The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1869-05-28
The Radical COnventiOn---First
Days Proceedings.

Days Proceedings.
From the Nashville Press and Timcs-Radical.
The convention was called to order
at IL q. M, by Mr.. A. M. Cate, chair
man of the State Central Committee.
Immediately Judge Houk started up
and nominated Pearne for the chair (;
simultaneously another gentleman start
ed up and nominated Hon. II. II. But
Ter. The confusion thcrcfrom became
immense, and the chairman la5orcd for
half an hour with the gavel in q vain
endeavor to restore order. Before or
der could be properly had, Judge Houk
again jumped on bench and put the
vote himself upon the Pearnc nomina-
ton /; and declared it carried in favor
of Pcarne. The same thing was done
in regard to Butler, and both gentle
men moved up to the stand and stood
OH either side of Mr.. Cate who continu-
cd to hold his position. Mr.. Pearne
sought an opportunity to address the
meeting. but could not obtain it by
reason of the vociterous cries for But
Ter, mixed with equally loud and vehe-
mcnt shouts for Pcarne. Mr.. Cate
made strenuous efforts to bring order
out Of the chaos that prevailed. When
something like lull would occur
Pcarnc again would essay to address
the assemblagc. but would be again
prevented by n repetition of the for
mcr noises. lie continued, however,
to hold his position and to shake his
fist and his head alternately at Mr..
Cate and the audience, vocifcrating. Il
have rights in this convention and |
,rW be heard" This thing continued
to about half past twelve o'clock. when
cries came from all parts Of the Hall to
"adiourn to two o'clock"
Mr.. Peabody got upon the Sccrcta-
rvs desk and succeeded in making him
self heard. He said that the chairman
of the State Central Committee and
himself, the Secretary of the same COM
mittcc. both representing opposite i'll
terests. had agreed to adjourn the meet
ing till two o'clock, and then make such
arrangements as would prevent any
save delegates from entering the hall.
After few moments cross-tring this
was agreed to. The chairman put the
question. There appeared to be an
equal voice for and against the motion.
The chairman, however. declared it car
ricd, and q large number of delegates
left the hall. A large number continue
ed to remain shouting and speaking,
but hardly any one could hear what
was said. Pearne remained beside the
chair, still asserting his claim thereto
with his usual vim. The hall was not fl
nally cleared till about hnlfpast 10 clock.
At two o'clock the vestibulc of the
Capitol was filled with an excited and
loud talking throng, gathered together
from all parts Of the State; caucuSing
was going on in every corner. Great
crowds gathered around loud takers,
and the spirit Of tuvOritism ran high.--
In half an hour or so the door of the
Hall of Representatives was cautiously
opened and ii was announced that the
delegations from counties would be adj
mittcd alphabetically. When the press
got in there were about one hundred
delegates assembled around the speak
er's stand, hugging it closely. Mr..
Cate held the chair, and Pearnc held
the chair to his LETT.
AT fifteen minutes pasr three the dele
gates from all the counties had got i'm,
and the chairman, Mr.. Cate. rose and
called the convention to order. and
hoped the proceedings would be mark
ed by harmony and good feeling.
Mr.. Pcarnc also addressed the meet
ing, and considered himself the col
league of Mr.. Cate. He said he had
speech to make, and would offer it
when the proper time come.
The chairman replied that all the
rights of the gentleman from Knox
would be recognized and duly respected.
AT this point the doors of the gale
ries were thrown open, and such
crowd rushed in that no one could be
heard for some minutes. The galleries.
however, were completely filled in
short time.
Mr.. Lewis, of Overton, was recog-
nized by the chair He nominated Rev.
DR.. Pearne as temporary chairman.
Another gentleman said that the mo-
ton was out of order.
The chairman then explained the con-
dition of affairs before the adjourn
ment, which went to show that Mr..
Lewis motion was in order.
Judge Trewhitt said that the business
of the convention was blocked, and in
the ewes of the Conservatives the Re-
publican party was doomed to eternal
intamy.
Mr.. Pearne then claimed the floor.
and said lie wouldn't allow any inter
ference with his rights. He was Re-
publican of the strictest sect, and his
loyalty was never questioned. lie was
an humble worker, not for the sake of
glory nor for Office. lie battlcd for
principle for the love of it. He regret
ted the eXalting of individuals over
principles. He considered that he was
chairman of the Republican
State Convention of Tennessee.
Mr.. Trewhitt said that in order to
straighten out things he would nomi-
nate Pearne as permanent chairman.
Mr.. Pearne still insisted that he was
chairman. and therefore the
motion was out of order.
Mr.. Butler proposed that himself and
Mr.. Peane withdraw.
Mr.. Williams Immediately nominat-
ed Isaac Hawkins.
The chair ruled him out of order, rs
the proposition Of Mr.. Butler had not
been accepted by the other side.
Mr.. Williams then suggested that
they proceed to ballot by counties for
the two gentlemen. Cries of Order
A gentleman from Humphreys was
proceeding to make some remarks,
when nunthar clamOr Uos boUun NV