The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-09-25
THE COLORED RACE.
Opening of the Convention at Louisville-A
Contest for Temporary Chairman.

LOUISVILLE KY, Sept. 24.-The colored con-
ventiOn, in session IN this city, beginning at
noon to-day, is a notable gathering of repre-
sentative men OF a race with the inevitable ex-
amples of men who know much less than they
imagine, in which respect they do not differ
from an average convention of white men.
When IL O'Clock came, in the large hall in Lieder-
kranz building about 243 delegates met, ana a
large number of coored and white spectators
were present. NJ N. Holland, OF Washington,
an original sgner of the call, called the meeting
to order, when Rev. D. Arnett, of Nashville
delivered eloquent prayer. The names of
A. NJ. Greene, of Louisiana; C. H. Landy, of
Missouri Fred. Douglass, OF the District
of Columbia; George L. Rutfiu, OF Massa
cnusetts, aud DIR. Fltzbutler. of Kentucky, were
mentioned in elaborate nominating speeches for
temporary chairman. The name or Fred
Douglass was Withdrawn at the earnest request
of his friends, who intend pushing him for per-
manent secretary.
Green, OF Louisiana was elected and was
introduced TO the convention a martyr of the
cause. In accepting the nomination, Rev. Mr.
Green said he felt il an honor to preside tempo
rarlly over such meeting on the soil made hal
lowed by the name of Henry Clay and his sue
cessor, Cassius NJ. Clay In concluding his
speech, which recounted the past history of the
cOlored race and looked into Its future c0ndi-
ton, he exhorted the convention to stand by the
principles set down in the call, and TO refrain
from all discussions of political questions. j. n.
Gregory. of Washington, D. c., was continued as
temporary secretary.
were received and read to the conventions:
"Reco9n1Zing the fact that in a republican
government the enforcement OF laws Tor the pro
lection OF the rights of citizens largely depends
on the public sentiment Of the country, and be-
lieving public sentiment is created by represent
alive gatherings of the people, 1 regret E2y ina
bllity to attend the convention. owing to the
lateness of the reception of the notice OF my
election. nominate 4, A. Dumont my proxy.
in he dali If Tyill
be harmonious, dignitied, discreet and beneficial
TO thosei it represents, am your Obedient ser
want, P. B. s. PINCHBACK."
"NEw HAVEN, Conn, Sept "a.
Connecticut greets the colored men of the
nation, and prays them to memorable Congress
in favor of the colored commission bill.
"ANDREw j. CHAMBERS"
Among the prominent men attending are Vim.
Mundell, editor OF the Baltimore Vindicator; W.
Calvin Chase, of Washington; DR.. j. W. W.
Washington, of Chicago; H. Price Williams and
H. Hughes, of Philadelphia; Jesse Lawson. of
New Jersey; ]. Fl. McGnns, of Delaware Col.
George NJ. Arnold, of Virginia; d. A. Straker, of
South Carolina; T. s. Joseph, of Alabama; j. W.
Cromwell. of Virginia; a. M. Green, of louisiana
w. r. Pedger, of Atlanta, Ga; j. l.. Kennedy, OF
New Orleans; T. II. Vance, of Louisiana; Fred
Douglass r. S. Laws and j. NJ. Gregory of the
District of Columbia; Geo. W. Williams, of BOs-
ton; T. Joseph, of Mobile; Colonel Murrell, of
Baltimore; j. c. Napier, of Tennessee; 7. Fl.
Bell, of St. Louis W. II. HollingswOrth, of
Kansas.
Twenty-seven States are represented and there
ia no trouble about accommodations, every
delegate being provided for.
l. AT this hour, 10 o'clock, the convention is in
a wrangle over the permanent chalrnanship,
with but little promise of reaching an early re-
suit. Fred Douglass has been put in nomna-
ti0n, but the convention does not show great
desire TO elect him, though it is still probable he
will get 1t. d. A. straker, of South Caro-
lima, has strong following, who
have nominated him and who are
making hard fight for HIM. Other
candidates Will probably be nominated. The
convention in The early part of the evening ses-
sion, was orderly, but feeling grows, and the
eastern delegates are charging the West and
South with desire to dominate the convention.
The points of order are too numerous for
Presiding officer Green to even hope to decide
half of them Too many want to speak at once,
he resents In dlgnitled manner, and threatens
to leave the CHAIR which the convention opposes
he is an intelligent man, and as far as can be
seen endeayors TO do justice to all. Fred. Doug
lass has not entered the hall. He PAGES the floor
nervOusly Just outside the door, awaiting tardy
summons 10 the presidents chair, and probably
feeling that his race is none TOO just towards
him. Despite the high feeling the delegates
are behaving with the usual deco
rum of political conventions, the applause
being generous from the immense audience,
which ill the large hall Several of the younger
delegates have learned the way to the saloon
down stairs, and have apparently Travelled 1t too
often, but not more so than an equal number Of
white delegates would have done. The feeling
grows among the loOkers-on that the convention
has about equal chances to reach decided results
and to break up without doing more than create
i'll feeling. Nearly every speaker reaffinns his
devotion TO the Republican party, hut much dit
ference is apparent as to how any result Is TO be
reached.
After nearly four hours hot wrangling Fred.
Douglass was brought into the hall amid the
widest enthusiasm of his friends, and went
upon the stand. The old man trembling
with excitement, and if he had talked
his words would have been hot oEes-
His presence resulted at the end of four hours,
in his election the permanent presidency.
The lateness of the hour prevented his delivery
of a lengthy prepared speech, but he took occa-
SION to deny the report that he had said if Ben
Butler were nominated for the presidency he
would sweep the cOored vote OF the Union. A
mere slip of a reporters pencil had nearly
caused him to lose the support of his dearest
friends. Adjourned.
TELEGRAPHIC BREVITIES.