Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-09-29
BIDDING ON BALLOTS.
Printers Fail to Grasp All the In
trlcacies of the New Law.
pOPULITES PROTEST ANSWERED.
Special Pallots Necessary for Special
Election to
INCREASE TEMPERANCEVILLE'S DEBT

ONLY two bids for the printing of the
official ballots for the coming election were
received by the County Commissioners be-
fore the hour for closing yesterday. A
large number of printers had called and en-.
deavored to figure out how they could do
the work with any profit, but.it was such a
perplexing task that all but two gave it up
in disgust The Pittsburg Printing Com
pany bid S12, 800 on the contract, while
Bennett & Co. bid S17, 800.
When the bids were opened it was found
that both referred to the sample ballots pre-
pared by State Secretary Harrity. But the
Commissioners had explained to bidders
that the ballots must be considerably larger,
and that they must bid on sheet 22x24
inches and on another sheet 14x60. This
was OF done and the Commissioners de-
cided not to let the contract until an under
standing is reached. They have not decided
yet which style of ballots they will order,
the statements from Harrisburg being so
confusing on that point, but yesterday they
sent formal request to the County Solic-
itor for an opinion, by which they will be
guided. 1t is expected the opinion will be
submitted to-day or tomorrow and then
the Commissioners will award the contract
The Populites' Protest Answered.
In reply to the protest sent to State Sec
retary Harrity, Secretary Burrows. of the
Peoples party, yesterday received letter
relating to the form of the ballots, which
does not seem to clear up the confusion to
any appreclable extent. The letter reads:
Replying to yours of yesterday, 1 beg to
say the sample ballots sent to County Com
missioners and others is for the purpose of
calling attention of officials to form in
accord with the opinion of Attorney Gen
eral Hensel.
This ballot, however, is merely hypo-
thetical, and does not embrace all the
political divisions.
The size OF ballot printed by the Commits
sioners of the several counties will, of
course, conform to the number of candi-
dates thereon. The number, their names
and their political appelations cannot be
certified by the Secretary of the Common
wealth until after the 18th of October.
1t would not be proper for this Depart
ment to direct nor in any way interfere
with any plans the Commissioners of your
county may have for the printing of ballots.
doubtless contain the names of the candi-
dates of all parties who made nominations
in accordance with the Baker law. Very
truly yours, A. L. TILDEN,
A committee from the Thirty-si1th ward
school board called on the Commissioners
yesterday desiring to know if they could
hold a special election for their ward in con-
nection with the coming general election.
Since Plumbing Inspector Laydon con-
demned the old school building in the
Thirty y-si1th ward, the board has decided to
tear the old building down and put up q
new one. They want $4,000 structure of
eight rooms and modern ventilation and
sanitary arrangements.
Must Hold a Special Election.
Under the law they have no authority to
sxpend more than S22, 900 without popular
vote on the question. They wanted to have
he vote included in the Baker ballots, to
ave the expense of a special election.
The commissioners decided that as the
Baker law makes no reference to elections
or increase of debt, it does not govern them
except in the mere act of voting. There
lore the election must be held under the old
aw and tickets printed especially for the
purpose, one kind being marked increase
IF debt and the other "no increase of
iebt" The special election will cost the
ward S150, the county furnishing the
booths, guard rail and ballot box required
,y the Baker law.
The old school on Main street to be re-
placed with a new building is a frame
structure put up 45 years ago. 1t stands at
he head of Main street, and is in a badly
Tornout condition. The new school will
,e placed on the site of the old one If the
pecial election fails to authorize a $50, 900
building, the School Board will 90 ahead
With one costing So, 200.