This attitude was generally maintained by them till the October election.

But when by that vote they saw their faction overwhelmed with defeat, they and others undertook to maintain themselves in power by an unprecedented piece of political jugglery.
Calhoun, who was surveyor-general of the Territory, employed a large number of subordinates, and was one of the most able and unscrupulous leaders in the pro-slavery cabal.

A large majority of the convention favored the establishment of slavery; only the question of a popular vote on ratification or rejection excited controversy.
An analysis shows that the principle of delegated authority had become attenuated to a remarkable degree.

The defective registration excluded a considerable number (estimated at about one-sixth) of the legal voters.

Of the 9250 registered, only about 2200 voted, all told.