The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-06-14
UNOFFICIAL FIGURES
GIVE APPARENT
LEAD TO Cats
KNOTT, HOWEVER, CLAIMS PLUR-
AI1TY; OFFICIAL COUNT, AND
POSSIBLY COURT ACTION,
MUST SETTLE CONTEST

Apparently figures favor s. ].
Cats for Governor today, the Tri-
bune this morning claiming his elec-
tion by about 400 plurality. Advices
from Jacksonville, however, are to
the effect that Knott does not con-
cede this, but, on the contrary,
claims that a proper canvass of the
vote will give him the Governorship.
Figures have been returned in a
very fragmentary way. and 1t is
claimed that many errors have been
made, particularly in the disposition
of second choice votes. An entire
recount OF the vote probably will be
demanded, and 1t is likely that a big
wrangle will ensue before the claims
of the contesting candidates are set
tied.
The following from yesterday af-
ternoon's Jacksonville Metropolis in
dicates the situation as 1t exists In
Jacksonville:
Whether w. v. Knott or Sidney
j.. Cats is declared the Guberna-
torial nominee of last Tuesdays
Democratic primary election, the peo.
pie OF the State may expect to see
one Of the most bitter and most in
teresting fights ever recorded In the
courts OF Florida over political
contest, according to the belief Of
those best versed on the situation to-
day. So close is the apparent re-
suit, 1t is predicted that both sides
are prepared to take action In court.
Friends of both candidates have been
focking to Jacksonville during the
past several days and conference af-
ter conference is said to have taken
place.
Rumors of every description are
rife. In view of probable court ac-
tion, the possibility Of recount of
every ballot cast in the election. in
every county in the State. is suggest
ed, and 1t is rumpred that ballot
boxes are already beginning to make
their disappearance. 1t is reported
in Jacksonville today that at least
four and possibly six ballot boxes in
Alachua county are missing. Similar
reports as to ballot boxes In other
counties In the State are reaching
here. Contests are said to be going
on or In contemplation in Marion,
Alachua, Suwannee, Kukalla and
other counties. and IL half the re-
ports which are reaching here are
true one of the most entangling,
most complex situations the State
has ever known is surely in pros
pect
With all counties heard from ex-
cept Wakulla, either officially or un-
1t is claimed that both sides
are confident they hold the lead.
in Jacksonville for Mr..
Cats re-asserted its claim of yester-
day that Mr.. Cats will be the nomi-
nee by no less than 500 votes. On
the other hand Mr.. Knott is equally
that he will be the nomi-
nee. In a formal statement to the
Metropolis he assures his friends
that he is the nominee and expresses
thanks for their support.
Wakulla county was heard from
this noon by Mr.. Cats headquarters
and 1t gave net majority for Mr..
Cats of 144 votes. This includes first
and second choice for both candi-
dates. The count in Hillsborough
county IS yet incomplete, though 1t
has been progressing since Monday
at 10 o'clock.
The county canvassing boards in
every county. nearly, are checking
over the returns sent in by the clerks
and inspectors from the different
precincts and many discrepancies are
said to have been found In Duval
county, however. it is stated by the
supervisor Of registration. nothing
serious has as yet been discovered
A few errora in second choice tabu-
ation in number of precincts have
been corrected. Contests between To-
,al candidates in the different coun-
lis are said to be numerous and this
Il raetslffng IN q .-n4o b.,Io fgov, of fba
vote.
Court proceedings will be institut-
ID beyond question, no matter which
'ide is declared winner, according to
he belief prevailing here.