National Republican., 1884-11-12

Yesterday, as on the day Immediately
succeeding the election, crowds gathered
about the local newspaper bulletin boards
in the evident hope Of learning some
thing conclusive concerning the result of
the election in New York. II is but nat
ural that the people should feel anxious
to know the facts at the earliest moment
possible, but while the official canvass in
the counties of the state began yesterd ay,
and we are able to lay the official figures
of n number of them before our readers
to-day, it may occur that it will bo some
days, or even weeks hence before the
final declaration of the vote is made.
In counties whero no allegations of
fraud, irregularity, or other matters Of
dispute cropped up the canvass was closed
yesterday and the result published. But
in all counties where such points of con-
tention came to the surface the process
laid down in tho statutes of New York
for their determination must be applied,
with the necessary result of days Of de-
lay. The canvass of the votes east in the
city of New York, for instance, may con-
sumo week or more. Eleven hundred
and lightweight votes have been re-
jected by the precinct officers. II
tho board of aldermen, who are
to canvass tho returns, find that
these votes or any portion of them, were
illegally rejected they will, under the
law, order the precinct election officers to
reconyene and make new return. This
will cause delay. The returns from scv-
eral precincts are lacking, or irregular in
FORM and the responsible inspectors are
in prison. Both parties have engaged
eminent counsel to represent their inter
ests. II may be set down in advance that
the lawyers will stubbornly contest every
legal point possible to bo raised about the
foregoing and all other matters of con
troversy, and add this to the delay through
the time consumed by their arguments.
What is true of New York city in thi
regard is true in a lesser degree of all thu
other counties in which it may appear
that Irregularities have occurred.
may thus readily occur that while we may
have absolute knowledge, from oiFcia
sources, of the vote of part of tn,
counties, the present state of doubt anC
indecision as to the others may continue
for some time.
In this condition of affairs it SHOULD
be the part Of republicans and democrats
alike to patiently await the finish Of thu
inquiry now in progress. Tho laws o
tho state of New York are ample to NEE
all of tho exigencios Of tho case, and
were framed with Wow to maintanin,
the purity of the ballot box and preserv.
ing the integrity Of election returns
The jealous care with which shrew,
representatives Of both parties arc watch
ing the proceedings OF the canvass
ing boards gives each assurance tina
their interests will be properly cared 70
and their rights protected. In view 0
the closenoss Of tho vote it is fortunate
that such is tho case, for when tho ulti
mate footings shall have been mad
neither party can have much room I
question thor fairness, correctness, an,
legality. 1t will then bo easy TO bea
that disappointment which is sure 70
one side or the other, In tho meantime
patience, forboarance and neighboTl.
good feeling should be cultivated b,
ByerVbOdV