Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-12-13
HART ELECTED.
Carries City Of Boston by
About 1900 Plurality.
City Votes License and Against Relay
ing fremont Street Tracks.
Republicans Generally Successful in the Other
Municipal Elections.

| Boston, Dec. 12.-After most spirit
ed campaign, the Republicans won a
great victory in the municipal election,
today, Hon. Thomas n. Hart defeating
Gen. Patrick A. Collins, the Democratic
nominee for mayor, by 1904 votes, the
total vote being: Hart. Rep, 40, Sos;
Collins, Dem, 49, The Democrats,
however, still control both branches of
the city government, the board of al
dermen by a somewhat increased ma
Jorlty. The city, as usual, voted for Ii
cense, but the all absorbing question
| of relaying the street car tracks on
| fremont street, which had been taken
up when the subway was completed
was negatived.
The Republican victory was in a
great measure due to the knitting Of
Gen. Collins by the supporters OF John
X. Murphy. who were severely disap-
| pointed at their favorite's defeat in
| the caucuses. A remarkably heavy
| Republican vote also materially assist
ed in overcoming the Democratic plu-
rality Of 1000 in the last city election
for mayor in 1897 and the 5000 at the
state election in November. The board
Of aldermen will stand: Eight Demo-
Gratis anu i've fepubllcanS.
The election other than the heavy
voting was devoid Of special incident,
there being no announcement at the
polls and no arrests.
The bitterness aroused over the re-
suit Of the Democratic caucuses, last
month. occasioning rupture in that
party. coupled with the tremendous
outpouring Of voters. especially in the
Republican wards interested in the
question Of relaying the tracks on Ire
mont street. was the direct cause which
prompted numerous Democrats and q
great majority of the Republicans to
vote for Mr.. Hart and that was the
opposition to the so-called Board of
Strategy" or the acknowledged lead
ers of the Democrats in City hall.
Hundreds of voters in the strong
Democratic districts followed the exam
pie Of the defeated candidate for the
party nomination at the caucuses. John
K. Murphy. and supported Mr.. Hart
much to the surprise and chagrin of
the Collins managers, who up to the
very morning of election, secuted the
idea that this dsfection would amount
to anything and confidently believed
that Mayor Quincy's plurality of two
years ago. would not only be eQudlled,
but exceeded. The revolt, however in
conjunction with solid Republican
vote, proved the fallacy of such calcu-
iations and gave their opponents a well
earned victory.
The question of relaying the tracks
of fremont street brought thousands
to the polls. Two years ago. when the
subway was completed at a cost of 81
10 al nrriT ali
Boylston street from the westerly en-
trance of the subway to fremont street
and along the latter street past the
common to Scollay square, were re-
moved by the Boston Elevated Co. in
conformity with the Legislative act.
An effort was made in the Legislature.
last spring. to pass an act providing
Tor the RELAXING of the rails. The oppo-
sltlon was very strong and compro-
mise was effected giving the voters of
Boston an opportunity to decide the
matter. Neither candidate mentioned
1t and the whole question was fought
out in the daily press with more than
ordinary vigor.
The defeat of the so-called board OF
strategy" must be regarded as a vic
tory for John r. Murphy. After his
'''A 'NhNtit III tIic tdutuStS Dy 6tT.
collins, he remained apparently pas
SlVe, while many of his Staunchest
leaders came out openly for his oppOn-
ent and spoke al the regular party rail-
lies. Suddenly. early, last week, Mr.
Murphy announced his intention of
voting for Mr.. Hart. the Republican
and in doing 50 issued
scathing denunciation against the
Democratic managers. and asserting
that Mr.. Collins nomination was ef-
fectet by wholesale fraud. This imme-
lately transformed the campaign from
one of lethargy to the most exciting in
the city's history, and from that time
until last night, the contest was waged
With great ferceness.
The two Democratic leaders INDUCED
n bitter personalities while the Re-
Dublcans with rallies in their strong
1olds, aroused the greatest interest. 50
hat the natural result was the largest
'ote ever polled in Boston.
Mr.. Hart, the successful candidate
$ no stranger to the office of mayor,
Continued on page 80