The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1911-02-09

from voting for me In the primary OF
January 31st, 1911, and to vote tor
Mr.. Bryan.
5-That various Of said statements
were made and published and dis
tributed in such manner and at such
places and at such times, that it was
impossible for me to answer them so
that my answers should reach the
voters who read the statements. and
there 10 evidence to show that they
were thus published and distributed
so there should be no opportunity for
me to meet them by answering and
there are strong indications that EVIL
dence exists that by reason Of such
statements thus made many persons
who otherwise would have voted for
me were induced not to vote for ms.
bue to vote for Mr.. Bryan
6-That there are strong indicA-
tions Of the existence OF evidence that
upon the day Of the said primary
election, January 81, 1911. supporters
OF Mr.. Bryan. with the knowledge OF
him or his managers, had or dis
tributed at or near polling places IN
the state OF Florida writings contain
ing statements Injurious to me a. a
senatorial candidates and intended 20
influence voters to vote against me
and in favor Of Mr.. Bryan. That such
action OF such Supporters Of Mr.. Bryan
was not only In violation OF the
statutory criminal laws OF Florida. but
there are strong indications that evil
dence exists that persons who would
have voted for me were by such
writings induced not to vote for me,
byt fO yotA for Mr. Rryan
There are strong indications that
evidence exists OF the unlawful regis
tration and procurement Of votes to
be cast for Mr.. Bryan which would
not have been cast for him without
such registration and procurement.
8-That there are strong indications
that evidence exists that votes cast as
Aforesaid for Mr.. Bryan. procured by
methods aforesaid, and the votes cast
for me and not counted, were In suf-
ficient number to have given me a
majority Of all the votes cast in said
election.
CAN PROVE SOME CHARGES.
am at this time able to prove the
publication and distribution thereof
ana 5 above and to prove the falsity
OF the assertions and Implications also
mentioned In the said specifications.
! am not able, however. at this time to
prove. except as to some instance. ths
existence OF the facts stated In speci-
hcations /, 3, 6, Z and s; nor can
state that such facts exist or are sus-
ceptible Of proof to such extent as to
justify the setting aside of the appar-
ent result Of the primary election. As
to such facts can only state that in
dications from various portions Of the
state point to their existence, but that
am not in the short period elapsing
between the primary and the canvass
by this committee. able to prove ~
procure the necessary evidence .c
prove their existence.
I am advised that It is at least
doubtful whether this committee has
the Jurisdiction to consider or pass
upon the questions submitted above
and the purpose Of this protest is te
prevent the implication arising from
my silence that ! acquiesced In the
apparent result OF said primary cleo.
ton and the methods which in part
surely. and in part apparently have
brought about the result. in order thai
| q path may be outlined for any
tribunal, judicial or legislative, which
may In the interest Of the preserve
ton of the purity OF the primary and
the obtaining Of q proper result In
this particular case, undertake an in
vestigation Of those methods and the
effect.
| (Signed) w. A. BLOUNT.
Mr.. Blount does not say that he will
make q contest before the legislature
but his protest is presented for the
purpose of paving the way to such
contest should the evidence Ct irregu-
larittes. which he alleges. seem tc
warrant It.