The Montana post. [volume] (Virginia City, Montana Territory [i.e. Mont.]) 1864-1869, 1866-07-28
The follow is Stewards letter TO Doc
little ------
Dept Of State, Washington, I
Julv nth. 1866. (

Dent Of State, washington,
july f1th, 1866.
or Excuse me for expressing sur
prise that you ask me whether support
the call for the proposed Union Nation
al Convention at Philadelphia. After
more than five years of destruction by
civil war, remarked that the restora-
ton of the unity of the country was its
most immediate as well as its most vital
interest; that restoration will be com
plete' when loyal men ARE admitted as
representatives of the loyal people of the
eleven States, so long unrepresented in
Congress. Nothing but this can com
plete it ; nothing more remains to be
done, and nothing more is necessry
Every days delay is attended, by multi
plying increasing inconvenience, en-
barrassments and dangers at home and
abroad. Congress possesses the power
exclusively. After a session of seven
months, Congress still omits 20 exercise
that power. What can be done to in
duce Congress to act? This is the ques-
ton of the day. Whatever is done must
be done in accordance with the Consti-
tuition and laws. 1t is in accordance
with the Constitution and the laws that
the people of the United States shall
assemble by delegates in convention
and that when SO assembled they shall
address Congress by respectful petition
and remonstrance, and that the people
in their several States Districts and Ter
ritories shall affirm, sanction and unite
in such respect and representation to
Congress. No one party could do this
efectually, nor even seem willing to do
it alone. No loyal organization should
do it efectually; it is the interest of all
parties alike, of all the States and sec
tions as national 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 di-
rection, an effort to be remembered with
pride and satisfaction, whether it sue
ceeu ur IAN. THO ot:o :o;-s~l ,,ninn of 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 proceedings to effect the
desired end No plan is offered or even
thought of by those who should oppose
it. 1t would seem to manifest at best,
uncertain, if not opposition, to allrecon-
struction and re organization between
the alienated masses of the American
people To admit that the people of the
United States are deficient in their wis,
dom or the virtue necessary to continue
the existence Of the Republic. L believe
no such thing. .g-, .. - ..--,a
A great political writer says that Gov.
ernment is secular religion, and that
the people of every country are divided
into two classes each maintaining dis
tinct notions 1.-The first fearing the very
worst that can possibly happen, and
the other hoping under every circum
stance the very best that can in any
event happen. Without accepting the
theory as absolutely true, think all mer
, do generally act from a motive to guard
agains public danger, or else seem tt
, have positive desire to do good. Both
classes may, therefore, favor the present
attempt to restore the unity of the na
] ton am. sir, your ob't sv,t,
, 'rj IA W. III. SEWARD.
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