New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-01-13
THE HUDSON COUNTY FRAUD.
DEMOCRATS PROPOSING TO PUT MCDONALD
INTO THE NEW-JERSEY SENATE.
Az EFFORT ExPE-TED TO REVERSE THE FIND
ING on INVESTIGATION MADE LAST YEAR
THE REVOLUTION TO BE CARRIED
OUT BY PARTISAN VOTE
WITHOUT \ TRIAL.

OUT BY PARTISAN VOTE
WITHOUT \ TRIAL
To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir The Legislature of New-Jersey will meet
on Tuesday, January 10. to organize for the sei-
sion of 1891. Certain persons who are consii-
cred leaders in the Democratic party Of this
State are charged with declaring that the Demo-
cratic majority in the State Senate VIII slgnalize
its advent - power by one of the grossest out
RACES ever pe.pot:atad by any legislative body.
In 1889 the election in Hudson County was
rendered notorious by the most glaring fraud ever
perrctrated in a Northern State. One of the
offices to he fllei that election was that OF
State Senator from Hudson County. There we're
two candidates, Edward F. Mcdonald, regular
Democrat, and William S. Stuhr Independent
Democrat and Republican. The returns elected
Mr.. Mcdonald, but tie frauds perpetrated had
been so stupendOuS and reckless that the in!igna-
ton OF the honest portion of the community was
aroused, and an inv, st:gatiCn was demanded into
the methods pursued to carry the election.
Mr.. Stuhr contested the election of Mr.. Nc
Donald before the Senate, which appointed a com
mlttee, who made a thorough examination, took
large mass OF evidence, listened to the arguments
OF the able counsel employed the part of
each of the claimants took time for delibcration
and then made an exhaustive report This report
might be divided into two parts. The first part
showed that bailot-boX stuItng. repeating and
other fraud had been committed by the Demo-
cratic election officers in Hudson County to such
degree aS to vi'iatc the election Of Mr. Melon
aid: and that, although the BoaGd Of Canvassers
had certified that Mr. Mcdonald had received
majority of the votes cast yet rs their certificate
was based upon returns which the undisputed
evidence showed 10 have been so overwhelmingly
fTatllultuf Mat M roll lao A.,
upon them. it was the duty Of the Senate TO oust
Mr. Mcdonald from the seat which he had i'm
properly occupied during the session. To this
much Of the rcnort Of the committee which va
Gated Mr.. McDonald'S seat, tn6fc was universal
assent Of approval. Indeed. 50 convincing was
the proof of fraud that it was currently reported
that Mr. Mcdonald intended voluntarily TO re-
tire from tho Senate
The second part Of the report declared that Mr.
Stuhr had received majority Of the legal votes
east N the county of Hudson. and was entitled
TO seat As member Of the Senate The report
of the committee was adopted, and Mr.. Mcdonald
retired and Mr.. Stuhr sworr in and took his
scat n member OF the Senate
The constitution OF the State declares that
each house shall he the iudge of the elections
returns and qualifications of it's own members
The question whether Mr. Mcdonald or Mr. Stuhr
or neither Of them. was elected Senator from
Hudson County, was adIudlcated by the Senate to
which each caimed 10 have been elected When
that Senate adjourned the question was finally
settled. Right or wron., il became res judicata
The Senate which will meet on Tuesday will he a
new Senate Of which many members will be en-
trey ignorant Of the evidence taken in said con-
test. and upon which the Senate of last year
acted. When the senate shall be ca He'd To order
Mr.. Ntuhr Will be present. and according to all
prcccdents rs lawfully and Justly entitled To his
office as a member Of the Senate as Mr. Werts or
Mr.. Adrian, or any other Democratic member Of
the Senate. Yet II Is given ont that the Demo
cratic Senator's. having solemnly sworn 10 support
the Constitution of the United States and of this
state, and 10 faithfully discharge the duties Of
senator. Will hasten, before the ink Of their
signatures 10 their official oaths has had time TO
dry, dcfantlv TO violate every duty by eXpelling
Mr.. Stuhr from his Senatorial seat, vi ct arms.
without an investigation. without the appoint
ment Of committee. without the taking of n
particle Of evidence and without giving him the
least opportunity 10 he heard. Then, 10 cap the
climax. they propose in like manner without in
vestlgatiOn or evidence, 10 put Nr. Mcdonald in
possession of the seat to which a competent court
after a full and fair invcSiigotion declared him
not entitled. Judgment. moreover. universally
approved by honest men without regard 10 party
II this revolutionary purpose shall be carried out
what viii be the result? If Mr. Stuhr can be
removed in this manner. any other Senator can
be treated in the same way. The same thing can
be done in the House of Assembly. The party.
having n majority al the organization. can eNpel |
the whole minority. and fill their places with the
defeated candidates. Could anything hp more |
dangerous 10 a Republican form of government? |
jersey City. Jan. 10, 1891. r. b. SEYMOUR