Black Republicans
Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, 9 July 1859, page 3
Black Republican Convention
As near as we can learn, a call was made some few weeks ago for a convention of the voters of Kenton and Campbell counties, which was to be held at the office of the Free South, in this city on the night of the 6th instance. In accordance with that call, a large assemblage, as many as twenty, met at room aforesaid, who after much mature deliberation, came to the conclusion that it was expedient to make any nominations for the present. Whereupon they adjourned and the immense crowd dispersed, each taking the way that pleased himself.
So far so good, but we are informed that four or five of the aforesaid tremendous gathering a few minutes afterward, hurried back to the rooms, where they met in secret conclave, and resolved to have a nomination. Two of the five, Abner Williams and Abram Harrison, were from Kenton, the balance being from this county. A chairman and secretary were finally appointed, which when done, the two from Kenton county, nominated themselves as candidates, to represent that county which was unanimously agreed to by the entire convention, consisting of four or five persons, be it remembered.
It may seem somewhat strange to our neighbors in Kenton how it was that a convention in Campbell County could nominate candidates for Representatives for Kenton County, but it need not. The two members of the convention hailing from there, claimed they had the authority and they acted accordingly.
After the above farce was played the convention
of five proceeded to nominate Colonel T D Synder of Campbell County in
the next Legislature, which was also unanimously done by the entire five.
That was not all. After consummating so much, they carried this joke still
further, by nominating J D Whittemore, who does business in the apothecary line
on Broadway in Cincinnati as a candidate for Congress to represent the Tenth
District. All this done, the entire five sat down to an excellent collation.
Wonder if it was gotten up out of the funds sent on from the Abolitionists of
the East to support a paper called the Free South, right in the den of slavery?
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Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Nov 1859, page 1
Black Republicanism in Kentucky
The Black Republican State Convention assembled at Newport on Wednesday, the 16th last. The attendance was very small. Dr. W W Jones, of Madison County was elected chairman, and W S Bailey of Newport appointed Secretary. Cassius M Clay, of Madison and George D Blakey of Logan, were chosen Senatorial Delegates to the Black Republican Convention.
The following resolutions were offered by Cassius M Clay and adopted.
Resolved, By the Republicans of Kentucky that they re-affirm, and standby the Philadelphia platform of 1856.
Resolved, That they are in favor of "law and order" of state Sovereignty of National Supremacy of the Constitution and the Union.
Resolved, That they are determinedly opposed to servile insurrections, or illegal interference with slaves, from at home or abroad.
Resolved, That they stand by and defend the "freedom of speech" and the "liberty of the press" and hold slavery, like all other policies and institutions, open to the will of the legal majorities, the omnipotence of conventions, and the progressive civilizations of the ages.
The convention adjourned to meeting in Richmond, Madison county, in June. We regard the whole movement as insignificant. Kentucky is today more decidedly pro-slavery that at any previous period in the its history. the continued agitation of the slavery question serves only to establish the institutions more firmly and permanently.