The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1866-07-19
THE NATIONAL CONVENTION.
LETTER FROM HON. WILLIAM II. SEWARD.
DEPARTMENT. OF STATE

DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON, July IL, 1866.
S1R. Excuse me for expressing surprise
that YOU ask me whether I approve OF the
call of a proposed National Union Coh'en-
ton at Philadelphia
After more than five wears of Cislocatlon
by civil war, 1 regard restoration OF the
unity of the country as its most Immediate,
as well as its most vital interest. That res
toration will be complete. when loyal men are
admitted as representatives OF the loyal peo-
ple of the eleven States, so long unrepresen-
ted in Congress. Nothing but this can com
plete it. Nothing more remains to be zone
anil nothing more Is necessary; Every gay
delay is attended by multiplying and IN
creasing Inconvenience, embarrassments, and
dancers. at home and abroad. Congress
possesses the power exclusively; Congress,
after session of seven months, still omits to
exercise that power "What can he done to
induce Congress to act?" This is the ques
ton of the day. Whatever is done must be
in accordance, with the Constitution and
laws. 1t is in perfect accordance with the
Constitution and laws that the people of the
United States shall assemble, by delegates,
in Convention, and that when so assembled
they shall address Congress by respectful
petition and remonstrance, and that the pco-
pie in their several States, Districts, and Ter
ritories shall approve, sanction, and unite In
such respectful representations to Congress.
No one party could do this effectually, or
even seems willing to do it, alone; no local
or popular organization could do it etfectual-
ly. It is the interest of all parties alike; of
all the States, and of all sections-a national
interest: the interest of the whole people.
The Convention, indeed, may not succeed
in inducing Congress to act j.; but II they fail,
the attempt can make matters no worse. 1t
will be lawful and patriotic 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 Convention is bound to propose bet
ter 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 unconcern, if not
opposition to all reconstruction, reorganiZa-
ton, restoration, and Cancellation between
the alienated masses of the American people.
To admit that the Convention will fail would
be to admit that the people of the United
States are deficient in either the wisdom
the virtue necessary to continue the existence
of the Republic. believe no such thing
A great political writer says that govern
ment is secular religion, and that the peo-
pie of every country are divided into two
classes, each maintaining a distinct political
faith. The one class always fear the very
worst that can possibly happen, and the
other hopes under every circumstance the
very best that can in any event happen.
Without accepting this theory as absolute
ly true, think that all men do generally act
from motive to guard against public dan
ger or else from positive desire to do good.
Both classes may, therefore, favor the present
attempt to restore the unity of the nation.
am, sir, your obedient servant
WILLIAM II. SEWARD.
Hon J. r. DoOLITTE.
Chairman Executive Committee, &c.