Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1894-12-27
The Blair-White Contest.

Judges Barker, Doty and Reyburn con-
yened their Court in Indiana Pa, last Fri
day, with Judge Doty, presiding.
There was only fair sized crowd at the
opening session, but in the afternoon the
court room was packed, many farmers
who had come in with the expectation OF
attending farmers institute, which was
postponed. going to the courthouse.
Attorneys Banks, Cunningham and Scott
appeared for Judge White and D. b. Tsy-
lor, ESQ.,, who presented the petition to
the attorney general, appeared for the pc
titioners. The first excitement OF the day
came when Judge White was seen enter
ing the court room from the rear door.
Judge Blair had preceded him several
moments. Judge White had roll OF
paper in his hand, which proved to be his
objections to Judge Reybnrn as member
of the tribunal. He read them himself.
and afterwards made short talk in support
of them.
His objections consisted of the charges OF
relationship between Judge Reyburn and
D. B. Taylor, but he denied ever having
made public his objections before. He
said he entertained the highest respect Tor
Judge Reyburn as a man, and had confl-
dence in his integrity, but he believed
it would be better if he was not in the
board.
After some consultations Judge Doty
announced that it was Judge Reyburn's
desire to withdraw, but that in view of the
governors commission. and the evident
meaning of the law it was thought best
that Judge Reyburn remain in the board.
Judge Whites motion was therefore over
ruled.
Then came the real struggle of the day,
which result ted in victory for Judge
White. The original petition cited a GER
tain number Of illegal votes, but failed to
specify where they were cast, and who
cast them. This. in the opinion of Attor-
ney Banks, rendered the petition vague
and indefinite, claiming that Judge White
would have no opportunity of answering
unless he knew from what sources the
charges came. He asked that the petition
be squashed. Attorney Taylor objected
vigorously, and finally made direct as
sertion that q number of ballot boxes had
been opened since the election and papers
| extercted.
1t was q confirmation of the rumor
| which had been in circulation for some
time, but regarding which no official infor
| nation could be secured. Mr.. Taylor ask
ed the court to protect them in the matter
| of furnishing the names of those who vot-
ed illegally, finally admitting that the
reasons for so doing were that it would
interfere with the petitioners securing
their witnesses. He made the startling
assertion that already parties had been
approached and offered bribes to leave the
county until after the contest.
Their honors finally decided that the pc
tition was vague and that it was necessary
for the petitioners to give the names of the
| illegal votes cast and in what precinct.
They have until the first day of January
| to prepare their answer. In addition to
this Sheriff ID. G. Mack was appointed
commissioner to collect every ballot box
in the county and keep them under his
care until the court should call for them.
The time set for hearing the evidence is
January Is. By that time it is believed
both sides will be ready to fight to the
finish. The Judges went home that even
ing.