Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-05-08
IN INCIDENT OF THE STAUNTON
CONTENTION,
sketch Of Syphax. Of Alexandria,
the COlOred Chesterfield - A n
| Amusing Scene

Sketch Of Syphax. OF Alexandria,
the C0lOred Chesterfield - Au
Amusing Scene.
lStaunton Correspondent Of Richmond Common.
Syphax's seat was contested, and, as was
afterwards shown, on good grounds, but he was
vention. Syphax is very tall mulatto, with a
thin vtsage, long nose and giitteF1ng eye. His
most striking popularity, however, is his ana
BILE smile, and the SuppleneSS OF his vertebra.
His winning card was his politeneSs with
which he disarmed opposition and took I'M
the conveAtiOn.
brought In their report, Syphax gained the
floor. This he did by popping up from his seat
number OF times and reckoning to the chair
man peter Carter.) He had been ruled out OF
order several times but had sat down In the
best humor bland smile trradiating his long.
sharp countenance. Now he was In order and
'?I thank you, thank you kindly. Mr.. Chair.
man. Am In order though, Mr. Chairman"
YES s,r ~ you are going to speak to the
Yes, sir" replied the beamfng Syphax sJ
am going TO speak about this Slip OF paper. :"
holding up list OF the names of the delegates
order?n -
Yes, SIR II you have any objections to make
to the report replied Peter Carter. who was
getting irritated at the smiling, bowling Syphay.
Now, II aint In order don't want to go
on.I,l take my seat, Mr.. Chairman, If ai1't
strictly accordin' to order" [Cries Of go on
go on!'l and Mr.. Syphax sat down with child.
Ike smile and gracious bow.
I've told him dozen or more times. Does he
want to spend the whole evening making me
tell him he is in order?"
~ thank you. l thank you. Wen 1 was 60
ing TO say that l wanted to talk about this
little piece OF paper" Here somebody rose to a
point, saying that the gentleman from Alexap-
dr1a was out OF order In not speaking on the re-
port. Mr.. Syphax, still smiling and DOWinp
rp1 Cd
the point OF order and told him he might pro-
ceed. "Mr Chairman, thank you again. I
a am sa mch 1olged to you Well as was going
tale Jest like want these gentlemen to hear
1t?" He was told he could, and again he
thanked the chairman. The previous irritation
at Ine oelay mad now given place to general
good humor, and each bow was greeted with
NOW, If any of these gentlemen don't want
10 hear me, will sit down" [Cries Of Ego on"
II am from Alexandria. Everybody knows
me. / came here TO tell you all what know.
and I'VE got something very interesting to say,
piece of paperSabout myself Here he was
interrupted by another point of order, and re-
sumed his seat. After this was disposed OF, he
a again proceeded. Il thank you" with all pos
SiDle emphasis On the word "thank" 81 thank
you, Mr.. chairman. Now, want to know if
must 60 on"
For an hour Mr.. Syphax occupied the atten
ton OF the convention without coming to the
point. He was interrupted again and again
with harassing points OF order" but with
that same lmperturbable SMILE Chesterfieldlan
bow, and that 81 thank YOU" he was ready to
start where he began. The evening was wear
ing away, and there was no prospect OF reach
ing the end of that little tale In his own way"
until some irascible delegate jumped upon his
Syphax. If you have got anything to saw say it
and be done with it." At this rebuke, Sypiay
stated very briefly that the committee on Gre
dent1alS had reported against him. for which he
was very sorry, as he had hoped to give the con-
Yention the benefit OF some OF his sentfments