The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-05-29
SECOND DISTRICT DEMOCRATS
The Convention Meets at Goldsboro.I
Full Observation-Disclosures Intense
Seventy Ballots for Congressman
With no Result.
Especial to The Messenger.)


Goldsboro, ". c., May 24.-The DEM
Iocracy Of the Second congressional dis
trict is here en- masse to attend the
convention. called to name a candi-
date for congress in this district. Some
OF the delegates arrived yesterday and
every train arriving today brought
hundreds of delegates and citizens
from the various counties in the dis
ltrict.
The Wilson delegation was accom-
lpanied by the Wilson Cornet band.
and, h musicians having reached the
city on the early morning train. play
ed inspiring airs as every other train
came in during the day.
The Goldsboro band also turned out
aud played some splendid selections.
The convention met in the opera
house this afternoon at 4 o'clock and
was composed of delegates from the
counties of BERTHE, Edgecombe, Greene,
Halifax. Lenoir. Northampton, Warren,
Wayne and Wilson. All the counties
were fully represented, and no more
enthusiastic and earnest men were
ever assembled in North Carolina.
The opera house vas packed, and
when the convention opened the dress
circle was crowded with ladies looking
on over the great sea of delegates be-
low.
The convention was called to order
by Hon. w. A. Dunn, of Halifax. dis
ltrict chairman, who made a ringing
speech that caused the convention to
burst forth into frequent applause.
The enthusiasm of every man was
roused. and the assemblage resembled
a state convention more than a dis
Itrict convention.
District Chairman Dunn, Upon con-
Iclusion Of his speech, called the Hon.
w. 7. Dortch, of Wayne, to the chair.
Mr.. Dortch took the chair amid in
tense enthusiasm and, on motion, he
was made permanent chairman. He
delivered a speech that stirred the
Igreat assemblage into renewed en-
thuSiaSm.
On motion, the members Of the press
were made secretaries. A committee
on credentials was appointed, and
while it was out formulating it's re-
port, Hon. Thomas w. Mason, OF
Northampton, was called on for a
speech.
Mr.. Mason responded with an elo-
quent and very strong speech that set
the convention off into the most I'M
bounded enthusiasm. He made strong
speech for the suffrage amendment to
the constitution.
After the credentials committee re-
ported, the convention was duly or
IganiZed and was then open to bust.
ness.
The candidates placed in nomination
were as follows: Hon. Donnel Gillian
of Edgecombe, by Hon. l.. V. Bassett
of Edgecombe; Hon.. Claude Kitchin
of Halifax, by Walter E. Daniels, Esq.
of Halifax; Hon. r. B. PEBBLES, OF
Northampton, by DR.. D. r. Zollicoffer
of Northampton; Hon.. F. A. Woodland
of Wilson, by Judge H. G. Conner, Of
Wilson.
The nominating speeches created
outbursts of applause.
At $50 o'clock p. m. the first ballot
was taken; the number of votes cas-
were 291, necessary to a choice 146.
Mr.. PEBBLES led on the first ballot
the vote being pretty well divided be
tween all the candidates.
A second ballot was taken and tn,
!conventiNn adjourned for supper.
At 9 o'clock p. m. the convention re
assembled, n up to midnight abou
seventy ballots had been taken withou
result. All the distinguished gentle
men who have been placed in nomina
ton are here.
The Second district is determined t,
defeat the negro congressman, Georg
H. White, and whoever is nominated
by this convention will be elected a
sure as fate.