Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1881-06-07
$tauntoa Spectator,
TUESDAY. JUNE z, 1881.
The Malone State Convention.

TUESuAY. JUNE 2, 1881.
The Malone State Convention.
The Malone State Convention, mis-
called Readjuster Convention, met in
the Theatre in Richmond on last Thurs.
day, with full representations from the
cities and counties of the State. The
delegates numbered over 700, and inclu-
ded about rs colored men. The con-
vention assembled in Richmond Thea
tire, and was called to order at 1915 P.
M, by Gen. Stith Boiling, of Peters,
burg, who, acting in the absence of Gen.
William Malone. chairman of the State
central committee, announced that Hon.
John Paul, member of Congress, had
been selected as temporary chairman.
He then introduced Mr.. Paul, who upon
taking the chair briefly addressed the
convention.
Committees on credentials and perma-
nent organization were then appointed,
after which recess was taken until
2:3O. Upon reassembling the commit
tee on permanent organization reported
recommending Hon. John Paul of Rock.
ingham, for permanent president, to-
gether with one vice-president from each
of the congressional districts, and P. H
McCaull, of Pulaski. for secretary. The
report was unanimously adopted. A
committee of twenty-seven, three from
each district, was appointed on resolu
lions on platform.
At this point Gen. Mahone's presence
at the back part of the stage became
known, and Immediately vociferous
calls were made for him to address the
convention. All efforts to bring the
body to order failing, the president
called for Gen. Malone to respond t.
the call. AS soon as he rose from his
chair to come forward the whole con.
vention rose to their feet and greeted
him with laundering ovation o.
shouts, yells, huzzahs and waving o.
handkerchief and fans. This deafen
ing applause and manifestation of pleas
ure continued for several minutes, Gen
Malone meanwhile standing at tn,
front of the stage apparently deeply
touched by this overwhelming recep-
ton. When order had been restored
Gen. Malone addressed the convention
During the delivery of his speech the
general was frequently interrupted by
applause, which at times was so grea
that he was forced to suspend entirely
and at its close he was again the recipi'
emit of another great outburst of enthu
siasm. This was followed by the intro
duction of resolution indorsing Gen
Malone in the United States Senate
which was adopted unanimously.
The committee on credentials submit
ted their report, which, after some ex-
citing debate over contested delegations
from Lynchburg, was adopted. The
committee on resolutions next reported
platform of principles, which
being read, was adopted ar Oft,
able applause. I'D cons;de
THE
NOMINATIONS.
convention then proceeded
lake nominations for State officers, b
ginning with that of Governor. F.
this Office the following were put
nomination John E. Massey, of A
bemaale, present State Auditory CO
VIM. E. Cameron, mayor of Petersburg
Gen. v. D. Groner, of Norfolk.
The nominating speeches occupi'
the time until 7:30 P. M, when rece
for an hour was taken, and when Il
convention reassembled speaking W
resumed in seconding the nomination
of the four names mentioned. Til
might have continued for hours but
the timely Interpolation and adoption
q resolution limiting the secondil
speeches olive minutes each. and on
one to each candidate.
THE BALLOTS.
The convention commenced ballotil
at 9:45 O'Clock. The first ballot resulte
Cameron 900, Massey 222, Wise 126, Gr
ner SO; whole number of votes cast 70
necessary to choice $40. Second ball
Cameron 287, Massey 245, Groner II
Wise los.
After the second ballot II. 81. Riddl
berger's name was presented to the co
vention, and received with great a
plause. Mr.. Riddleberger came to t
front and stated that while not cant
didate before the convention, he thong
the office should seek the man. &c
Malone was next named, amid t
widest enthusiasm.
Capt. John s. Wise, one of the non
nees, then addressed the convention.
Earnestly appealing to the conventi
to sacrifice everything for the good
the party, and not to consider men, Al
with this object in view he urged an a
journment, which, amid great conf
sion and excitement, was agreed to, a
the convention at lilo A. M, adjourn
until 10 A. M.
SECOND DAY-FRIDAY.
The convention met at 10 o'clock al
soon proceeded with the third bal
which resulted as follows - Gamer
pol, Massey 257, Groner 1O4, Wise 49,
Necessary to nominate 372.
The convention then proceeded wi
: the fourth ballot, but before the resi-
was announced, the Massey, Groner a
Wise men began going over to Gamer
rapidly. The Massey leaders asked p'
mission for conference, which was T
acceded. It became evident that Cal
eron had received the nomination BY
large majority, and some of Masse.
men asked to have it made unanimol
which was about to be done. At Il
juncture Gen. Malone appeared beft
the convention, and asked, for the sa
of harmony, that the Massey men
~