Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1891-01-17
THE BALLOT BOX CASE.
The Congressional Investigating
Committee Makes q Report.
Thoy Find n. G.. Wood AloDo Responsible
for tho Forged Contraot-Nressrs. Fora
ker and Halstead Ccnsured-Chair-
man Mason Dissents from
His Colleagues.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13.-The report of
the select committee of the House which
investigated the Ohio ballot-box for
geries during the Campbell-Foral<er
campaign, was submitted to the House
yesterday. 1t reviews the sensational
legged contract for ballot-boxes was pre-
pared by Richard G.. Wood, and that all
the signatures appended were forgeries.
1t also finds that Richard G. Wood,
Frank l.. Millward and Frank S. Davis
were the only persons directly or indi
rectly aiding or abctting in the prepa-
ration of the forgery that Millward
and Davis were guiltless of their part
in the transaction and that Wood ut
tered the forgery for the purpose of
recommending himself to the mayor of
Cincinnati for appointment as smoke in
spector. 1t further finds that Governor
Foraker and Murat Halstcad aided in
the forgery; the former by exhibiting
the paper to several persons, and the
latter by publishing it in the Cincinnati
Commercial-Gazette; but exonerates
both of them as not cogniZant of the
fact that the paper was forgery. 1t
exonerates all the persons whose names
appeared on the alleged contract with
any improper connection with the bal
lot-box contract and says there never
was any contract relating to ballot
boxes in which any of the persons were
interested. The findings so far are ap-
proved by the full committee.
Chairman Mason dissents from his col.
leagues in the following conclusions
where they find: That the conduct OF
Wood during the negotiations with Gov
ernor Foraker disclosed his depravity,
and believe that careful scrutiny OF
the paper shows it's false character, alsc
that the publication of the false paper
in the Commercial-Gaz showing Mr..
Campbel's name and suppressing all
other signatures was almost as bad as
the original fabrication of the paper.
Mr.. Mason declined to sign this por'
ton of the report on the ground that the
conclusions were not within the inquiry
propounded by the resolution. He says
that it is doubtless true that Wood con-
duct during the negotiations with Gov
ernor Foraker showed depravity. Mr.
| Mason quotes from the evidence to show
that Foraker did not base his belief in
the genuineness of the forged signatures
| on Woods representations alone; but
that he was assured from insinuations
made by reputable men that Wood real
ly had a genuine paper in his possession
Mr.. Mason does not agree with his as
sociates that "a careful scrutiny of the
face of the forged paper must have
shown its false character" and the pub
lication by Mr.. Halstead showing Mr.
Campbell's name and suppressing al
other signatures was almost as bad a
the original fabrication. whether ol
not Messrs. Foraker and HalsteaC
treated well these honorable men," Mr.
Mason says, lis a question of ethics
not involved in this investigation, no.
does it throw any light upon our sub
iect, as to who forged and who uttered
the forgery" Mr.. Mason says that the
publication of the forged paper long be
fore election is conclusive evidence thai
Halstead was deceived and believed thu
paper genuine. Since these gentlemen
found they We're deceived. they did al
in their power. he says, as honorable
men, to make n ENDS. In conclusion
Mr.. Mason says: ITO ask more is un
just and does not warrant the ceusur'
indulgcd in by my colleagues, ant
against any such additional findings
respectfully and earnestly protest"