The Portland daily press., 1893-03-24

Again.
The case of Warden s'Tom' Harper,
who attempted to elect Mayor Ingraham
by counting the Republicans out in Ward
1 on the recent election day, was con-
tinued before Judge Gould in the NUM-
cipal court yesterday morning. Al
| though the Democrats have been loudly
asserting that Harper was an innocent
fellow who simply Numbered, and al
| though he has asserted the same thing
himself, it was decided yesterday by
Harper and his counsel, Hon. VIM. FL.
| Clifford, that he should waive an ex-
animation, plead not guilty. and be
bound over to the grand jury, which
meets in May. The effect of this move
was to shut off at this time all examln-
alton of Harper, and also of those other
Democrats who are believed to know
something about the Ward 1 frauds, as
| it would be a bad thing to have any
further developments in this case come
out just at the time when Mayor Ingra-
ham has formally signifed to the Dem
ocratlc city committee his intention to
be candidate again. Usually when men
are innocent they like to have their case
fought from the first, since there is the
chance that they may be discharged
without being bound over to the grand
jury. Then also, the government coun-
sci has to show his hand, and it is p ossi-
BILE for the counsel for the defenc to
know just what lines are to be used in
| the attack.
| Under these circumstances the action
of Harper's counsel is significant. 1t
seems to be an Indication that the DEM
| ocratic leaders in this town fear to have
the wound probed.
The action of these leaders within the
last week has indicated that they are
sorry for only one thing, and that is that
the Ward fraud was found out. The
Argus has been pursuing ex-City Clerk
John Russell most viciously, which
means that it is proposed to make such
an example of him. as will deter any
other Democrat in future from ever re-
vealing Lany frauds that he may know
about.
| The truth is, the Democratic leaders
lay all their difficulties to Mr.. Russell.
They think that if he had kept still they
would have kept control Of enough of
| the city government to have kept their
grip on the city offices for, large part
if not the whole of the year. 1t will be
remembered that the special edition of
the PRESS containing Mr.. Russell's
revelations came onto the street about
two hours before the conclusion of the
mandamus hearing before Judge Walton.
The effect was so paralyzing upon the
Democracy that they at once hoisted the
white flag, and Clerk Collins issued the
certificates to Messrs. Lefavor and Kent,
while the Democratic candidates sur
rendered the certificates that Clerk Col
Inns had smuggled into their hands on
the night after the final election. It is
to be understood that had Judge Walton
issued the mandamus asked for by Mr..
Drummond an appeal could have been
taken, and the final decision would have
been delayed weeks and months perhaps.
During that time the two Democrats
from Ward wonld have held their seats.
Fortified by their help, the Democrats
might have held on to the offices, includ-
ing the street department, with the big
pull which Commissioner Griffin ex-
ercised.
This would have put them into prime
condition for the second fight for lngra-
ham, if a second election had been neces-
sary. But would second election have
been necessary. had Mr.. Russell kept
still? The Democrats think not, and
they are probably right. If Mr.. Russell
had kept quiet those Democrats who
wanted to mark up the Ward check
list to make it agree with Harper's
fraud ulent return, could have had their
own way, provided Mr.. Russell would
have let them do as they wanted to.
With that check list marked up, and In
graham declared elected DIS he had been
already when Mr.. Russell revealed the
| frauds, the Inauguration would probably
have taken place before the Republicans
could have made much Roadway in
proving fraud in Ward 1. Possession is
nine points of law, and with Ingraham
once seated and all the offices in the
hands of the Democrats, it would have
put the laboring oar on the Republicans.
The Democrats are feeling this, and this
is the reason why they have only kicks
for Clerk Russell, and only excuses for
ballot-box suffer Harper.
Of course, under the circumstances the
best thing for the Democrats was to have
Harper bound over to the grand jury, as
he was, his father and A. D. Sweetsir,
Democratic leader, going the 81 200 bail,
This will keep off any further revelations
until after Ingraham has tried again, and
Will relieve those Democratic managers
IL Id