"THE STANDARD STARTED THE FRAUDALENT SCHEME"

The Cortland News, Friday, September 22, 1882.

County Republican Committee on Credentials Reports on Charge of Ballot Fraud.

   [some beginning lines of type are ink-smeared and illegible—CC editor]…disposition shown by their representatives in their action on the question of the contested seats from Cortland. There was little or nothing to quarrel about, as the four delegates from Cortland did not by any means hold the balance of power, and the admission of either set would not have changed the general result. For that reason it would have been very impolitic for the convention to have recorded a verdict that Republicans had been guilty of frauds, thus furnishing arguments for the Democracy, and at the same time making a large disaffection among our own friends who believed such a decision to be unwarranted. There was no proof of the charges; they depended upon surmise and assertion only.

   In the light of the fact brought out by the committee on credentials and now undisputed, that all the thin-paper ballots used at the regular caucus were printed for both candidates alike at the Standard office--2,500 for Mr. Harrington and 1,500 for Mr. Bushby—the charge made in the Standard two weeks ago that tissue ballots were used would seem to be misleading if not fraudulent and malicious. So the later allegation that the report was substantially in accord with the statement made by Judge Duell, instead of impeaching the unanimous report made by five men of high standing and undoubted integrity—one of whom came from each of the four corners of the county and the fifth from Marathon—after hearing the proofs, simply proves that Judge Duell's statements were more in accordance with the facts than were the assertions of Mr. Clark and his associates who had found places in the convention as substitutes for delegates from towns in which they did not reside and were thus enabled to stir up strife.

   The hair-splitting attempts to show that the estimate of the committee as to the number of voters is not up to the number of votes cast is begging the question. The report merely states that the estimated increase over 1880 is at least 300, while other estimates put it as high as 500. The report also mentions the fact that the large number of votes may be accounted for by the fact that some Democrats voted for each party. There are many "Independents” so-called who vote more or less of each ticket and cannot, perhaps, strictly he objected to in a caucus of either party, and yet they are not counted as Republican. A strict rule perhaps would disfranchise those lovers of strife who, annually failing in their efforts to dictate to a county convention, seek underhandedly to defeat one or more of the Republican nominees.

   The report of the committee is consistent and fair, and no better way could have been devised for settling the matter after it had been unnecessarily brought there by the substitutes mentioned.

   Mr. Clark took occasion to state in the convention that he had no fear of the Democratic party, and we think that is so. If he had a little of that fear, and would give as much time and space to opposing Democratic schemes and ascendancy as he does to keeping up a factional strife in the Republican party, he would show more symptoms of being a Republican editor than he now does.

   The action of the convention needs no defense, but inasmuch as the Standard went out of its way to attack the convention and the honesty and integrity of the delegate, it seemed but proper that we should make the suggestions we have.

“FRAUD!” “STOP THIEF!”

   Last week the Cortland Standard displayed its weakness by printing another column on what it is pleased to call the fraudulent caucus in Cortland, and thus attempted to create a division in the party. This moves the NEWS to expose the Standard's own fraud in the matter. The evidence before the committee proved conclusively and the committee reported unanimously that whatever fraud was perpetrated originated in the Standard office. The NEWS printed Mr. Bushby's tickets on thick, heavy paper. These were the tickets used by Mr. Bushby in person, and he, knew of no others.

   The Standard, for the purpose of carrying the caucus by fraud, printed 2,500 tissue ballots for Mr. Harrington. A friend of Mr. Bushby, discovering the game, went to the Standard office without the knowledge of Mr. Bushby and procured 1,500 Bushby tickets on the same kind of paper, and that is all there is of it. The Standard started the fraudulent scheme, printed the fraudulent ballots and was the originator of the fraud. It attempted to play double by printing for both parties and advising both how to win, and then, when 1,500 beat 2,500, it cries out "fraud." Indeed, history repeats itself. The thief cries "stop thief!"

   But, "anything for money and a row" is the Standard's motto.

RESPONSIBILITY REMOVED.

   Just a year ago Mr. William H. Clark, of the Cortland Standard, was a proud member of three important committees, the Republican State Committee, the Senatorial Committee and the Congressional Committee for the 25th District. It cost him some effort and, in case of the State Committee, much fraud to get there. Last year he was removed from the State Committee, and his friend(?), Judge Smith, was put in his place. He was a professed friend of Senator McCarthy, yet the same convention that nominated the Senator removed Mr. Clark after a severe struggle on his part to remain, and substituted another; and this fall, though he professed friendship for Mr. Hiscock, the Convention that unanimously nominated Mr, Hiscock removed Mr. Clark from the committee, notwithstanding the efforts of his friends [that admire] him. And now, though relieved of this responsibility, he isn't happy [last three lines ink-smeared—CC editor]

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   Mrs. Wm. P. Randall has exchanged some land on Owego street for Prof. J. M. Milne's house and lot on Tompkins street, has taken possession and will occupy it as a residence.

   The Standard this week endeavors to explain the tissue ballot printing done at that office, and as usual shifts the responsibility to other's shoulders. "The wounded bird flutters."

   The number of Normal students still continues to increase. As we go to press the figures stand as follows: Number of new normal students. 135. Number of former normal students. 202. Total number normal students 337. The number of academic, intermediate and primary pupils is also very large.

   Neighbor Jones, of the Democrat, has just put in his office one of the latest improved Campbell newspaper presses, a machine intended to answer all the requirements of' newspaper and job printing. With this superior press, a Hoe fast-running cylinder job press, and the smallest and largest sizes of the Gordon-Franklin job presses, the Democrat is the best equipped office for doing the best and greatest variety of work of any country office of which we have knowledge.

   Commissioner .Davern has done a very neat, workmanlike job on the walk and sluice-way across Main street from the post office. He will next turn his attention to laying similar walks across Main street opposite Sager & Jennings' store, and opposite the store of R. S. Randall & Co., and of course these will be done as well as the first named.

   The Normal school is just a "booming" this term. No other term like it in the history of the school. And this without advertising of any kind on the part of the Board. But then, you see, the Court of Appeals and the Legislature, and indeed the entire press of the State have done something in that direction, and that's what's the matter with H—oose!

   Mr. Warner Rood, lessee of Taylor Hall, again gives an earnest of what he intends to furnish the people in the way of entertainments. Next week Friday evening, the 29th inst., the Helen Coleman troupe of twenty-nine persons will play "Widow Bedott," and we can safely expect a fine treat. October 5, the well-known and popular "Holman English Opera Troupe" of 35 people will give "The Chimes of Normandy." The company is known the country over and they are always greeted by full houses. October 6 and 7, the "Boston Juvenile Opera Company" of twenty-five persons play ''Olivette" and "Patience." This troupe have won a reputation with which they have every reason to feel satisfied.

   A few moments after their arrival, Excelsior Hooks of Cortland disembarked at the D. L. & W. depot and were received by Crystals, who escorted them to Exchange Hotel. Here they were warmly welcomed by S. C. Millard, Esq., in a pleasing speech, which was ably responded to by A. K. Miller, of the Cortland Standard. Among their guests were Chief Engineer Ingalls, of the Cortland department, R. Bushby, Second Assistant, and Mr. Miller. Their truck is a very handsome one, and carries on top an oral scroll on which is the motto Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re. Inside the scroll was suspended two clasped hands presented by Crystals and inscribed "Crystals to Excelsiors." The uniforms are military gray, including caps, with long parade coats. The Cortland Excelsiors are thirty-three strong, and were accompanied by the Homer Band. Their marching was generally commented on as excellent, and showed careful drill and discipline.—Bing. Rep.