The New York herald., 1869-03-10
VIRGINIA.

RiOtOus Proceedings in the Republican Stnte
Convention-Contest for the Organization
General Fight Among the Delegntes-Tho
Convention Broken Up by the City Authors
ties-Division in the Republican Ranks.
PETERSBURG, March 0, 1869.
This morning the Republican State Nominating
Convention met in the African Methodist church, on
Main street, about one hundred ana twenty dele
gates being present. These were divided into two
cliques one In the interest OF Governor Wells and the
other favoring James II. Clements Of Portsmouth,
for the Governorshp, in opposition to Wells.
Last night and during the entire morning there
was every indication Of stormy session. because Of
the deadly hatred Of opposing factions Early in the
day charges Of corruption and mail robbery against
his Excellency Governor Wells had been published
and freely circulated ana this added to the excite
ment Of the occasion. At twelve M. the Convention
was called to order by DR.. Gilmor, chairman OF the
Republican State Executive Committee, folio wing
which George Tucker was nominated as temporary
chairman by the Clements faction. Mr.. jenkins
was then nominated by the Wells clique, and here
the scene commenced. Cries and yells from the
Clements crowd met this announcement. and the
church was shortly afterwards converted into per-
feet bedlam. Motions and countermotions were
made, majority OF all present being on the floor,
yelling and declaimng IN horrible manner. Butts,
and Samuels, OF Richmond, in q stentorian
voice, declared Tucker elected BY acclamation.
of Voices % an
tain order the motion was overlooked At this stage
Of the proceedings the excitement increased to .
fearful pitch, and the Wells men pushed to the
trum, leaplng over the railing that enclosed It,
saulting the incumbent Of the chair and Others Men
the crowd in the galleries descended fnasse. In
few moments the place resembled pandemonium,
to restore order After While the immediate ros.
trum was cleared but then another attempt TO seat
Tucker was made and another fight followed, q
Tucker was struck on the head with cane. Seve-
ral members were beaten in fearful manner, and
cleared. Colonel Burke here resisted, and was
arrested BY the police. and during his
e ef pa % ss and pS let @ ys sns
church. All the while tables, benches and chairs
were crowded with men on their feet, and during
inlaw, and Judge Bond stood IN . corner, quietly
surveying the riot. The church was cleared by the
hopsessy sp they this nue even
ing. but without accomplishing any satisfactory
suits. Tnis Will eventually end In the establishment
OF grand administration party BY coalition OF the
Clements faction with the native white republicans.
Upon meeting Of the Convention this evening the
Mayor and pocea at the instigarion OF Judge Bond
and Governor Wells, took entire control OF the Con-
vention and would allow OF no organization except
under their guidance and partial dictation. A num-
ber Of gentlemen prominent In their opposition to
Governor Wells were threatened with arrest unless
they kept their seats by this system OF control the
tion OF Wells.
The convention reassembled at ten O'Clock this
evening, but the Committee on Credentials not being
ready to report 1t was adjourned until tomorrow.
II Is evident that Wells will be nominated to-
morrow, and 1t Is conceded that Henry q. Taylor OF
Montgomery, viii be selected for Lieutenant Gov
ern0r
The friends Of Clements have tonight drawn mp a
protest against the action Of the Mayor OF Peters
bury and calling for new convention but the mat
ter later In the evening was abandoned.
Meeting Of the Supreme Lodge Of the knights
Of Pythias mt Richmond-Rapid Increase of
the Order.