The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1910-10-01
REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.
IDEAS OUSTED AS STATE RE-
PUBLICAN CHAIRMAN.
Once Powerful Leader of "Black and
TaDs" Meets Political "WaterIoo"
at Columbia Convention-Succee
eOby Joseph w. TOlbert, of Green
wood.

Columbia, Sept. 26.-Ousting E. III.
Deas, the Duke of Darlington" from
the State craftsmanship, in accord
ance with the wishes of the Admins
tratton at Washington, a Republican
Convention, composed for the most
part OF negroes, met here today and
following stormy session elected ].
w. Tolbert, Of Greenwood, a white
mnn, to head the Republican party
in this State. Although there was not
a repetition Of the free for all" fight
Of the last Convention, there was
much confusion" the meeting ending
in q bubble. when T. l.. Grant of
Charleston, claimed he was defraud-
ed out of the vice chaiGnanship.
The passing of Deas was pathetic,
indeed. In the words Of one of those
who watched the entire session, the
once great Duke" Of the Republican
party in this State mounted the stand
sick at heart" AS he stood upon
he called the Convention to order
with pipe in mouth, it was not hard
to see that he knew he was beaten.
For many years he has held the State
Craftsmanship, and today he withdrew
after his name was placed before the
Convention, realizing that there was
no chance for him. In caucus the
fight was planned by the executive
committee, and the programme was
carried out accordingly.
1t is said tonight, and the admis-
sion was general among those who
attended the Convention here today
| that the Convention will not be recog-
nized by white Republicans at large
throughout the State, and that anoth-
er Convention wifi be called in a few
days, at which the negroes will not
be represented. Today's Convention
was attended by a5out six white men
and upwards of.1oO negroes regular
iy named delegates.
Aside from the ousting of the for
mer State chairman there were two
especial features of the meeting to-
| day. President Taft's attitude in re-
, moving negroes from Offices in this
State was mentioned in speeches. and
1T was said that this action on the
Presidents part was deeply felt by
the negro members Of the party. T..
l.. Grant, Of Charleston, said that
he was disgusted with the party be-
! cause the counting Of the votes today,
by which he claims he was defrauded
| out Of the vice chairmanship Some
of those who followed the proceedings
| closely say that Grant was elected
! over his opponent. but the tellers'
| count showed 46 votes for J. r. Levy.
! of Florence. and A for Grant. Grant
says he got 81 and Levy 35. Most Of
| the delegates left, following the great
| confusion caused by his charge
! brought by Grant.
That the displacing of Deas was
| an Administration event is the state
| ment made tonight by those in touch
with the Republican situation. IDEAS
has opposed three administrations" "
said one of the members Of the Con-
vention tonight, "and we had orders
| from Washington to relieve him OF
| a ncI1 In 4
put some one in who would be in
| harmony with the administration.
1t was Deas who, in a speech be-
fore the Convention today. said that
| 'President Taft has drawed the color
| line" This was with reference to
| the positions filled in South Carolina.
| At the opening of the Convention, at
| O'Clock this afternoon Deas made
| this speech: I'VE feel it keenly as an
insult to negro voters" he concluded.
For permanent chairman Of the
| Convention Deas again met defeat.
He was nominated for this position
| by w. Y. Andrews of Sumter; r. H.
| Richardson, Of Sumter, was nomi-
mated by w. s. Dixon and Aaron
Prioleau, formerly of Charleston.
seconded this nomination BY a
vote of 80 to s, Richardson was elect
ed permanent chairman Of the Con-
| vention. He had already been named
| temporary chairman. Richardson was
! at one time candidate for Congress.
| opposed to the Hon. A. F. Lever, Of
the 18th. w. f. Meyer, Of Columbia.
was elected permanent secretary, and
! James A. Brier, Of Greenville. assist
ant secretary
Iopular opinions on subjects NOT