Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
SUE FOR BIG DAMAGES
DISFRANCHISED VIRGINIA NE
GROES THE PLAINTIFFS.
Defendants We're Members Of the Re-
cent Constitutional Convention
at Richmond.


Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.
RICHMOND, Va. December 15.-Forty-
seven Of the one hundred members Of the
late constitutional convention awoke yes
terday morning to find themselves con-
fronted with suits for damages In the ag-
gregate sum OF $4,000 in two cases. Edgar
Lee Poe Of the city of Richmond and An
thony 8. Primer Of Norfolk are the men
who allege that they are aggrieved. huInil-
lated and damaged to the amount stated,
and for which they ask that they be award
ed damages. The suits were filed in this
city and in Norfolk. Counsel in the case
are James H Hayes, James C. Carter (both
colored) and Capt John 8. Wise OF New
York.
The allegations were filed with the clerks
Of the United states district court, and set
forth that the plaintiffs are qualified voters
IN the state; that the action of the state
board of registration In refusing to allow
them to register and to exercise the right
of citizens was a Combination and con-
spiracy." The plaintiffs allege that the re-
fusal Of the members Of the convention to
take the oath required Of officers Of the
convention was part of q preconcetved
plan to deny to the plaintiffs and all others
Of their race and color the rights of citi-
zens of the state; the refusal OF the boards
OF registration to register the plaintiffs be-
ing q part of the conspiracy, combination
and intent OF the members OF the said con-
vention IN framing the said ordinances,
put into effect and force by Andrew ].
Montague, governor of the state, and. as
governor, the plaintiffs ask that damages
be assessed against said Andrew J. Mon
tague for having put said ordinances into
effect and force by proclamation. Likewise
the members Of the board Of registration Of
the voting places of the said plaintiffs are
made parties defendant in the action for
damages, as are also the judges Of election
OF the voting precincts Of said plaintiff cleo
tors
In this connection It h believed that SINH
lar suits will be instituted all over the state
against the same members OF the conven-
ton by negroes who have been deprived Of
the right Of suffrage.
There are about $50 600 negroes who have
been shut out from voting. and It can be
seen that the members OF the convention
will be in a hole In case the decisions OF the
court should be adverse to them. Whether
a test case Is to be made or not Is not
known. The plaintiffs are making no ia
vorttes in the matter of bringing the suits.
All those who voted for the proclamation Of
the constitution are included In the List,
and along with the democrats there are two
republicans who are asked to assume the
liability for damages for the wrongs alleged
to have been done by the convention. These
are James Mundy Of Botetourt and A. C..
Walter OF Orange. The last named is not
now a resident of the state. having re-
moved Immediately after the Adjournment
of the convention.
Following Is q list of those against whom
suits will be or have been brought, all hav-
ing voted for proclamation: Rufus A.
Ayers. John g: Barbour. Joseph 1. Bar
Allen G. Braxton. J. Thompson Brown.
Preston w. Campbell. ffil Carter. William
L. Cobb. Wayland F. Dunna way, David O.
Egsisston. Albert Flstchsr, q. Taylor Gar