Xxx.
On the 29th of the same month, the Republicans of
Massachusetts assembled in Mass Convention at
Worcester, to ratify the nomination of
Mr. Lincoln for
President, and
John A. Andrew, for the first time, as
Governor of
Massachusetts.
Mr. Sumner delivered the principal speech, on ‘The Presidential Candidates, and the Issues of the Canvass.’
He went into a clear and analytical exposition of the entire merits of the question,—the comparative claims for support of
Lincoln and
Hamlin, representing the now formidable Republican party; of
Breckenridge and
Lane, the candidates of the now clearly announced champions of the
Democratic Pro-Slavery Party; of
Douglas and
Johnson, the candidates of the seceding body of Democrats, known as the Douglas, or Squatter Sovereignty Party; and of bell and
Everett, candidates of the few old remaining Whigs, who, like venerable barnacles, were still clinging to a sinking ship.
Nothing but imperative necessity exeludes
[
345]
that speech from this volume.
This memorable campaign, brought out from these four quarters more ability in debate, and excited a deeper interest among all classes, North and South, than any other within recent times; nor has any campaign perhaps ever marshalled, in public meetings and at the ballot-box, such excited and contending hosts.
