectedly placed with
in their reach. The republican ballots
were printed surrounded by heavy
black border, which would seem to be
in violation of both the letter and spir
it of the law, which intends that no
ballot shall have IL distinguishing
mark but Judge Parks decision is so
worded that it is thought if the matter
of the legality of the republican ballots
came before him, he would declare
them to he legal ballots. The demo-
Gratis of New Haven have wealth and
talent at their command, and they will
fight the question inch by inch. VIM.
II. Buckley, the republican candidate
= Ill 10 m
the chairman of the republican state
central committee, saying that what
ever may be the action of the legisla-
ture in the matter, under no circum
stances will he serve or take the posi-
ton which he believes it was the in
tent of the electors to give to another.
This is il generous and manly position
to take, and will greatly rebound to
Mr.. Bulkcley's credit. 1t is thought
the letter will prevent any controversy
in the Legislature over the matter.
The incoming legislature, which meets
on Wednesday, Jan. 3, will have pre-
cedent for their action, if they throw
out the votes and declare Mr.. Buckley
elected. In 1871 it was alleged that
the democrats had committed frauds
by which they had elected James +.
English governor. The Legislature in
vestigated the election and upon the
strength of atlidavits of men who swOre
they had voted the republican ticket,
Marshall Jewell was declared elected
by % majority.
Clearly, by all legal considerations,
Walters election has been nullitied by
the black ballots; but, on the other
hand, the will of the people, as eX-
pressed at the polls, is that the reins
of government should be entrusted to
the democrats for the next two years.
While the right is unquestioned, to
throw out these votes will be to defeat
the will of the people. The republicans
in Connecticut have no reason to doubt
the issue of Il generous act by allowing
Waller to take his seat. If he is count
ed out, he will have good reason to
pray to he delivered from his friends,
by whose misguided zeal he is liable to
miss the grand opportunity of his life.
| The denouement of this interesting
case will he watched with great deal
of interest.