Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1856-03-01
Democratic Convention Interesting DOings Trial Of
Gov. Smith q!

extraordinary display of dn,ereed patriotism, will b. graceful
and appropriate
Democratic Convention Interesting Dcngs.-. Trial Of
Gov smith,!
The Democratic Convention, which assembled in th.
city Thursday has thus been one continued scene
OF angry alteration, uproar and confusion IL met in
Metropolitan Hall l2 O'clock Thursday and after the
appointment OF President in the person of Shelton r.
Leakewhose speech the occasion infinitely little
both in matter and manner-and after almost unanimous
g denying to editors and reporters the usual courtesy OF
seats upon the floor it adjourned meet at the African
Church at o'clock at night. At the appointed hour
the house full to Overlooking with delegates and spec
atos most OF the latter being from the CITY, and drawn
thither solely by tho expectation of row. and with
view to see and hear and judge for themselves Upon
motion that the Congressional Districts based upon the
census apporonment of 1870 be regarded the eecto
raj districts of 1885, long, animated and angry discus.
sion arose, involving considerable -feelng between the
Eastern and Western divisions the S,ate-the gentle
men from the West contendng that the scua Democrat
&c vote of each district the last election should have
its due weight at Cincinnati VIII lie the gentlemen from
the East appeared to maintain that each electoral dis trct
should there without reference 10 the num-
Der democratic Votes there iuthat , that each district
should be equal in power notwithstanding one ght con-
tain ten thousand Democratic votes, and the one adoin-
ment of ls4o, the East bad nine districts and the West
only sx-whereas, under the apportonnent of 1880 the
East has only sevea while the West has six And thus
at Cincinnati the West which gives fifteen thousand more
Democratic votes than the East will be entitled to but
xix votes while the East in tremendous Democratic mi
noriy, will be privileged TO in the nOmi
mating convention The West, in the persons General
Chapman and Gov. Floyd contenied ably and strenuous
~ tor representation Cincinnati according to the ac
tnal Democratic OF each particular district but the
East through Mr. Irving and others speaking for her
gained signal triumph the West The East will
cast nine Cincinnati and the West only six
Another practical illustration OF what modern Democracy
means giving 10 the minority third more power than
to the majority
But Yesterdays morning session racy, spicy up
Toa1ous interesting snd delightful beyond iescrpon-
Governor Extra Billy Smith formally srragned and
tried for his alleged completely with Know Nohincisn -.
The Indictment bring read-whch in substance declared
that tue Ex-Governor not entitled to admission int,
the eonvenion-a scene ensued which neither pen nor
pencil can portray Yels Kisses. and belloutprs min.
sed mingled mingled while the sound Of the chairman.
voice and hammer drowned in the universal noise and
confusion OF the assembled Bedamtcs Never beo,e In
EARTH California, or the Internal regions has there occur
red such Wild and magnificent scene of disorder angry
contention horrid smaee- threatening gesures shaking
OF lists ~hoopins and following prevail throughout
the spacious hall We expected for moment that when
the meeting adjourned not less than from tire. IN i've
nunlred Loeooco carclsSes would be stretched ess up-
on the door. some made motion that tin. great Know
Nothing criminal be heard while hundreds cried ..H
no, no; but finally the OF the spectators decided tho
question, and the Governor mounted the rostrum amid
shout OF applause winch sounded like the mighty roar d
cannon at Scbastopol
We have neither time nor space describe the effort
OF the gs'niic offender OF F,uqier. Strange aud ui-
preceuen'ed occurrence, ne said that man who was
born the after Madsons celebrated Report was made
aud who had been loyal and iuHexibe Democrat for
ih'rtySX years, should be arraigned A. nf l tn
Dmocracy-tlat his were his personal en.oie
who had warrei upon him and pursued him with
nalignity and bitterness without par,le-aul tia,
those of hi- enemies who were now arrai,nin, him,
Tor coquel'ins with the Know Noihngs were the very
men, who III the last canvass had sustained and voted for
Know Nothngs themselves He claimed to have been
always D,mocrat-an oh Ironsdes Dcmocra,-and 10
be staunch aud interchangeable Democrat still He then
explained his posonin the late canvass and stated that
instead OF going to thc Know Noihing hm.eC the Know
Noihng' had come to him-to the great base doctrine of
himself aud tue Democratic party OF strict con,tructi,
oi the Constitution. He spoke at length ably and eG
lively but We defer further notice Of his remarks for the
present Ia reply to divers questions he wound up bv
aVo~as his purpose to support the nominees OF the Gin
einnai Convention. Thercupon he was rebaptized and
taken back into the Democratic church. amid the uniycr
sal smiling aud laughngs, and shouncs and shaking of
hands and uproariou congratulations the faithful"
Many interesting incidents and scenes occurred after
wards or rather before the question Of his reception was
put of which shall probably make mention hereafter
We understood one Of the fathfuthe iecapitated Post
master Of the House OF Repesenatiyes-to declare that
Gov smith was the most corrupt politician in Virginia
perhaps IN the world. aud this grave charge was duly
aPpauded]y the eX-Postmasters acconpices and back
e's Ana thus ded the great, exciting umultuou.
'aoTd'n4y and momenious trial Of the Democracy Of yr.
gina against the gay and eoquettish superaaous Will.
iam'