The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-07-17

wAsHrssros, July 16.-The following impor-
tant letter has just been made public:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,l
WARRINGTON, July IL, 1866.
SIR-Excuse me for expressing surprise that you
ask me whether approve of the call OF pro-
posed National Union Convention at Philadel-
phia After more than Eve years of dislocation
by civil war, regard restoration of the unity
of the country its most immediate, as well as
its most vital interest. That restoration will be
complete when loyal men are admitted as rep
resen tatives of the loyal people of the eleven
states 80 long unrepresented in congress. Moth
ing but this complete it. Nothing more re-
mains to be done, and nothing more is necessary.
Every days delay is attended by multiplying
and increasing Inconvenience, endorsements
and dangers at home and abroad. Congress
possesses the power exclusive by the constitu-
ton. If after a session of seven months con-
gress still omits to exercise that power, what
can be done to induce congress to act? fhis
is the question of the day. Whatever IS done
must be done in accordance with the constl-
tuition ard laws. 1t is in perfect accordance
with the constitution and laws that the peo-
pie of the United States shall assemble by
| delegates in convention and that when so as
| sembled they shall address congress by respect
full petition and remonstrance and that the peo-
pie in their states districts and territor-
| les shall approve, sanction and unite 10 such
| respectful representations 10 congress- No ohe
| narty could do this effectualy or even seems
| willing to do it alone. No local or partial or
panization could do it effectually. 1t is the in
terest 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 IN
ducing congress to act, but if they fail the at
tempt can make matters no worse. IL VIII De
lawful and patriotic attempt made IN the righ
direction,-an effort to be remembered witt
| pride ana satisfaction, whether it succeeds oil
fails.
The original union of the states was brought
| about by movements of the same character. TIT
| citxen who objects TO the convention 10 bound t
propose a better plan of proceeding to effect tn
desired end. No plan is offered or even though
of; those who oppose it would seem to M
| to manifest at least unconcern not oPposl
ton to all reconstructIon, rsorga nization and rec
| onciliation between the alienated masses OF tn
American people. To admit that the convention
will fail would be to admit that the people OF tn
, | United States deficient IN the wisdom o
the virtue necessary to continue the existence c
the republic. / believe no such thing grea
practical writer that our government 10 %
| Cuar religion, and that the people OF every couI
try divided into two classes, each mantalnin
a distinct political faith; the one class AWAY
tearing the very worst that can possible harper
| and the other hopes under every circumstance th
, | very best that can in any event happen. Withol
accepting this theory absolutely true, / thin
t all men do generally act from q motive to guar
against puolic danger, else from POSITIVE desl'
| to do good Both classes may, therefore, favor IN
present attempt to restore the unity OF the natio
r again.
am, sir your obedisnt servant,
VIII. SEWARD.
}. To Hon. J.R Doolittie, chairman executive con
\ mittee, &c.