Chairmen: T.C. Brophy of Boston; William Watkins OH (third day's session)

Secretaries: Charles B. Copp and Henry Kuhn NY

The New York Times reported on the first day of the convention that "supporters of Matthew Maguire, the Socialist Alderman of Paterson, N.J., who wants the nomination for President of the United States, appeared in the convention with red badges, which bore his portrait and the words, "Our Candidate for President."

The platform was decidedly socialistic. It stated that private property, especially machinery used for industrial production, caused economic servitude and political dependence.

Speakers at the convention pointed to the progress of sister parties in western Europe. They also specifically rejected the Anarchists, who sought to bring about their economic system through violent means.

A major discussion took place on recognition of the Socialist Trade and Labor Party, an organization with six million black members. It had been barred from membership by other trade unions. Daniel De Leon was the primary speaker in favor of recognition, joined by W. Kromroy, delegate from Cleveland. The convention voted 70-6 to recognize the union.

The convention adjourned on the 8th to allow the New York State party to hold its state convention in the building.

The convention nominated Charles H. Matchett for President on the first ballot as shown here and Matthew Maguire NJ for VP (the latter unanimously).

Sources: New York Times, 7/5-9/1896

1st Socialist Labor Party National Convention (1892)

3d Socialist Labor Party National Convention (1900)

Popular Vote of 1896

Electoral Vote of 1896