THE REPUBLICAN PARTY: ITS PAST AND FUTURE WORK. SPEECH AT A RATIFICATION MEETING IN FANEUIL HALL, OCTOBER 15, 1870. October 15, 1870, the Republicans of Boston met in Faneuil Hall, to ratify the nomination of candidates for State offices. The Hall was filled to its utmost capacity, and Mr. Sumner was announced as President of the meeting. In its report of the proceedings, the “Journal” newspaper of the next day stated that Mr. Sumner, on taking the chair, “was greeted with almost indescribable enthusiasm, and it was some minutes before the audience permitted him to speak.” He spoke as follows:-- FELLOW-CITIZENS,--In opening this meeting to-night I am impressed by one thought, which I would, if I could, have uppermost in the minds of the people, so that they could not forget it at the coming election. It is the necessity of constant, incessant, persevering activity in support of Republican principles, and of the party which maintains them. [_Applause._] And here let me say that I know no way in which Republican principles can be adequately supported, without supporting the Republican party. [_Applause._] There is no local issue justifying opposition to the Republican party, which, if it fails to do all that good men desire, yet does more than can be accomplished through any other political organization. Therefore do I say, Stand by the Republican party. Make it united and vigorous. There must be no hesitation, or listlessness, or desertion. [_Applause._] Our majorities in Massachusetts are large, but so are our responsibilities. From the historic character of the Commonwealth, from the position it has occupied in the warfare with Slavery, and from its fame as the home of ideas, we cannot afford to be sluggish or indifferent; nor can we break up into disjointed squads. It is not enough, if we give a majority sufficient to elect our candidates; we must make the majority commanding, controlling, so as to be an example and a power in the land. Massachusetts ideas and interests are to be maintained and advanced, not merely here at home, but in the nation. Besides State officers, we choose at this election members of Congress, and a Legislature which will elect a Senator of the United States. Therefore must we regard our duties to the nation, the first of which is to make Massachusetts the bulwark of the national cause.