The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1866-07-17
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WAsHINGToN, July 18th, 1865.

Excuse me for expressing surprise
that you ask me whether approve OF
the call OF proposed Union National
Convention, at Philadelphia. After
more than five years. of disturbances
by civil war, regard restoration OF
the unity of the country its most i'm
mediate, as well as its most vital inter-
est. That restoration will be complete
when loyal men are admitted as repre-
sentatives OF loyal people of the eleven
States, SO long unrepresented in Con-
gress. Nothing but this can complete
1t. Nothing more remains to be done,
and nothing more is necessary. Every
days delay is attended by multiplica-
ting and increasing Inconvenience,
embarrasments and danger at home
and abroad. Congress possesses the
power exclusive. After a session OF
seven months Congress still omits to
exercise that power. What can be
done TO induce Congress to actP This
is the question of the day. Whatever
Is done, must be done In accordance
with the constitution and laws. is in
perfect accordance with the constitu-
ton and laws that the people of the
United States assemble by dele
gates in convention, and that when
so assembled, they shall address Com
gress by respectful petition and remon-
STRANGE, and that people in their sew
shall approve, sanction and unite in
such respectful representation to Com
gress. No one party could do this eff
tectually, or even seems willing to do
1t alone. No local or popular organic
alton could do it effectualIy; it is the
interest of parties alike of all States
and sections, as well as the interest of
the whole people. The convention, in
deed, may not succeed in INDUCING
Congress to act; but il they fail tho at.
tempt can make matters no worse. 1t
Will be a lawful attempt made in the
right direction-an effort to be remem-
bered with pride and satisfaction
whether it succeed or fail. The original
union of the States was brought about
by movements of the same character.
The citizen who objects to the conven-
ton Is bound to propose better plan
OF proceeding to effect the desired end.
No other plan is offered or even thought
Of Those who should oppose it would
seem to me to manifest, at best, uncon-
Germ, If not opposition, to all recon-
struct1on, reorganization and reconcile
1ation between the elevated masses of
the American people.
To admit that that convention will
fail, would TO admit that the people
ofthe United States Rredeficientin their
wisdom, or the virtue necessary to con-
ttnue the existence of the republic. 1
believe no such thing. A great politi-
cal writer says that government is a
secular religion, and that the people
ofevery country are divided into two
classes, each maintaining distinct po-
litical faith-the one class always fear
ing the very worst that can possibly
happen, and the other hopes under
every circumstance, the very best that
can in any event happen. Without ac-
cepting this theory as absolutely true,
think that all men do generally act
from motive to guard against public
danger, or else from positive desire to
do good. Both classes may, therefore,
favor the present attempt to restore the
unity OF the nation. 1 am sir, your
obedient servant.
[Signedl WIN. II. SEWARD.
To HON. j. r. DooLITTLE,
Chairman Executive Committee.