Evening star., 1897-04-07
Attempt to Steal a Ballot Box
Frustrated.
GOOD ORDER GENERALL
CHICAGO. April THE mayoralty vote.

Harrison's plurality. Ties
Harrison's majority over all......... 2,222
Complete returns from all the wards
show the election of twenty-three demo-
cratic aldermen. six republicans and five
independents. AS result the democrats
VIII have majority of eight over all in
the next council.
The Municipal Voters League, formed
two years ago for the express purpose of
improving the complexion of the city coun-
ell. succeeded in electing only seven OF the
tweaty-one indcrsed candidates. The man
whose defeat was most desired by the
league. Alderman Jim Campbell of ~
twelfth ward. and leader of the council
gang. was up for reelection and was over
whelmiEsly defeated. Lane. the league
candidate, did not win out, but received
sufficient support to cause the election of
Joseph r. Francis democrat, the first time
democrat has ever represented the
twelfth ward.
The democratic city ticket was led by
Harrison. some of the other democratic
candidates running more than 12OW votes
behind.
Boiling Republicans.
According to the Record, the vote for the
democratic ticket was increased through
republican strength thrown by republican
machine politicians, such as Representa-
tive Lorimer. State Treasurer Hertz and
Sheriff Pease. who in the final round I'D
reared the election of Harlan, the irs,e-
pendent mayoralty candidate. The demo-
Gratis We're also aided effectively by ex-ma-
chine politicians. who quietly separated
from the regular organization after the re-
cent bitter contest for the United States
seaatorsh1p. The strongholds of Martin B.
Madden, who was defe ated in the repi1t-
lican Caucus for Senator. went for Ha-ri-
son for mayor, although heretofore heavily
republican.
one of the consequences of the heavy
IN n9J t.ill I.a ha
OF a new civic party. which will place
candidates in the field for local elections ard
Which viii not recognize national issues
or national parties in the camraign The
first step in this direction was taken last
night, when some 1900 Harlan supporters
lett their LANES at the Harlan headouar-
tiers to form the nucleus Of the new muni-
cipal party.
The Mnyor-Elect's Platform.
Speaking of his victory Mayor-elect Har-
rison said:
There Is no danger that the city will be
handed over to two years of vice and de-
bauchery. l will also promise there will be
nothing of what are characterized as wide
open days l 90 not recognize the neces-
siiy of public gambling in Chicago. but l
teheve largely in the German idea of per-
sopal liberty. 1t draws a sharp line be-
tween liberty and license.
snail enter upon the duties of this
once WholIy unhampered by pledges of any
kind.
My purpose is TO give the city a con-
serFa:ve business administration. ! shall!
mol De dictated to by any man, or league
or any association. ard. so long as occupy
the chair. no one will be mayor but Garter
IL Harrison
Mr.. Bryan's Congratulations.
Msyor-elect Harrison has received the
following telegram from Washington: "Ac-
ce2t congratulations upon your magnificent
victory The elections in Chicago Cincin-
Tati, Detroit and other cities indicate a de-
cldef change in public sentiment since No
NeihDer- W. j. BRYAN"
Attempt to Steal Ballots.
Except for an attempt to steal ballot
poX In the seventeenth ward and few
scattered fist fights in the city, yesterdays s
election was as free from disorder was
the one last November. few arrests
were made on charges of illegal voting
A mob Of 80 enraged men made a des-
p6rate attempt TO steal the ballot box OF
the fourteenth precinct of the sever
tesnth ward Just after the close of the
polls The bravery of Policemen East
man and Sawyer prevented the consumma-
tion of the crime.
The polling place was in a restaurant at
hS West Kinzie street kept by John Ru-
pert. A few minutes after 4 O'Clock men
from all directions gathered in front OF
the polling place. The judges and clerks
Ol e4eSllOn PAID no attention TO them, but
continued counting the ballots.
n command was given and the men Oh
the outside closed in the door The
policemen warned them to keep away, but
this only seemed to be signal for another
onslaught. Suddenly the plate gaiss OF
the door was broken and the mob pushed
in the door and tore away the lock and
bar which held the doors fast.
Once inside the men began TO yell: "The
ballot ooxr'
Eastman and Sawyer took out their clubs
and began knocking down the invaders
Stil the men came pouring in. pushing
c.Cser to the ballot box. For time Ii
seemed though the mob would succeed
in stealing the ballots. II was fght be-
tween so wild men and two policemen and
judges and clerks of election.
When IL was seen that the mob was get
ting the better of the combat Sawyer and
Eastman drew their revoivers, and threat
oned to shoot the first man that made A
step toward the ballot box.
In the meantime citizen turned in a
riot call. and wagon load of policemen
hurried TO the scene. When the wagon
made its appearance the crowd had dis
persed.
Blood could be seen all over the fioor as
result OF the fight. No%rrests were made
Eastman and Sawyer were bruised bu1
Rome of the clerks or judges was hurt
After the place was put in order thu
counting of ballots continued.