North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1866-07-25
DEPARTMENr OF STATE,
WASHINGTON. July IL.

81 DEPARTMENT. OF STATE,
.ta WAsHINGToN, July IL.
Sir: Excuse me for expressing surprise
that you ask me whether | approve of a
call of proposed Union National Conven-
ton of Philadelphia. After more than
five years dislocation by civil war, regard
the unity of the country its most imme-
diste as well as its vital interest. The
restoration will be complete when loyal
men are admitted as representatives Of the
loyal people of the eleven States so long
unrepreseEted in Congress. Nothing but
this Can complete it. Nothing more re-
mains to be done, and nothing more is
necessary Every DAYS delay is attended
by multiplying and increasing inconven-
fences, embarassments, and dangers, at
home and abroad. Congress possesses the
power exclusively. Congress, after a ses-
sion of seven months, still omits to exercise
that power What can be done to induce
Congress to act? This is the question of
the day. Whatever is done, must be done
in accordance with the Constitution and
laws. Its in perfect accordance with the
Constitution and laws that the people of
the United States shall assemble by dele
gates in convention, and that when so as
sembled they shall address Congress by
respectful petition and remonstrance and
that the people in their several States, Dis
tricts and Territories, shall approve, sane
ton and unite in such respectful repre-
sentations to Congress.
No one party could DO this efectualIy or
even seems willing to do it, alone. No To-
cal or popular organization could do it eff.
fectualy. 1t 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 but if they fail the attempt can make
matters no worse. 1t will be lawful and
patriotic attempt made in the right direc-
tion-an effort to be remembered with
pride aud 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 a
better plan of proceeding to effect the de-
sired end. No other plan Is offered, or
even thought Of Those who should OPP
pose would seem to me to manifest at best,
unconcern, if not opposition, to all recon-
struction organizations, and reconciliation
between the allenated masses of the Amer
lean people. To admit the convention
will fail, would be to admit that the peo-
pie of the United States are deficient in ci-
ther wisdom or the virtue necessary to
continue the existence of the republic. /
believe no such thing. A great political
writer says thatsgovernment is secular
religion, and that the people of every coun-
try are divided into two classes, each main-
tanning a .distinct political faith. The one
class always fearing 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 absolutely true, |
think all men do act generally from a mo-
tive to guard against public danger, or else
from positive desire to do good. Both
classes may, therefore, favor the present at
tempt to restore the unity of the nation.
am your obedient servant.
VIM H. SEWARD.
Hon. j. r. Doolttle, Chairman Executive
Ccmnltttee. &c