The Helena independent., 1894-10-14

committoe's representatives commenced
to dodge. The Helena representatives
submitted In writing straightforward
proposition covering every point wherein
IL was possible by prearraugement TO
guard ngnlnat fraud. This proposition,
an any iair.mindOd man who has read 1,
will readily grant, afforded US much pro-
,ection TO tho interests OF ono side as to
those OF the othoh
An equal representation ns near as
possib, for both sides on the board OF
election judges and clerks in every pre-
cinot
One side to hold the key TO the ballot
bon and tho other 10 have charge OF the
ballot box,
Both sides to have q representative In
each place CT registration.
Both sides to unto in rewards Tor de-
lection, arrost and conviction OF persons
guilty OF fraud.
That persons unable 10 read their bal
lots should ask the judges by word OF
mouth (and not by printed card) to
mark their ballots for them.
Surely, no faIrer proposition than that
could have been mado--and that this
was so is proven by the fact that the
Anaconda representatives made no
counter proposition, offered no amend
ment.
What they did do was to commence
to dodge.
Tho only portions they accepted fiat
we're two-they we're willing to join In
the rewards for detection and punish
meut OF fraud, and they we're willing
that voters who could not read their
ballots should tell the judges how TO
mark the same instead OF presenting a
printed card or other device TO this end,
that is they said 1--WE will use our infiu-
ence with our friends 10 prevent this"
But they haggled long time over
the balance Of it-ihey didn't want to
insult the ommissioners, and they
didn't want TO insult the judges and
clerks. They we're so afraid thai some
body's feelings would be hurt.
What follyl What transparent sub
torfugo! As il any public officer could
find possible ground for offense in hav-
ing the people, whose servant he is,
oversee and inspect HE work to DO u.s.
sured that 1t was properly done!
Besides they we're afraid il might give
rise TO some technical objection rs to
the legality OF the electlonl This OBJ
lection being cornerei by the Helena
calling attention to the
section OF tho compiled statutes appli-
cable to the case, reluctant semi-con-
sent was secured at very late hour
Friday night, in the following words:
"To the extent OF our ability We will
comply with your demand, unjust as We
believe II to be-" etc, etc, etc.
When the voters OF Montana consider
in connection with the Anaconda conf
mittee's hesitation and dodging as set
forth above that in several counties they
have secured With scarcely nn exception
the appointment Of mono but Anaconda
men as judges Of election, and that in
some cases. according to the Butte
Miner, county commissioners have de-
family asserted they would appoint
none but Anaconda men as judges Of
election-when these things nre con-
sidered together, the voters OF Montana
will not be slow TO see in the situation
ample cause to fear for the result.
No intelligent person will believe for
moment that any partisan OF Anaconda
who has been appointed judge Of cleo
toa will refuse TO resign IL requested so
TO do by the Anaconda capital committee.
Such designations would create legally
the necessary vacancies TO be filed by
the appointment OF judges selected by
Helena. And nobody will believe that
county commissioners friendly to Ana
conda will refuse TO make such appoint
ments 10 vacancies go created, il the
Anaconda committee requests il.
The result will show whether or not
Anaconda intended to act In good faith,
even in her tnrdy consent. II in certain
especially certain pre-
cincts Of those countiss-election judges
refuse to resign or county commission
ers refuse to appoint-it will mean that
the Anaconda committee winked when
IL made the request. Then lot honest
votera look ont.