Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1856-03-05
Trial of Ex-Gov. Smith


,ion Of the Enquirer's account of the "scene" in
| the Democratic convention. on the motion to do
nv Elk Coy Smith the privilege of seat. Ifany
| should think that there is displayed not su-
pernbundance Of the harmony which usually
characterzes the deliberations OF bretbren.or the
decor um that governs the transactions of gen
tlemen-if any should think that the humiliation
To- which the Ex Governor was subjected was
greater than mortal patience should submit to. or
the blasphemy he uttered such rs mortal ears
should not have listened to,we pray them to for
bear all comment derogatory TO the party to
whom thewhole affair belonged-sinoe Demo
cracy is the State and good mun should
npply opprobrous terms to the State! Here is
a sketch of what occurred:
Mr. Johnson. of Alexandria, asked II the Hon.
VIM Smith was entitled to seat on this toor.-
He was the candidate of the Know Nothing par.
~ Mt the last election. also the proposed can
didate in the United States House OF R"presen-
tatves for Speakership, by two Know Nothing
members. He was now regarded as n man UNI
worthy the confidence of the Democratic parx,
and this moment his name can be seen upon
Know Nothing ticket. which if necessary. can
be produced Out of four hundred and ninety
seven Democratic votes cast in my county aud
town he got Go. lie wished the Convention to
decide whether such was entitled to
sent here. He thought it ought to- be pureed OF
all impurity. lie moved that he be not entitled
to seat.
Loud cries of Smith, Smith.
Mr. Smith came forward.
Mr. w. l.. Jackson am a registered mem
Der ,f,his Convention, if he is not. Great con-
fusion)
A Delcgate--I wish to preserve order here
| wish to preserve order here. | move that the
subject be referred to the delegation from Mr.,
Smiths district:
Cries of hear him" 'hear him.
Mr. Cox, of Petersburg-lf Mr.. Smith is
Democrat, / am not.
The previous question was called, but was
not sustained.
Prcsident--It is not for me to know whether
Mr. Smith is a member Of this Convention or
not If not, cannot hear him. will put the
Que ,tnn whether he shall be heard or not.
The question was put and decided in the affirm
alive.
Mr. Smith having assembled the platform made
long speech in defence Of his position. He SAID
he never quilted the Democratic party, bat re-
! fused to war upon Know Nothings, seeing no
good result could follow such course. lie
was always strict constructlonlst.andh lie thought
! il improper to upon those who maintained
such doctrines, and who were the same tie sh and
blood with him He denied having ever attack
ed the Democracy, or having joined the Know
Nothngs and believed there would be hat one
party in the South; and that was the Democratic
party. Ills chief crime was refusal to support
the nominees of the Stanton Convention against
his productions After other remarks,
Mr.. Jackson said - Can interrupt the gentle
mani
Mr. Smith-Yes.
Mr. Clutter-It is well known that many Know
Nothings call themselves Democrats. ask the
gentleman if h. sa Democrat in contradstinc-
l.. u, Il,
| Convention.
Mr. SMITH said there were but two parties
in this country The Democratic and the Black
Republican. The question is answered in the
position hold with regard to them.
(Cres of no, no, Great confusion)
Mr.. Smth--lIear me in the name of God
| have to say that of course | could not think
for one instant of voting for the Philadelphia
nominees. suppose that is distinct enough.
Mr.. Tyler, of Fauquer county.-Should Wise
receive the nomination of the Cincinnati Con
ycntiou, will the gentleman buckle on his armor
aud support him. If So, will 90 for him.
Tremendous confusion. Cries Of ''hcar him.
"hear him
Mr. Smith.-The gentlemans support is great
inducement for me to sacrifice my conscience.
Mr.. TYLER and MIR. Douglas of King William.
That lodging wont do. (Coninsl"n.)
Mr. Smith.-Dodging! (sarcaslcally.) ! stand
here nhle to look rod and the country in the
face. have got through hard trials; and you
never me lodging. Dodging! (sarcastical-
ly.)
Mr. Douglas, standing in front of the platform
from among the crowd,-I used the term dodge"
Mr. SMITH don't dodge" Whenever n
false charge is ma lie against me, shall dispute
it, be it said by jew or Gentle, God or Devil
! am too well known To create such an impress
sion in my regard. When you get me into an
organization. it l. hard to get me out of it. | re.
peat that there Is to be one great fight IN this
country and that between Democracy and Black
Republieansm. THERE'S but line of poll
cy for me to pursue aud that is plain. | cannot
do anything else than support the nominee of the
Cincinnati Convention.
Mr. Douglas.--I withdraw my remarks, in
view of that declaration.
' Mr.. Tvler.-Since he has avowed himself
ready to support the nominees of the Cincinnati
Convention, move he be unanimously admitted
to seat i'll this Convention.
Mr.. Funston, of Alexandria, said He made
war upon Mr. Smith, as elector for his district
when he (Mr. S. warred on the nominees of the
Democratic party. When he fought fought,
and would have done so if it terminated in death
on both sides.
Mr.. johnson said Before the nomination Of
FIonrnoy, have proof strong as Holy Writ,
that he Mr.. s. was candidate before the Win
chester Convention, for nomination 10 the office
of Governor Before Flournoys nomination he
assaulted the Democratic nominee, but afterwards
he rs silent. finding his chances lost
In reply Ia Mr.. Smith remark. that | voted for
a Know Nothing, would say | voted for Mr..
Barbour, knowing he could not have been elected,
and because | look Il upon him as an honest,
highminded genti"maa. and open, manly poiiti-
clan, regard Mr. Smith in a far different light.
| regard him l. an insiduous enemy 10 the Demo
/ 4 1 /