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the triumphant re-election of
President Lincoln, and the universal confidence reposed in
Lieutenant-General Grant, whose wise and comprehensive policy had become known to the people.
The Legislature of Massachusetts assembled at the
State House on Wednesday, Jan. 4.
The Senate was called to order by
Mr. Wentworth, of
Middlesex, and organized by the choice of
Jonathan E. Field, of
Berkshire, for
President, who received twenty-five votes, and
John S. Eldridge, of
Norfolk, ten; and by the choice of
Stephen N. Gifford, clerk, who received all the votes that were cast.
Mr. Field, on taking the chair, referred to national matters in the following words:—
The people have decided that the Union shall at all hazards be preserved.
No man was bold enough to ask for popular indorsement, who held any other creed.
By the election of Mr. Lincoln, it has been settled, that from ocean to ocean, from Aroostook to the Rio Grande, there shall be but one nation.
We are not only to have but one flag, covering all with its ample folds, but all who live under it are to be free. In a short time, wherever this flag of the Union floats, there will be no involuntary servitude, except for crime.
The breeze that opens its folds will cool the brow of no unpaid toil, will fan the cheek of no slave.
The House of Representatives was called to order by
John I. Baker, of
Beverly, and organized by the choice of
Alexander H. Bullock for Speaker, and
William S. Robinson for clerk, each of these gentlemen receiving an unanimous vote.
Mr. Bullock, in his address to the
House on taking the chair, thus spoke of the state of the country :—
Gentlemen,—I congratulate you upon the progress of the national arms.
The end is not yet; but it is assured.
The people of the United States, two months ago, upon a review of the four years of struggle, pronounced their irreversible decree that there shall be but one common government, one civil condition, from the Lakes to the Gulf.
The only question remaining is a question of time, and of sacrifice; upon this, the East, the West, and the centre, are agreed.
For the first time, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Missouri stand upon the same platform, and support the same theory of government.
And they are united with all the others.
The conclusion of the people, and the advance of their armies, furnish the promise of a restored unity, and an absolute free republic.
To this august result, to this grand
