Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1868-03-10
Republicau Mas Meeting


Pursuant to public call for q mass meeting
Of the Republicans OF the city of Washington,
no consider the sefainE election, the new chsr-
ter, consolidation, the Washington canal" &c.
about one hundred white and colored men
assembled at Woodward's Hall last night, aud
were called to order by A. Watson, white, on
whose motion j. II. Crane was elected chair
mar. ]. " Given, colored, was chosen Secre-
taIy, upon the nomination Of DR.. VIM. Boyd.
The Chair stated in opening the meeting, that
il might be asked why this meeting was held
without the endorsation of the Central Assocla-
toni The President of that association, when
called upon TO make a call for the meeting, had
replied that he would not do so, because he
Mr.. Crane) would come and create q disturb
ance He would say that he was Republican
at heart, and while he would express his
opinions, yet he should always respect the SEN
tments of thoee Republicans who differed with
him. After further remarks he submitted reso-
lutione:
THAT we believe in the right of free discus.
sion Of any and all questions that may come
before the American people; that we honor the
Union Leagues OF the land for the brave work
they did In the dark days Of rebellion, bat re-
greet to see these organizations in certain quar-
tiers trying to control the Republican party OF
this city, and forestall its action by secret
means; that we believe it to be for the hlghect
interest OF the people Of this District that the
.wo cities of Washington and GEORGETOWN, and
the county Of Washington, be consolidated in
one corporation, to be known as the city Of
w washington, and we recommend and urge the
adoption OF such a measure, beliey 1t would
enhance the value of real estate throughout the
District, and promote the convenience and gen.
eTal welfare OF all its citizens that among the
several bills that have been presented to Con.
eress for the future government Of this city, we
regard the one known as the Harlan bill as the
best calculated to satisfy the wants Of the PEG.
pie. and we urge its immediate adoption, with
an amendment consolidating this District in one
orporation, and that the Offices Of Judge of pro-
bate, register Of deeds, register Of wills. and
commissioners i've xs no
people; that the conduct Of the city authorities
OF Washington in Withholding the salaries from
the teachers Of our public schools is a burning
shame and disgrace to our city, and merits the
severest censure. If longer persisted in, we
hope Congress will take the matter in hand and
compel those who are responsible for this de-
linquency to do their duty or resign
Following the reading Of the resolutions, Mr.
Crane proceeded to address the meeting at some
length in favor of free dicussion, universal
Freedom consolidation. &c. He referred to a
Republican meeting held some time SINCE with
out any public notice, when, after three or four
ineneetual attempts on his part to speak, he
said he was fatty insulted. 1t was not his
purpose now TO be spiteful or vindictive, tor
at the meeting over which he then presided the
freest discussion was invited, and should be
tolerated. The speaker then adverted 10 his
connection with the Union League Association
years ago, and said that so long as there was
any necessity for their existence they did their
work most gloriously; but now their labors
We're mt an end, and, SO far as this District was
concerned, the organization was only kept alive
TO catch colored men and throw dlssension in
the Republican ranks The League was based
upon rotten foundation, and was nothing but
the spawn of Know Nothingls m and all other
horrid isms. He said that they were holding
secret meetings throughout the city, and in one
ward at least nominations had been made.
Edward Ambush, colored, (interruptinp)-
l deny the aspersions against the Union
League OF this city. They have always work
ed openly and above board.
Mr.. Crane reiterated his assertions
Thomas Lewis. cnlOrpd iunnirad -hafha he
considered the Declaration Of Independence a
rotten foundation. The Union League was
founded upon that great document.
AT this point, Mr.. Crane still maintaining his
standing posture, and vainly endeavoring to
speak, Edward Ambush called tor the reading
OF the resolutions: After they Were read, DIR.
BOYD moved that they be adopted, in order to
bring them fairly before the meeting
Mr.. Crane again essayed TO speak. He said
the League was enticIng cOlored men into their
organization so as TO get the control OF affairs,
and If their efforts We're persisted in the Repub-
hcan party at the next election would be de-
feated He would not submit to it. The Re-
pubncans needed more courage and stiffness in
the knees. He closed his remarks after frequent
Interruptions. by recommending the endorse
tion of the Sumner District Charter bill, into
which he thought consolidation should be in
corporated.
Mr.. Watson thought the Union League at
TINS time was only active at the South. In
this city and at the North the association was
now OF no use; bet il could not be dispensed
with at the South.
Edward Ambush objected TO the remarks of
Mr. Watson, and thought if he could not name
any ward In which nominations had been made
by the League he had better hold his tongue
Mr.Watson replied, that he had heard that in
the Seventh Ward the League had held secret
meetings and made nominations.
j. V. Giveus, colored, defended the Union
League, and denied that il was based upon a
rotten foundation. He branded the assertions
OF MT. Crane as utterly Neutrality-suspicious. a
scintlla OF truth. In Richmond, Va on NEXT
Wednesday night, he said, there would assem-
bic two thousand Union Leagues, who, as a
North
DIR. Boyd attempted to speak, when motions
to adjourn We're made and the reading Of the
resolutions were called for. The Doctor perse-
Hered, and said he would be heard. He did
not manufacture padlocks for other people
moUt hs and none should be made for him. He
said he was Union League man.
A voice.-Its not so.
DR.. Boyd said he would not discuss the score.
sy of the League. but was interrupted by Hen.
ry Heimber, whereupon he inquired Of Mr.. H.
II he did not know 1t was lmpolite to interrupt
a gentleman while he was speaking
At this juncture a half dozen voices called
Tor an adjournment, and the Doctor was asked
if he would yield the floor. With defiance in
his eye he maintained his position and emphat.
me is worthy OF being yielded to. He repeated
the remark that nominations had been made by
the League in at least one of the wards, and
such had been accomplished by fraud Aboui
the right OF Republicans to call a meeting he
would say that any body OF them had that right
when and where they chose, without, as be
said, first asking few OLD women or some of
the male nincumpoOps, who were afraid OF
their shadows.
Mr.. HeiInber inquired If DIR. Boyd did not 60
to the President of the Central Club and ask
him TO call a meeting, and whether that gentle.
man did not tell him he would call a meeting if
there was a good reason
Dr. Boyd explained, and then proceeded to
speak Of some place in illustration of the dis
orderly proceedings of the meeting, when the
inquiry was made, what country is that
Mr.. Giyen.-Flunkeydom
DIR. Boyd attempted TO speak further. but
was compelled to discontinue because of the
uproar and calls for adjournment, &c.
The question was asked what the meeting
was called for
The Chair replied that he had paid for the
hall out of his own pocket, and If gentlemen
did not like TO remain they had better leave.
Thereupon number left.
Mr.. ID. r. Kelsey made a motion TO adjourn,
and advocated the same In an earnest manner
He characterized the proceedings of the Sew
enth Ward Republican meetings as a disgrace,
and the present ore as of the same stamp. The
fewer meetings of like character that are held.
he thought, the better. In conclusion he re-
newed his motion for adjournment.
The Chair.-That motion can't be entertained
l have paid for the hall, and will insist upon
full discussion.
Justice N. HI. Miller desired to know il MI
Craze had paid for the hall, if il gave him the
right to say that the majority should not ad-
journ.
Mr. Crane, (amid great confusion. Take
your seat, sir. MI. Chase has the floor.