Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-10-01

preSsly and positively signified their ad-
herence 20 the republican idea.
On September 13 a. meeting was held at
Point-a-la-Hache, in the Parish of Plaque
mines, over which Mr.. II. B. Kernochan
was chosen to preside. 1t was a meeting
exclusively of sugar, rice and orange plant
ers, Plaquemines psrish-s being noted es-
pecially for the production of the latter
fruit. Ostensibly the5me9ting was to dis
cuss free trade and projection, as applied
from the democracy 1he occasion was
singular only for the,democratic address of
T: s. Wilkinson, collector of the port of
New Orleans himself a planter and brother
of Horace Wilkinson, one of the leading
spirits among the new-fedged republicans.
The resolutions adopted ratified the ac-
ton of the meeting held in the Hotel Royal,
declared emphatcalIN in favor of protec-
ton to all American industries, and ap-
pointed a committed of six to nominate a
candidate for Congress, to run in the first
congressional district, as a representative
of the planters.
The Artillery Hall Convention.
Then, on September Is, came the meet
ing in the Washington Artillery Hall, when,
for the first time, the magnitude of the dis
affection was made apparent. For this con-
vention the preparations were made on a
very extensive scale, and the attendance
has been variously estimated at from 5000
to 1900. The hall where the meeting as
sembled at neon on the 18th instant is one
of the largest in the south, capable of seat
ing about 1000 persons, with standing
room for twice as many more. Gen. w. j.
Behan, eX-mayor of New Orleans whose
plantation interests are largely located in
Iberville parish, was called to the chair
A large number of the most prominent men
in the state were named as vice presidents
but it was subsequently learned that the
Use of many of these names was entirely
unwarranted, and considerable feeling was
at one time threatened over the action of
the convention in placing these gentle
men with those who had already quilted
the party.
The COlOred Republicans.
At this meeting, for the first time, the
problem Of the colored republican became
prominent Among those present were con-
siderable numbers of colored men, including
such representative men as Demas, chair
man of one branch of the republican state
executive committee; Martinez editor of
the Crusader, and others. The enthusiasm
among these people was limited to the rank
and file. The leaders took little part in
the proceedings. and, as was afterward
shown, were Scantily satisfied with the
attitude assumed by the whites toward
tnem. The planters at no time recognized
the colOIed politician as having any weight
made no overtures, and attempted no poIjcy
which should conciliate their votes This
oHehded the leaders, and the Crusader a
ually winch reflects with some accuracy the
sentiments of the negro element in the
PARTY, extended a cold and qualified well
come to the seeding democrats
rms conduct was in accord with the SEN
timents expressed two days before. in a
meeting of the republican executive com
mittee or the second congressional district.
when Demas said that the new converts to
the faith could not expect to assume control
or the republican party at once He said
that they would have to wait proye NV
their votes the sincerity with which they
subscribed to republican doctrines. and
tnen cordial reception might be accorded
them.
Though none of the colored politicians
spoke IN the meeting, their presence was
construed to be a token of co-operation
ana before adtourning from the Washing
ton Artillery Hall a motion was made To
nominate Judge Taylor Beattie for the
congressional race in the third district
Ihere was wild enthusiasm. and the nomi-
nation seemed In fair way to be ratified,
when the meeting was adjourned
The same evening leaders of the planters
t0eether with delegates from all parts of
the district, convened In the ladies' ordi-
nary at the Hotel Royal. The objections
to Judge Beattie had in. the interval been
removed. and when ahisi name was placed
before the assembly, his nomination was
made unanimous. In accepting the honor.
tne Judse SAID he had been a republican all
MS life; that he would advocate protection.
ana II the republican party failed to give
protection he would seek some other Doiiti-
cal affiliation that Hid He regarded the
contest as doubtful but hoped for success:
IL successful he stated his intention never
again 10 De candinJfe for congressional
honors. The nomination of Judge Reattie
was denounced as unwise in the Crusader
ana Tor several days the colored voters of
the thlrd district appeared disposed to con-
demn the nomination. Judge Beattie was
however. ratified by them on the 22d of Sep
tember. In meeting held at Morgan City
Mr.. II. L. kernochan OF Plaquemines par
ish was nominated on the 23d instant in an
executive session of the district committed
held at Poydras. The colored republicans of
this district had already. on the 10Th in
slant, in meeting at which the principal
address was made by ]. Madison Vance
welcomed the accession of the planters. and
appointed committee to confer with the
seceders relative to the choice of a candi-
date. The selection of Mr.. Kernochan was
made without their assistance.
COlOred Voters Placated.
They naturally displayed some resentment
at this treatment. On the oath instant, the
committee, however, was prevailed on to
meet the planters for a conference in ex-
Gov. Warmouth's Office, in the Morris build
ing, on Canal street
J. Madison Vance. on behalf of the Cohen
and Yarmouth factions of the republican
party. said that the nominee would be ac-
ceptable. provided he would agree to uphold