POLITICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS FROM 1848 TO 1869 In 1848, the Free Soil Party in Massachusetts nominated candidates for State officers.

It was made up of Whigs, Democrats and members of the Liberty Party.

It had made no distinct issue with the Whig Party upon matters of State administration.
Governor Briggs, the Whig Governor, was a wise and honest Chief Magistrate, highly respected by all the people.

But the Free Soil leaders wisely determined that if they were to have a political party, they must have candidates for State officers as well as National.

It is impossible to organize a political party with success whose members are acting together in their support of one candidate and striving with all their might against each other when another is concerned.