The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1888-08-01
Negro delegates at war.

IxDIAsAroLIs, July 26.-The negro Demo-
cratic conference, of which J. Milton Turner
was at the head at the call met at the Hen
dricks club room with 6i delegates present
and 80 or 30 spectators from this city. Tur-
ner called the meeting to order and suggest
was effected. A wrangle ensued as 70 the
power Of a committee 10 form a temporary
organization but Turner ruled il in order.
He said in surrendering the chair that Cleye-
lands election had brought political inde-
pendence to the negro, and that this meeting
would settle the negro question. Charles
sShelton. of Evansville, Indiana. an anti
Turner man. was temporary chairman. and
Noah Plummer, of Massachusetts,, Turner
advocate. temporary secretery. From that
out Z was fight over the committee on per-
manent organization. The chairman could
not preserve order, but Prot. Peter Clark, Of
Cincinnati, got hearing and the committee
was announced.
At the afternoon session the fight was live
ly. The majority report of the permanent
organization committee recommended Prof.
Peter II. Clark, Of Ohio. forpermanent chair
man, T. Thomas Fortune, of New York, per-
manent secretary, and f.. A. Payne, OF Hi
nois, sergeant at-arms. The minority report
named j. Milton Turner for permanent
chairman. The motion to substitute the mi
nority for the majority report brought two
thirds of the delegates TO their feet, and pam
demoniuIl reigned. The chairman finally
recognized large number of delegates, who
vehemently advocated either Clark or Tur-
ner
c. H. J. Taylor, of Kansas City, ex-minis-
ter to Liberia, strongly urged the election of
Clark, declaring the new converts TO Democ-
racy should not be put in chargeof the ship.
He characterized Prof Clark AS the ''noblest
negro Roman Of them all" Great confusion
again prevailed Turner finally obtained the
floor and replying to Taylor called him a
national buffoon, which threw the confer
edce into state of excitement.
Finally debate was closed and the roll of
states called on the chairmanship. Secretary
Plummer finally announced that the vote
was Clark 32 Turner 81 This precipitated
the fight and Plummer was surrounded, the
delegates crying thief" "robber," ''you
lie" The Turner men were most bitter and
finally Scott. Cairo editor, defending Plum
mer. was struck and pulled his revolver on
Mail Agent Ogleby, of Columbus. A general
rcu, s,il.,,,aI aud a ool,,raJ Dcnubliean mo-
liceman entered and arrested Scott and Oele-
by, but released them. The chairman said
that Plummer's figures were wrong and de
clared Clark elected, and the meeting adj
was held at night. A warrant is out. for
Osleby, who has He'd.
INDIANAPoIis, IND., July 26.-Compared
with its proceedings of yesterday, the color
and, although the debates were at times acri-
monious, they did not reach the riotous
stage. Before the business of the morning
began some of the peaceable ones in author
ity sent to police headquarters for an officer
or two. The superintendent detailed SER
geant and patrulman, and, putting them
under control Of Chairman Sheldon, all dan
ger of = repetition of the scenes of yesterday
was avoided. Peter H. Clark, of Cincinnati,
then took the chair as the permanent pre-
siding officer and delivered long address.
J. Milton Turner acknowledged his defeat
and submitted to the organization. He then
moved the appointment of committee,
which prevailed, 10 prepare an addrees set
ting forth the political views of the men
composing the convention. Among the del
egates who were appointed members of the
committee were two or three Federal office
holders. There was a strong objection to the
convention going before the country with
the address signed by any such men, and
then the names of the Objectionable people
were dropped. Il was afterwards determined
to consolidate the committee on resolutions
and on address.
The committee on resolutions then report
ed an Endorsement of Cleveland; declared
sympathy for Ireland, and declaring that the
Republican party should not ask for the
votes of the colored men, when the colored
men and women in the North as well as in
the South. almost are absolutely barred from
the manufactures, which receive the chief
benefits from the protective system" The
report was adopted.
Turner made an effort 10 be appointed
chairman of the committee but failed The
convention then adjourned.