davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20
TRICKERY.

Some of the men who, from political or
personal motives, have been laboring to pre-.
vent an Anti-Nebraska organization of the
House, have resorted to every species of trick
cry to accomplish their purposes. Copies oil
the Era of last week, containing our brief para
graph on the contest, were obtained by them
and sent to the gentlemen named therein, with
black line run round the paragraph, so as to
convey the impression that we had thus direct.
ed it, intending it as personal and to brow.
beat them. The thing was a mean, malignant
fraud. Not copy of that number of the Era
was sent to any member Of the House, mot a
subscriber,) by our direction, at our sugges
ton, with our knowledge. We are never guilty
of such personalities.
To show what was expected from this trick,
we copy the following extract from a letter in
the Ne,o York Herald, dated Washington,
Thursday, December l3:
The crisis has arrived. 1t was clearly
manifest, long before the hour of meeting, that
some rich scenes were about to be enacted,
and that men would be called on to define their
position. An article made its appearance in
the Abolition organ in this city-the National
Era-this morning, and it was circulated
through the House, and put into the hands of
almost every member, barring the Administra-
ton side, which, taken literally, drives, and
cliDches, too, the last nail in the political coffin
of Mr.. Banks. 1t (the Era) says Mr.. Banks,
who stands upon the Anti-Nebraska and Anti
Slavery Extension platform, alone, is the choice
of the great majority of the opposition from
the free States, and has received, on several
ballotings, l07 votes, wanting only six of an
election. Nobody questions his eminent fit
ness, or his fidelity to the Anti-Nebrask plat
FORM His (Bankss) endorsement by DIR.
Bailey, of the Era, of itself, it seems to me,
was nothing more than might have been ex-
pected; but it has placed barrier, an impass-
able barrier, between the Fuller and Marshall
factions and the friends Of Mr.. Banks. Even
Campbell's friends manifested good deal of
feeling, and seemed to be chatting under this or
some other cause; and it was whispered around
the hall Of the House, that an EXPLANATION
would have to be made by Mr.. Banks. that
they might know his trne position. Banks's
endorsement by the National Intelli0encer
gained him some strength, but the ErG's en-.
dorsement was too much. They mistrust that
there Is cat in the mealtub.
This has changed the whole order Of things
A new programme will now be laid down"
The gentlemen who were expected to be
alienated by this trick, have, ere this, been ap
Prised OF the truth, aud they will doubtless be
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20

titled to their freedom. An anonymous pamph-
let, signed "Lycenus," published in St. Louis
in 1853, maintains that the four thousand FIVE
hundred and fifty-eight slaves, held in these
counties, are legally entitled to their freedom
and, If they could bring suit, would be set free
by the United States court, under the act OF
March 9th, 1920. If this representation is cor
rect, and / perceive no argument against it,
these slaves must be still entitled to their free
dom; for the repeal of the Missouri Compro-
mise, in 1884, could not have legalized viola
tons OF that act continued through a course of
eighteen years. These counties are the strong
hold of the ''border ruffians," and it would be
well If the fact could be brought before the
country, that these men have been holding their
slaves in defiance of an express act of Congress,
and that it is in keeping with their whole char
acter TO seek to force Slavery into other por-
tions of this same Northwest Territory.
KANSAS.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20
INQUIRY ANswERED-AN IMPORTANT PRO
JECT

wish to inquire if there has been any his
toncal account published Of the aggressions of
Slavery on Freedom, since the passage of the
Ordinance of 1881? IL so, where can it be
found ?"
lays Jielcs Of the action of the Federal
Government IN relation to Slavery, will satisfy
the demand OF our friend. 1t has gone through
several editions, and may be had by sending
an order to Lewis Tappan, IS Beekman street,
New York. 1t is an admirable work, full of
facts, carefully investigated, and powerfully pre-
scented. At this time it should be in the hands
Of every voter in the Union.
There is period in our history which should
form the theme of distinct sketch or nara.
rative-the period of ten years since the annex
alton of Texas, during which the aggressions
of the Slave Power have been more numerous
than at any former time. We hope soon to be
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20

elected, eminently qualified for the position,
and they have stood by him immovably, giving
him from day to day los votes, the next high
est candidate receiving but IS. What right
has the Times, or any other newspaper, to abuse
them for this? Is steadiness of purpose want
of patriotism? Are consistency and irmness
evidence of little devotion to the public good
Let the Times turn its batteries upon the Rich
ardson and Fuller men-the Pro.Slavery and
the Compromise factions, and help, not hinder,
the men struggling for the maintenance of the
great movement it has professed to advocate.
Mr.. Pennington's outside friends will hardly
make voters for their candidate, by abusing the
Anti-Nebraska majority of the House.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20
IN their guard against such imposture here

on their guard against such imposture here
after.
AS to the effect of " DR.. Bailey's declaration
in favor of Mr.. Banks" word or two will
suffice. Thursday morning it was circulated,
says this correspondent. Well-Mr. Banks
continued to receive the same number of votes
that day and the next; Friday night, was nomi-
mated in regular caucus by unanimous vote !;
Saturday last, lost not single supporter, ex-
cept Mr.. Pearce of Pennsylvania, who did not
vote at all and the following Monday com
manded his full vote
Possibly, the " outsiders" may try their hand
again.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20
KANSAS A FEW SUGGESTIONS.
LEArEEwoRTm CRY, Nor. 90, Is

LEAvEEwORTH CITY, Nor. -, 1855.
To the Editor Of the National Era:
The troubles of the Territory are greatly re-
tarding its advancement and prosperity I'm
migration has been comparatively small du-
ring the present autumn. We hear of multi
tudes who only waiting for the settlement
of the veNed question, and then they will be
ready Ia come. Would IL not lie greatly To
the interest of the whole country, if Congress
would take early action on the subject of a free
homestead on the public lands? If such n
provision should be made, all Missouri could
not keep ont of Kansas the great host that
would rush thither from all parts Of the land, to
seek free homes for themselves in this beautiful
region. Thus very soon powerful State would
be erected here, where so lately the wandering
Indian and the buffalo held undisputed sway.
Ii il is deemed important to have a populous
State filled with ireemen, cutting off the Sla-
very current between the Mississippi valley and
the Territory Of Utah and the Pacific coast.
let the Homestead Bin be passed, and Kansas
would speedily attain that position. The cause
of our country requires that this become a
strong State. All along IFS eastern border lies
Missouri, with its one hundred thousand slaves
on the west is Utah. where both blacks and In.
dams are held in bondage. On the south, in
part, lies New Mexico, TO which shareholders
look with greed; on the other part on the
south, is the Indian Territory, containing petty
nations, who are among the most bitter and
violent oppressors of the colored race. The
welfare of the nation, and the necessities OF
its position, require that Kansas should speed
lily become majestic free State.
wish the following facts might receive the
attention Of some Republican member of Con
gress, and thus be brought to the general notice
OF the people. Under the act Of Congress Of
March 9th, 1920, Slavery was forever excluded
from the territory north of 360 3O/. But on tue
18th of June, 1886, that part OF this Territory
prises six of the Northwest counties of Missouri
was ceeded TO that State. This cession could
not have repealed the Missouri Compromise
hence, all the slaves carried thither previous to
the repeal of that act, in 1855, are legally en-
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20

and Know Nothingism, must all be ignored in
the Presidential contest, and as the Slavery
Party tenders us the issue-the Naturalization
and Extension of Slavery-we must meet it on
the single ground-Prohibition of Slavery in
all Federal Territory, and the Naturalization of
Liberty-and meet in single organization. Ac-
complish this, and We triumph; fail in this, and
Slavery will have its heel upon US, four years
lon0ar
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20

GEN. CAss DESIRES TO BE " COUNTED OUT. -
The Detroit Free Press publishes the following
important little note from Gen Cass:
DETROIT, NO1ember %, 1853.
GENTLEMEN: have received your letter, ask.
ing me if ! am candidate for the Office Of
President Of the United States, and expressing
the qualification it would give you to support
me for that high station.
While thanking you for this manifestation Of
your kindness and confidence, of which shall
always preserve grateful recollection, ! reply
that | am not n candidate for the Presidency,
nor do i desire that my name should be present
ed in connection with it to the consideration Of
the Democratic party Of the Union.
| am, gentlemen, with great regard, truly
yours, LEWIS CAss.
Andreo j. Webster Esq,
and others, Philadelphia.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20
WASHINGTON, ID. c..
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1855
s1S- Look out for your Billsl!
THE BROTHERS"

Mrs. SOUTnwOETH will commence a new
story in the Era, in the beginning of the next
volume, entitled "The Brothers." Let Sub
scribers renew promptly, and new ones be sent
in at once, so as to begin with it.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20

SENATOR FISH, and his five associates, for.
merly Wing, notwithstanding their formal reso-
luton no longer to act with the Opposition, are
not yet received into full fellowship by the Ad-
ministration party. 1t is but reasonable that
they should be put on probation,
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20

Mr. Bankss vote on this ballot was the lIne
as on the first ballot of today, excepting that
he did not receive the vote of Mr. Mace who
was obliged TO leave OH account Of sickness.
Mr.. Richardson's vote was the same as on
the first ballot, excepting that he did not receive
the votes Of Messrs. Evans aud Jewett.
Mr.. Fuller lost the vote OF Mr.. Ball, and add
cd to his first vote of to-day the support of
Messrs. Etheridge, Evans, Lake, H. Marshall o..
Kentucky, Moore, and Walker.
There having been no election
On motion of Mr. Mattesnu, at a quarter to
three o'clock, the House adjourned.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20
INnEpENnENcE- Decenher 2

INDEPENDENCE, UeceDlOeT 3.
TO StieldS and Veitch: have Just received
a despatch from Col. Chiles and Capt. Shaw.
Henry Chiles and j. c. Irwin, from. he seat of
tcar, state III substance as follows:
Jones will not make move until there is
sufficient force in the field to insure success.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20

The Know Nothings Of Massachusetts have
lately suffered disastrous defeats in the muni-
cipal elections. In Boston, Lowell, Charlestown,
Roxbury, Newburyport, Worcester, Lynn, &c,
the citizens united without distinction Of party,
and carried the day against them, in some in
stances by heavy maiorites.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20

Total in slave States SO
In this number are included four Southern
Wings.
Administration Observation-Disclosures of Penn
sylvania, Davidson of Mississippi, and Phelps
of Missouri.
Mr.. BANKS was selected as representing, sole
ly, the position of the masses of the free States in
opposition to the Slavery extension and Slave.
ry naturalization policy of the Administration.
of his eminent qualifications for the Speaker
ship, no doubt has been entertained in any
quarter. With great parliamentary tact and
experience, he is the strongest candidate, rep
resenting that single issue, the Opposition
had to meet For no other man, standing
on that issue, could so many votes be counted
up. From time to time, some liz members
voted for him, but that several of them were
determined that he should not be elected is
shown by the fact, that at no one time did his
vote from Saturday, 9Th, till Tuesday, 18th, did
his vote go above 107.
The votes given steadily to Mr.. Banks were
from
Muine.
j. Nj. Wood, s. P. Benson,
J. j. Perry, Israel Washburn.
Ebenezer Knowlton,
Ne,o Hampshire.
James Pike, A. Fl. Cragin.
M. W. Tappen,
Vermont
James Meacham, Alvah Sabin.
Justin s. Morrill,,
Massachusetts.
r. B. Hall, Timothy Davis,
j. Burlington, c. l.. Knapp,
VIM. s. Damrell, A. De Witt,
Linus B. Comins, G.. G. Chafiee.
Arson Burlingame, Mark Trafion.
Rhode Island.
N. B. Durfee, B. B. Thurston.
Connecticut
+. Clark, jr., Sidney Dean,
}. Woodruff, W. W. Welch.
Nep York
}. i. Stranahan, J. A. Hughston.
q. K. Pelton, 0. b. Matteson.
"A. Wake man, III. Bennett,
A. ). Murray, A. S. McCarty,
II. ID. King, w. A. Gilbert,
X. Miller, A. p. Granger,
r. Sage, E.B. MORGAN
5. Dickson, j. M. Parker.
+. Dodd, w. II. Kelsey
G.. A. Simmons, B. PrinoIe
F. E Spinner, I'm. FlagIer.
I. B. Horton,
Ne,o Jersey
j. d. Cawson, A.C.W. PENNINGTON
G. II. Robbins,
Pennsylvania.
JOB Il; Tyson, d. I. Robson,
). Z; Bradshaw, J. Covode,
a. Z. Roberts, j. Kniubt
d. =. kunkel, ID. Richie,
a. u CampOeh, ;. A: Purviance,
u. A. Grow, S. Allison,
IL. Todd, John Dick.
Ohio.
T. C. Day, S. GALLOWAY.
l.. ID. Campbell, j. Sherman.
NJ. H. Nichols, p. Bliss.
X. Mott, w. B. Sapp,
j. r. Emrie, c. j. Albright.
A. Harlan, B. +. Letter,
b. Stanton, Il. Wade,
Z: Il. Watson, j. R. Giddings,
W. b. Horton, j. II. Bingham.
Indiana.
w. Cumback, S. Colfax.
ID. z. Holloway, S. Brenton,
Il. Barbour, j. u. Petit.
ID. Mace,
Illinois.
4. b. Washburne, j. o. Norton,
D. ID. Woodworth, j. Knox.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20
INDEPENDENCE. December 3.

INDEPENDENCE, December J.
To Gen. Shields, Lexington: have just re-
turned from near Lawrence, where | have been
to obtain information regarding the difficulty in
Kansas. The Sherif's force is three hundred
and fifty, all told. He is supplied with arms
The AboEtionists number eight hundred or a
thousand men, armed. Send a wagon with
provisions and men. We are sure of fight
Our force is only four hundred, all told.
G. o. WALLACE.
l.. a. MCLEAN.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20

PROGRESS IN SoUTH CARoLIxA.-A bill has
passed the Senate of South Carolina, by vote
of % to 10, by which it is provided that, in
stead of the whole Legislature appointing Pres
identlal Electors, such members of the House
of Representatives as shall meet on the day fix
ed for the election shall appoint them.
This is deemed concession to the popular
feeling, which demands the election of Presi-
dental Electors by the people, as in other
States.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20

The following is the vote in detail:
For M. Ba,lkS.-Messrs. Albright. Allison.
Barbour, Bennett of New YORK, Benson Bill.
llnghurst, Bingham, Bishop, Bliss, Bradshaw.
Brenton, Burlington, Burlingame, Campbell OF
Pa, Campbell Of Ohio Chaffee. Clark of Con
hecticut, Clawson, Colfax, Com;ns, Covode.
Cragin, Cumback, Damrell, Davis of Mass.
Dag, Dean, DE Witt, Dick, Dickson, Dodd,
Dnrfee Emrie, Flagler, Galloway, Giddings,
Gilbert, Granger, Grow, Hall of Mass, Harlan.
Holloway, Horton Of New York, Horton of Ohio.
Howard, Hughston, Kelsey, King, Knapp,
Knight, Knowlton, Knox, Kunkel, Letter, Mace,
Matteson, McCarty, Meacham, Miller of N Y,
Morgan, Morrill,, Mott, Murray, Nicholas Nor
ton, Oliver OF New York, Parker, Pearce, Pelton.
Pennington, Perry, Petit, Pike, Pringle, Pur-
vance, Ritchie Robbins, Roberts, Robson, Sa.
bin, Sage, Sapp, Sherman, Simmons, Spinner,
Stanton. Stranahan. Tappan, Thorington. Thurs
ton, Todd, TrafiOn, Tyson, Wade, Wakeman,
Walbridge, Waldron, Washburne of Wisconsin,
Washburne of Illinois, Washbrn of Maine
Watson, Welch, Wood, Woodruff, and Wood
worth
For NJ. Richardson. Messrs. Aiken Allen,
Barclay, Barksdale, Bell, Bennett of Mississippi,
Bocock, Bowie, Boyce, Branch Brooks, Bur
nett, Cadwalader, Caruthers, Caskie, Cling
man, Cobb Of Georgia, Cobb of Alabama,
sou, Elliott, English, Evans. Faulkner, Flor
ence, Fuller Of Maine, Goode, Greenwood
Hall of Iowa, Harris of Ala, Harris of Illinois,
Herbert, Hickman, Houston. Jewett. Jones of
Tenn, Jones Of Pennsylvania. keiit, Kelly,
Kidwell, Letcher, Lumpkin, Marshall Of Illinois,
Maxwell, McMullen, Mcqueen, Miller of lndi-
ana, Milson, Oliver of Missouri, Orr, Peck.
Phelps, Powell, Quitman, Ruin, Rust, San
didge, Savage, Seward, Shorter. Smith Of Tenn,
Smith of Virginia, Stephens, Stewart, Talbot.
Taylor, Vail, Warner, Watkins, Wells, Winslow,
and Wright OF Tennessee
For Mr. Fuller. - Messrs Ball, Broom,
Campbell of Kentucky Garlic, Cox, Cullen,
Davis Of Maryland. Edie, Enstis, Foster, Har-
ris of Maryland, Harrison, Haven, Hoffman,
kennett, Lindley, A. *. Marshall of Nv, Mill
ward, Paine, Porter, Puryear, Ready, Ricaud,
Rivers, Scott, Smith of Alabama, Sneed, Swope,
Trippe, Underwood, Walk, Whitney, and Zol-
icoffer.
For IMr. Letter, Of 0hio.-Messrs Dunn and
Moore.
For Mr.. RsnniRgtoa, IF N Mr.. Edwards.
For Mr.. Underwood, Fl Ky.-Mr. Etheridge.
For Mr.. Harrison, IF Ohio.-Mr. Fuller of
Pennsylvania.
For Mr.. /ilico6er, IF Eena.--Nr. Lake.
For NJ. Lake, IF Mss.-Mr. ii. Marshall of
Kentucky
For M. Williams, Of " T-Mr. Wheeler.
For NJ. Smith, cf 1snn.-Mr. Richardson.
For Mr.. IT. Marshall, of Ky.-Mr. Walker.
For Mr.. orr, If S. C-Mr. Williams.
No candidate having received majority Of
the whole number of votes given
Mr.. McMullen gave notice that unless an
election should be effected within the next three
days, he should submit proposition 10 the
House by way Of compromise.
Cries of " Name it, and laughter.
A fifty second ballot was then had, with the
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20
From the Lexington tsro) Citizen of December :

From The Lexington MOI Citizen OF December :.
A letter from Col. Reid, of this city, dated
Sunday night, o'clock, received by last nights
mail, after we had gone to press, says that they
have III their camp at Franklin one brass six
FOUNDER. We shall tomorrow be reinforced
by 900 men, with three cannon. Gen. Rich
ardson is COmmander-in-chief of the forces He
was OF opinion that fight would take place on
tuesday or this day. He is fearful, when the
volunteers get into Lawrence, they will not be
restrained.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20
ANALYSIS OF THE VOTES FOR SPEAKER.

We have printed pretty full record of the
ballotings for Speaker, but our readers viii
need little help in the analysis of the votes.
Mr.. RICHARDSON, the Administration candi
date, was selected as such, because, having
been the instrument used in carrying the Kan
sas-Nebraska bill through the House, he was
pre-eminently the representative of that meas
ure, adhesion to which is now made test Of
loyalty to the socalled DENT lratic Party. His
vote has ranged from "A u 76, being the
measure of the strength of the Administration
in a House of 234 members. The Richmond
(Va.) Enquirer is proud of the position of the
Nebraska men. They have put forward, it says
I" for their candidate, a member, who more than
any other, was responsible for the passage OF
the Nebraska bill through the House, and they
have adhered to him in unbroken 'front.'" 1t is
honorable to the six New England States and
New York, that at no time has he received a
single vote from them, except one from Maine
and one from New York. His entire vote from
the free States numbers only II, cast as fol-
lows:
NeW 1Ofk.
John Kelly.
Pennsylvania.
Thos b. Florence, j. CLANCY Jones,
John Cadwallader, David Barclay
John Hickman,
Indiana.
Smith Miller, VIM. H. English.
Illinois.
Il. l.. Harris, Samuel S. Marshall.
James c. Allen,
Michigan.
George w. Peck.
Ioaca.
Augustine Hall.
Wisconsin.
David Wells.
California.
Jas. w. Denver, Philip T. Herbert.
Maine.
Thomas j. ID. Fuller
His own vote makes eighteen in all from the
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20

WISCONSIN ELECTION. - The uncertainty
hanging over the result Of the recent election
in Wisconsin, so far as the Gubernatorial con
test is concerned, is at length cleared up by the
official State canvass, which took place yester
day; and, according to despatch from Hon.
A. I. Gray, Secretary of State, shows major
ity Of one hundred and forty three for Governor
Barstow, the Democratic candidate. The Re
publicans must feel very bitter at their defeat,
for, according to all accounts, they were conf
dent that they were the successful party.
N. J.. Cor. Nat. MtettigeHcer.
The Republicans, knowing something of the
way in which votes are taken in some Of the
Northwestern States, are not at all surprised.
Our friends in Wisconsin know that they have
carried the day, and honestly elected Bashiord.
Legal process will now be resorted to- and little
doubt can be entertained as to the decision Of
the Supreme Court of Wisconsin in the case.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-12-20
THE CRISIS IN KANSAS.
From the Correspondent OF the 81 Louis Democrat
LEAvENwoRTH CRY, X. r..
December I-6 A. NJ.

From The Correspondent OF the 81 Louis Democrat
LEAvENwoRTm CRY, X. r..
December l-6 A. NJ.
| have received no further intelligence from
Lawrence, since the date Of my last communica.
ton but have one fact TO mention, which
hope will be denied, in order that it may be es
abllshed by evidence beyond dispute, and be
investigated by the officers of Govern nent.
DIR. Park, OF this city, informed me to-day.
that Mr.. John i. Moore, lawyer here, said, and
so stands ready to re-affirm, that he heard a LET
ter marked " Private from Mr.. Daniel Wood
son, the Secretary of this Territory. read in the
Herald office, before the proclamation of Mr..
Easton to the militia was printed. in which tina,
gentleman advised him to make the proclama-
ton for n meeting on Saturday, and added hat
are can get tie Platte Rifles, Jm IL tcW be BET
ter for them not 10 come as an organized f,rre;
ont let them organize at Leoren,rorh.
1t ended with this caution: Beware. in every.
thing you do, not to implicate the Governor.
do not pretend-the Doctor did MOTTO give
the Secretary's words; but this, it is stated was
his advice.
If the Secretary denies this statement hope
he will not give general or verbal denial but
say whether he alluded to the Platte Rifles In
any manner; and if so, what that allusion was
Mr.. Woodson has many personal friends in this
Territory But ii it be proved that he is trifling
with the lives and property of our fellow-ciii-
zens, there will be greater recoil against him
than there has been against Gov. Shannon,
since he presided at the Convention in this city.
l have given my authority personally, | know
nothing of the matter.
A rider arrived in town yesterday, with the
intelligence that four hundred armed men had
marched from Westport for Lawrence.
Another gentleman arrived in the evening,
and informed me that he had met fifty men on
horseback, and fifty in wagons, going to rem
devious at Lecompton.
The account that | send you has been con
ilrmed by other gentlemen from Lawrence
! GU will see that Coleman is to be made he
TO- huruer IS merltorouS here. }. r.