Under the Oaks: Commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Founding of the Republican Party, at Jackson, Michigan, July 6, 1854; Comprising a History of the Party in Michigan; The Proceedings of the Anniversary Celebration, and Portraits of Leading MIC

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Fb&c Limited, Oct 25, 2016 - Political Science - 356 pages
Excerpt from Under the Oaks: Commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Founding of the Republican Party, at Jackson, Michigan, July 6, 1854; Comprising a History of the Party in Michigan; The Proceedings of the Anniversary Celebration, and Portraits of Leading Michigan Republican

Nothing could have been more appropriate than that Michigan should observe, in an elaborate manner, the fiftieth anniversary of the formation of the Republican party. For it was in this state, under the oaks of Jackson, that the first Republican state convention was held, and here that form was first given to the rising sentiment in the north against the further extension of slavery. From that day to this, Michigan Republicans have been leaders in those movements which have made the record of the party a glorious one.

Although the first Republican state convention was not held until July 6, 1854, the movement which made it possible commenced some months earlier. There were many Free Soilers and Whigs who disliked to break their old party attachments, and it required great tact and the exercise of the highest patriot ism to bring them together.

The convention when it did meet, was a most notable gathering. A single one of the committees 'had among its seven members two who were afterwards governors of the state, and two who were United States senators. Altogether in its recorded membership, there were six who were afterwards governor of the state, four United States senators, two supreme court justices, about twenty congressmen and many others who were prominent in other walks of public life.

In the fifty years that have passed since then, the party thus formed has had every United States senator from Michigan, has elected its candidates for governor with two exceptions, and has controlled every legislature save one. Its history is the history of the state. It has encouraged by wise legislation the development of the immense material resources of Michigan. It has promoted education. It has been liberal and advanced in its penal laws and institutions, and it has created and fostered eleemosynary institutions that are famous throughout the country.

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