The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1870-03-17
From the Richmond Dispatch
THE RADICAL CONVENTION.

" DitSiOC.-AIJ!tesO"iV SF0t1"'
From the Richmond Dispatch.
THE RADICAL CONVENTION.
A meeting of gentlemen representing the
different branches of the Republican party
in Virginia was held at the United States
courtroom in this city on Saturday in re-
spouse to call signed by Senator Lewis and
several Of the Virginia members Of Congress,
the object being settlement Of the dlfferen-
ces of opinion existing in the party.
Hon. James H. Platt read the call under
which the meeting assembled. and on his mo-
ton Henry NJ Bowdcn, of Norfolk, member
of the House of Delegates, was called TO the
chair. and Andrew Washburne and W N
Stevens (colored) were appointed secretaries.
Colonel Platt and Hon. John +. Lewis
then addressed the meeting, urging the impor-
lance Of uniting all the conflicting clements
in the Republican party in opposition to the
Democratic majority. and that all past differ
ences should be forgotten.
Mr. Washburnc then read letter from
Hon. Lewis Mckenzie, member Of Congress
from the cigth district, expressing his cordial
approval Of the call, and apologizing for una
yoidable absence
Mr.. Plat moved the appointment by the
Chair Of committee of eight to forward to
Republicans in different sections Of the State
invitations to assemble here on the 9th day
Of April next for the purpose of having a
conference with a view to reorganize the Re-
publican party Of Virginia.
Mr.. Fayerman moved to amend by substi-
tutins the 9Th Of May as the day of meeting,
which was afterwards Withdrawn.
Senator Lewis stated that the object of the
proposed conference was to appoint an exec
utiye committee which would be recognized
by all the elements Of Republicanism in this
State. He remarked, too that all persons
who have the welfare of the Republican
party at heart should feel authorized to take
part in the meeting.
Ex-Governor Wells, George K. Gilmcr,
Judge Bramhall, Peter G. Morgan, s. NJ.
Dodge, and others, participated in discus
sion Of the propriety Of the proposed confer
ence. the prevailing sentiment appearing to
be in favor Of the proposition.
Governor Wells remarked that the time
had come to lay aside all personal considera-
tons, and that nearly all good results were
obtained by personal sacrifices. This, he
said, was the time for conciliaton. and nothing
should be done to widen any existing breach
On motion, Hon. G Fl. Porter vas request
ed to submit his ideas on the question at is
sue. MIR Porter spoke at some length, ex-
pressing himself as Of opinion that the pro-
posed conference would not be the best means
of accomplishing the end desired.
Colonel John W. jenkins offered as sub
stitutc to the original motion Of Colonel
Plat the following resolution:
"Resozced, That the committees. hea ded
respectively by Hon. G. II. Porter, General
Williams G. Wickham, and G.. K. Gilmer,
be requested to appoint five persons each,
who are authorized and requested to invite
persons from the different parts of the State
to assemble in the city Of Richmond on 9th
of April for the purpose Of taking measures
to leorganize the Republican party of Viz
ginia''
Colonel Plat moved to amend by insert
ing FIVE names from each Republican commit
teo.of the State.
The resolution and amendment were adopt
ed, and the following gentlemen appointed ::
Messrs. G. K. Gilmcr, j. B. Crenshaw,
Normand Smith, G. S. Buudy, and Franklin
Stearns; General Williams G. Wiekham,
NIessrs. Andrew Washburne, p. G.. Morgan,
r. ". Hughes, aud R. NJ. Marley; Hon.
c. RI. Porter, Messrs S T. Maddox, John
B. Millner. and P Helmuth.
On motion of Mr.. Fayorman the Virginia
Republican delegation in Congress were add
ed to the committee; after which the meeting
adjourned.
La the afternoon a majority of the COM
mittce thus appointed met at the same place.
when Senator Lewis was called to the chair
and Mr.. Washburne was appointed secrcta
ry.
Mr. Crenshaw submitted resolution de-
claring it inexpedient to hold conference Of
the Republican party at this time.
Mr.. Robert W. Hughes opposed this pro-
position, and proposed the following substi
tute:
"Resol0ed, That we call conference of
as many persons as now constitute the House
of Delegates, representing respectively the
constituencies in that body, and twelve mem
bers at large to meet in Richmond on the
9th of April for the purpose of recognizing
the Republican party of Virginia"
AN INFORMAL ueDaCe enSueQ, IN Wnlcn the
state Of the party was discussed, and Mr.
Lewis incidentally remarked that the safety
of every Union man in the State depended
upon rescuing the State from the hands Of
the rebel Democracy.
Mr.. Porter made quite speech. said that
if it was the intention Of the gentlemen COM
posing this meeting to support the policy of
Governor Walker he desired to have nothing
further to do with it, He wanted to know
whether it was meeting in the interests Of
the Republican party Or Of the rebel MAORI
ty in the Legislature.
Mr.. Lewis said this meeting had nothing
to do with Mr. Walker or Mr. Anybody elsc's
politics, but he thought the Governor would
do what was right. At any rate, we ought
to wait and see.
NJ HUGHES ,,h;ootod to anvthinc furfha