Evening journal., 1913-02-28
RECOUNT OF
BALLOTS SAVES
MR.. BENNET'SSEAT
conLinnd from Paee ma.

COnuucu from rage hit'.
the rule 10 be followed in counting
ballots. who were to determine what
we're to be rejected and who were TO
determine what were to oe counted
speaker Holeomb said the six mem
bcrs would count and decide on the
ballots to be counted. and those 10 be
rejected. and II they could not agree
tho question would be submitted 10
The House for decision He said the
Supreme Courts rulings would be toi-
lowed as to the counting
Representative Grantland at TINS
juncture announced that the kepuD-
lican members had protested against
the procedure and would not pariicip-
ate further il the proceedings OF tne
contest. since they did not believe the
ballot box should be opened
Representative Cooper asked II he
understood that the Republican mem-
hcrs would not take any further part
nnd Representative Grantland IN reply
read the following statement.
mt. Speaker-Upon taking my scat
in this body ! agreed and solcmnly
svoro that / would support the Con-
stitution of the United States and the
Constitution of the State Of Delaware
and that / would faithfully discharge
the duties of the Office OF Member
OF the General Assembly, according
10 the best OF my ability J have en-
doavorcd al all times 10 carry out the
provisions OF the oath then taken Dut
when it comes TO assuming the ability
no decide a question that has Doen
once decided by our Houored court
feel it 20 be a responsibility that !
care not to assume, and Of which 1
would respectfully ask TO be relieved.
Speaker Holcomo said the proceed
inqs could not be deferred by the at
htude of the Republican members
and be then appointed as the com
mite of six members 10 open the
boxes and count the ballots Repre-
scntativos Cooper. Arthurs ana
Owens. Democrats. and Represente-
tives Bradford, Barnard and Derrick
son. Republicans. Representative
Dorrickson asked that he be relieved
as he had been excused for tomorrow
and desired TO 60 away. Representa-
tiycs Lingo and Barnard announced
that they declined TO serve and Re
preventative Bradford said he, too,
would have to decline.
Sneaker Holcomh asked If he un-
Sers;ood that no Republican would
serve. and Representative Grantland
said that was true. The Speaker then
nppointed Representatives Records
Hammond and Wagamon, Democrats
TO take the places OF the Republicans
who would not serve Or. Hammond
asked to be excused from serving,
and Representative Taylor was nam
ed In his place The six DmOcratic
canvassers. with William G. Jones,
Ir.. and James NJ. Tunnel. legisla-
tive counsel, gathered around the two
ballot boxes i'm the center Of the
House chamber
IL required two hours TO arrange
and count the 7S6 ballots in the box
of the First Election district of the
First Representative district. and the
recount gave Mr. Bennett gain OF
four votes over what had been return
ed and certified TO by the court The
recount gave Bennett 277. Dicker-
son 327. Progressive 154. Prohibition
Z and mutilatcd 2l.
Mr.. wilson. represented Mr.. Dick
erson. announced that no contest had
been filed In the Second Election dis
trlct and that ballot box was not
opened
Representative Cooper, I'm announc-
ing the result. congratulated Mr.. Ben
nett, and the committee OF tho whole
then was dissolved and recess was
taken while the Democratic members
congratulated Mr. Bennett on retain
ing his scat Mr. Vale, his counsel,
thanked the House for its uniform
courtesy extended TO him, and tho
contest was over. but it has not been
forgotten by any means.