Speech #440002226

This is patent and indisputable in alarge nmber of counties in the State. In unany counties it has been distinctly developed that ballots were so manipulated in this way as that one man could cast five votes or more. according to the number of small tickets incased in at larger one as an outside wrapper. and shrewdly shaken into the ballotbox by persons trained for the purpose. The result of this programme was thatin several counties more votes were counted than there were ballots cast. and the general returns of the election in the counties. the congressional districts. and the State show such an increase in the popular vote as cannot be accounted for by any rational theory of registered voters or actual immigration since the last State electiou in 1873. There is a registration law in the State. whereby all voters arc registered by name and certifieates given. The statement was publicly made at a nmeting of the State republican executive committee that the generalelection returns showed that 24.000 more votes had been polled in the State than there were registered voters.