Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-02-20
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
(From our Oacn Corespondent.)

The most disgraceful and udicrous scene
ever witnessed in this city was the one which
transpired at the Republican convention
held here a little over week ago for the
purpose Of electing two delegates to the
Chicago Convention. What was especially
noticeable was the fact that about four-fifths
of the delegates were negroes, dirty, greasy,
and wearing dilapidated clothing. The few
whites looked lovely and disconsoate. The
scenes at Tallmadge Hall were simply indies
cribable. The fouleSt and most abusive
language was void towards each other by
the delegates; charges of bribery, thefts, and
rascality was hurled in each others teeth.
Money flowed like water; the different del
egates received sums ranging from five to
twenty-five dollars each for their votes. 1t
was very amusing to see and hear some Of
the over-anxious delegates. One dirty, burly,
negro sprang to his ieet and sang out mis-
Chairman, dis am de happest moment oh
my life | rise for the purpose OBJ castin'
my vote for Mr.. Purvis" After his maiden
effort he, with flourish, took his seat
About three seconds thereafter one of the
Bowen capers stepped up to him and placed
an envelope in his hand. This seemed 10
change his mind considerably. He jumped
up and yelled himself horse, calling upon
the chairman. After being recognized, he
said he wished TO change his u,s for s. j.
Bowen" This is only one of the many
cases Of bribery, There were about dozen
rows, ending in broken noses and blackensd
eyes. Satu day the scene was renewed in
another quarter. They had rented Sheas
Hal" but finding that in very shaky con.
diton they adjourned TO Lincoln Hail,
where, amidst cursing, howIing, tobacco
smoke, and turmoil of an indescribable ma
ture, 5. J. Bowen and j. T. Cook were
elected as delegates. The affair, without any
exception, was the most dsgracetul ever
witnessed here. II this is toreruner Of
what II will be in case suffrage is granted
here, God forbid that Congress will recog-
nize the. appeal for political rights in the
District"
The Hirth murder trial is progressing
slowly but surely towards conviction. The
evidence thus far is of very damaging ma
ture for the prisoners. johnson (the alleged
eye witness) has testified strongly against
them. The most rigid croes-examinaton
by the defence has failed 10 shake him in the
least Strong, corroborating evidence has
also been given by numerous witnesses. DR..
Il. NJ. Schaier, on Monday last, gave dam
aging evidence as to the supposed blood
spots found upon the clothing OF the prison.
ers. II these men are not convicted IL will
be both surprise and disappointment 10
many. But II is limited that in case thew
are convicted and sentenced 10 be hung they
will never appease the public's demand for
the hasty contamination OF their sentence
upon the gallows, as both Mr.. and Mrs.
Hayes are reported as having declared that
Mr. Hayes would not sign the death warrant
Of any one. II Is greatly feared here that
Stone, the wife murderer, who Is 20 be hung
| on the 9Th Of this month, will have his sen I.
tence changed 10 Imprisonment for life
II is rumored here that John sherman,
not being able 10 elect his delegates 10 the
Chicago convention at the late Republican
convention, has succeeded In buying up the
two delegates. s. J. Bowen was elected 10
represent Blaine, and Cook 70 rcpresent
Grant But Johns money Is thought to
have done considerable towards changing
the minds Of the delegates Great man this
sherman CRrrrRIoK.