The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-09-04

But notwithstanding their defeat on the ques-
ton OF permanent organization,
The Negro-sufTrage Men have Gained
their First Victory,
and that was in the selection OF the Hon. Thomas
j. Durant, Of Louisiana, as temporary Chair
man OF the Convention. The first choice OF the
anttsufIrage men for this position was Governor
Fletcher, OF Missouri; and the selection of Mr.
Durant was a severe blow, from the effects of
which they have not yet recovered. Aside from
this question, however, the digni6ed manner in
which he presided yesterday gained him the
applause of all parties in the Convention.
The NegrO-Suffrage Question
has been handled in the same way as that
of the permanent organization, which last was,
in truth, but part of the former. An immense
pressure is being brought to bear against all
the delegates from the Cult States, who, as
general rule, are perfectly raoid on the suffrage
question, as well as against many from Missouri,
Tennessee, and Virginia, to persuade them to
back down from the position which they have
assumed from the first.
The argument used in this case Is the same as
in the other-negIo suffrage will throw the
November elections into the hands of the John
souites. Against this the Southern radicals pre-
sent the single argument that without negro
suffrage they cannot remain at their present
homes.
John Minor Bolts, of Virginia. is the only man
of prominence from the South who was
originally committed in opposition to negro
suffrage, The principal opposition comes en-
tirely from the Honorary Delegates from the
Northern States.
This interference, as it is called, is highly
resented by many of the Southern radicals.
They maintain that the original cal. embodies
the recommendation of negro suffrage as the
chief duty OF the Convention, and if delegates
nom the North assembled here to welcome aud
encourage them, it is in exceedingly bad taste for
them to endeavor to defeat the main object of
the Convention.
The result of the contest which will be fought
on tomorrow ana the succeeding day is eX-
tremey doubtful. A split in the Convention is
predicted In some quarters. Al any rate, it is
probable that if negro suffrage is defeated in
the Convention, the leading radicals from the
south Twill take the responsibility" of issuing
a manifesto to Congress aud the people, over
their own names as individual citizens, de-
claring that negro suffrage is the only safety of
the loyal men of the South.
The presence in the procession yesterday of
Frederick Douglass
has created an immense sensation, and strong
effort has been made to have him excluded from
The Northern Convention. One person who was
fully committed TO this course went TO Governor
Hamilton, of Texas, to secure his cooperation.
| The response that he received was this:-"H Is
| Hly opinion that Fred. Douglass has more brdinS
| than either you or j."
The result of the effort to exclude Fred
| Douglass from the Northern Convention vii
| probably be an invitation tor him to take a sea-
on the floor Of the Southern Convention. The
| subject is being seriously discussed, and already
| finds many advocates.
About the Hotels
| last evening there were assembled an immense
| throng. Although hundreds of delegates were
| already present as many as six or seven hun
| dred fresh arrivals were noted during the day
The rain, however, seriously interfered with
| arrangements which had been made for sere
nading Generals Butler and Geary, and Other
prominent men.
| 1t did not, however, deter the Republican In
| vincibles, who, as they marched down Chesnu
street, while the rain was falling in torrents
with torches glaring and banners flying, pre-
sented an imposing appearance.