The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-09-10
Dissraceful Conclusion of the Misce.
genatiOn Menagerie-Bett on suff.
rage and equality for SambO

John Minor Bolts asked as favor that the
gentleman from North Carolina should with
draw his motion for the previous question, as
he determined at this time to place his posi-
ton right upon the record before retiring from
the Convention. The request being granted,
Mr.. Bolts (amid great confusionl addressed
the Convention as follows Il know very well
how shall be spoken of in the newspapers
of my own State for attending this Conven-
zion, They will not praise me, | assure you.
However feel proud of all that has taken
place, aud l have listened with pleasure to
much that has been said | have always
been as wiling to listen to the supplication of
the hunlbest negro in the land, as to the
highest white man, applause. But, gen
tlemen. stand here opposed to the adoption
Of that report as against the one adopted yes
terday, can say that for thirty-fve or for
ty years have never appeared ip any other
character than that of a Union man. But,
gentlemen, I must this day disclaim all fur
ther connection with this Convention tSen-
satioL aud great confusion.
conscientisusly believe that you could not
get three hundred men in Virginia to vote for
negro suffrage to-day,
A vuice--Oh yes you could, fifty thousand
Of them,
Another-Yes, one hundred thousand of
them
Mr.. Bolts (undisnayed by the gathering
storm - We want relief for the white man
down in Virginia first We who have suffered
worse than serfdom want some privileges ex-
tended TO us. "A voice-so do we in Texas J
Mr. Bolts, getting excited) don't care what
any man from Texas or Louisiana says on the
subject of negro suffrage, know what has
happened at Memphis and New Orleans; that
the negroes at the South would not be per-
mitted to vote without projections the protec-
ton of bayonets at every poll. The proper
way to ameorate the condition of the blacks
is first to build up party of loyal white men
at the South, who would see that the loyal
blacks were protected in their rights. In good
time, and when God wills it, the negro will
have suffrage.
A Delegate-The question before the house
is the adoption of the report of the Committee
Oh the Non-Reconstructed States call the
gentleman to order.
A Delegate from North Carolina-T rise to
point Of order, My point is that this matter
should be left to the members from the Nom
Reconstructed States.
Another Deegate-I also rise to a point of
order, and that is this: The gentleman is Civ
ing us a history of his life
Mr.. Bstts--I beg your pardon sir; | am
giving no personal history whatever
DELEGATED want to know whether the
resolutions are to be read for yonr benefit or
that OF the Convention.
Mr., Bolts declined to reply to any of these
nsinuations, and permission being accorded
him, he proceeded 10 read series of resolu-
tons denying the right of Congress to inter-
fere in the matter Of suffrage in the States.
The resolutions were quite lengthy and were
not listened to with much attention by the
Convention.
A Delegate RAISE the point of order
thai the resolutions have no right to be read
Mr.. Bolts appealed to Mr. Baylor, of Geor-
gia, to read the resolutions, but he declined on
the score Of fatigue.
Mr., Bolts finished the reading himself AT
their close he asked that they might be print
ed with the journal of the proceedings. (Cries
of "No, no." 81 move the previous question:"
Il move they be sent to the next meeting of
the 14th of August Convention" Kisses,
yells, catcalls, and confusion worse confound-
ed.)