Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1884-08-21

VOTING IN CHESTER.


Illegal Votes From Wilmington.
Thursdays Chester Euening Ne,os says:
Andrew r. Henry, alias "Sol Smith,
oolored, giving his residence in Whining
ton, Delaware, was arrested on warrant
charging him with attempting to vote
illegally at the city hall yesterday. 1t
appears that Henry had voted in South
Chester and then came mp to this city,
and in company with Matthew Harmsn
went 70 the polls at the city hall and was
vouohed for by Harman as being resi-
dent of this city and preoint. At the
hearing this morning before Acting Mayor
Allen, there WAS developed something
that was inexplainabls and brought
in the names Of Harry II. Billaney Of
the Pla,nspeaksr, and James G. Sears OF
South Chester. Mr.. Billany was on the
witness stand and hesitated somewhat in
his evidence, and as Mr.. Sears had not
been found, at the solicitations Of Messrs.
Ward, Bliss and Lindsay, attorneys in
the case, further hearing of the case
was postponed until Saturday morning.
The case created great zeal Of interest
and as ii appeared to be trick prsc-
ticed on some one, the attorneys were
very earnest, especially Mr.. Ward, to
have 1t fully Investigated before allowing
| it to 60 to court.
The Chester Times, Friday, contained
the following: The mayors office WAS
crowded this morning with people
desirous Of witnessing the proceedings in
the election cases. The prisoners wers
H. II. Billany of South Chester, Andrew
R. Henry, oolored, Of $40 French street,
Wilmington, and &. s. Robinson, colorsd,
OF South Chester. They were charged
with conspiracy in attempting to pollute
the ballot box. Henry was arrested at
the instance OF John Spencer, and the
others were prosecuted by Ward R. Bliss.
Hon. William Ward, William B..
Broomall, George B. Lindsay and 0. b.
Dickinson, sat inside the railing, and
| questions were asked by Messrs. Lindsay,
Ward and Dickinson.
Billspy was charged with having
brought 80 oolored men from Wilmington
| whom he intended to vote. Henry was
used as q witness and testified that he
brought the colored men up on steamer.
lie went to the Hdmspeaker office and
asked for Billany and subsequently, found
him on Third street. The witness was a
very intelligent oolored man and stated
thai he had paid the fare OF the men with
the understanding from men in Whining
ton, that he WAS to get the money back
sgain. He met Mat Harmon, whom he
knew well, at the Steamboat Hotel, and
afterwards met man with Panama hat
and plum oolored suit at Abbott's Hotel,
and was handed ticket as he came from
the bar room. Henry then attempted to
vote at the city hall and was arrested.
Robert Miller, oolored, inspector at the
lower precinct, south Chester, and A. P.
Robinson, the Judge, were sworn, but no
new facts slicitsd. 1t was given in evil
denos that Henry had attempted TO vote
In South Chester, and for aiding and abet-
ting this, the proof was considered sufi-
Client to hold Billany in 81 900 bail to
answer at court. Henry was held in $500
bail, while E. s. Robinson was discharged.
Billany was treated to severe lecture by
Acting Mayor Allen before he was given
in charge of the officer, on the crime Of
polluting the ballot box. ...
[Mr. Billsny is printer by trade, 9
native OF this city and formerly In the
employ Of Ferris Brothers].