Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1855-01-11
An Election Trick.

The election for the borough OF M-was
close at hand: there were two candidates in
the field whose influence was so nearly balsn-
ced that neck. and-neCk contest was expect
ed. Under these circumstances every vote
was of consequence ami the utmost exertions
were used BY the friends of both candidates
to draw strangers out of their opponents ranks.
One Of the staunch supporters of Sir John
B., the Tory candidate; was an irritable old
captain, who had threatened TO set The house
dog on any one who might come to ask him
for his vote for liberal. The morning be-
fore the election, the old captain was work
ing in his little garden, when he perceived a
strange gentleman Whistling along the walk.
'Ah how dye do, Captain Nice grow
ing morning, peas coming up nicely, See,'
so id the stranger as he approached.
d beg your pardon, sir, but really don't
remember having the honor Of yonr acquaint-
ance; may be permitted to enquire your bus
inessP replied the captain dra wing himSelfup.
'Oh, certainly Pm canvassing for Sir John
B., and have come 10 talk 10 you about your
vote
Il think Sir John might have taken a more
civil mode OF requesting my interest
That's got nothing to do with the matter
sir; Pm here TO ask you distinctly, do you
mean to give him your vote and interest !
said the stranger pulling out a memorandum
book.
SIR said the captain, getting evidently an
cry, my political opinions are well known
| have ever supported the British constitution
in church and state, and
Il cannot allow you to shirk the question
Captain interrupted the stranger.
'Shirk, sir, what do you mean, sir 2 salt
the Captain reddening like turkey
4 mesn replied the other with the utmoS
GOODNESS, TO ask you again, will you give you
vote TO Sir John?'
'What suppose you came here to DULL
me, TO intimdate me-to--'
'By no means, captain but must repea
my question, will you give your vote to 81
John Yes or no = said the canvasSer, wait
ing, pencil in hand, to write down the OIL
fellows reply.
Sir said the captain, who was in tow
ering passion, Il consider this most ungen
tlemanly, insulting, and altogether unwarran'
able'-
'Wlll you vote for Sir John, Captain p
=, 'Sir, you may tell Sir Jahn'-
That you'll vote for him p
mo, sir! I'll see him damned hrst. l.
vote for that Radical scoundrel, D., whom
hate, just TO show Sir John that am not TO
bullied into supporting puppy like him.
Good morning, sir. Good morning
Good morning, captain. Pray don't g
angry; it is matter Of no consequence wha
ever said the stranger, as he retired, whiS
ling careleSsly.
The Old captain kept his word. He was or
Of the first who rendered his vote at electlc
on the following day.
'For whom d. you vote p asked the clerk.
For Mr.. D = replied the irrltatt
x captain with look o: defiance towards Il
c Tory candidate.
|, Thank you, captain-thank you? cited
II gentleman who wore the liberol colorS at b
d breast, grasping his hand cordially. 1t wi
II the very person who the day before canvaSSt
+ him on behalf OF Sir John.
The captain perceived in an instant how
/ had been hoaxed, but it was loo late to rem
y dy his mistake, and TO complete his morifc
: ton, the Radical candidate 10 whom he b'
J. given his vote, was returned by a majority
u