The Washington bee., 1897-05-22
THE AFRo-AMERICAN LEAGUE.
ITS THIRD ANNUAL CONVENTION
STORMY SESSION. ON.-CHAlRMA
GooDALL RE-ELECTED.-MR.C CATLlN
ELECTED PRESIDENT.

(Speclal 10 lHE ohE''
LANCASTER, Pa,
May I9, 1897.
The Afro-American League OF the
State of Pennsylvania, met IN the
court house of the city of Lancaster,
Pa, Tuesday morning, May 10TH. with
President Blackwell in the chair. 1t
is the most stormy convention the
league has ever held.
Rev. H. Healing, Editor OF the n.
H E. Re0ieW, of Philadelphia, ad-
dressed the convention this morning.
His subject was the Future OF the
Negro in the State of Pennsylvania.
He was followed by Lawyer Z. M.
Hewlett, of Washington City, who
delivered most eloquent address on
the Future of the Negro" in the
United States. His address was ap-
plauded throughout its delivery.
A SHOT AT BLAcKWELL'S ENEMIES.
President Blackwell made lengthy
speech to vindicate himself. He said
his character was dear to him and yet
some in this convention have tried to
rob him of it and he proposed to strike
n.
and if any attempt was made to de-
prive him of it he would appeal to the
police force. There was no trouble
between him and Catlin. Ben Stewart
was the cause of this disturbance.
Stewart has called him robber and a
traitor. Blackwell was called to order,
and for few minutes there was great
confusion during which Browning tried
to make a motion, but the Scrgeant-at-
arms sat on him and Browning sub
sided.
Blackwell continued, saying that he
had been charged with selling trans
portation. This was base lie. He
had the respect of every republican in
this county and he had the respect OF
every prominent republican in Penn
sylvania, from Quay 70 PenroSe. He
warmed up as he proceeded and con-
cluded by saying in sentorian tones :
al will contend for what | believe to
be right and by the enternal God
will stand here until tomorrow morn
ing to accomplish it. won't be Will
fed by men whose character is as
black and damnable as a demon.
will have fair play or you will be here
until next June
At 10. so a motion was made to ad-
journ and it was declared adopted by
Blackwell. Catlin announced that the
meeting was not adjourned and he as
sumed the chair.
MIR. w. Browning Of fthe Pittsburg,
Penn. Press offered resolution con-
demning the press of the city for the
alleged unfair report of the league
meeting.
Things are red hot in the city.
There are two factions. The McQuay
and MCGEE factions.
Catlin leads one faction and he will
not be dictated to. He is being sup
ported by Mr.. Browning Of the Pitts
burg Press. He is bright and caus-
tic writer. Blackwell leads the Quay
forces but they are in the minority.
He is fighter, but he lacks proper
support. With his minority he could
win if he had the fighters the anti
Quay faction have. A telegram was
alleged to have been sent by Mr.. Quay
to elect Blackwell at all hazards. This
is looked upon with suspicion and the
boys say that they intend to force
Blackwell to resign. The fight is get
ting hotter and hotter, but Blackwell
doesn't seem to be disturbed in the
least although he is in the minority
He can hold the convention if he wants
to do it.
Mr.. James Goodall is playing a good
piece of politics. He is popular with
both sides and can be elected presi
dent if he wants it. He favors Black,
well and has been advised to withdraw
his support from him.
The real fight is over the offices
These are three headquarters of the
delegates.
GOODALL TURNS.
Mr.. Goodall the astute and silent
Chairman Of the State Executive Com,
mittee will throw his support to Catlin
Billows, young lawy er of PittSburg
has been placed in nomination against
Catlin. Blackwell withdraws in favor
of the former. The result of the vote
is 4SH for Catlin and 3S for Billows
The latter is excited and challenges
the court, He declares that he has
been cheated out of votes.
Catlin mounts the chair and tells the
latter he will allow the three votes tc
the surprise of Billows.
QUIET IS RESTORED.
Notwithstanding the defeat of the
Blackwell forces which is claimed, was
brought about by Goodall, they are
still game. Mr.. Baillor, a strong
Blackwell man, charges Goodall with
insincerity. Catlin is in the chair.
EDITOR CHASE SPEAKS.
Mr.. w. Calvin Chase, Editor of the
WASHINGTON BEE was escorted to the
platform on motion of Mr.. Browning
of the PitkSbnrg Press.
MIR. Chase, was invited to speak on
the need of the national organization.
His address will appear next week.
The Convention was in session till
II o'clock Wednesday, night The ball
that was given by the citizens COM
mittee in honor of the delegates was
largely attended.
Full report Of the Afro-American
League that met at Lancaster, Pa,
will appear in next weeks issue OF
THE BEE.