Lincoln's nomination as a foregone conclusion, and the applause
which greeted his name showed that the delegates did not resent this
disregard of customary etiquette. There were, in fact, but three tasks
before the convention--to settle the status of contesting delegations,
to agree upon a platform, and to nominate a candidate for
Vice-President.
The platform declared in favor of crushing rebellion and maintaining the
integrity of the Union, commending the government's determination to
enter into no compromise with the rebels. It applauded President
Lincoln's patriotism and fidelity in the discharge of his duties, and
stated that only those in harmony with "these resolutions" ought to have
a voice in the administration of the government. This, while intended to
win support of radicals throughout the Union, was aimed particularly at
Postmaster General Blair, who had made many enemies. It approved all
acts directed against slavery; declared in favor of a constitutional
amendment forever abolishing it; claimed full protection of the laws of
war for colored troops; expressed gratitude to the soldiers and sailors
of the Union; pronounced in favor of encouraging foreign immigration;
of building a Pacific railway; of keeping inviolate the faith of the
nation, pledged to redeem the national debt; and vigorously reaffirmed
the Monroe Doctrine.
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