This invention generally provides a class of novel cationic resin comprised of a cross-linked polyamine having pendant tertiary and/or quaternary amine groups linked to amine groups in said polyamine by a hydrocarbon chain including a hydroxyl group in the .beta.-position with respect to the polyamine chain. In general, these resins can comprise the reaction product of a polyamine having secondary amine groups, a crosslinking agent, and a cationizing agent having an epoxide group and a tertiary or quaternary amine (quaternary ammonium) group. These cationic resins have been found to be useful for a variety of operations in the manufacture of paper and paperboard, especially as drainage aids and stabilizers for dispersed rosin sizing agents.