The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1880-06-08

For days before the time set for the meeting OF
the convention, the clans began TO gather by
dozens and scores and hundreds and Thousands.
The different factions and delegations each had
headquarters" in elegant suites of parlos In
the best hotels and wines liquors and cigars were
free as water on every side. Chicago put on its
gala dress, and proceeded to gather in as many
shekels from the different strangers within her
walls as the circumstances would permit. The
general officers of the several different armies of
hostiles marshalled their forces with pipe and
drum, not to mention free whiskey and paid
strikers, while large portion of their efforts were
directed to the arduous task of keeping the diff
ferent delegations, and the individual members
of the same, particularly ii they happened to be
from the South and off-color" from straying of
and falling into strange hands.
At the first session of the convention on
Wednesday Hon. George F. Hoar, of Massachu-
sets, was elected temporary chairman, and COM
mittees were appointed on rules order OF business,
credentials and resolutions, each delegation
naming, as the roll was called, the member it
desired appointed on such committees.
Mr.. Conklng's numerous threats to choke off
the convention and bulldoze its action in the in
terest of Grant by refusing chairman, to enter
tain any motion to dispense with the operation
of the "unit rule" seemed to have fallen still
born by the selection of Mr. Hoar as chairman,
as it soon became generally understood that the
committee on permanent organization would re-
port that the temporary organization be made
permanent.
Twenty-three delegates from Pennsylvania Is
sued manifesto pledging themselves to vote
against Grant, and the New York anti-Grant
delegates were firm. A Grant caucus was held
on Tuesday evening at which some 800 were
present. Also Blaine caucus of about an equal
number.
In the Grant caucus on Wednesday night
Boutwell, claimed $50 votes for Grant, but Conk
ling said there was no use concealing or pervert-
ing facts that not more than 800 were assured
for Grant on the first ballot, and they must secure
the rest needed by hard work. An offer was
made by Pennsylvania delegate to turn his
delegation over to Edmunds, but it was not en-
tertained. -Four Kentucky delegates declared
their intention of voting contrary to instructions
and against Grant
Contests from Illinois, Alabama and other States
were brought before the committee on credentials.
The committee in organizing took vote
which was considered as test of strength. The
Grant men nominated Tracy, of New York. as
chairman; the Blame men, Conger, of Michigan.
The vote stood: Conger, 90; Tracy, II. Edwards
Pierrepont, of New York, was made chairman
| of the committee on resolutions.
A vote of the committee on credentials ON the
admission of Rapier, of the 4th District of Ala
bama, was also considered test vote the vote
standing 81 TO IL.
Pending the retirement of the committees on
Thursday, Conkling and Hale, of Maine had
sweet little passage-at-arms, in which the bantam
whipped the turkey-cock completely out of time.
| Upon motion to instruct the committee on
contested seats to report, the vote was BIG ayes
to 406 nays.
After voting to table, for the present, the report
| of the committee on rules, the convention ad-
journed till 10 o'clock Friday.
Prince Leopold, of England, was a spectator
at the session of the convention on Friday. The
| convention was not called TO order till 1045.-
Mr. Conklng offered resolution that every mem
Der of the convention should be bound by the
nomination, and that no member should hold his
seat who would not SO agree. This resolution
was finally Withdrawn.
At the hour of adjournment on Friday the
convention was still engaged in discussing the
report of the committee on cred entails and the
contested cases. On Saturday the whole of the
morning session and part of the evening session
was consumed in finishing the work of the COM
mittee, adopting resolutions and getting ready
| for business generally.
The roll of States was called and the following
nominations made: Blaine by Mr.. Joy of Michi-
gan, Window by Mr. Drake of Minnesota, Grant
by Mr.. Conkling of New York, Sherman by Mr..
Garfield of Ohio, Edmunds by Mr.. Billings of
Vermont, Washburne by Mr.. Cassidy of Wiscon-
sin, aud the convention adjourned until Monday
morning.
The ballotng began on Monday, with the fol-
lowing result as far as the eleventh ballot: