, 1865-10-17

CONVENTION Of the Friends OF Cn1versal
Suffrage In louisiana

Suffrage In louisiana
Correspondence Of ths Chicago T1ib1nc.]
NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 7, 1867
In torncr articles sketch was given OF the
rise, progress and aims Of the political orgunl-
zatfon In Louisiana known by the. several
titles Of "Friends Of Universal suilfagr,'' Re-
publican Association, etc. Some weeks since
the Central Executive Commitsee, Of which
Thomas j. DnEant WAS President, Issued e call
for Convention of delegates to assemble IN
the city Of New Orleans, to represent those In
favor Of extending the right Of suffrage to the
colozea people, to be called tue ~ Convention
Of tue friends Of Universal Suffrage" Inpur-
suancc of this can, the Convention assembled
ct No. - Union street, In thc clty Of New Or
leans, On the 25th day Of September
The assembly wns called to order
ty Mr. Crane, Mr.. A.. Fernandez
Was chosen PRECEDENT 1,rn TEN. and Mr. Mon
tlcu Secretary rro ten. A Committee on
Credentials was appointed, and reported ono
hundred md eleven Delegates entitled to seats.
OF this number, representing sixteen parishes,
about twenty were co|ored men. Most Of the
lntter class we're wealthy citizens, Intelligent
and educated men, vino seemed TO bo fully
political questions. A Committee upou Per-
manent Organization was appointed, and the
Convention adjourned. In the evening the
Convention met at Economy Hall, wns called
to order By ME. Ferlsandez, and an eloquent
prayer Uttered By Rcv. Mr. Pcarnc, of New
:aad Ierk: a permanent 1n s',,. organization was
Durnnt for President; for Vicc-Prcsidcnts,
r. F.. Flanders, A. Fernandez, B. SoulIe'
4. J.. Cromwell, and P. J. Cromcr; Sccre-
tlEics, ". V1sers and J. l.. Montieu.
Alr: Durant took his scat amid great applause,
and made very able speech. he affirmed
his object to bo the -Wcltale OF the country
great revolution caused by the war, there was
universal suffrage. He claimed for the black
man all the rights Of white citizens. He L.
nored the election ordered by the Governor
under the constitution Of '6a. as based upon
jcrity OF the citizens Of the State. Hence he
appealed to Congress. During the four fol-
lowing days that tho Convention continued
its sittfnSs, a variety Of questions were
discussed. a warm debate followed
motion for the Convention to assume the
name Of the "Conyention Of the Republican
party Of Louieiana, y and endorse tie plat
form Of principles issued by the Republican
party at Baltimore, in June, 1854. The pas
sage Of this resolution was followed BY the
resignation Of two of the Delegates. A nun:
Der Of resolutions wczc adopted, recognizing
the State Of Louisiana III territorial condi.
tim, until restored by act Of Congress;
franchise protesting against the imnedIate
admission of Louisiaha to her rights as
State; advocating equal rights for The black
as The white race In all respects; advocating,
also, National Convention, to represent tic
white and black classes Oh the basis Of uni
yeEsal snlfage.
A resolution, condcnnatory Of the Prcsi-
dents policy toward tho Southern States, was
last after nm animated debnte 4 Central
Committee was appointed. 4 motion was
adopted that they luke into consideration the
formation Of Slate Constitution, with a
view to its future adoption by the people. A
motion to appoint a delegate to Congress pre-
vailed, and Hon. Il. c. Yarmouth was elected
by the Convention. After SONG discussion
tic ConEention adjourned sine de-,