Hon. Tappan Wentworth, of Lowell, and Hon. William Brigham, of Boston, were appointed to conduct Mr. Sumner to the chair. Enthusiastic applause greeted his appearance on the platform. He then made the speech which follows.
The report of the Boston Daily Advertiser says: “Mr. Sumner’s Address, which we give on our second page, was heard with the most profound attention, and was at many points greeted with the most enthusiastic expressions of approval. The argument for the exclusion of Rebels from political power was especially applauded, and there could be no doubt of the sentiments of the Republican party of Massachusetts on this question. When Mr. Sumner concluded, the manifestations of applause were vehemently renewed.”
After the speech, Hon. Amasa Walker offered resolutions in tribute to Richard Cobden, recently deceased, in whom “our country has lost one of its most earnest and devoted friends, and England one of her ablest statesmen,” and tendering to his family sincere and heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement, which were adopted unanimously, and afterwards communicated by Mr. Sumner to Mrs. Cobden.
A letter was read from Governor Andrew, declaring his purpose to retire from office at the close of the present year, when Hon. Alexander H. Bullock, of Worcester, was unanimously nominated as the candidate for Governor. Hon. William Claflin, of Newton, was unanimously nominated as candidate for Lieutenant-Governor.
On the adjournment for dinner Mr. Sumner left for Boston, and in the afternoon the chair was taken by Gen. Butler, who addressed the Convention, declaring himself in favor of Equality of Rights and justice for all. “We hope,” said he, “that hereafter the great Massachusetts idea—that every man has a right to be the equal of every other man—shall become a vital essence of government upon this continent forever.” [Applause.]
Mr. Bullock, the nominee for Governor, followed in a brief address, in which he said:—
“Mr. President,—You cannot wish that I should enter upon the discussion of national topics, overwhelming as they are, at this hour. The distinguished Senator, who has so long and so well represented the people of the State,—how long and how well you all know [applause],—and the other gentleman who has preceded me this afternoon, and who has served with equal ability in the civil and military departments of the Government [applause], have rendered any words of mine superfluous. Only let me say that I choose to abide by the Massachusetts doctrines, and that I trust that some familiarity has taught me what they are.”