Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-27
FOR THE ELECTIONS BILL,
Enthusiastic Meeting Under the Auspices Of
the Harrison and Morton Club.


The action of the Senate in laying aside the
elections bill was not anticipated by the man
ayers of the meeting which was held las. even
ing in the Metropolitan Colored Baptist Church
on street In spite of that fact the meeting
was held-a very large and enthusiastic meet
ing-and a number of ringing speeches were
made in favor Of the bill No dissenting voice
made itself heard last evening to disturb the
current OF the sentiment in favor of the cleo
tions bill The meeting held under the
auspices Of the Harrison and Morton Club. and
the invitations issued by the club we're gener-
ally accepted BY o'clock the large audi
torium was well filed and the corps of ushers
exercised their ingenuity in finding space for
one more In the first row OF pews were
seated Recorder of Deeds Bruce and Mrs. Bruce
ard other prominent colored people of both
sexes Besides the speakers there were
seated on the platform Charles 5. Morris, W..
H. Jones, DIR. Wilder. Capt. Meredith, Repre-
sentative McDufie of Alabama and Representa-
tive HOuck of Tennessee. The latter WIS
escorted TO the platform from a place in the
audience where he had modestly seated him
self. Mr.. W. Calvin Chase. the president of the
club. presided. and after PRAYER by Rev. Walter
Brooks. Mr.. Chase proceeded TO make vigor-
ous speech. in which he warmly commended
the course OF President Harrison and Speaker
Reed for their efforts in behalf of the elections
bill He referred to the necessity for such a
law ana denounced the policy which had pro-
duced such a condition of affairs.
FoRcIBLE RESOLUTIONS.
forcible set Of resolutions was presented by
Mr.. Robert ii. Terrell. which set forth that as
the republican party in the convention Of 1888
declared in favor Of free ballot the passage of
the elections bill is not only expected by the re-
publican party, but is demanded by justice 1t
was resolved that the thanks Of the republican
party was due TO the President and to the MEM
bers Of Congress who had supported this meas
ure and that Congress be urged TO enact this
measure into law. The resolutions further
provided that a committee of seven be ap-
pointed by the chair to call upon the repubh-
can senators who had voted with the demo-
Gratis and urge them 20 support this bill. The
resolutions we're adopted with the proviso that
the committee be increased to 100 members
Subsequently the committee was named, Dr.
Chas. b. Purvis being placed at the htad.
resolution was presented from the execu-
tive committee by A. st. A. Smith in favor of
the seating of James Hill. the contestant from
the third congressional district Of Mississippi.
IL was adopted
DE- PURvIs' SPEECH.
The regular speech making part Of the pro-
gram was begun when DR.. Purvis of this city
was introduced as the first speaker. He echoed
the evident feeling of the meeting when he
pre.aced lis remarks with the statement that
NJ leAt Iatucr Dlue over the action OF the sen
ate IN laying aside the elections bill He. how
ever. said hat he had not abandoned hope and
he stili relied upon the republicans in Congress
to take favorable and decisive action upon this
bill He regretted the action of some men,
beers Of the republican party and said that the
party resembled just now the Saviour in one
respect at least, as il found itself betrayed By
few pieces Of silver. He did not think that the
republican party could afford to desert the co..
ored man and he believed tina. the final out
cone would be favorable.
FOURTH AUDITOR LYNCH
Fourth Auditor Lynch the mex. speaker, ex.
pressed the opinion that the principle Of the
elections bill would survive the present defea,
aud would eventually be recognized. Upon the
conclusion Of this address the audience led b.
NJ. Geo. NJ Arnold. sung with great spiri,
"Glory Hallelujah" and the opportunity Wal
embraced to take up collection. Speeche,
were made by Mr. E VI. Hewlett OF this city
Mr. James Hill of Mississippi and Represena,
two Iangston Of Virginia The latter was con
fident that the present discussion and actor
upon the elections bill would result In creatin,
such a sentiment would be favorable to tn,
eolored people and the protection of theii
rights.
The meeting was dismissed after the bene
diction pronounced