The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-05-13
TO EXAMINE THE BOOKS.
a SUBCOMMITTTEE or THE CRY
DEMOCRArIC COMMITTEE
Has Been Appointed to Take Charge of tho
hatier-A Long Meeting ms the Re
suit OF MIR. smiths Complaint.

mittee was called at headquarters, no.
ITO -ddn street, last evening to con-
slider the request made In a letter TO the
chairman by Mr. James G. Smith, one OF
the candidates in the late primary for
the Office OF city Sergeant, to be allowed
TO examine the pOi-books.
MIR. Gibbons moved that Mr.. Smith have
free access to the books upon which the
records of the votes cast in the primary
were kept.
MIR. Landerkin offered as an amendment
that the books be thrown open to the in
epection of all the candidates in the pri-
mary Of April Goth. Mr.. Gibbons accepted
the amendment.
The question was then discussed at
great length, and considerable diversity
OF opinion was expressed. Nearly every
member present spoke, and two hours
passed before any decisive action was
taken.
Mr.. Wallace opposed opening the books
on the ground that the time for contest
was passed, and there was nothing In
the plan that made it obligatory on the
committee to do so.
Capt Anderson also opposed the OPEN
ing Of the books. He said Mr.. Smith had
had his day in court and had failed TO
take advantage OF It, and that the commit
tee could not well take the FIRST step
without going further and allowing a con-
test. and that the time was now too snort
TO have a contest if permitted.
Mr. Smith was defeated By 1907 votes,
yet II any irregularity, no matter how
small, were discovered the whole matter
could be thrown open. Capt Anderson
then presented n substitute for the origi-
nal notion refusing the request, and
-
pressed in his argument.
SHOULD SIZE TIE BOOKS.
Mr.. Phillips said Mr.. Smith, or any one
else who desired, should have the privi-
lcge Of seeing the books. That no doubt
should be left on anybody's mind that
the primaries were not pure.
Mr.. Bradley did not think the commit
tee could afford 10 refuse any one the
privilege of looking over the books.
Chairman Patteson. IN reply to a taunt
from Capt. Anderson that he had changed
his mind on the subject took the floor
and explained his position, and denied that
he had changed his opinion at all.
He said he could see no reason why Mr..
Smith should not have access TO the books
If he wanted TO see them, but he was OPP
posed to allowing any contest, because
the third day Of May had been set as the
last day on which notice OF contest could
be given.
He said he was I'm favor Of Alr. Smiths
examining the books for the reason that
he believed everything in the primary was
as fair as possible. and be wanted Mr..
Smith to satisfy himself of the same
thing.
He said that Mr.. Epps. Mr.. Smiths OPP
ponent, had assured him that he had no
Being questioned by Capt. Anderson,
Mr. Patteson again said he was i'm favor
Of permitting the use Of the books, but
would not allow a contest
Col Peasants spoke IN favor of Capt.
Anderson's substitute. a vote was taken
and the substitute was lost.
Capt. Cunningham Hall then moved as
n substitute TO the whole, that the chair
man appoint a subcommittee OF i've
members of the committee, who shall
conduct any investigation or examination
Of poll-books requested 10y any candidate,
and the subcommittee shall sit on Mon
day at y o'clock noon, May 18th, al head
quarters. and the candidate or cauQi-
dates interested shall appear before them
in person: and the committee Of invest-
cation shall have such poll-books before
them as the evidence produced shall me-
ceesltate and as they shall deem III ana
proper. This committee expresses its be-
lief that the election was an eminently
fair one i'm all respects. and IT'S utmost
confidence in the correctness and integrity
Of its judges and clerks. The resolution
was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes-Bradley, Calder Pagan. Gibbons
Hail, Hobson. Landerldn, Phillips, Sher-
rim and Patteson-lo.
Noes-Anderson, French Iasser' JOY
ner Tovenstein. Peasants, Tyler, and
Wallace-8.
the chairman appointed the following
committee 10 carry out the provisions OF
the resolution: Messrs. Hall. Anderson,
Tyler. Landerkin, and Philips
The meeting then adjourned