The Kansas herald of freedom., 1859-10-15
The Fiehi roer brazelI on:

IN LeaVenBOIbn as III LaWIence, tnOugn
marked by more pluck than was shown
by the opposition to Lane and Conway.
In the first ward, primary meeting was
held for the election of Delegates to the
County Convention. Champion Vaughan
was appointed teller for H. P. johnson,
and Geo. Shotwell.. for II. J. Adams. DR..
Parke was also added. IThs Register
states, on the authority of such men as
Messrs. Shotwell, McCracken, Freeland,
ETC., that:
"After the voting had commenced, one
of Mr.. Johnson's friends was seen to hand
Mr.. Vaughan number of ballots, which
were passed under the shade of the hat.
Afterwards, he handed portion of them
back to a friend of Mr.. Johnson's. He
(Vaughsn) was also seen frequently put-
ting his hand into the hat TO stir the tickets
around, and shake them down. Thirty or
forty of these tickets were of small size
and peculiar shape. Mr.. Shotwell says
that he received most of the tickets, and
opened them as he placed them in the hat,
and he is sure that no such tickets were
voted; and he did not seen them until
they came to be counted"
The names of voters were registered as
the ballots were taken, and the count
showed fifty-seven more votes cast than
there were voters. The election was ad-
journed till 10 O'Clock the next day, and
resulted in majority of fifty-seven for
the Adams. During the election war of
words took place between Shotwell and
JohnsonAShotwell saying that ANY man
who attempted to succeed by stuffing bal
lot-boxes, isn't fit for an Office" johnson
said it was the other party which stuffed
the ballot box. Shotwell replied that he
saw Champion Vaughan do it. SIT was
not, you are the very man, and I saw you."
Shotwell-"You lie sir" Sure enough
the lie direct was thrown into Johnson's
teeth, by vote of 127 against to 70 for
him.
The County Convention met on last
Saturday, and after bitter contest, with
out action, the Convention adjourned.-
The two factions met separately and ap-
pointed delegations to Topeka.
The whole contest is disagraceful one,
and shows debasement on the part OF
leading Republicans, which argues neithor
for the purity or honesty of that party in
Kansas. They may prate about principle,
and the corruption of the Democracy, but
their words will fall pointless on account
ct their own infamous trickery. Cham
pion Vaughan has become the peer Of
Jack-Henderson and John Calhoun, and
the party sustains him on the plea that
"all's fair in politics." must go under as
did the border-rufian democracy.
In Lawrence the Thacher clique made
preparation for grand onslaught against
Lane and Conway. 1t denounced the
men who used the funds of the Republi-
can committee to crush them. Just on
the eve of the contest Mr.. T. D. Thacher
showed the white feather by seeking a
compromise, and at the opening of the
polls, a written compact was made between
. Lane and his opponents; the latter were
to withdraw their ticket, and Lane pledged
himself to labor in the County Conven-
tion for the election of Robinson delegates
to Topeka. This was a perfect sell on
Lanes part. 1t did not compel him to
act for Robinson at Topeka. 1t did moi
bind his friends who were elected to the
County Convention to favor Robinson
Lane considered it disgraceful backing
down on the part of his opponents, and
said, after such defeat, "they would
never dare to make another fight against
him."
As natural result, the County Conven-
tion did not indorse Robinson, although
Lane made apparently every effort by
speeches, to induce them to do so. Con-
way opposed it he not having been q
party to the compromise. A delegation
was sent from the county of men mainly
opposed to Robinson.
The fight was adjourned to Topeka,
when Lane. after working desperately
against Robinson was routed. The vote
Of Leavenworth county was neutralized
by the admission of four Adams and four
johnson delegates, one of whom was
ballot box-stufing Vaughan.
What an exalted opinion Arson Bur
hngame must have of Kansas Republi-
canisml What an incentive it will be for
him to labor on, when in his wake follow
such results as the ballot box stufing at
Leavenworth, and the use of the corrup-
tion fund in Lawrence, to suborn shoulder
hittsrs, and to place certain cliques in
Office. He can return home with thecon
, ISOLATION that he has seen Kansas Republi-
canism in its uhdress, with its rascality
and unprinciplsd corruption paraded bold
ly and above board as no blot upon the
standing of the party, nor bar to nomina-
tion for official station. Certainly he can
have no faith in the ultimate and perma-
nent triumph of party endorsing such
fraud and corruption.
,0T Or. J. B. Woodward, of Junction
City, formerly of Lawrence, Is the Repub-