Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1863-02-19
A Convention of the States.

We have not failed to observe that many
Democrats are exceedingly anxious for Con-
yeption Of the States, with view thereby 10
do something effective to compose our troubles
and restore the Union of the States, wi n all
their dignity and equality unimpaired; but with
all the consideration and deliberation we have
been able to give the subject, we can come 70 no
other conclusion than that such movement at
this time would be premature, and the object de-
al, ed. a speedy peace and restored Union' would
thus be further removed end put IN jeopardy
If not entirely destroyed.
1.-THE Legislative power of all the loyal States
were in the hands Of men favorable to an arm
istice, and who desired honestly and in good
faith 10 gee restored Union on the basis OF the
Constitution, then there would undoubtedly be
good sense, statesmanship and PATRIOTISM
In making a move for Convention OF the
States, with friendly and fraternal invitation
to the people of the States now in revolt to
send delegates to, and join in, Ice Deliberations
with O view to settle all matters on pasis'
honorable to all, and net Inconsistent with the
framework of our Government as our Faith
ers made 1t. But such is not the case. we
have a majority in the State Legislatures OF
New Jersey, Indiana, Illinois, and, we presume,
Kentucky, now in session, who would cheerful
" ioin in such movement; but there the mat
tar vould end at this time-at lesst until the
new Legislatures were elected in the balance
Of the twenty odd loyal States. However will
ling majority Of the people of Ohio would be
to be represented in such Convention, our
present Legislature would not crafty them Dy
passing the necessary laws or resolutions au-
thorizing such representation, and an outside
movement without legislative sanction, could
have no binding force, any more than the &C.
tion of a political party in State Convention
would have. And add to this, that an at
tempt to get up such representation would
psrtake In some sense OF the nature
of a revolution, and viewed in that light, could
not benefit, but might seriously damage the
cause Such Convention, to be effective,
must be valid and legal, for if not, whatever it
might do would have no binding force.
The fifth article of the Constitution OF the
United States points ont distinctly and definite
ly how Conventions to amend that instrument
shall be called; and by reference to that article
IL will be readily seen that the friends of'the
measure cannot at this time, as the Congress
and State Legislatures are now organized
make any move that would effect anything val
liable, and a movement that would prove an
abortion, could only end in injury to the cause
of Peace and Union.
We are not unm ndful that those who wish
the war to cease and snxlously desire the
Union restored, become restive and impatient
at the mal-administration and corruption,
and the fruitless loss Of blood and treasure
with which the country is afflicted; but
We submit earnestly to their consideration,
whether 1t would not be well to restrain them
selves, lest ia ON effort to do too much ell may
be lost.
Let US 20 forward as we have been doing for
the past year, looking to the ballotbox as q
sure, and in the end sovereign, remedy. At
the elections Of last fall, the true friends Of
the Union did well, and 1t will be our own fault
If we do not do better in the future. By pa
thence and perseverance let US continue to labor
for the redemption Of the States, and essay to
obtain the political power in them. This sort
of State action Is within our reach, and when
we shall have established ourselves in the Ex
ecutive and Legislative power of the differ
ent States, then we can adopt such measures as
will be effective In composing our troubles, and,
II possible, in restoring the Union.