Clarion-Ledger clipping

Gayles, George Washington, 1844-1924; Catchings, T. C. (Thomas Clendinen), 1847-1927

Two Dusky Richmonds in the Field.

GREENVILLE, Miss., Oct. 5. The Republicans of this, the Third Congressional district, held a district convention in Greenville to-day. The session has been a long and stormy one. As indicated in last night's dispatches, two delegates disputed for this county's representation, two colored Richmonds being in the field for the honor of the Congressional nomination. The Hill faction put forward for nomination Wilford H. Smith, a young colored lawyer, while the Lynch-Bruce faction flocked to the leadership G. W. Gayles, a colored preacher and politician. The fight was bitter. This county's representation was divided between the factions, three of each being seated. Late this evening there was upon last ballot, one vote short of a tie - 14 to 15. The chairman not voting as the balance of power lay on the Gayles side of the house, Smith withdrew in his opponent's favor, but it is very doubtful if under the new State law Gayles ever gets his name upon the ticket as candidate to be recognized, must now be regularly nominated on or prior to Sept. 1. No other candidate to receive recognition or to have their names placed upon tickets unless the names of fifty legal voters from each county of the district be secured to a petition addressed to the election commissioners. Catchings election is sure.