the Republican Party

REPUBLICAN PARTY, THE, in the United States was organized in 1854. In 186o, it elected its first president, Abraham Lincoln, and since that time, in a very large measure, has directed the political history of the country. In the 68 years (1861-1929) a Republican president has been in office all but 16 years, and in Congress the party has been in the majority in the Senate all but 12 years and in the House all but 22 years. The Republican Party has emphasized nationalism, first as against the doctrine of sectionalism and possible secession, later as against what is generally termed internationalism. A cardinal principle of its creed is the protective tariff. To the credit of its leadership are the first trans-continental railway and the Panama canal; the acquisition of all U.S. possessions abroad; promulgation of the "open door" oriental policy; the maintenance of financial stability. It opposed entrance into the League of Nations, and opposes adherence to any form of super-government. Since the World War, under its leadership, the United States has established a record for payment of national debt unequalled by any country in the world's history, and for rigorous economy in governmental management.

Origin.

Intense opposition in non-slave States to the further extension of the slavery system, and the breakdown of the com promise policy of Clay, with the Kansas-Nebraska bill and repeal of the Missouri Compromise as the incidental causes, brought the Party into being. The first actual meeting was possibly the one at Ripon, Wis., Feb. 28, 1854. The first conven tion was held at Jackson, Mich., July 6, 1854. All opposed to slavery extension were welcome. An informal gathering, national in scope, meeting in Pittsburgh Feb. 22, 1856 planned the first national convention which assembled in Philadelphia, June 17. The chairman, E. D. Morgan of New York, declared the party's purpose to be to determine "not whether the South is to rule or the North . . . but .whether the broad national policy our fathers established, cherished and maintained is to be permitted to descend to her sons." Opposition to slavery extension and to polygamy, the imperative necessity of a railroad to the Pacific ocean, and approval of Congressional appropriations for improve ment of rivers and harbours, were the platform subjects. Gen.

John C. Fremont, of California, and William L. Dayton were the nominees, but were defeated after a vigorous campaign. Many events rapidly consolidated and intensified the anti-slavery movement, and on May 16, 186o, probably the most historic of all Republican national conventions assembled in the "wigwam" at Chicago. It established a majority rule for nominations in contrast to the Democratic two-thirds. Threats of secession were denounced by the platform, which favoured restriction of slavery, opposed re-opening the slave trade, and favoured a protective tariff. Abraham Lincoln was elected president, Hanni bal Hamlin vice-president. The story of the Lincoln administra tion is very largely the story of the Civil War. Preservation of the Union at any cost was Lincoln's policy, and emancipation and other policies were largely incidental. In the midst of war, however, the party found time to establish in 1862 a national currency through a national banking system; to pass a high tariff law and internal revenue acts; and to begin construction of the first transcontinental railway. Despite earlier doubts, due to opposition to the extent of the war and its terrific cost in life, President Lincoln was re-nominated by acclamation and re elected in 1864, Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, being selected as vice-president to secure the border States' support. The war was continued to a successful conclusion, but the assassination of Lincoln on April 14, 1865, quickly terminated the celebrations of victory.

Reconstruction.

Johnson's outstanding problems, and those of the two following administrations, had to do with the so called "reconstruction" of the seceded States. A marked differ ence of opinion as to the treatment to be accorded these States developed. Johnson's policy was not rigorous to the extent de manded by powerful Congressional leaders. The result was a contest between the Executive and Congress, culminating in Johnson's impeachment and acquittal by one vote. Before he went out of office, Congress submitted the 14th and 25th amendments.