Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-07-23
Continued.
CHAPTER XVI.
The MARTYR for Freedom.

CHAPTER XVI.
The Martyr for Freedom.
The winter of 1855 was an unusually severe
one in X ansas and torn. as the Territory was,
BY dissension and strife the people were but
poorly prepared to meet the chill blasts and
blighting frosts which came upon them. The
time too, had now come when they were to vote
for such men as should frame the future govern
ment of the Territory. In the Autumn of the
same year, Free-S,ate Mayor had been elected
in Leavenworth City, but surrounded on all
siees by Border Rufianism and Slavery Exten-
sionists he was induced, by their threats, TO re-
sign his Office. As natural consequence atten-
dant upon his resignation, the election OF Pro-
Slavery man followed, and with it a series of
rufiany exploits. AS soon as the new Mayor
no election should be held in LeaveDworlh.-
Not 10 be put down when they knew that every
principle of right and justice was on their side,
the Free State sett ers determined that an elec
ton should he held and therefore. it was ad-
iourned from The 18th 10 the 10Th of January,
the place of meeting being q, Easton, town
some twelve miles from Leavenworh. Know
ing that every effort would be made to prevent
their assembling at the polls, this arrangement
was made with secrecy, and not until the day
previous, lid it come TO the ears of the enemies
Of Free-Speech.
The morning of the eventful day arrived and
men might be seen hurrying to the house of a
gentleman by the name of Mnard to deposit
their votes, little thinking that ere il c'osed,
there was 10 be enacted most damning tragedy
whose details were such as TO throw the exploits
of savage into the shade.
Near by the house stood Montague, leaning
upon his rife. gazing up the road that led into
the village. An hour passed by, and graifed
smile passed over his face as he saw Waldo APP
preaching Riding up to the house, he dis
mounted, and having made his horse fast to a
tree near BY he approached the place where
Montague stood.
:. | am glad you have come" he exclaimed
as he grasped Waldo's hand, " for it's my opn'
ion that every man who has the right of Free
Speech at heart, W i'll be needed here ere nigh
sets in"
Has there been any violence yeti "
"There has been none to-day, though severa
parties OF our Pro- Slavery friends have had th
kindness to spend their breath in threatening II
attack the house. No doubt they thought WI
should Weld at once, but as we did not, the.
did not see fit to carry their threats into execu
ton Last light they endeavored to get passes
sion of the house, but we were too strong 70
them"
"And you think there is prospect of 6gh
before the voting is through
/" From my knowledge Of the character of tn
men engaged in last nights proceedings, | ar
confident hat they will not see Free State OF
fcer elected without at least one effort to preveu
it, A we ask is fairness and justice, and WI,
Gods help we'll have it,"
Aye" responded Waldo Have you vo
ed yeti "
mo"
You will, of course
81 think not. | am not legal voter, ar
they shall not say that voted when had /
right 10 do SO. Were my vote to decide Il
election, would not cast it,"
{" 1t is pity that your distinctions are
nice, and closely drawn in regard to this matter
but, notwithstanding, honor you for yo
principle. shall vote, because have rig
to-" and tearing a slip of paper from boz
which he produced from his pocket, he wro
upon it, ane entering the house, deposited it
the box.
As y aldo emerged from the house, Waltt
drew HIM one side, and said, Do you thir
the men, all of them, would be true 10 the
trust if the worst should come 4"
81 do. But why do you ask I"
$. Because we have learned from privs
source that our enemies have despatched IN,
senger for the kicdpoo Rangers
Heavens !" exca lined Waldo, graspi
Walton by the arm, :. are you sure of this v
'' am. My information is authentic"
Then there is not the smallest possibility
escaping without struggle. Believe me, w
ton. you will see scenes 10 day, that exec
barbariiy the deeds.of canibal. The Rang
are made up of the most vianous set of II
that curse the soil of Kansas"
Justice is W tb us, and BY the help Of H
who ruleth the destinies of nations we v
triumph"
9 Heaven grant H." said Waldo fervently
Slowly the day wore on 10 the anxious b.
of men, but as he shades evening began 10
veop the town, their fears that an attack wo
be made that night, began slowly to subside
II was far into the night when Waldo and NJ
taeue were lying in front of the house, iheil
Aes by their sides, when the latter called
latter called the attention of Waldo to the
that a man was approaching them at full sp'
majority Of the men had gone home, onl
few being left to guard the ballot-box in cast
attack might be made. He was instantly
ognized as young man, who, in company '