Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-09-18
NOVEL MODE OF ELEcr1oHEFRINe

The election for the borough of M
was close at hand there were two can.
dldafes in the field, whose influence was
so nearly balanced that neck-and-neck
contest was expected. Under these cir
cpmstances every vote was of conse-
quence, and the utmost exertions were
used by the friends OF 10th candidates to
draw stragglers out of their opponents
ranks. Among the staunch supporters of
Sir John B, the Tory candidate, was
an irritable old Captain, who had threat
sned to set the house dog on any one who
might come to ask him for his vote for a
Liberal: ThemorniDg before the election,
the old Captain was working in bis little
garden, when he perceived a strange gen.
tleman whistling along the walk.
All How d We do, Captain! Nice
growing morning, pess coming I'D nicely.
| see. said the stranger as he approached
L beg your pardon, sir, but really
don t remember having the honor of your
acquaintance; may be permitted to in
quire your business 2" replied the Cap
tain, drawing himself up.
''Oh! certainly. I'm canvassing for
Sir John B, and I've come to talk
with you about your vote"
think Sir John might have taken
more civil mode of requesting my in
terest."
THAT s got nothing to do with the mat
ter, sir, I'm here to ask you distinctly, do
you mean to give him your vote and in
terest said the stranger, pulling out
om bis pocket memorsndum-book.
Sir" said the Captain, getting evil
IDENTITY angry, .'my political opinions are
well known. / have ever supported the
British constitution in church and state,
and -"
81 cannot allow you to shirk the ques-
ton, Captain, interrupted the stranger.
''Shirk, sir; what do you mean, sir g"
said the captain, reddening like a turkey
cock.
81 mean" replied the other with the
utmost GOODNESS, "to ask you again, viii
you give your vote to Sir John ?''
What! I suppose you come here to
bully me, to intimidste me-to"-
''By no mesus, captain but must
repeat my question, will you give your
vote to Sir John Yes, or no 2" said the
canvasser, waiting, pencil IN hand, to
write down the old fellows reply.
''Sir, said the captain. who was in Q
towering passion, 81 consider this most
uugentlemanly, insulting, and altogether
I'D Warrantable"-
Twill you vote for Sir John, captain 2"
Sir, you may tell Sir john
That you will vote for him l'
"No, sir! I'll see him ID first. I'll
vote for that Radical scoundrel D.,
whom 1 hate, just to show Sir John that
I'm not to be bullied into supporting .
puppy like him. Good morning, sir
COOK morning !"
"Good morning, captain. Pray don't
get angry: it is matter of no conse-
quence whatever" said the stranger, as
he retired, whistling carelessly.
The old captain kept his word. He
was one of the first who rendered his
vote at election on the following day.
For whom do you vote 2" asked the
clerk.
"For Mr.. - replied the irate cap-
tain, with look of defiance towards the
Tory candidate.
"Thank you, captaip-thank you ="
cried gentleman who wore the liberal
colors at his breast, grasping his hand
cordially. 1t was the very person who
the day before canvassed him on behalf
of Sir John.
The captain perceived in an instant
how he had been hoaxed, but it was too
late to remedy his mistake; and to COM
plete his modification, the Radical can.
didate, to whom he had given his vote,
was returned by majority Of one.