The San Francisco call., 1898-03-28
The French Benevolent
 Society Elects Men to Control It's Affairs.
A Heated Discussion as to the Method of Casting the
 Ballots.
The Faction Known as tho Psrisisns Wins and All Differences
 Are Settled

There was enough excitement in Ma tive Sons Hall yesterday to satisfy the most emotional members of the French colony. It occurred during the an- nual election of the French Mutual Benefit Society, and was owing to dispute as to what was the proper way to conduct the ba1loting. One faction, known as the Parisians, strongly con- tended that the only way was to give the ballot to the members as they en- tered the voting booths, whereas the opposition, known as the Bernais, in sisted that the ballots should be dis tributed in the hall to the members so that they could mark and deposit them as they pleased.
 During the argument over the nu- merous motions made by excited par ticipants, the Bernais opposition de- veloped a strong leader in J. A Berge- rot, who in his enthusiasm overStepped the bonds of his side and was deserted by his own people. Bergerot mounted the platform and made stirring speech, advocating the distribution of the ballots so that the members could mark them wit ut intimidation. Los ing control of himself, he launched forth tirade of abuse against his op- ponents, during which he was hissed and interrupted. In the midst of his speech he jumped from the platform. and, running to where the sealed bun de containing the ballots was, he broke 1t open, and grabbing a hand ful. he again took his stand on the stage and continued his heated re- marks.
 A stout gentleman belonging to the Parisian contingent took umbrage at the remarks of MT. Bergerot, and, mounting the platform, joined the de- bate. By this time it looked as if Bed lam had broken loose. Excited mem bers were on their feet expostulating. cheering, hissing and yelling in an eff fort to quiet Mir Bergerot. They might not Seve succeeded had not the Der nais eiement, becoming tired of their leaders stand, joined in the hissing and general racket. Seeing himself deserted the little man grabbed his coat and hat, and after delivering parting shot, emphasized with a shake of the fist. retired with colors flying.
 Matters then Quieted down and Vice President Games had an opportunity to place the questions before the body for a direct vote It was then decided that the ballots should be given the voters as they entered the booth From 2:3O until o'clock the polls were open, and during that time S5S ballots were cast.
 Twenty-eight candidates for the gen. eral committee were on the ballot of which fifteen were to be elected. As the destiny of this important society was placed in their hands it was deem ed a great honor to be elected.
 Henry s. Martin led the van with a vote of 51O, and was closely followed by the following gentlemen, who were elected to the important office: J. Jul lien, 49S; E. Serveau, 474; A. Legallet, 469: J. M. Dupas, 459; P. Games, 452; J. Bergez, 445; L. Bocqueraz 444; B. Reiss, AS; J. Desberats, 436; R. Chart rey, 405; J. Bernou, 403; Thomas La coste, 394; H. Fabregue, 3S1, and F. Queyrel, 372.
 The unelected candidates received votes as follows: M. J. Bayle, 368; P. A Bergerot, 366; Pierre Berges, 361; J. B. Lacaze. 355; B. Sarthou. 348; G. Pouchan, 344; A. Miqueu, 343; J. B. Minvielle, 343; J. Loustale, 327; B. 5. Dupuy, 322; J. B. Pon, 306; E. A. Le moine, 2S7
 The vote on physicians recommended to the board of fifteen for election was as follows: For visiting physician, Dr. E. de Corval; for experimenting phy sician of the French Hospital, Dr. De Chantreau; for surgeon, pr. De Mar vile; for occulist and aurist, Dr. Kas- per Pischel.
 The following committee had charge of the voting booths: A. Lavengnes, D. c. Dabin L. Carraine, A. BousQuet and P. Fontaine.