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the principles of the men who composed it, and the party which they represented.
The Democratic National Convention met in the city of
Chicago, and nominated
Major-General George B. McClellan for
President, and
George H. Pendleton, of
Ohio, for
Vice-President.
It is somewhat difficult to state with precision the purposes which the election of these gentlemen were intended to accomplish.
It was generally understood, however, that peace, by compromise with the rebellious States, without regard to the question of slavery, would be effected, if this ticket should prove successful.
It is not our purpose, however, to enter upon inquiry of the subject here: we refer to it only as a matter incidental to the purposes of this work.
The Republican State Convention of
Massachusetts met at
Worcester on the 15th of September.
Whiting Griswold, of
Greenfield, was chosen temporary chairman.
On assuming the duties of his position, he made a short address, in the course of which he said,—
I trust that this Convention will to-day utter a voice which will send cheer to the President and his Cabinet amid their toils and labors, which will strengthen and increase the Union feeling in every loyal State, which will inspire our brave commanders and soldiers in the field with new hope, which will fall like a death-knell upon the fated cities of Richmond and Charleston.
Alexander H. Rice, a member of Congress from
Boston, was chosen permanent president of the
Convention, assisted by a large number of vice-presidents and secretaries.
The opening address of
Mr. Rice was of considerable length, and of more than ordinary power.
We quote one paragraph:—
The platform of the Union party has some illustrious persons just now at work in carrying it out, and illustrating the truth of the doctrines which it embodies.
Sherman, the gallant soldier whose radiant course from Chattanooga culminated at Atlanta in immortal renown to his name, illustrates and exemplifies the principles of the Union party of the country; they have been boomed forth from the decks of the noble and gallant Farragut in Mobile Bay: the same principles went up in the shouts of the soldiers of the army, and the sailors of the navy, as the glorious stars and stripes were unfurled over Gaines
