Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1872-04-26
Radical HARMONY.

LIE haUlctll toLdLe Convention OF ' II
ginia met in Richmond on Wednesday,
The proceedings We're characterized by
great disorder and want Of harmony, so
much so that after a session of ten hours
duration it was found impossible to effect
an organization. Heated debates by day
and disorderly scenes by night, culm;nat-
ing in an occasional fight between delegates
and calling for the interference Of the po-
lice were the distinguished features Of the
occasion. We take the following extract
from the report of the proceedings in the
Richmond Dispatch:
CARPET-DAGGEE vs.. NATIVES.
Mr.. Worthington, Of Chesterfield, nomi-
mated Hon. James II. Platt for President
in opposition to the nominee of the COM
mittee. In doing so he highly eulogized
Mr.. Platt as a lifelong Republican, whose
name is a household word throughout the
United States. lie hoped Mr.. Platt would
be unanimously nominated. [GTeat APP
plausc.]
Mr.. Bowden, of Richmond, made
spirited speech in opposition to Mr.. Platt.
lie appealed TO the Virginians on this floor
to know whether they would not demand
the right to have a Virginia gentleman to
preside over this Convention Of Virginia
Republicans. [Applause.l
Mr.. Dizendorf, of Norfolk, arose to
point of order. lie denied that this was
meeting of Virginians alone. 1t was
Convention Of the National Republican
party. [Great applause and cheers
\ FREE FIGHT.
The Chair did not decide the point of
order at once, and Mr.. Bowden continued
his remarks amid considerable confusion.
About twenty members sought to obtain
the floor. Numerous points of order were
raised. Before the Chair could restore Or
der Mr.. Wouhngton, Of Chesterfield, who
nominated Colonel Platt, and Mr.. BOVden,
who was urging the claims of Major 1lar-
man, were seen to exchange blows, and
moment later were On-the floor and rolling
down the aisle towards the stage. Several
members tried to part the belligerent per-
sons, and others seemed disposed to so
into free fight. Blows were literally en-
changed. The Chair vainly endeavored TO
preserve the peace by laundering raps on
the table with his cane, and Senator Lewis,
mounting the platform, lifted his voice
to cry in agonizcd tones "Do let us have
peace"
At length Mr.. Bowdcn and Mr.. Wmtb
ington were parted, and being firmly held
on opposite sides ofthc hall by their respeC-
tive friends, there seemed to be a chance
for a resumption Of business. But the
prospect Of peace vas dashed to the ground
by another Speck OF war. This time two
other delegates were seen in close contact,
each plugging away at the head of the
other \ general row now seemed immi-
nent, and the raps Of the chairman and
the numerous appeals for order were
drowned by the noise on the floor. Some
body sent for the police, and Officers
Rogers, Delaney, \. j. TOler, and Shea,
rushed fearlessly in where the fight was
thiclzest. They acted firmly, butjudicious-
ly, and soon secured peace by cOllaring
several of the pugilists and threatening to
take them 70 the station. One delegate at
tempted to draw his pistol but was quieted
by similar demonstration on the part OF
policeman.
ORDER AGAIN.
Even after fighting had ceased it was
long before the proceedings of the Conven-
ton were resumed.
In the mean time Senator Lewis cOntinu-
cd to urge peace, and Mr.. Ramsdell sought
to restore good l.Ilmor by telling story.
Order being partially restored, Mr..
Sener moved to adjourn until o'clock
this morning with view to giving every
body time to cool off,
Several delegates objected to an adjourn
ment at this juncture, be 1use it would be
said that the Convention broke up i'll