The Press., 1893-03-30

in the form of a check for E ,OOO.
 \ Cor. ELIOT F. SHEPARD, editor of the New York Mail and Express, died very suddenly on Friday last. He had sus- pected that he was afflicted with stonein the bladder, and had put himself into the hands of surgeons for examination. Eth CT was given him, and instantly alarming symptoms were developed. Methods were taken for his restoration, and twice he recovered consciousness, and seemed out of danger, but again relapsed, and died in about three hours from the time of inhala- tion. The case is a remarkable one, as he was man of strong physique and TO- bust health. Col. Shepard was very wealthy man, and also had a very wealthy wife, who is daughter of the late Wm. H. Vanderbilt. He was man of strong in dividuality. His paper, the Mail and Ex- press, was marked by this. It was thor oughly clean, free from sensationalism and ably edited, no expense being spared to make every department of the best. But it was most thoroughly permeated, also with the characteristics of it's owner, and reflected his strong views upon every subject, for Col. Shepard was never a conservative. Though strong partisan, he was first of all an American, and ready to clasp hands with all who set country before party. It was impossible for him to occupy neutral position upon any matter, or to veil his convictions. His interest in every public matter was shown in hard work and liberal disbursement oi his ample means for it's promotion.
 THE committee of senators chosen to investigate the right of Senator Keeney to represent the 24th district, composed of Senators Pierce and Holden, demo- orats. and Holcomb, republican, have re. ported. Messrs. Pierce and Holcomt sign the report, and are of opinion that Senator Keeney's majority is increased rather than decreased by investigation. They are of opinion that the decision as to mans right to vote as made by the town board of registrars is final, except in case of fraud or of mistake from. false statements. In their language:
 The committee finds the law as laid down by the supreme court to be that the decision of the board of registration is final, except in case of fraud.
 Approaching the case at bar with these rules we find The total number of votes foT n hn eli ting member, was 1242. We find that the votes of Thomas J. Sullivan, William F. Carroll, and Samuel Baldwin, second were illegally cast and counted for the said Keeney, and should be deducted from his total of 1242, and that there was a ballot cast in Stafford for him. by the name of G. E. Keeney, which was not re- turned for him but which should be count ed for him, making his total vote as re- vised by us under the law 1240.
 The total number of votes returned for Edwin c. Pinney, the petitioner. was 1240. We find that the votes of Silas H. Newell, William Leland, Lewis Gunther, Clifford Metro and Michael Brick were illegally cast and counted for the said Pinney, and should be deducted from his total 1240, making his total vote as revised by us un- der the law 1235.
 We therefore find that the said George E. Keeney, the sitting member, received five more votes than the contestant, and therefore recommend that the petitioner have leave to withdraw.
 If your honorable body shall decide that the view of the law as to the powers of the board of selectmen and town clerk expressed by your committee is incorrect and that the action of said board in mak. ing electors Is not final but is subject tC review, then assuming that they voted fol the respondent, as alleged by the peti tioner, we find that the votes of George Bunting and John s. Spencer were illegal ly cast and counted for the said George E. Keeney, but that no other changes should be made upon such full revision and that said Keeney upon such revision would nevertheless have three more votes than the petitioner.
 Senator Holden in his minority report differs from the majority concerning the right of the legislature to go behind the decisions of the town authorities. While they hold that it can only be done in cases of (first) fraud and perjury and (second) aliens, he hc1 Is that the constitution gives