The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-04-01

There are 73,076 voters in this State
who are qualified to cast their ballots to-
day for general officers and members of
the Legislature, and it is estimated that
about sixty per cent. OF them will avail
themselves of the privileges.
Experts on election returns prophesy
this afternoon that when the polls are
closed tonight the figures from the 81
towns ana cities will show total in the
neighborhood OF sc. 000
Last year the total vote in the State for
Governor was "A, 110, divided as follows:
Lippitt, Rep, 25, ,O9s; Littlefelo, DEM,
14,2s9; QuimDy, Pro-, 262i; Boomer, Soc.-
Lab, 1880; Foster, Pop, 369
There are very obvious reasons for be-
lieving that today's vote will exceed that
OF 1896. This is Presidential year, and an
examination of the returns of every fourth
year in the past show that the interest in
national results has always had..a direct in
huence on the local and State votes and
this interest Is more than sufficient TO
counteract the apathy which might other
wise result from confidence in q sure
thing on the part of Republicans. The
interest in the no-license question In a
large number OF the towns VIII swell the
vote. The fact that there are town elec-
tions in Darlington, East Providence,
jamestown, Miodletown and Portsmouth
is bringing out the voters in those dis
tricts, especially in East Providence and
harrington, where there are pretty stid
factional fights over town offices.
There is no doubt as 20 the result; there
hasn't been at any time during the cam
paign, but the nature of the returns up
TO this noon makes assurance doubly sure
and II there is to be any change in the
political complexion of the State Legisla-
ture 1t will be by the reduction of that
Democratic minority OF nine members in
Grand Committee.
In all the towns where no-license is an
issue the temperance people are making
a stiff hight and today they claim success
in advance in East Providence and Paw
tucket, and vote of 60o0 in this city.
The Prohibitionists, as political party,
Independent of local issues, state that
their vote of 1924 in 1895 is going to re-
ceive material increase. Governor Lip
pitts plurality tonight is estimated at
anywhere from 10000 to 1870
IN THE CITIES.
The voting in Providence started i'm
with a rush, and the figures by Wards and
districts for each hour since the polls
were opened show big increase over the
vote at the State election of year ago.
AT IL O'Clock the vote iu the city was
1860 ahead OF that of 1895.
There are several explanations of this,
the fight against no-license is bringing
out big Democratic liquor vote. That
is true but it's only halt of the story. On
election day year ago there was dis
agreeable snow storm and the contrast be-
tween that and today's weather accounts
for good many extra votes and in addi-
tion to that is the Increased interest in
all elections incidental to presidential
campaign.
The no-license workers expect to poll
vote of about 6000 This figure
means good many Republican votes
that are not usually out and they will
go to the Republican State and Assembly
tickets.
Outside of the Third Ward the voting is
quiet and without any interesting fea-
lures, but up in the second district of the
Third there was an election dispute re
sulting in an assault on Meyer Zif by
Jefferson Riley. a Democratic ward work.
er. There was also row IN the first dis
trict.
There is an effort being made.on the
part of Representative Brown of the
Third Ward to down Hobert L. Gates, the
candidate who defeated him for the NOM
ination In the Republican City Conven-
tion.
PAwTUCRET.
The State election in this city today is
progressing quietly with indications of
Republican victory. The Democrats have
already conceded defeat OF State ticket
but have hopes OF winning out in several
OF the contests for the General Assembly.
Republicans are confident of carrying
majority OF the Assembly districts. The
weather is fine and ballodng is brisk.
Representative Edward Thayer was in
his own wsrd, the First. this morning,
and is satisfied that n heavy vote will tie
brought out and that the entire Republi-
can State and Assembly tickets VIII have
big pluralities.
NEWPORT.
There Is but littla interest manifested in
the state election st Newport today and
despite the favorabe weather conditions
very light vote Is being polled. Up to
the noon hour less than % per cent. OF
the total registration has been polled,
which is a decidedly small showing.
The city Is strongly Republican and 1t
is believed Republican majority IL con-
sequently assur&d. The only real contest
TO give Zest TO tho election Is the Rep
resentative tight N the fifth district be-
tween Mclean, Democrat, and Wether-
III, Republican.
wooNsocRET.
The election In Woonsocket today is al
most as uneventfuI as the campaign. Tho
general impression is that a mixed ticket
will be elected. A strong opposition
against Attorney General Dubois was
manifested curing the day. His scalp Is
wanted by the memters and friends OF
the Christian Alliance who will rejoice N
he Is defeated. The sin alleged against
him is that he would not push the liquor
cases turned over TO the high court from
this city. He will probably run far be-