Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-07-12

Dangers threaten. The constitution-the citidal
of our libertes-is directly assaed. The future
dark. unless the people will come to the rescue.
In this hour of peril national union should be the
watchword of every true man.
As essential TO national union we must maintain
unimpaired the rights the dignity and the equaii-
~ of the States including the right of representa-
ton in Congress- and the exclusive right OF each
State To control its own domestic concerns SUBJECT
only to the constitution of the United States:
After a uniform construction OF the constitution
more than half a century, the assumption OF new
and arbitrary powers in the federal government Is
subversive of our system and destructive OF liberty
A free Interchange of opinion and kind feeling
between the citizens of all the States necessary 10
the perpetuity of the Union. At present eleven
States are excluded from the national council. For
seven long months the present Congress has perss-
tentv denied any right representation to the peo-
ple of these States. Laws affecting their highest
and dearest interests have been passed without heir
consent and in disregard of the fundamental prln-
ciple of free government. This denial OF represen-
tation has been made to all of the members from
State. although the State. in the language OF the
President "presents itself not only in an attitude
of Loyalty and harmony, but in the persons OF rep
rescntatives whose LOYALTY cannot be questioned
under any existing constitutional test The repre-
sentativcs of nearly One-third OF the States have
not been consulted with reference to the great ques-
tons of the dav. There has been no nationality
surrounding the present Congress. There has been
no intercourse between tHe REPRESENTATIVES vi wv
two sections, producing mutual confidence and re-
spect In the language Of the distinguished Lieu
tenant General, ait is to be regretted that at TINS
time, there cannot be a greater comminghng be-
tween the citizens Of the two sections, and partcu-
larlv of those ntrusted with the law-making pow
err" This state of things should be removed at
once and forever.
Therefore, to preserve the national Union, town
dictate the suciency of our admirable constitution,
to guard the States from covert attempts todeprye
them of their true position in the Union, and to
bring together those who are unnaturally served,
and for these great national purposes only, we cordi-
ally approve the call for a National Union Conyen-
ton to be held at the city of Philadelphia, on the
second Tuesday (14th) of August next, and endorse
the principles therein set forth,
We, therefore respectfully but earnestly urge
upon our felow-ctizens in each State and Territory
and congressional district in the United States, in
the interests of Union and in a spirit of harmony;
and with direct reference to the principles contained
in said call, to act promptly in the selection OF WISE
moderate and conservative men, 10 represent them
in said convention, 10 the end that al the States
shall at once be restored to their practical relations
to the Union, the constitution be maintained, ana
4l,o .i,cla TRY