The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1871-08-16
TAuE FACTION BATTLE.
FINAL DISRUPTION soF THE RADICAL
PARTY.

The scene at the Customhouse, this
morning, was most stirring, the corri-
doris and Offices of the immense build
ing being crowded with people, and a
large gathering assembled on the steet
corners outside.
At half past s o'clock, two COM
panies of United States troops march
ed in and stacked their arms in the
hall opposite the Canal street entrance.
The keeper of the building, with the
design of keeping the hall adjoining
the United States Courtroom clear I'M
til the opening of the Convention, de-
tailed Deputy United States Marshal
Riddell for that duty, directing him to
permit no one to pass.
About half-past ten o'clock Governor
Warmoth, accompanied by Messrs.
Campbell, Falkner Pinchback and be-
tween thirty and forty of his political
friends, entered the building and en-
deavored to pass through this hall to
the room which was formerly occupied
by the United States District Attorney
in the rear Of the Court Room. He
was Immediately stopped by Mr.. Rid
dell, who nervously informed him that
his instructions We're to permit no one
to pass the hall until the hour fixed
for the opening of the Convention.
Governor Warmoth replied that he
was delegate to the convention.
To this Mr.. R. answered that several
delegates were in caucus in the court
room, and that perhaps that was the
placa he sought.
Governor Warmoth said in bold, but
respectful tones, 81 don't belong there.
Myself and those other delegates want
to go to thisroom over here-pointing
to the Office before named-to attend
the Republican State Convention.
Mr.. Riddell replied that he, himself,
was welcome to pass, but that his
orders relative to permitting his friends
to enter the hall were positive.
The Governor, having elected a d.
rect refusal of admission, retired to
the hall opposite the Canal street en-
trance to the building, which was
crowded with sympathizers. He here
made brief speech, as follows:
We have submitted to the dictation
of the State Committee; we have con-
sented to meet in convention in the q.
S. Customhouse, although it is without
the jurisdiction of the State of Louisi-
ana. We have consented to come here,
notwithstanding the Hall was sur
rounded by an army of Deputy Mar
shals and soldiers. We have consent
ed to take such ticketaas they were
willing to give us-for We came here
to-day, the legally constituted dele
gates of the State of Louisiana, to rep
resent their wishes and to express their
will.
We have been refused admittance
to the hall of the convention, and these
Deputy Marshals, backed by United
States troops, seem determined we
shall not have fair expression of our
opinions, and that the Republicans
here assembled shall haye no part or
lot in the deliberations Of this conyen-
ton.
1 am therefore requested to move
that the delegates here assembled now
adjourn to the Turner's Hall, corner
of Dryades and Lafayette streets, and
there organize,a convention and pro-
coed with the business for which we
have been called together.
The speech was received with cheers
and wild enthusiasm, during which
the crowd took the horses from his
carriage, attached rope to it, and
with loud, triumphant shouts dragged
the Governor, General Campbell, Pinch
back and Mr.. Falkner to the Mechan-
less Institute.
THE TURNER'S HALL CONVENTION.
Quite large crowd followed, and
the. throng assembled at the place OF
meeting upon the arrival of the Gov
ernor, numbered perhaps four hundred,
which was augmented, by the arrival
of about one hundred more before the
organization.
The assembly was an orderly one,
but there seemed notable lack of the
colored element, which, for the sake OF
comfort, was gratifying.
At IL o'clock the convention was
called to order by A. B. Harris, State
Senator from Concordia parish. Mr..
Masters, of Carroll parish, was nomi-
mated and unanimously elected tempe
rary President of the Convention.
The announcement was received with
cheers, whereupon Mr.. Masters init
mated that he could not make speech,
but he would suggest that Secretary
be appointed, which; called forth loud
cries for VIM. Baker, but it proving
that he was not a member of the con-
vention, Mr.. Blanchard, State Regis
trar, was appointed to that position.