Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-08-23
THE NATIONAL CONVENTION.
Great Unanimity of Seatiment-The Conre''-
ton Complete Success-COnserrat'oe De
claretiOR Of Principles.

The great event of the past week was the
assemblage at Philadelphia of truly National
Convention. composed of many of the most dis
tinguished men of the old parties-East, West,
North. and South-met to deliberate upon and
project measures for a cordial and perfect Re
,r,ion of all the States Such spectacle has
never before been witnessed in this country
Great Conventions heretofore have been only
partizan gatherings, avowedly for the public
good, but chiefly to insure the control of affairs
in the interests of party. The influence OF this
truly National Convention cannot be otherwise
than all-pervading, salutary, and healing.
One of the pleasant incidents of the first day
was the entrance, arm-in-arm, of the Massa-
chusetts and South Carolina delegations, led by
Gen. Couch and Gov. Orr.
The daily papers have furnished the general
reader with details of the proceedings, and
therefore we need only note the great results.
Gen. John A. Dix, of New York, was cho-
sen temporary chairman Of the Convention,
and on taking the chair delivered very appro-
pirate and eloquent speech, addressed to his
fellow-citizens of the whole Union, in the course
of which he stated the objects of the Conven-
ton. declaring eve are here to assert the SUI
premacy of representative government-we,
all who are within the'confnes of the Union
a government which cannot, without viola
ton of its Fundamental principles, be extended
over any but those who are represented in it. "
This sentiment was received with great ap-
plausc. The conclusion of the speech was in
the Generals happiest vein;
Gentlemen, is not the object for which we
are cOntending a contamination worthy OF our
highest and our most devoted efforts to bring
back the Republic, purified and strengthened
bv the fiery ordeal through which it has pass
cd, to its ancient prosperity and power; to
present to the world an example worthy of iml-
tation-no Utopian vision of good government,
but the grand old reality of the better times,
bringing up the memorial of our fathers, and
recollections of the past, with the past and flu
ture inseparably entwined-One country, one
flag, one Union of equal States. Long and
continued applause
Then followed an impressive prayer by the
Rev. J. n. Mcdonald, for the maintenance of
the Union, inviolate under the Constitution
adopted by our fathers.
Committees on Credentials and Organization
were appointed, and this ended the first days
proceeding.
WEDNESDAY.
Mr.. Blair, from the Committee on Organiza-
ton, reported the list of officers: Hon. JOSEPH
r. DooLITTLE, of Wisconsin, as permanent
President, and Vice President from each of
the States and Territories, and the District of
Columbia. One Secretary from each was also
chosen.
The announcement of Mr.. Dooltte's name
was received with great enthusiasm. On tax
ing the chair he made most patriotic and
happy speech, in which he said,
For the first time in six years a National Conven-
tiOn representing all the States is now assembled.
Six long, weary years. As | look back, oh, what
an interval of blood and agony and tears During
that period we have been engaged in the most gi-
gantc civil war the world has ever seen. Wasting
our resources drenching thousand battle-feldS in
fraternal blood, and carrying to fraternal graves
our fathers our sons our brothers, by hundreds of
thousands But, thanks be to Almighty God, the
war is over. rApplause. Peace, blessed peace,
has come. The assurances which we here witness
tell us that peace has come, and come TO stay
{ Applause.l
In conclusion, Mr.. Doolittle made an earn
est appeal as to the work to be done He said:
FellOw-citzens: Unfortunately, it may be- the
whole people of the United States are not here to
witness what is now transporting, therefore the
greater work still rests upon us from this time
I'll the election of the next Congress We should
be untring in our eXertiOns to to it that if this
Congress- shall continue TO refuse the sacred right
Of representation to equal States that the next Con-
gress shall recognize that right. Applause. i
When that is done, the Union is restored. And
when the Union is restored, we shall be prepared,
in my Judgment, to enter upon higher and nObler
career among the nations of the earth than has
vet been occupied by any Government upon which
the sun of Heaven ever shOne. Applause. We
shall stand in the vanguards of civilization and Ii
bcrty; we shall lead the way by the light of our
example for all the other nations of the earth.
During the session the following despatch
was received from the President of the United
States, amidst great cheering:
WASHINGTON, AUGUsT II, 1866
To the Hon. o. n. BroicRing and Hon. A. W. Ran
dali, at Philadelphia l thank YOU for your
cheering and encouraging dispatch. The finger of
Providence is unerring, and will guide YOU safely
through. The people must be trusted, and the
country will be restored. My faith is mistaken as
TO the ultimate success.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
THE THIRD DAY.
On motion of Hon Reverdy johnson, COM
mitee, consisting of two members from each
State, was appointed to wait upon the Presi-
dent of the United States with an official re-
port of the proceedings Of the Convention.
Mr. Cowan, from the Committee on Resolu-
tons, presented the following Declaration of
Principles, which was unanimously adopted:
Declaration of Principles.
The following Declaration of Principles was
reported from the Committee on Resolutions: