New-York tribune., 1905-01-08
THE CoLORADO CONTEST.

Colorado is passing through another epidemic
Of political disorder. A contest over the Gov
ernorship has ragged since the day after the
election The Supreme Court was drawn into
the controversy. and through its activity exten-
siye frauds I'm Denver were uncovered and
score or more of ballot box suffers were sent
10 the penitentiary The court ordered the vote
in a number of Denver precincts thrown out on
the ground of wholesale fraud. Alva Adams,
the Democratic candidate for Governor, had an
apparent plurality on the face Of the returns.
but his title to the GovernOrship was impugned
by the discovery of an organized conspiracy IN
Denver 10 count him in. and steps were taken
al once 10 review the vote on which he claimed
election The Supreme Court has now author
lied a sweeping investigation Of the Denver
election-One which will go to the root Of the
vicious election practices which have made that
city notorious the home of the repeater ana
the tissue ballot manipulator
This judicial investigation cannot be con-
cluded for several months Meanwhile, the legis-
lature has taken hand in the adjudication OF
the Goyernorship contest. Both legislative
houses are strongly Republican, and they have
the right TO canvass in joint session the vote
cast for State officials and to pass on the validity
Of the titles issued by the State canvassing
board TO officers-elect. Some differences OF
opinion have arisen among the Republican mem
bers of the two houses. The holdover Lieuten-
ant Governor and President Of the Senate and
the Speaker of the new House of Representa-
tives have come into collision. and in joint ses-
sion a conflict was precipitated on Friday be-
tween the majority. who want TO reseat Gov
ernor Peabody and the minority, who want 10
give the office to Mr.. Adams or leave il vacant
until the result of the Supreme Courts inquiry
is made known.
To the people of Colorado indeed. the pressing
question is not so much whether Adams or Pea
body was elected as whether the State is to rid
itself of the domination of the ballot box stuher
and the thug Two years ago IT. was proven
that Democratic Representative in Congress
owed his election 10 the frauds committed by
the Denver ring" Rather than defend an i'm
possible title, that Representative, the Hon, John
F. Shafroth. resigned his seat. This year in
defiance of the instructions and warnings Of the
Supreme Court. these same election thieves ran
ND an overwhelming vote in Denver for Mr..
Adams and certain other candidates on the
Democratic State ticket. The city seems at
present helpessly in the grip of the ring. ara
ONLY the drastic interference Of the courts, the
legislature and the State authorities can crush
and punish the criminals who have for years
controlled the election machinery. Colorado S
first duty is to send these lawbreakers TO jail.
lis second duty is 10 amend the election laws
so as TO make the frauds of the last four or five
years impossible of repetition. a strict personal
registration system is needed, with provisions
for watching and guarding the count which
leave no chance for the forger and the tissue
ballot operator. 1t is TO be hoped that the pres
ent Republican legislature will strike a death
blow at frauds in Denver, and that Colorado
will emerge from its present struggle with the
forces of corruption n politically cleaner and
more truly seIf-governing State.