Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1866-07-27
DEPARTMENT or STATE,
WASHINGTON. July IL, 1866.

w AshlAGION- July II, 1000.
Sir Excuse me for expressing surprise
that you ask me whether approve Of the
call of proposed Union National Conven-
tion at Philadelphia. After more than FIVE
years of dislocation by civil war, [ regard a
restoration of the Unity Of the country its
most immediate as well as its most vital in
terest That restoration viii be complete
when loyal people of the eleven states so
long unrepTesented in Congress. Nothing
but this can complete it Nothing more
remains to be done, aud nothing more is
necessary Every days delay is attended
by multiplying and increasing ineonYenien-
ces, embarrassments and dangers, at home
and abroad. Congress, after session Of
seven months, still refuses to exercise that
power. What can be done tc induce Con-
rress to act 4? This is the question of the
day. Whatever is done must be done in
accordance with the Constitution and laws.
tt is in perfect accordance with the Consti-
tuition and laws that the people Of the Uni
ted States shall assemble by delegates in
convention. and that when 50 assembled
they shall address Congress by respectful
petition and remoDstrance and that the
people in their several states, districts and
territories shall approve, sanction and Unite
in such respectful representations to Con
Congress.
No one party could do this efFectually
or even seems willing to do it, alone. No
local or popular organization could do il
eiiectually Il is the interest of all parties
| alike, OF all the states, and OF all sections
national interest-the interest of the
whole people. The convention, indeed
may succeed in inducing Congress to act
but if they fail, the attempt can make mat
/ ters no worse. 1t will be lawful and patri.
otic attempt made in the right direction
an effort to be remembered 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 10 propose a better plan or proceed
! ing 10 affect the desired end. No other
plan is offered, or even thought Of Those
who shouldoppose it would seem to me tC
manifest at best unconcerR~. if no opposi-
/ ton, TO all reconstruction, reorganization
and reconciliation between the alienatee1
masses Of the American people. To admit
| that the convention viii fail would be tC
admit that the people Of the United States
are deficient in either wisdom or the yirtuc
necessary to continue the existence of the
republic believe no such thing. A great
pOhtiCdl writer says tDaI government Is
secular religion, and that the people ofeyery
country are divided into two classes, each
maintaining distinct political faith. The
one cless always fearing the very worst that
can possibly happen, and the other hopes
under every circumstance, the very best thai
can in any event happen. Without accept
| ing this theory as absolutely true, | think
that all men do generally act from a motive
to guard against public danger, or else from
a positive pesire to do good. Both classes
may, therefore, favor the present attempt t.
restore the unity of the nation
II am, sir, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM H. SEWARD
Hon, j. r. Doolittle, Chairman Execu
/ tive Committee, &c.