Alexandria Gazette

A Missouri Polling Custom. The late Senator Bogy used to illustrate the settled character of the average Missourian's political faith by a story of his experience when living in the Southeastern section of the State. The country districts of that section were always good for a full vote. No matter what the weather or circumstances the returns always showed the entire strength of both parties. Bogy said he never understood this until upon one occasion he happened to spend a day at the polling place of one of these country districts. The voting went on in the ordinary manner until about three o'clock. Then the judges took the list, and going over the names of all who had not appeared, they voted every man on it, one or the other of the judges vouching to the rest for the respective voter's political predilections, and his vote being cast for the candidate of his party. Upon inquiry Bogy said he found that this was the common practice in the country districts, no man being allowed to lose his vote if any of the judges knew to which party he belonged, and it was seldom they came across a voter on the list whose political complexion could not be promptly given.