The party had been formed in 1887. It was organized in a convention in Cincinnati OH on 2/24/1887 [NYT 2/25/1887]. State affiliates were organized, and some state Greenback organizations affiliated with the new party [NYT 3/12/1887]. As the year 1887 passed, however, three factions split off the party - including some followers of Henry George who helped form the United Labor Party [NYT 9/23/1887]. The Union Labor Party fielded candidates for several local offices in the 1887 elections, and their performance was impressive for a third party. In Kentucky, ULP candidates placed second in some races.

The national executive committee met in Indianapolis on 3/6/1888 to consider the 1888 elections. The United Labor Party sent a message asking for a merger, but the Union Labor Party was not interested. Many leaders at the convention were former Greenbackers [NYT 3/7/1888]. State affiliates held conventions to select delegates to the national convention.

The National Convention

The Union Labor Party National Convention assembled in a building called "The Odeon" in Cincinnati OH on 5/15-18/1888 [NYT 5/15/1888].

The United Labor Party (Henry George supporters) held its national convention in Cincinnati at the same time. The United Labor Party had tried several times to merge with the Union Labor Party in the past, but the Union Labor Party was not interested because it did not believe that the United Labor Part

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The party had been formed in 1887. It was organized in a convention in Cincinnati OH on 2/24/1887 [NYT 2/25/1887]. State affiliates were organized, and some state Greenback organizations affiliated with the new party [NYT 3/12/1887]. As the year 1887 passed, however, three factions split off the party - including some followers of Henry George who helped form the United Labor Party [NYT 9/23/1887]. The Union Labor Party fielded candidates for several local offices in the 1887 elections, and their performance was impressive for a third party. In Kentucky, ULP candidates placed second in some races.

The national executive committee met in Indianapolis on 3/6/1888 to consider the 1888 elections. The United Labor Party sent a message asking for a merger, but the Union Labor Party was not interested. Many leaders at the convention were former Greenbackers [NYT 3/7/1888]. State affiliates held conventions to select delegates to the national convention.

The National Convention

The Union Labor Party National Convention assembled in a building called "The Odeon" in Cincinnati OH on 5/15-18/1888 [NYT 5/15/1888].

The United Labor Party (Henry George supporters) held its national convention in Cincinnati at the same time. The United Labor Party had tried several times to merge with the Union Labor Party in the past, but the Union Labor Party was not interested because it did not believe that the United Labor Party had much real support [NYT 5/15/1888].

The first order of business was dealing with a reporter who had run a negative story. Delegates voted to oust the reporter. While the credentials committee completed its work, the delegates heard speeches from various speakers, including Jesse Harper (who had given the speech placing Lincoln in nomination at the Republican National Convention of 1860). Some of the speakers were women. Near the end of the first day, the credentials committee reported that there were 242 accredited delegates in attendance. Last, a committee of five was appointed to meet with the committee from the United Labor Party [NYT 5/16/1888].

John Seltz of Ohio was appointed the permanent chairman of the convention. The platform was approved as presented after a sustained effort to insert a prohibition plank failed. The convention then moved to the presidential nomination. Arkansas placed Streeter in nomination. Other names were offered, but all declined to run so Streeter was nominated by acclamation. Samuel Evans was nominated for VP; he had not anticipated winning and declined to run, as he was planning his own race for US Senate. A second ballot was taken, and Charles E. Cunningham of Arkansas was nominated. Soon thereafter, the convention adjourned sine die [New Philadelphia newspaper The Ohio Democrat, 5/24/1888].

The Campaign

Streeter accepted the ULP presidential nomination on 7/14/1888 [NYT 7/15/1888]. Evans delined to run, and Charles R. Cunningham AR was later selected as the VP candidate. The party worked out a merger with the Democrats in Michigan, agreeing on an electoral ticket of 10 Democrats and 3 Union Laborites. The party did not fare well in the election. Three legislators were elected in Missouri, the major win of the party [NYT 8/4 and 11/17/1888].

Popular Vote of 1888

Electoral Vote of 1888

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