But their seats were contested, and it was assumed that their Democratic contestants would be seated.

Still, pending the final disposition of the case, the two Republicans were the sitting members.

Montgomery was colored and Melchoir was white.

But the George faction needed those two votes.

No one suspected, however, that they would get them in any other way than by seating the contestants.
The advocates and supporters of the Christman substitute were, therefore, very much surprised and disappointed when they learned that Mr.Montgomery, the only colored member of the Convention, intended to make a speech in favor of the adoption of the George plan, and vote for it; which he did.