New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1871-04-06
The Convention.

The Republican Congressional Convention
was great success IN numbers, in harmony,
and in enthusiasm. The body adjourned from
Union League Hall to Lincoln Hall. Nearly
every delegate was present, and much of the
time nearly every seat in the hall was filled
The friends Of the several candidates worked
with the utmost energy, each for his own, but
every delegate responded with a hearty AYE -
to the resolution pledging every delegate to
the vigorous support OF the nominee and he
will get it,
The real contest was between Frederick
Douglass and General Chapman. On the first
ballot Hon. n. q. Ordway generously with
drew, and threw nearly his whole strength for
Mr.. Douglass, who fell but fifteen votes behind
Gen. Chapman. Then followed most animated
discussion on the question of the radical illus
tration of principle, and of expediency in the
election. We confess to have decidedly in
clined to the bold, radical, manly policy of
nominating Frederick Douglass. In character,
integrity, capacity, experience, worldwide
reputation, eloquence, and native nobility he
is among the foremost men of the nation. The
whole convention felt that, and yearned to
nominate the grand old veteran. But so many
insisted that there were Republicans who would
not (which we do not beleve) vote for a colored
man, that expediency prevailed, and Mr.. Doug
lass was set aside. The act was, in our judg-
ment, a mistake. We believe that with such a
man, representing such an idea, TO contend for,
we could have made a campaign which would
have electrified and ennobled the nation, and
won a magnificent triumph. Hundreds who
now feel a prejudice would surrender it on
sight and acquaintance with the man. Oh !!
for little more of real pluck.
But Mr.. Douglass, sturdy and sincere in his
Republication, yielded with grace and cheer
m m Ne oil
private judgment and heartily indorse the nomi.
nation.
1t being judged unwise to nominate Mr..
douglass, no more popular man could have
been selected than General Chapman He is a
gentleman ofabllity and culture. lie is a pro-
nounced and unequivocal Republican. He has
attested his patriotism by four years service
IN the army of his country. He deserves the
confidence and the unanimous support of the
Republicans of the District, and he will have
it. The men of that convention are honest and
in earnest.
No more fattering evidences of honor and
popularity could have been exhibited than
were bestowed on Mr. Douglass. He was
unanimously made president of the convention,
as mark of our detestation of the mean nro
scription OF the railroad company owning the
boat on which Mr.. Douglass was refused a
dinner, though an accredited Commissioner of
the Government. The whole convention. AL
dience and all, with cheers and tumultuous ap
piause, voted to ask his appointment as Secre-
tary OF the Territory, in place of General Chip
man. Nothing was omitted which could add
value to the testimonial. Mr. Douglass is sat
istied. His friends are glad and gratifed.
Now for the campaign No apologies. no
lodging, but right-down honest, open. wide
awake, victor Gus campaign WASHINGTON
Chronicle, March 80.