New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-02-14
sTaTEN ISLAND POLITICS.

ScOundrelism is still In the ascendency IN the
political affairs Of Staten Island. 1t viii be re-
membered that the last Legislature, upsolicited
by the people Of the Island-indeed without their
knowledge, till they were surprised by the an
nouncement Of the fact in the public jcurnals--
cut up The county so "a TO carve out new
town, without the slightest necessity, and for no
other known reason than to enable party OF
corrupt politicians TO continue in power. The
indignation at this measure was very great, and
in the election which the measure made neces
sary Mr.. +. G.. Shaw was undoubtedly chosen
Supervisor by large majority Of votes, though
increased undoubtedly BY the high esteem in
which be is held among his fellOw-citizens OF al
classes. The Win Of the people, however, was
not allowed b prevail. On some frivolous pre-
text the Inspectors of Election refused to CON-
plete the canvass Of the votes, the ballOt-boxes
were taken to tavern, tho watch and ward
over them at the proper moment pretermitted,
when, in accordance no doubt with precon-
certed arrangement, they were stolen and de-
stroyed. Nor has this outrage, almost unequaled
in the records Of electoneeriDg yillainy ever yet
been punished, although the men concerned IN II
are perfectly well known.
The regular day for the annual town elections
in Richmond County was Tuesday, the 18th
int. In the Town Of Castleton there were three
tickets in the field. On the first was the name
Of Mr.. Mersereau, late County Clerk; on the
second that of a Mr. Smith Ely; and on the
third Mr.. j. Templeton JChDsOn's. According to
Al oil,
and may be held as the town shall direct at the
meeting at different places at different hours Of
the day. Accordingly at the meeting in the
early part Of the day at Quarantine it was
voted that at certain hour the meeting be I'D
iourned TO the usual polling booth of New
Brighton, and at certain later hour TO Facto-
ryylle-thus giving TO oil voters in different
parts of the town on that side Of the leland an
opportunity Of depositing their ballots in the
neghborhood Of their own homes. But this did
not suit the baLot-boI- smashing party, whose
strength lies in and near Quarantine village.
TLese ingenious gentlemen, whose Fertility OF
knayery is equnled only by their bold
ness, thinking, probably, that the destruction Of
ballots was not a game to be plsyed again 80
immediately, bit upon the equplE excellent de-
vice Of providing against there being ballots
enough on the wrong side to make il worth their
while TO destroy them. At the proper time,
when he meeting was thin, and the right sort
only OF reliable Democrats we're present, it was
moyed--we understand, BY that distinguished cit
izen, Mr. George W. Daley--that the motion for
adjournment be- reconsidored and this new rule
of Parliamentary law was immediately adopted,
and the vote 10 adjourn to New-BrightOn and
Factoryylle--a vote, Of course, beyond the reach
Of the meeting until il lad actually adjourned TO
those places--was reconsidered and it was then
voted that tho meeting should continue whore il
was The rest Of the day: Had such step been
taken even in q regular way, it would Lave been
unjust enough, and without precedent "a it would
render it impossible for q large body Of voters
who do business in town, without previous no
tee, TO vote az al. But a measure carried in a
way 20 utterly Illegal and absurd, must neces-
sarily yitste the whole election. Whether Mr..
lily, who ia said 70 have been chosen by this de.
feat Of fair vote Of the town, will accept, we
have not learned; and whether the Staten Isl-
auders viii submit TO this outrage as they did to
the other, We do not know, Cor they have way
of DONG things there not to be- judged by ordi'
vovy rytlae