The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-03-21

According to every member of the Board
Of Election Commissioners the practical ap-
plication Of the election law, as amanaed'
will insure clean and fair election.
William A. Hobbs Republican member OF
the board, regrets that the General As
senb.. of the State did not approve the
amendments earlier. as, in his opinion. that
would have resulted in the elimination OF
several thousands Of fraudulent registrations
that he believes to exist. but ne also
states, with much emphasis. that the hon
esty and cleanliness of the election VIII de-
pend entirely on the judges and clerks.
II believe" stated Mr.. Hobbs Wednesday
night. That thousands of fraudulent entries
are contained in the registration lists OF tne
been adopted in time to allow the board 10
choose new judges and clerks prior TO tne
precinct registration and the canvass, ~
would have been possible to discover anu
erase these names. Eut do believe lhat
the General Assembly purposely delayed ac-
ton. ., =,
sibIe to cuunteracl this delay. The whole
matter is up TO The Republican City Cen
trail Committee. 50 far as l am concerned;
Everything will depend ON the judges ana
clerks. IL good. honest men are nominated,
ard l have every reason to suppose that
such men will be selected. the next election
could be held anywhere. l have told the
central committee to name good men,
skrewd. honest. capable men to serve as
judges and clerks. The committee l have
no doubt, will name such men. With such
officials in the polling places the Indians
will not be inclined to pursue their work.
the occasion, and will not allow Democratic
Indians to cast fraudulent votes. They'll
send the culprits to jail.
Il am in the Board OF Election Commis-
sioners to do my duty, without fear or fa,
vor. am Republican, and II L should
have the opportunity to favor my party
honestly at any time shall not hesitate TO
do so. You can say for me that 1 feel GER
tain that the board, as now constituted,
will DO what is right. The voters and not
the Indians must rule this city: Admit
are Democrats and will help their party
honestly. whenever possible. 1. nevertheless.
believe they will be just.
Confident Of Boards Integrity.
Il have every confidence In the board.
Take Judge McCatfery. for instance he
has been villitied. l nave known Jim Tor
thirty years and l have never known MN
10 10 a dishonest thing In his life. He ~
testy. sometimes. and we quarrel a little
now and then, but he Is honest. or course.
lie would favor his party at every oppor-
tunity, by strictly legitimate means, buI
that does not detract from his character. |
am willing 10 confess that l would do the
same, for 1 propose to aid my party.
Had the General Assembly effected the
amendments three or four weeks earlier,
new judges and clerks could have been ap.
pointed. The General Assembly. in my
opinion. purposely delayed action. The ap,,
of Objectionable officials. would have per-
mitted a comprehensive canvass and thor,
ough revision. which would have resulted M
in the expurgation Of at least from 1900 to
5.CGO fraudulent registrations in the down
town wards
However. this can be remedied. It Is
mi.tee Everything will depend on the
JUDGES and clerks. With competent. hon
est men. the next election will be as fair