The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1870-06-20

rated with flags which are fastened to all
the posts supporting the roof; an immense
national banner is gracefully festooned
over the officers platform, and beautiful
bouquets, the gift of no less beautiful Ia.
Gies of Charleston, are displayed in various
prominent positions. All around tho hor-
izontal beams supporting the roof, arc dis
played the names Of tho counties Of the
State, while the name "West Virginia"
appears in llrge letters above the speakers
stand. A sufficient portion of what is,
both architecturally aud literally, the
ground floor, is separated from the rest by
a substantial railing, and set apart for the
exclusive use of delegates: Substantial
and comfortable seats are provided all
through the enclosure, and all the arrange.
ments indicate thoughtful care upon the
part Of tho projectors Of the building for
the comfort and convenience of the as
sembled delegates and the vast throng of
spectators in attendance. have been in-
formed that almost tho entire credit for the
excellence and good taste ofthe Wigwam,
as we'll as for tho completeness Of all tho
arrangements which have won the merits
and appreciation of all hero assembled. is
duo to General John II. Obey, whose en-.
ergy and devotion to the cause of govern.
mental ieform are well known throughout
the State and merit all praise.
On Tuesday evening mass meeting Of
delegates, citizens aud strangers was held
in tho Wigwam. A large audience was
present and . number Of ladies gracod tho
assembly by their presence. The meet.
ing was called to order by E. D. Knight.
Esq who, in an exceedingly felicitous
speech, welcomed tue members ofthe
Convention to Charleston, the recently
designated Capital of the State, and allu-
dod very happily to the result of the elec-
ton last fall, when the tide Of Democratic
success swept up the Kanawha Valley,
growing deeper and broader as it advanced
and produced the handsome majorities
given in Mason, Putnam, Kanawha and
Fayetto counties. His speech was loudly
applaudcd by the meeting. lie proposed
Hon. John Hall. Of Mason county as
Chairman.
Mr.. Hall returned thanks for the honor
conferred upon him in very appropriate
speech Of few minutes duha,ion, and.
when lie had taken his seat, Perry simp-
son, Esq. Of Mason county, was called
for.
Ho responded in very happy manner,
and elected frequent rounds Of applause
by bis bold and mastery denunciation o.
the falschools and crimes Of tho radical
party. lie asserted that in aspccch al
the Falls of Kanawha, two years ago,
Governor Stevenson emphatically declared
that il negro suffrage was forced upon the
people Of this country. he would iorsakc
tho radical party.
Mr.. Simpson was followed by COlone'
Daniel D. johnson. who, in Q, characters.
tically smooth and wcll-spoken address,
set forth some Of the iniqui,ics Of the
present administration Of the Govern
mcnt.
John j Davis, Esq, and Colonel Bon
jamin Wilson, Of Harrison. also addressed
the audience Sith much force and good
effect but the principal sensation Of the
evening was when Senator Phelps, o
Mason county, heretofore acting with The
radical party, was loudly called for ant
reluctantly came forward and took hi
place before the people.
lie alluded to the peculiar embarrass'
mcnt Of bis position, and spoke Of meet
ing under one flag, the flag Of our common
country. some who had Differed widely
during the past years Of war. Hc though
il full time to bury und forget the past
a Government rs strong as that OF th'
United States could well afford and ough
to be magnanimous. lie was opposed II
any further prescription for opinions SAX
and for entertaining these sentiments h'
lad been abused and maltrcated and callet
"ku Klux" by bis former radica
friends and associates. lie opposed tht
ratification Of the Fifteenth Amendment
because he thought each State should reg
ulate its own franchise, but in reply to hi
entreatics for delay the radical members 0
the Legislature had declared that il the.
; did no! ratify it in haste they could not d.
it at all.
Al. pbelna' snecch was londly cleeret