The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-09-19

The Day, and How IL was HOnOred.
From the Times
The 18th of September is not day to be lightly
esteemed in American history. 1t was day
ftly chosen for bringing together the soldiers
and sailors of the Union, to pledge to the Re
public the full fruits of victories achieved on
land and sea- No more suggestive dav could
have been selected for the formal ratification
by the great metropolis of the patriotic move
pent iuaueurated at Philadelphia. The ami
yersary OF the adoption of the Constitution, and
of the publication OF Washington's farewell adj
dress, had its appropriate celebration in pro-
ceedings designed to uphold and perpetuate the
supremacy of the Constitution as the basis oil
the Union, and to inculcate moderation and
harmony as essential conditions OF national
The new lights of the radical party demand
conditions and concessions which never entered
INTO the head OF Washington. They insist upon
innovation in all directions. The old religion is
out OF fashion with them. The old morality is
in their minds synonymous with fogyism. And
the old Constitution tails far short of their
standard. Therefore they propose TO reconstruct
the Union according to their amended theory OF
the Consntution-not according to the Consti-
tutlon as its authors promulgated 1t. Washing
tons policy of reconciliation they der1de as Hat
burglary and treason. In short, the partisan
philosophers who refuse to receive back the
South except on terms dictated by themselves,
make no secret of their aversion to the princi-
Piles OF which yesterday was the memorable an
nlversary.
But, as in religion the SIMPLE faith of honesty
and truth brings its professor nearer Heaven
than the most cunning speculation OF mans
devising so in politics. the Constitution as the
fathers made it, and the Union as the Constitu-
ton defines 1t, more surely commend themselves
to the popular heart than the sophisms and
sclfshuess of the radical leaders. The passion
OF the hour may cheer appeals to a malignant
temper and may echo threats of vengeance
screamed through reverend lips. But, after all,
the magnificent demonstration in Union Square
last evening, and the inspiring conference OF
which Cleveland was yesterday the theatre,
carry conviston where radical logic finds itself
powerless.
Neither at Cleveland nor in New York was
aught said or done to which intelligent pa
triotism can object. Not the most fastidious
can trace in the proceedings at either point any
compromise with Rebellion, or any disposition
to forego the objects Tor which the war was
waged by the North. The right to secede which
Greeley and Hamilton, the pilgrim from Texas,
preached seduously before the war, had not an
advocate i'll either place. The divine origin and
day BrOwnlow was an advocate, received no
sanction. On the contrary, all the purposes
which the North proclaimed during the progress
OF the war were recognized as already achieved.
Changes inevitably attendant upon the wal
were hailed as irreversibIe. Beyond this all
that is contended foris the exercise OF generosity
and justice towards the vanquished States
Having been brought back into the Union-it
was urged-they should be treated as States
within The Union. The autho1.ty'ot the Union
having been re.establshed, its harmony should
be restored, without the eXaction of terms un
known to the Constitution and at variance with
its spirit,