Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 1.djvu/414



“The mission of the Republican party is to maintain the liberties of the people, the sovereignty of the States and the perpetuity of the Union. Under the Constitution and by right, freedom alone is national. If this plain Jeffersonian and early policy was carried out, the Federal Government would relieve itself of all responsibility for the existence of slavery, which Republicanism insists it should and intends it shall do. Regarding slavery in the States as a local institution, beyond our reach and above our authority, but recognizing it of vital concern to every citizen in its relation to the Nation, we will oppose its spread, and demand that all national territory shall be free.”

An effort was made by Hiram Price and others to procure incorporated in the platform of the new party an indorsement of the prohibitory liquor law, but a majority decided that it was better to unite in the new organization all who were opposed to the extension of slavery, which could only be accomplished by omitting all minor issues, upon which wide difference of opinion would arise. The convention then elected delegates to a national convention which would convene to organize a national Republican party and nominate candidates for President, and Vice-President. Candidates for Presidential electors were chosen and the following ticket nominated for State officers: Elijah Sells for Secretary of State; John Pattee, Auditor; M. L. Morris, Treasurer; Samuel A. Rice, Attorney-General. Among the prominent Democrats who left their old party and were active in organizing the Republican party were, Hiram Price, Samuel J. Kirkwood and Martin L. Morris.