The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-29
AN oyERWoRKED INDIVIDUAL.

Court house window yesterday afternoon, sui
lenly watching the rain descend. Though
vigorous in limb and evidently in the best OF
physical health, he looked sad.
"What troubles you, my friend9" asked
sympathets bystander.
30, I'm all broke up" he replied, without
Withdrawing his eyes from the rainy, outside
world.
''Why, you look the picture of health
you're all right"
''You bet; I'm hummer when it comes to
solid muscle and hard fists, but even giant
may be overworked"
eyes, that's so; but who are you and who
compels you to do so much2'
''Don't you know me9 Pm Election Fraud,
and I've been working for Democracy steady
for-wel, ever since the war;"
His tongue once started, he needed no en-
couragement to make full confession, for it
was evident that he had been terribly imposed
on and was weary of the burden.
81 began work in the South in 1871, the
party having decided that it must be made
solid, with the ultimate intention of captur-
ing the presidency. Well, of course, that
was good enough for me- and I went at it
with will. For few years I was kept busy
killing leading niggers and in whipping
others. Engineered the business all through
Louisiana was present at the Mechanics
Hall fight in New Orleans, at Coushatta and
at Ellenton, and numerous other places the
names of which I have forgotten. Alto
gether, I've had hand in the killing Of from
1000 to 10000 niggers in various parts of the
South. In fact, earned my salary like lit
tie man."
A shade of indignation crossed his face as
he thought of how his services had not been
| appreciated.
Gin time" he continued, 'the murder bust
ness got monotonous, and besides. the Re-
publicans kicked up fuss about it; so, for a
change, was employed to manipulate ballot
boxes, and it was I who invented the tissue
ballots that saved North Carolina to the party
Meanwhile, however, l kept my hand in prac-
tice with the rife and revolver. Judge CHS
holms family, or what there is left of it, can
testify to my efficiency, and so can the widow
Of Prent Matthews"
AS he said this, look of satisfaction came
into his eyes, and he increased visibly in
stature.
"This about finished up my business in the
South, and it was safe to leave affairs there in
the hands of the men had put into office.
In 1876 and 1877 1 attempted little work in
Florida for gentleman in New York, and
failed, and am glad now that did, for when
l went for my pay he was so mad that he re-
fused to give me a cent. took a trip to Ore
gon, too, for the same old curmudgeon."
"Who was this New York MANI
80! well, now. looky here. Do you sup
pose Pm fool? / don't mention no names,
and don't you forget it."
He remained silent for few minutes, but
his evident indignation getting the better Of
him, he continued:
''Took little whirl through Virginia year
ago next month, and helped in a Democratic
ratification meeting at Danville. The celebra
ton was complete success, though it is said
that about forty niggers lost their lives some
how during the proceedings. This was un
fortunate, but did not mar the Democratic
good feeling. I'm not sure either, but it hat
wholesome effect on the election, which tool
place within few days"
Again he paused, and with evident salts
faction contemplated his busy past.
IA few months ago took run up to Chi
cage, and, although the election was past,
got a couple of thousand tickets printed, stole
ballot box, took out it's contents, and substi
tuted others, in the interest of reform. Or
the way up dropped off at this point brok,
into room upstairs in this very building, ant
destroyed and carried off the ballots
filed there; that didn't change thu
election, but it saved some good Democrat from
unpleasant consequences. When the Obi
election took place, few weeks ago. wa
employed chiefly at Cincinnati by "a gentle
man who thought he would like to take Johl
Sherman's place in the Senate. amt sayin
, who he Is recollect.
| "Well, hustled around good deal there
: but did most of my work in a half a dozel
precincts managing to get about 1,5O
i spurious ballots in the boxes. My idea wa
f to do it fair by getting as many names regis
) tered as possible, and to do this caused me,
to register not only at several places but sew