Jamestown weekly alert. [volume] (Jamestown, Stutsman County, D.T. [N.D.]) 1882-1925, 1899-03-16

ballots were cast for Mr.. Flint.
The ballot box from Bloomenteldt
precinct was introduced and opened in
court. It was found to contain the tally
sheets poll list and the election ballots.
The poll list contained 26 names. On
| recount of the ballots it revealed the
fact that % had chosen FL. @. Flint for
keeper of the county's money while 4
preferred A. M. Halstead.
Henry Odenbach was the first witness
from Bloomenfeldt called to the stand.
He is said to be big man politically
among the Russians of that precinct
sort of Richard Croker. He stated
that he had acted as inspector in that
precinct at the last election. Every
thing, according to his testimony went
smoothly on that day, the ballots had
been carefully counted and put back in
the ballot box and the box. had been
guarded sacredly by himself. The key
to the box he had himself returned to
the county auditor few days after the
election. As Inspector of the election be
was assisted by Henry Kraft, a republi.
can, and Geo. Kermer, a democrat, who
acted as judges. Mr.. Odenbach testi
fed that he had not marked any ballots
for any voters whatsoever nor to hit
knowledge had Kermer or Kraft.
Kraft testified that he had acted at
Judge of election in Bloomenfeldt pre-
cinot. With the aid OF Odenbsch he said
he had assisted number of voters II
marking their ballots. Kermer, the
other Judge could not read or write
English, Kraft testified so that he did
not take part in the proceedings.
A. Pierson of Bloomenfeldt was the
next witness called. He was asked to
testify regarding the Bloomenfeldt
election and requested by Attorney
Ellsworth to stase how he voted. Attor
ney McHarR objected to the witness
giving such testimony on the grounds
that the Australian ballot system Wal
for the protection of the voter and II
would be against the policy of the state
to do so. He quoted decision of .
Nebraska court in support Of his claim
The objection was overruled In part
Judge G]asu ell stating that the witness
could testify voluntarily it he wished
Witness stated that he had voted for tht
independent and democrstio ticket. Ir
answer to question Of Attorney Knsu1
he stated that he had not accepted any
money from Attorney Sanford or any
one else. He gave away some cigarf
election day but he paid for them
himself.
David Kermer was called as witness
Gottlieb Fiechert was called ss inter-
} prefer. David testified that he voted
} for HaIstead. He said he voted at the
bottom OF the democratic ticket and at
the top of tho republican ticket. He
was not certain how far he went down
the republican ticket before he went
} over on the democratic side. Gross
examined by Attorney MoHarg he stated
that he was not certain where he crossed
Shown an official ballot he pointed tc
Fred Falley's name and said that be
voted about as far as "her" and theI
crossed over to the democratic column.
Geo. Deitoher stated that he came
from South Dakota in the fall Of '97 tc
Bloomenfeldt. He stated that he hao
taken out his citizen papers, but just
where be could not say-some where II
South Dakota. Afterwsrd he SAID, 81
} took out my papers out in Yankton.
} Attorney Ellsworth asked him for whom
he had voted at the last election and ht
stated that be did not wish to tell.
Jacob Graf was the next witness
Geo. Deitcher was sworn as interpreter
Graf stated that he had moved from
Logan county May 10, 1893. He hac
} received his second papers April 3. 1898
} As six months had not elapsed since hi
} removal into Stutsman county his vot'
Nov 8 was illegal. He testified that HI
bad voted for II. @. Flint.
Peter Seitz was the next witness. Hi
! testimony not Of an important nature
and by request of Attorney McHare
Graf was recalled. He testified that he
bad put up hay in '97 on the farm il
Stutsman county but that he had actec
as assessor in Logan county in April
1893 and his family resided in tina
county until May 10, 1898.
Philip Schmitt was called. He testi
fed regarding his citizenship and volun
teered the information that be hae
voted republican and did not get any
thing for 30 doing"
, Court convened this morning at II
O'Clock. The subject of the marking
! of ballots was taken up. Judge Glsspel
quoted the decisions OF number o
state courts regarding the legality Of
ballot marked outside the square sfte
the candidates name. Those courts de
c,ded that ballot marked in this wa,
was not legal aud for this reason tn