The Portland daily press., 1867-08-02
virginia Union Convention.

RICHMOND, Va, Aug. 1.
This morning, at an early hour, the neigh
borhood OF the African Church was filed by
about 5000 blacks, awaiting the opening of the
doors, and the streets were alive with others
coming to the place for the meeting of the
convention. The Republican headquarters and
hotels looked lively with politicians arranging
matters for the day. At II o'clock the doors of
the church were opened, and the building was
instantly filled, still leaving about 1000 blacks
outside. Up to this time very few white Re-
publicans appointed by the county conventions
had made their appearance The whites pres
ent were about fifty in number, being chiefly
delegates who had attended the April Conven-
ton.
Mr.. Tucker, OF Alexandria, moved the ap-
pointment of fifty able-bodied men to clear
the ground and keep order for the Convention
at Capital square, which motion being car
ried the Convention. Adjourned
Those who were present at the square found
conservative delegate, who addressed about
1000 blacks. He protested against three or
four men ruling the Convention or overawing
the interior delegations by such an immense
crowd fiom Richmand.
The announcement was then made that the
Convention was assembling ON the other side
Of the Capital. and some OF the audience left.
Here were assembled one of the largest crowds
ever seen in Richmond, with considerable
sprinkling of whites. John Hawkhurst, of
Alexandria, was chosen temporary Chairman
and Charles Whitlesey. of Alexandria, tenn
pOEdry CtcfoCdTy. Il recess OF TWO hours was
had to give time for the committee to be
formed, one from each delegation. The differ
emit delegations met under the trees in the
square. ps-t
In the meantime the other wing had printed
aud had distributed the following handful:
Republican State Conyention.-The delegates
to the State Convention of unconditional
Union men, called to meet in the African
Church OF this city at 1.20 O'Clock to-day, will
meet in the hall of the House of Delegates
a q taln 10
ganization of the Republican party of Virginia
Every delegate is requested to be prompt in
attendance None other than regularly APP
pointed delegates will be admitted into the
hall. (Signed by the committee of arrange
ments)
a During the recess several short addresses
were made relating to the cause of John Mi
nor Bolts and his clique and the Convention
called by the handful. Mr.. Bolts was de-
nounced as DESTROYS of making the Republican
party of the State subservient to his own party
or break 1t up. There were loud cries for Mr.
Bolts, and proposition was made to invite
him to explain his position, but it failed.
The Convention formally reassembled about
B o'clock. The committee on permanent Off
GERS reported in favor of appointing all of the
old officers of the April convention and recon-
mended that the platform of the convention be
adopted without alteration, The report as to
officers was adopted and Mr.. John Hawk
hurst was declared permanent chairman. The
recommendation as to platform gave rise to an
excited debate. Mr.. Bolts of Norfolk said if
the convention which was termed a mass
meeting, adopted platform, it would have
nothing to do but go home and if they did that
then the meeting held by the other wing to-
night, calling itself the convention, it would
remain in session two or three days. adopt
platform, appoint an Executive Committee,
and the Republicans would go into the cam
paign with two parties, which would be ruin
GUS.
He was followed by j. W Hunnicutt, who
urged adjourning until tomorrow at 10 o'clk
in order to give the other wing who had not
attended the meeting, time to came in, and the
blame would be upon themselves
Several motions were made to adjourn and
great confusion reigned around the Speakers
stand. Messrs. Baker and Sterling both
attempted to address the body. Mr. Ba-
ker declaring that he would speak as the meet
ing had adjourned, and Mr., Sterling taking
the opposite view. A colored serieant-at-arms
seized Mr.. Baker to put him out, and a row
seemed immenent. The platform was adopted
withouta dissenting voice, and the meeting was
declared to be, adjourned until tomorrow
morning at o'clock. Ff8E9