The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-05-28
State COlored Convention.
FIRST DAYS PROCEEDINGS
PERMANENT ORGANIZATION.
BA YNE CHOSEN PRESIDENT
COUNTRY VERSUS CITY.

terday at u O'Clock.
Joseph Cox was called to the chair, and
tary.
After considerable desultory discussion
the following Committee on Credentials was
appointed Lindsey, Lucas, Jones, Albert
Cox. and Captain Mosby.
While the committee were out, the Con
yention was addressed by Bland, of Prince
Edward, and DR.. Bayne, of Norfolk.
Baync's remarks were mostly confined to
the right OF negroes to serve in the militia,
for which he contcndcd in his original man
.ner. His silly arguments to prove the black
man better than the white were of course
well received, as was his advice to elect
black men always in preference to white
men. lie told them that they could give
from fifteen to twenty votes where the white
men could give one, and warned them not
to support any man who would not be will.
ing to have one black man at least where
there was one white on the ticket. He said
truly that there were very few true white
men among them, and cited the Petersburg
Convention as an instance. There were
many white men who said that a black man
on the ticket would break it down, and
when they were whipped in by the black
men they said they were for Harris heart
and soul.
In conclusion, he said that the acts of the
black men would live forever, and their
children would rise up and call them blessed
Now is the time to claim equal rights, and
to die rs one IMAM if they were not granted
A vote of thanks was rendered Bland and
Bayne for their speeches. ,--
Cornelius Harris asked that visitors be
requested not to take part in the proceedings.
Chair: 81 will request visitors, and you
Cornelius included, to let the delegates Use
their own Judgment"
On motion, "Mr." Scott was appointed
temporary sergeant-at-arms.
"Dr." Norton, being called upon, adj
dressed the Convention. He spoke in favor
of civil equality in every respect, but said
that the question of social equality would
govern itself. He did not believe that was
claimed by this Convention. He excused
himself from extended remarks, as he was
fatigucd from travel.
Several others spoke, and the Committed
on Credentials made their report: which
was adopted. About one hundred and
twenty members were reported present.
Much discussion ensued as TO whether
the permanent officers should be elected by
the body, or Il committee should report nOmi-
nations. Propositions and "pints of or
der" innumerable were offered and raised,
and it was evident that there were two par
ties aiming for the chair. Lester was pro-
mincnt in opposing committee and i'll fl
voring the election by the "body Of free
mcn." He called the previous question
whcreupon, for the first time, some confl-
sion cnSlled, and every man seemed anxious
to speak first. Richmond was evidently
ahead Of all the delegations, and even Bayne
was put down. In the midst Of all this,
Lindsay arose, and with considerable indig-
nation exclaimed "Mr. President, is it
possible: Is it possible: ! hope not
sir. The idea that In the iiiatter of the
free systeln of republican government
will the majority rule the minority? Does
the DELIGHTS to 4 DELIGHT body like this say
that we shall have these retirin committees
and be so anxious to he set up in that chair
And then. Mr.. Chairman, as to this thing o
the taking up Of prolongation of time,
don't know what the gentlemen want; but
| suppose they will retire, not to arise dis
satisfaction. But we can vote down thar
propositions. We don't spend time here in
contcnn ut. whether tho county or town
gentleman shall be at the chair, and don't
propose that we shall lose time with those
aspirin gentlemen for future puppos, God
knows what it is" -."
Here ii was supposed that Lewis was
done, and Bayne was declared to have the
floor. Lewis said that he didn't give up the
floor.
Baync: "Well, 7 hope you wont make
no debate, but 90 on, and let us know when
you get through, and what you got to say
Lewis "Well, then, Pll 90 on, but
don't want to be acted OH by this guide Of
minutes and limitations. Now, Mr. Chair.
man, rs to this wire-workin' of retiration
for any ruppos; /, as true delegit, wants
to cit rid Of it," ...
After further remarks, Lewis was fol-
lowed by Bavnc, who favored committee
He was frequently interrupted, and in tho
course of his remarks said that if meetings
of colored men were not acquainted with
parliamentary law before the war they were
used to it now.
Crockett " Well, if you didn't know par.
lamentary law III Massachusetts,, we knew
it in Old Virginia"
Bayne II was speckin' off,
Member Gnterrupting): Massachu
setts."
Bayne 81 wasn't no such thing. was
speakin of here"
After further discussion and confusion, il
course of which such remarks as Dat
ungcntlcmanly," 81 won't take my seat,
and | hope the Convention will sustain
me-" and " Brother President, 4 word viii
Us v
was determined to appoint committee o
nine on permanent organization. The com
mittee was appointed, retired, and the Con
ycntion took recess until O'Clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Convention met at o'clock-CoX IL
the chair.
The Committee OH Permanent Organiza-
ton. In majority, reported the following
nominations
President-Dr. Bayne, Norfolk.
First Nice-P -PreSident--Rev William Troy
Richmond. Second Yice-Presidcnt - DR.
Norton, York. Third Vice ce-Presidcnt-RaSS'
dale, Charlotte.
Secretaries-Bob Hobson, Fuller, and
Bland.
Chaplain-Fields Cook.
The minority of the committee reported
the following alterations
For President-Rev. William Troy.
First Presdent-Bayne. Second
Vice-President-Dr Norton. Third wee
President-Joe Cox.
The discussion which followed showed
considerable difference between the CITY.
and country delegates. The latter were mol
at all pleased with the report. , 49,,
One delegate, quite black, remarked
wants to see men in office qualified to Justify
de business of dis constitution. tell you,
sab, YOU might as well try to move de Blue
Ridge mountains as to try to prevent dc
sabilties of my rights" ;,
Another one Suggested: Less elect dc
majority man, and den we'll see what he do
and what he don't do, or any yether man.,
A second reading of the nominations was
called; and us the name of Cox, i'll the
minority report, was announced, a delegate
exclaimed :: !" Mr.. President, that's bogus
nomination, that Cox"
Fuller (head of the minority: .'Ef the
gentleman wish to make any such lnslnua-
ton Pm ready to meet it,
At length vote was taken, and the ma
iority report was adopted.