Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-11

Chairman Eilyson called the meeting to
order, and forty-seven out of the nifty
members were present in person or by
proxy.
There was spirited fight for temporary
chairman. Mr.. II. Tate Irving. Of Big
Stone Gap forclbly presented the claims
Of Judge William +. Rhea OF the city OF
Bristol Judge Rhea not only fulnlled In
an eminent degree, he said. all the re-
qulrements OF the position, but he hailed
from the Ninth District. in which ne
would probably be the Democratic nomi-
nee for Congress next fall.
Hon. William a. Anderson nominated
Mr.. Greenlee d. Letcher. Of Rockbridge
county, who, he said. was a devoted ad-
herent Of the principles OF the Demo-
cratic party as adopted at Chicago.
Mr.. Z. l.. c. Scott, OF Richmond. nomi-
mated Hon. Isaac Dlggs. or King William
county.
Congressman James Hay seconded the
nomination Of Judge Rhea In a brief but
strong speech, and Mr.. HUBBARD, OF Buck
ingham. warmly espoused the cause OF
Letcher.
1t required two ballots 90 elect. There
were 46 votes cast on the first. eight
members voting by proxy. The result
was: Letcher. q; Rhea, iG; and Diggs, 3.
The necessary majority not being record
ed. the chairman announced that -
cond ballot would be necessary. At this
point Mr.. Eilyson called General Hundley
10 the chair. He asked the committee
to designate some one to call the conven-
ton to order tomorrow, as 1t would De
improper for him 10 perform that duty.
as his name was TO be placed before the
convention as a candidate for office.
Mr. Ellyson also submitted 10 the COM
mittee the papers in the Washington
county contest, which had been addressed
TO him in his official capacity. Cheers
for Ellyson were called for as the chair
man retired. and were given with en-
thusiasm. Upon motion, the name OF
Diggs was dropped from the candidates
for the temporary Craftsmanship. and the
second ballot gave Letcher % votes;
Rhea, q. and upon motion OF Mr.. Irving
Letcher's election was made unanimous
Colonel John Bell Bigger was unani-
mously elected temporary secretary. ana
Mr. William McDermott. an active Demo-
crat and labor leader OF this city, ser
geant-at-arms. The committee then went
into the consideration Of the Washington
county contest. Communications from the
rival factions were read. The one side
charged that the present organization or
the Democratic party was not friendly
10 its interests. and the other attempted
to refute the charges. There was a
lengthy and lively discussion as to
whether the committee should take cog
nizance OF the matter, or leave II TO the
new committee TO be appointed by the
convention. Inasmuch al this action would
have caused complications to arise in the
Committee on Credentials tomorrow. the
latter suggestion was voted down, and
the following adopted by a vote Of 81 to
10:
"ResoIved. That the delegation from
washington county. elected July 3lst, and
which has credentials from the regular
Democratic committee Of said county.
have the prima facie right 20 be placed
upon the roll OF the convention until the
contest from said county is decided by
the Committee on Credentials OF the con-
vention."
This seats the regular delegation, head
ed by the Messrs. Trigg. Similar action
vas taken in regard 10 the contest IN
Bristol city
In compliance with the request Of Mr..
Ellyson. the committee selected General
Uundley, OF Amelia, 70 call the conven-
tiOn to order and announce the temporary
officers.
Congressman Jones. II is understood to-
night. Will advocate the senatorial pri-
mary plan on the floor OF the convention.
His idea seems 10 be 10 incorporate n de-
cIaration in favor Of this mode Of nomi-
mating senators in the platform
Those who are credited with being in
formed say that friends OF Senators
Daniel and Martin are not very favor
ably inclined 10 the idea. The opposition
of these gentlemen, as expressed by a
prominent Lynchburg gentleman, is that
Il is an Indirect evasion Of the con-
sttutional provision requiring the elec-
ton OF senators by the Legislature.
There is an impression that If the ques-
ton comes UP squarely before the con-
ventlon. 1t will present one OF the most
Interesting features OF the discussion Of
that body. =. Is. w.