The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-04-16

lievcd that 7 held il through irregularities
or in anv other way except by the fairest,
squarest sort Of vote 10y the Democratic
party. would have:none OF II;
AS for me and my couhsel We nave from
the first taken a stand on my rights and We
yet stand there. I think it due 10 these gen.
tlemen TO state these facts. and until my OPP
ponent supstantiate the charge of fraud,
which he so far has utterly failed to do. do
not propose to withdraw from my vantage.
Mr.. Smith in the course OF his remarks;
claimed that the opposing counsel had
misrepresented him IN trying to MAKE IL
appear that he was opposed TO the use Oh tne
poll-books.
DR.. Wood replied that the committee re-
cognized Mr. Smith as the nominee or tho
party, but tina. the charges of fraud necessi-
tated that an investigation should be maue,
and in order TO get the very best lignt on .ne
subject thsse gentlemen of the State Demo
cratic committee had been inviteu W ue-
hberate with them.
Mr.. Tazewell Elicit discnimed any inten-
ton Of misrepresenting Mr.. Smith. but called
attention TO Mr.. Cosby's attitude as MT.
Smiths counsel in Directing tuesday night
TO the examination of the po9k. WINE sr'
Smith sat at his elbow without dissent. Con-
tinuing he said: The question Is most seri-
Gus one 20 tho Democratic party and goes be-
yond "A mere personal interest. and the gen
tlernen of the other side recognize that they
made a serious mistake in Directing the other
night"
Mr. Mcclure also protested against any in
tention of disappearing Alr. smith.
THE MAYOR SPOKE.
Mr.. Ellyson was then invited to address
the committee, and spoke very briefly aud TO
the point. In the course OF his remarks he
said that Mr.. Smith was his political and per-
sonal friend. and that he voted tor him: Con-
tinuing he said: When a question like this
arises and evidence is submitted or errors
OF suspicion of fraud Is presented 1t seems TO
me the committee ought TO do whatever IS ne
cessary 10 remove all doubt FROM the minds OF
the people 10 throw aside all technicaties
and do everything possible TO remove any
suspicious fraud You owe 1t 10 the gentle
man nominated. 10 the people and TO your
selves to give this matter the fullest inyesti-
CATION"
Mr. Ellyson's speech was listened TO with
marked attention and only the promptest ac-
ton of the chairman prevented enthusiastic
applause Mr.. Haskins spoke next. and said
in the Course OF his remarks: Il can give you
all the advice in one word that | can IN a
whole volume. Do all you can 10 sustain the
reputation for honesty of the Democratic
party. We cannot afford to sustain even a
suspicion OF fraud. Let every thing be done
openly and candidly Brush away the cob
webs make "A full Investigation and let your
candidate be above suspicion" Mr.. Haskins
also stated that he was a personal friend OF
Alr Smith and voted for him.
Mr.. G. NJ. Meredith WAS the last speaker
He carefully explained the legal aspect OF the
case and drew a clear distinction between the
use OF an affidavit TO prove fraud and the use
of an affidavit ITO prove that there Is sum-
cient ground for you 10 look tor fraud" He
placed them in the position of the Judge upon
the bench. and charged them as a judicial
duty TO open wide the doors OF investigation.
At the close Of Mr. Meredith'S speech Mr..
Ferriter rose and stated that he made the
motion before to refuse the use of the books
under an honest conviction that fraud
should be proven before the books ought TO
be shown. but in the light Of the evidence he
had lust heard he desired 10 offer motion
THAT the poll-books of the Third precinct
of Jefferson ward be submitted TO Colonel
Spotswood for examination under such re-
strictions as the Chair might impose"
THE QUESTION.
The question here arose as to what vote was
necessary 10 decide the matter. The Chair
man We do not now propose TO stand on
techncalities but TO undo what we have done.
The count resulted in the adoption OF the mo-
by @ vote Of Is 10 Il as follows:
Ayes -Messrs. Bigger, Bowry, Calder. Fer,
riter. figg. Flournoy. Grooms. Hall. Hicks
Harrison. Peasants. Robinson. Rosene, Seay,
Snead Snellings. Wood. Wallace-lS.
Noes essrs. Blackburn, Davis. Dlacont,
Epps. Hill, ONeil Cd. j.. O'Neh Philip,
Philips, Sheryin. Tenser, Tompkins-ll.
The Chair appointed Dir. j. +; Flonrnoy to
assist in the custody OF the poll-books while
they were undergoing examination.
The committee then adjourned subject to
the call of the chairman.
NOTES.
Thf granting Of the use OF the poll-books
10 Colonel SpOtswoOd is u hard-earned VIC
tory. and is practically the first step towards
the battle yet TO come.
Mr. Cosby. who was the chief director
among Mr. Smiths counsel to every move Of
the opposition and stoutly fought the grant
ing of the examination OF the pol-books.
made manly speech IN defense OF his posi-
ton. which won the admiration of large
number of those who heard him.
At the request OF Chairman Wood / state
that Mr.. James Botto was not the Judge of
election at the Third precinct of Jefferson
ward as has been previously printed IN the
newspapers. Mr.. Botto declined to vote on
the motion to grant the use of the poll-books.