The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1866-07-19

The following important letter from Secretary
SEWARD, on the proposed Philadelphia Convon-
ton, we take from our Washington exchanges of
the 18th instant:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, !
WAsHINGToN, July IL.
SIR: Excuse mo for expressing surprise tn you
ask me whether approve Of the cali of propos-
ed Union National Convention ut Philadephia
After moro than five years Of dislocation by civil
war, I regard a restoration OF the unity of the
country it's most immediate as well as its most
vital interest. That restoration will be complete
when loyal men are admitted as representatives
Of the loyal people of tho eleven States 30 long
unrepresented in Congress- Nothing but this can
complete it. Nothing more remains to be DONE
aud nothing more ia necessary.
Every days delay is attended by multiplying
and increasing inconveniences, emb barrassments
and dangers, at home and abroad. Congress
possesses the power excl lusirely. Congress, after
session Of seven months, still omits to exercise
that power. What can be done to induce o on
gress to act2 This is the question of the day.
Whatever is done must be done in accordance
with the Constitution and laws. It ia in perfect
accordance with the Constitution and laws that
the people of the United States shall assemble by
delegates in convention, and that when 30 as-
aembled they shall address Congress by respect-
full petition and remembrance; and that the peo-
PIE in their several States, Districts, and Terri.
respectful representations to Congress. .q-.ts-
No one party could do this effeotually, or oven
seems wiling & to DO it alone No local Or popular
terest OF all parties alike, Of all tho States, and OF
all sections-a national interest-the interest of
the whole people. Tho Convention, indeed, may
not succeed in inducing Congress to act; but IL
they fail the attempt can make matters no worse.
1t will be lawful and patriotic attempt made in
the right direction-a 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 char
aoter. The citizen who objects to the Convention
| 10 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 il
would seem to me to manifest at best uneoncern,
IL not opposition, to all reconstruction reorgani-
| cation, and reconciliation 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 wisdom or the virtue necessary
| to continue the existence Of the Republic I be.
lieve no such thing. great political writer says
| that government is secular religion, and thai
| the people OF every country arc divided into
| two classes, each maintaining distinct poll, ica
faith the one class always fearing the very wors
that can possibly happen, and the other hopes
under every circumstance. the very best that car
in any event happen. Without accepting this
theory as absolutely true, think that oil men dt
generally act from motive to guard against pub
| lie danger, or else from positive desire to dt
good. Both classes may, therefore, favor tht
present attempt to restore the unity OF the nation
am, sir, your obedient servant,
| WILLIAM 81. SEWARD.
Hon. J. R. DooLrrrLE, Chairman Executive Com
! mittee, 60.