Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1896-02-15
ELECTION CONTEST!
TESTIMONY BEING TAKEN,
IN THE COURT HOUSE.
Some Amusing Testimony. The
Whole Thing II Farce.
\ Fresh Lawyer.

\ Fresh Lawyer.
The hearing of testimony in the con
tested election cases was commenced
here on Monday. Justice Charles
Parker, before whom the testimony is
being taken, convened his court at the
Hotel Worcester, in accordance with
the notice given the coniestees, he
then gave notice that he would adjourn
to the Court House. Since then the
Court room has been pretty well filled
each day with people who want 10
learn how the election was conducted
in this county on the 9th Of last No
vember. Up to this time. Friday
morning, only about two dozen wit.
neSSes have been examined, these
coming from East and West Berlin
districts.
An extra session was held Thursday
night
Quite number of colored men are
witnesses, and by those who have al
ready testified the contestants endea-
vor to provethese men attempted to
vote, but through some irregularities
upon the part of Democratic election
officials and politicians they were de-
prived OF their votes. One of these
under oath said that if he had been
permitted to vote he would have
voted for Mr.. Lincoln (meaning
President Lincoln). Another said he
would have voted for Mr.. Tom Con-
noway cone Of the Republican workers
who looked after the mans registra-
ton. Several did not know the name
Of Il single candidate on the official
ballot
The most important witnesses yet
placed on the stand are Messrs SiIas
W. Taylor and George Scott. Mr.
Taylor is the Republican Judge of
Election for East Berlin District, and
his testimony was such as TO convince
the hearers of il that it was the fault
of the Republicans il great many of
their colored troops were not permit
ted to take part in the battle OF bal
lots. lie admitted that the first man
whose vote was refused in the Third
district was white man by the name
of Willet. He was challenged nv the
Republicans because he did not give
his name in as it appeared ON the
Registration books The gentleman
in question was Mr. John W. Willet,
who is known by nearly every man,
woman and child in the two Berlin
districts, having ut one time been pro-
prietor of the Atlantic Hotel Of Ber-
lin. Mr. Lee Carey the Democratic
ballot clerk inquired OF the Judges if
their decision in the case of Mr.. Will
let was to be the rule of the day and
he was informed emphatically that it
was. This is the reason quite a num-
her of colored men rs well as some
white Democrats did not get 10 vote.
The Republicans said in the start that
when man gave his name wrong he
conld not vote-the Democrats said
so he it," and the compact was car
.ried out
Mr. George Scott was hard fighter
against the Democratic ticket at the
late election and it was generally be
lieved he was boiling over with venom,
but on the witness stand Mr.. Scott ex-
hihited generosity toward those he
fought which is commendable. He
admitted that both sides, Democrats
and Republicans, were pulling and
hauling voters around and marching
them up to the polls in blocks of six,
and that he was one of the hustlers.
The evidence produced shows that
people entered the polling room who
had no business too, both Democrats
and Republicans.
Messrs. A. r. Barnes and Balti
more lawyer named Boyd are acting
rs counsel for the contestants Mr..
William :. Wilson having taken sick
on Tuesday George W. Purnell APP
pears for the contestees. Mr.. Boyd
no doubt felt highly honored by being
called into such an important case.
He is indeed very clever lawyer but
has found out that the Eastern Shore
produces lawyers as well as ''mosqui-
toes and malaria" The air Of super
eminence he wore when he first appear
ed in the case has disappeared and he
realizes he has mere ability TO contend
against than ordinary city lawyers
possess.