The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1890-10-02
Rich Scenes at the Republican
County Convention.

EDITOR GOLD LEAF Maybe some
of your readers would enjoy a good
laugh, at the scenes around the Vance
county court house on September the
9th. which will be day long remem-
bered by some, it being gathering in
the name of the Republican County
Convention.
Twenty Of the ''15th amendments"
to the Constitution of the United States.
and one white man came together in
the name of the Republican Convention
of Vance county. About IL O'Clock
these twenty-one men who constitute
the serene will of the people of Vance
county took themselves up in one of
the jury rooms and placed an inside
sentinel at the door.
James NJ. Watson, would-be Repre-
sentative, standing at the outside door
with club and a knife, said, in the
the language of Patrick Henry, ''Givc
me de nomination for de Legislator or
give me death. Bring me de nominal
ton out Of de jury room OF you must
de- This was done in about two
hours, the men constituting the dele
gates twenty-one in number.
There the twenty-One men sat for
two long hours, trembling in the fear
of death, knowing that mighty Jim
Watson was on the outside with the
death weapon in his hand. In the
room witnesses were summoned and
were only allowed to answer such
questions as were propounded to them.
This lasted about two hours.
The of1cious Charles Young walked
and talked. Finally he mounted the
Judges stand to make a speech. He
could not be heard and jumped on top
of the Judges desk. This not being
high enough he secured step ladder
and got on top of that. Then Charles
proclaimed: "Deth. he'll and destruc-
ton to you dam niggers and de white
folks too
"Charles, tell them about high tar
iff.''
"Dam high tart, I'm telling bout
dis greet Publican party
At this time Jim was communicated
to from under the voice Of the Secre-
tary that they thought they had ma
nipulated a plan to save their lives and
get hem the nomination for House of
Representatives.
''What was that?'' says Jim.
eve have directed the chairman of
the Executive Committee to appoint
none but your men on the committee
of credentials and they are to recon-
mend your delegates for the Henderson
Township and thereby we can get you
the nomination.
''All right" says Jim.
Well, the delegation were allowed to
come from the jury room and appoint
his committee on credentials. All
were Watson men but one out of six,
and the committee was announced.
At this time some one rose to a point
Of order, the chairman of the Execu-
tive committee in the chair. He says
II knows nothing bout pint
Then blood and thunder commenced.
One man made a motion that the
chairman be impeached. 1t was car
ried. At this time the chairman sum-
moned the chief of police and asked for
protection. The chief Of police told
him that he could not do anything I'M
til they had come to blows. Then and
there another chairman and secretary
were elected. Nominations were then
in order of business.
The following county officers were
nominated
For Sheriff, w. H. Smith; for Clerk
of Superior Court, 7. 1. Harris; for
TreaSIrar r r YOupr for Pap;cfor
of Deeds, w. NJ. Hicks for House of
Representatives, James A. Bullock;
Coroner, j. H. Edwards 8; Surveyor,
George Houghtaling.
ONE WHO WAS THERE.