Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-09-18
THE FAYETTEVILLE CONVENTION

Taking passage on board the steamer
New Hanover to the District Convention,
our reporter left the city Tuesday afternoon
for Fayetteville, to note for the benefit of
our readers the proceedings of the largest
and most enthusiasts Convention and Mass
Meeting ever held for any District in North
Carolina. The passage was safe and speedy,
the steamer arriving with the delegation at
the landing in Fayetteville early Wednes-
day morning. The North Carolina, with a
large Bladen and Brunswick delega-
ton on board, was passed on the
river the night previous, and soon
after also safely arrived. These
Joined in with the New Hanover crowd,
which was soon materially strengthened by
the arrival of the Sampson delegation on
horseback. The procession then took up
it's line of march for the Market House.
On the way it was met and received by the
Fayetteville firemen, who also joined in,
making the procession about half mile
long, and numbering many hundred. The
Robson and Richmond delegations ar
rived about the same time from another
direction, overland, and the spacious Mar
ket Square was speedily crowded to its fal-
lest extent. The town was by this time
thoroughly alive, the citizens turning out
en- naasse The several delegations were
! then welcomed by Hon. Thos G. Fuller,
of Cumberland, on behalf of the citizens
and committee Of Reception, in neat and
tasty speech delivered from the verandah
| l. IL
and merited compliments were paid to the
several counties and their delegations,
meeting with the heartiest cheers from the
vast assembly. Colonel A. A. McKoy, of
Sampson, on behalf of the various delega-
t1ons, responded to the welcome extended
through the gentleman from Cumberland.
His speech was appropriate and forcible,
| exciting much enthusiasm, and drawing
forth repeated applause. At its conclusion
the assembly dispersed to partake of the
| hospitality of the citizens, and to prepare
for the Convention.
At an early hour, in company with one
of Fay yetteville's brightest and fairest, the
reporter proceeded to inspect Farmers
Hall, in which the delegates were to as
semble This Hall is capable of accom-
modating between five and eight hundred
persons. For days past the ladies with
skilful bands had been at work, endeavor-
ing to beautify and adorn this spacious
apartment The result of their skill and
labors was strikingly apparent. Beautiful
festoons and wreathes of evergreen adorn-
ed the walls and were suspended grace
fully over the platform erected for the &C
commodation of the officers and as speak
er's stand. On the walls the names of the
several counties embraced in the District
were displayed within beautiful wreaths.
Flags were also tastefully arranged
in various parts of the building.
| THE TOWN.
In all parts of the town before the Con
vention met, the streets were alive with
people. At Liberty Point, near the Hall,
a pole-raising was going on. Capt.
W. S. Norment, of Robson, there address
ed a large and enthusiastic crowd. Speech
es we're made in the streets in several quar-
ters and the greatest enthusiasm was
|, apparent.
IN THE CONVENTION.
The Convention met at 10 O'Clock, anc
was called to order by T. j. Curtis, Esq
Of Cumberland, former Mayor OF fayette
VILE, who moved the election of Colone
, Walter L. Steele, of Richmond, as tempo
rary Chairman. The election OF Colone
Steele was carried unanimously, and OF
taking the presiding officers seat, he sub
r mitted q few remarks, thanking them To-
| the compliment paid him, and urging TIT
Importance of the work before them.
3 On motion of Capt. Benz. Roblnson. o
: Cumberland, John @. James, OF the WI