The Lafayette gazette. [volume] (Lafayette, La.) 1893-1921, 1900-04-07
SHOULD NOT COMPLAIN.
A great howl has been raised by

SHOULD NOT COMPLAIN.
A great howl has been raised by
certain persons because the nomi-
nation papers of the Republican
fusion ticket of this parish have
been rejected by the election board
1t Baton Rouge. On accoun: of
the action OF the Board this peace
full and law abiding community is
threatened with very serious trouble. |
Some irresponsible parties glibly
talk Of shotguns, winchesters and
other things Of the same sort. We
hope, however, that these wild
threats will serve only to make
those who utter them ridiculous in
the eyes Of sensible people.
Under the law certain conditions
must be complied with IN preparing
nomination papers. Before all
courts there are well-established
rules which are to- be observed. In
the present case the Democratic
nominees protested against the
nomination papers of the Republi-
cans on the ground that they were
irregular. The Democrats claimed
that the Republicans had violated
the law in the preparation of their
nomination papers and appealed to
the Board to rule them out. The
Board sustained the protest of the
Democrats and the nomination
papers of the Republicans were re-
jected.
Speaking of the contest from this
parish the Times Democrat CORE
spondent at Baton Rouge says:
The Republican nomination papers from
Iafayette parish contested by Sheriff Ike
Broussard proved easy morsel for the
election board. For abundant errors and
fragrant irregularities these nomination
papers carried off the laurels. Candidates
signed their own nomination papers, signers
failed to write their addresses, the political
designation and the elephant were placed
upon the papers after certifcation by the
registrar, and several signers after hearing
of the irregularities in getting up the docu
ments withdrew their names. The contest
ants were represented by Mr.. Thomas
Herman and the Republicans, although
amply notified, failed have representa-
tive present.
The board promptly sustained the protes
of Sheriff Broussard.
No one will accuse the Times
Democrat Of being partial to :h'
present administration and tina
journal tells US that the omina tiol
papers of the Lafayette Republican,
tecarried off the laurels for abund
ant errors and fragrant Irregular
ties"
We do not wish our remarks t.
be construed into an endorsement
of the present election law. Fa
from that We believe that tn
next Legislature should repeal thi
law or change it SO as to simPlif
matters. Although this law ha
been framed by some Of the bes
men in the State and voted for b.
Legislators of unquestioned intee
rity and conceded ability we do no
think it is suited to the genius Q
our people, 1t matters not VIVA
may be ITS purposes or howeve
honest it's Interpretation and en-
forcement, it is our opinion that
will be a source of trouble at ever
recurring election.
But in the case of the parish Re
publican-fusionc candidates the dc
cision of the Board seems yer
much like the melting out of poeti
justice. At the primary held las
December full vote was police
Out Of registration of 2253 200
votes were cast. Republicans vote
. freely a. Democrats. they vote
@aaA5rlIv fsyr- their fayOrlteS but wei