Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-06-04
even nominally Brethren cs ooe family

be even nominally Brethren Of one family The sugges
ton that the Union be maintained by the numerical
predominanee and military proves OF one Section ex-
erted to coerce the other into submission IS IN my udg
ment selfconradictory as it is dangerous Il comes
loaded with the death smell from fields wet with brothers
blood If the vital principle of all republican govern
ment is " the consent of the governed" much more
does union OF coequal Sovereign States require, as its
basis the harmony of its members and their voluntary
cooperation in its organic functions.
Believing for these reasons, that healing counsels
must be listened to, if we are much longer TO re-
main one people, l regard the late National Union
Convention as movement in the right direction. L
could wish that il had been earlier assembled; with
less exclusive reference to official nominations and
with a more comprehensive representation, II possi-
BILE, OF the conflicting opinions of the country. On
general principles and in ordinary times admit that
third parties are Objectionable but in the existing state
Of affairs if there is to be any escape from the present
i'll omened conflict, it would seem that a commencement
be made with such meeting as that OF The 9th and
10th at Baltimore. 1t fair representation OF the
conservative opinion of the country, and the camnes
gravity and good feeling with which the proceedings were
conducted, cannot be too highly praised.
In adopting as its platform the Constitution without
comment the Convention, as it seems to me- pur
sued wise and patriotic No other course was
thOusht of in the earlier days of the Republic. Election
eerng platforms are almost without exception equvocSl
and deusive. II is objected that men dter as to the
meaning of the fundamental law but they differ not less
to any gloss commentary. The Constitution, IN It's
fair and natural Interpretation the only basis on which
good citizens in every part of the country can now unite
and any attempt to go further will usually have no other
effect than to those who agree on great practical
principles to differ on meaphysi subtetes, or to bring
together by arfuy constructed phrases and from selfish
motives those who have nothing else in common.
The candidate for the Presidency, presented by the
Union Convention, is every way worthy OF confidence
aud support speak from personal knowledge and long
association with him in the public service His distin-
gushed talent large experience in affairs proved ineg
tegty and sterling patriotism furnish the ampest pledge
for honest and efficient administration Of the govern
ment at home aud abroad citizen Of the South, and
loyal to her constitutional rights his impartial and con-
catory course public man affords ground on which
be be supportedn either section of the country with
out derecton of principle, and by men of all parties
without painful sacrifice of forme. preferences.
Deeply regrettiDg that the Convention has not put it
in my power pay an equally cordial and emphatic ri
butte worthy candidate for the Vice Presidency
but feeling it duty give the desired proof of sympa
thy with its patriotic efforts to restore the happy days Of
brothery concord between the different sections Of our
beloved country
remain, dear sir sincerely yours,
EDWARD EVERETT.