CONSTITUTIONAL UNION PARTY.


Bell & Everett. Boston: J.E. Farwell & Co., [1860]. Printed card, 65 x 95 mm. Some discoloration to upper margin, crease at upper right corner.The Constitutional Union Party was organized as a fourth political party (after the Republicans, Northern Democrats and Southern Democrats) in 1860 and included former Whigs and No-Nothings united by their desire to avoid secession over the slavery issue. John Bell of Tennessee was the party's nominee for President and Edward Everett of Massachusetts stood for Vice-President. The party hoped that, by taking no stand for or against slavery, the issue could be pushed aside and war prevented.