The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-12-10
b0ST0N'S FIGHT
FOR mAYORALTY
GOES TO POLLS

Boston. Dec. 1o.-The opening of the
polling booths In Boston's 25 wards before
sunrise today, saw large number OF vot-
ers ready TO cast the opening ballots of
an election day. the results OF which
were awaited with probably more inter-
est than has been manifested for a num-
Der of years. The usual widely divergent
claims OF the candidates and the uncer-
tainty as TO the stand OF prominent ward
leaders. who were depended upon In some
cases to deliver several hundred votes,
entered into the state of unrest which was
felt by the adherents OF the three can
didates for Mayor throughout the day.
The Democratic headquarters which had
Mayor John F. Fitzgerald at its head for
reelection. lowered its estimate on the
mayors probable plurality early today.
but still claimed comfortable margin.
Postmaster George A. Hibbard, the Re-
publican candidate, on the other hand.
from an eCtimate of 1900 as a possible
plurality, predicted a landslide for HIM
self and the rest of the Republican ticket.
The vote OF the Independence league fol-
lowers was the greatest OF the unknown
quantities of the election At the state
league candidate for district attorney. re-
ceved a substantial plurality over the
Republican and Democratic candidates
and John A. CoulthurSt, the leagues can
didate for mayor. declared that he would
increase the vote given to Mr.. Moran.
Outside the mayoralty contest, the vot-
ing for street commissioner and for the
two places on the school board excited
great interest In the former contest,
ct Es.Iz n Il,
CD was opposed for reelection by
Charles NJ. Draper, former chairman of
the board OF aldermen. who was running
fs-tife- Republican candidate.
In the school board contest. the Repub-
lcans. the Independence league and the
Public School association united in in
dosing DIR. David r. Scannell and James
+. Magennis, while the Democrats had
nominated Mrs. Julia Duff and John l..
Potts.
The contests for the places Of the 10
aldermen and IS common councilmen
were marked in several cases by sharp
contests, but In the main were devoid of
more than sectional interest Reports
from all sections OF the city indicated at
10 o'clock this forenoon that an unusually
heavy vote was being polled and II was
thought that when the polls closed at
y. m, one of the greatest votes on record
would have been cast.
The unusually large vote which IL had
been expected the license question and
many fights for offices as mayor would
bring out In the Is cities which in addi-
tion 10 Boston are holding municipal cleo
tions today. seemed assured by morning
reports from each of the cities.
Forty candidates, nine OF whom nre
seeking reelection, are making fights for
the mayoralties OF Beverly, Boston. Cam
bridge, Chelsea, Chcopee, Everett. Hol-
yoke. Lowell, Lynn, Maiden, Melrose,
Newhuryport, Newton, Salem, Somerviie
Woburn and Worcester. though In New
ton and Melrose the Republican candi-
oates are unopposed. In Fall River and
Medford, where mayors are elected bien-
nially, there Is no choice OF chief exec
utive TO be made this year.
The license question Is one I'm which
unusual interest is being taken and tenn
perance parties look for r. considerable in
crease In opposition to liquor selling