by
slavery, and a thousand miles of slave soil be thus interposed
between the free States of the Atlantic and those of the Pacific,
we will act cordially and faithfully in unison to avert and repeal
this gigantic wrong and shame.

Resolved: That in view of the necessity of battling for the first
principles of Republican government, and against the schemes of an
aristocracy, the most revolting and oppressive with which the earth
was ever cursed or man debased, we will cooeperate and be known as
"Republicans" until the contest be terminated.

On January 17, 1856, "the Republican Association of Washington, D. C.,"
referring to the extension of slavery into Kansas and Nebraska as "the
deep dishonor inflicted upon the age in which we live," issued a call,
in accordance with what appeared to be the general desire of the
Republican party, inviting the Republicans of the Union to meet in
informal convention at Pittsburgh on February 22, 1856, for the purpose
of perfecting the national organization, and providing for a national
delegate convention of the Republican party, at some subsequent day, to
nominate candidates for the presidency and vice-presidency, to be
supported at the election in November, 1856.

The Republican party met accordingly for the first time in a national
convention in Pittsburgh on the date appointed, and was largely
attended. Not only were all the free States represented, but there were
also delegates from Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Kentucky, and
Missouri. John A. King was made temporary chairman, and Francis P. Blair
permanent chairman. Speeches were made by Horace Greeley, Giddings and
Gibson of Ohio, Codding and Lovejoy of Illinois, and others. Mr. Greeley
sent a telegraphic report of the first day's proceedings to the New York
"Tribune," stating that the convention had accomplished much to cement
former political differences and distinctions, and that the meeting at
Pittsburgh had marked the inauguration of a national party, based upon
the principle of freedom. He said that the gathering was very large and
the enthusiasm unbounded; that men were acting in the most perfect
harmony and with a unity of feeling seldom known to political
assemblages of such magnitude; that the body was eminently Republican in
principle and tendency; and that it combined much of character and
talent, with integrity of purpose and devotion to the great principles
which