In Mr. Webster's time the Whig Party had been divided into
two parts, known as Conscience Whigs and Cotton Whigs. The Conscience
Whigs had become Free-soilers, and the Cotton Whigs upheld the flag of
the party in the belief that trade would follow the flag. The death of
Mr. Webster and the election of General Pierce ended the Whig Party in
the State. In 1855 the Democratic Party was a nerveless organization,
and without hope, except as the leaders looked to the supremacy of the
party in the country as a guaranty of office-holding to the few who
were in the ascendency in the commonwealth. In one short year of power
the Know Nothing Party had destroyed its influence in the State. Thus
was the way prepared for a new and formidable organization, destined
to succeed under the declaration that slavery was not to be extended
to the territories of the Union.
The first meeting of the men who led the organization of the Republican
Party was held at the United States Hotel. By adjournment the second
meeting was held at Chapman Hall. At this meeting a committee of
twenty-seven persons was chosen, of which the Honorable Samuel Hoar was
chairman. He had been a Whig of the Federalist school, he was a
lawyer of eminence, ranking all but the few greatest leaders of the
bar, he had had a career of useful public service, and he enjoyed the
respect and the confidence of the commonwealth.
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