The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1858-03-24

tunately, we were not made double jointed
and therefore are not pliable enough to
get into all these various positions at one
and the same time.
Some Of the Democracy of Vermont
may be ourselves included-have been
charged by the New York Ne,eS, and by
Democratic papers in this State, with en-
deavoring heretofore, TO keep the Demo-
cratic party of Vermont as conveniently
small as possible" For ourselves, we
plead not guilty" to the charge. At the
same time, allow us to suggest that, in
order to make the Democratic party Of
Vermont as conveniently" large as pos.
sible, We leave this everlasting, worn out
Kansas question alone 90 TO work aud
strengthen our position at home, so we
may deserve consideration from the De-
mocracy of tue whole Union, and in the
councils of the nation.
We voted for Mr.. Buchanans nomina-
ton at the Cincinnati Convention, and af.
forwards for the Democratic electors for
this State. We bet freely on the result
of the election. More than this, we bet
on Illinois previous to Egypt" being
heard from, and won all our bets. We
supported the Administration then we
sustain it now. But we have yet to learn
that the press-ot this State, which has
neither vote nor voice in our National Leg
islature-that makes the most noiSe about
Kansas, are the Administrations best
friends.
Is the Sentinel satisfied or has it got
some new test whereby those that were
born and intend to die Democrats, are to
renew the oath of allegiance every six
months ?"
The Sentinel expresses itself satisfied.
Perhaps it would be ungenerous to push
the matter any further, but we should like
to know how the Con- Ter stands on the
main question, "for or against the imme-
diate admission of Kansas"
"A very singular and tragical affair
occurred in the H., penitentiary few
days since.
A convict named Hall, from Chicago,
who is serving out second term, formed
the idea Of acquiring his liberty in the fol.
lowing method He watched his oppor-
tunity shortly after breakfast, and when
no other guard was in the hall surround.
ing the cells, except Mr.. Crabb, whom he
knocked down and stunned by severe
blow on the head, then dragged him into
one of the lower cells, tied Crabb's hands
behind his back, fastened the cell door by
means of a stick Of timber, previously put
in the cell by some confederate, then drew
huge knife from his bosom, assisted
Crabb to rise, put him against the door
and threatened him with death unless he
was allowed to 60 at liberty.
This most daring attempt was soon made
known, and promptly brought Col. Buck
master and his guards tc the spot. The
convict threatened Crabb with instant
death if any attempt was made upon the
door, holding his knife within couple Of
inches Of Crabp's breast
Attempts were made to shoot him but
it was impossible as there was but one
opening in the door and be kept Crab.
between this and himself. Thus matter,
continued through the day, during which
he offered, the following terms which wer,
not accepted. a revolver, loaded by him
self, full suit of citizens dress, 500 il
money, and to be driven out of town in {
close carriage, accompanied by Crabb, t,
such place as he should designate al
of which was, of course, inadmissible. Ii
the meantime however, Col BuckmasteI
procured a pardon from the Governor, tc
be used in his discretion but up to 1:
o'clock last night, no information had beef
given to the convict.
At 8 o'clock the next morning Ruther
ford, the State Superintendent, and Col
Buckmaster, warden, undertook to get int,
the cell of the prisoner by stratagem
Breakfast was set at the cell door in yes
sells of larger size than ordinary, but tn,
convict refused to open the door until tn,
hall was cleared, which, after brief con
sultation, was done. The warden, super
intendent and guards were on each side O
the cell, but out of sight and motionless
The convict slowly opened the dool
nearly enough to admit the food, when {
crowbar was instantly inserted. The war
den cried out to Crab, the imprisoned grarc
to fight for his life. He accordingly sprans
to the opening of the door, and at length
dragged himself through, but not befor,
he was stabbed by the convict nine times
seven times in the back and twice on the
arms. When the poor victim was drag
ged out, the convict barred the door agar
and refused to yield. II was then giver
a few Minutes for reflection, and the rebe
was, after much lodging and effort to ge
out of the reach of the fire, shot by tn,
warden. The ball struck his skull jas
below the left ear, and glancing around
lodged under the skull. He fell instantly
and was dragged out of the cell, and wa.
thought to be dead, but soon recovered
and talked as sensible as any man could
under the circumstances.
After the convict was taken out of the
cell, his knife, about eight Inches long
with double edge, was found in the cell
and on his person was found also another
larger knife, with blade four inches lono