REPUBLICAN PARTY OF TEXAS 
 The First 50 Years

When the Reconstruction Convention adjourned, rival delegations carried the contest to Washington. The Conservatives were led by A. J. Hamilton, James H. Bell and J. L. Haynes, chairman of the State executive committee; the Radicals were headed by E. J. Davis and M. C. Hamilton. The former urged the holding of an election in Texas during the summer to ratify the constitution and to elect State officers. The Radicals bent all their energies toward a postponement of the election till fall in order to gain time in which to perfect new plans.

While in Washington, A. J. Hamilton, on March 18, announced his candidacy for the office of governor. J. L. Haynes called a meeting of the State executive committee to meet at Austin on April 20th. M. C. Hamilton from Washington issued a call for a State convention to meet at Galveston on May 10th. The executive committee was poorly attended but after canvassing the replies sent by absent members decided not to call a State convention. The following ticket was agreed upon and announced about June 1st: For Governor, A. J. Hamilton, of Travis ; for Lieutenant- Governor, A. H. Latimer, of Red River ; for Comptroller, Armistead T. Monroe, of Houston ; for Treasurer, James W. Thomas, of Collin; for Commissioner of the General Land Office, Joseph Spence, of Travis.