But a story had come in that Hunter precinct, which was for Rushville, had voted a lot of illegal votes : that the ranch had voted its payroll for years gone.

After the lapse of years, it will do to tell the story, which may or may not have any foundation of fact. It was stated that John Riggs was bringing in the returns from Hunter ranch when he met a friend and stopped to talk.

hundred and eighty-four. This action gave Hay Springs 839 and Rushville 735.

The county commissioners declared Hay Springs the successful candidate, and ordered the seat of county government removed to that town. Rushville partisans resented what they termed unauthorized proceedings and went into court. It resulted in a preemptory writ eventually issuing from the supreme court of the state, Samuel Maxwell, chief justice, and sent down by Guy A. Brown, then clerk, ordering the canvassing board to reconvene and canvass the vote as sent in, they having no authority to go behind the returns. This opinion, made nearly a year after the election, gave Rushville the permanent county-seat, and during the interim, it had been the temporary seat of county government.. ' The election of September 8 had revealed

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

that Sheridan county was to have political contests the same as "back east." Except for the candidate for treasurer, A. McKinney, and Commissioner, G. T. Morey, there were contests for the several offices. The results also showed the isolated votes; one or two votes for this or that person, and the humorist was also in evidence. There was one vote for "Baby Tucker." whom we understand was a rather fat youngster who lived over in Cherry county. The vote also evidenced the partisans in the county-seat fight were remembered by their friends and enemies.