Democratic messenger., 1892-07-23
First District Congress 'iOnal Com
XentinnS Since SIG.

Ocean City is becoming favoiitc spot
for the holding oil Congress onal conven-
tious, because of the inyigo ating atmos-
pherc in contrast with the stuify, dusty
condition of tie inland towns during the
summer months The First CongressIon-
al Convention held in Ocean City WAS in
1876 when Daniel 81 Henri OF Dorches-
ter was nominated. II was a memorable
contest Up 10 the mectlnl of the con
vcnton, the most prominent candidates
were Ex- Governor Philip. Francis Thorn
ms. of Talbot, Hon. Daniel Fields Of Car
0line and Lemucl Malone OF Wicomico.
Gov. Thomas was tho Representative
from this District and desired 10 succeed
himself, hut there were a few determined
men who made a combnat ON with Dor
chester. which had AN unpledged delcga-
tion, and Hon Daniel VI. Henry whose
name in connection with he place Ind
not been mentioned before the day of
the convention, was nominated on the
first ballot lie had been he nominee of
the party several times before, but had
led forlorn hope rs the District was
carried 10y The "No-no,hings" or Ameri-
can party several times and in 1860 he
was defeated by Hon. John w Cristicld,
Cnionist. In 1873 the cor vcntion met in
Easlom and Daniel NJ. Henry was re-
nominated by acclamation. In 1880 the
convention met in Sails Jury and Hon.
George W. Covington vas nominated.
THIS was closely contested nomination
and at one stage Of the convention Hon.
Henry Page had enough votes TO secure
the nomination, but Wicc mico changed
her vote. casting one tor Philip Downcs
of Caroline. On the 5lst lallot the vote
stood Downcs J, CovingtOn, II, Page 10,
and Covington WAS unanimously declared
the choice of the convention. In 1882 the
convention met in Easton and Mr. Gov
ing,on was re.nominated by acclamatiOn.
In 1884 came another "tu.. of war al the
convention which met in Cambridge. The
most prominent candida ties before tho
convention were Phil. Downcs, of Caro-
line. Charles II Gibson OF Talbot, j. Au-
rusics Parsons of Wicon ico and Levin
l.. Waters of Somerset. Many ballots
were taken aud at one time it looked as
If Parsons of Wic0mico was going To be
the winner, but our present |. ). Senator
Hon. Charles H. Gibson finally carried
off the much coveted priza. II was cur
rent report al the time that Hon. +. +.
Jackson could have secured the nOmina-
lion had not his own cOu ity been pledg
cd to Parsons. In 1856 the convention
net al Ocean City and rCnominated Con
rressman Gibson by reclamation. In
| 1883 the convention me, in Denton and
perienced by Eastern 81 ore politicians;
/ for Hon. Charles II. Gibson had deter
mined 10 endeavor To hre'.k the precedent
in the district Of allowing only two terms
/ in Congress IL the successful nominee.
( Hon. Daniel VI. Henry. .Ir., WAS Mr. Glib
sons most formidable competitor for the
I ~ 'tN
/ ballots 10 settle it in favor OF Gibson who
secured the distinguished honor Of be
4 ing thrice elected to Congress from this
district and breaking the two-icrm prcce-
dent Nearly all of our rea iers are ac-
quainicd with the details OF the conven-
ton of 1890 which met in Centerville
and after days of fruitless balloting al
iourncd without making a nomination.;
/ lis ballots were cast the last resulting as
follows: Gibson IL. Weldon II, Pearce
= The convention then adjourned to
meet at Ocean City OF the following
I Tuesday. where after lively contest our
present Representative Hon, Henry
Page was nominated and Joshua w
/ Miles his law partner was made the hap
piesi man in all Maryland.