MASSACHUSETTS. 



491 



Resolved, That we view with concern the depres- 

 sion under which the laboring interests of this Com- 

 monwealth now suffer. We recognize the fact that 

 the condition of labor and the welfare of the laboring 

 men, the just relations of capital and labor ? are press- 

 ing questions yet to be solved. We iavor such 

 measures as will tend to the great consummation 

 the elevation of labor and the improvement of the 

 condition of the laboring man and we oppose all 

 legislation with regard to labor and capital which 

 gives an unjust preference to either over the other, 

 or tends to make labor dishonorable. 



Resolved, That we regard with alarm, as_ danger- 

 ous to the best interest of the people, the insidious 

 and constant measures of the Republican party in 

 our Legislature, in restricting the right of suffrage. 

 The exercise of this right instead of being checked 

 should be encouraged ; the registry laws should be 

 so framed as not to be the means of disfranchising 

 citizens, to the end that the largest possible portion 

 of the community may be brought under the edu- 

 cating influences of a participation in public affairs, 

 and of a proper voice in the making of the laws 

 by which they are governed. 



There is imperative need in this Commonwealth 

 of progressive administrative reform, and to that end 

 we appeal to all good citizens of Massachusetts, re- 

 gardless of their politics or party associations, to 

 join in sustaining the nominations of this Conven- 

 tion, in whose integrity, virtue, and capacity they 

 have the fullest confidence. 



The Republican Convention took place, at 

 "Worcester, on the 19th of September. Gov- 

 ernor Rice and the entire board of State-offi- 

 cers were renominated as follows : Governor, 

 Alex. H. Rice, of Boston ; Secretary of State, 

 Henry B. Pierce, of Abington ; Auditor, Julius 

 L. Clark, of Newton ; Treasurer, Charles En- 

 dicott, of Canton ; Attorney- General, Charles 

 R. Train, of Boston. The platform adopted 

 was as follows, by a nearly unanimous vote : 



Resolved, That we reaffirm first of all our unwaver- 

 ing allegiance to the fundamental truths and prin- 

 ciples which have inspired the triumphs ot the 

 Republican party. We accept the responsibility of 

 national administration, again committed to Repub- 

 lican hands, as a trust to be exercised for the wel- 

 fare of all the people, without distinction of race, 

 color, locality, or creed. The armed struggle for the 

 Union and equal rights is at an end. The grand re- 

 sults attained are accepted facts in the national his- 

 tory. Watchfully guarding and firmly maintaining 

 all that has been achieved, we do not propose to 

 abandon the helm or drift with the tide, but to ad- 

 dress ourselves with vigor and courage to pending 

 issues, and to insist upon their settlement in the in- 

 terest of good government, national progress, and 

 enduring union. 



Resolved, That we congratulate the country upon 



NEWBURTPORT. 



the rightful accession of a Republican President 

 whose conspicuous integrity, honesty of purpose, 

 wisdom, moderation, and firmness deserve and com- 

 mand the confidence of the people for the assurance 

 of a firm, economical, and beneficent administration 

 of public affairs, and thus afford the opportunity and 

 encourage the prospect of a speedy restoration of 

 confidence and the revival of business activity. 



Resolved, That we hail with unspeakable pleasure 

 every sign and promise of the final and permanent 

 pacification of the Southern section of the country 

 under local self-government, based upon the full 

 recognition of the equal rights of nil by all ; and we 

 cordially approve the spirit and measure of the Ad- 

 ministration as wisely adjusted to hasten this result, 

 as dictated by a just sense of constitutional right and 

 duty, as tending to promote a spirit of peace and 

 conciliation between citizens of all sections, and as 

 already largely justified by the bettered feeling and 

 condition of the country. 



Resolved, That the faith of the nation is solemnly 



pledged to the early resumption of specie payments. 

 Public honor and private interest alike demand the 

 fulfillment of this pledge. We approve the steps 

 already taken and rejoice at the progress already 

 made. We insist upon the adoption of all m ensure s 

 necessary to insure resumption on a day not later 

 than that now fixed by law, and that it is the duty of 

 the Government to maintain its coin and currency at 

 all times at par with the gold standard of the com- 

 mercial world. 



Resolved, That the work of reforming and impr^v- 

 ing the civil service, which the Republican party ha* 

 undertaken and to which it alone stands fullv com- 

 mitted, ought to be persistently and resolutely car- 

 ried forward. Wo fully indorse the utterances of 

 the Cincinnati platform and of the letter of accept- 

 ance of President Haves on this subject : That nom- 

 ination to office ought to be made upon the sole 

 responsibility of the" Executive Department, without 

 the dictation or control of members of Congress ; 

 that honesty, capacity, and fidelity constitute tho 



