The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-07-17
Letter from Secretary Seward APPROX.
ing the Philadelphia Convention.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,

WASHINGTON, ID. c., July ii, 1866.
Sir,-Excuse me for expressing surprise
that you ask me whether | approve Of the
call of proposed National Union COnycn-
ton at Philadelphia.
After more than five years Of dislOcation
by civil war, regard restoration Of the
unity of the country as its most immediate
as well as its most vital interest. That
restoration will be complete when loyal
men are admitted rs representatives Of the
loyal people of the eleven States so long
unrepresented 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 inconrcni-
cnccs, cmbarrassmcnts, and dangers at
home and abroad. Congress possesses the
power exclusively: Congress, after scS-
sion Of seven months, still omits TO c1cr-
else that power. "What can be done 10
induce Congress 10 act!" This is the
question of the day. Whatever is done
must bo in accordance with the Con-
stitution aud laws. 1t is in perfect
accordance with the Constitution and
laws that the people of the United
States shall assemble, by delegates, in con-
vcntion, and that when so assembled they
shall address Congress by respectful petit
ton and remonStrance, and that the pco-
pic in their several States, districts, and
territories, shall approve, sanction, and
unite in such respectful representations to
Congress. No one party could do this Ell
fcctually, or even seems willing to do 1t
alone: no local or popular organization
could do it cffectualy. 1t is the interest
of all parties alike Of all the States, and
of all sections-a national interest; the III
tereSt of the whole people.
The Convention, indeed, may not sue
coed in inducing Congress to act, but il
they fail, the attempt can make matters no
attempt made in the right direction, an cf-
fort to be remembered with pride and
satisfaction whether ii succeed or fail.
The original union Of the States was
brought about hy movements of the same
character. The citizen who objects 10 the
Convention is bound to propose bet
ter plan of proceeding to effect the desired
end. No other plan is offered, or even
thought OF. Those WHO should oppose ii
would seem TO me to manifest at best
unconcern, il not opposition to all recon
struction, restoration, and reconciliation
between the alicnated masses of the Amc-
rican people. To admit that the Conven.
ton will fail would be to admit that the
people of the United States arc deficient
in either the wisdom or the virtue neccS-
sary to continue the existence OF the Re.
public. believe no such thing. \ great
political writer says that government is a
secular religion, and that the people OF
every country are divided into two classes,
each maintaining distinct political faith.
The one class always fear the very worst
that can possibly happen, and the other
hopes under every circumstances the very
best that can in any event happen.
Without accepting this thing as abso-
lutely true, | think all men do gene
rally act from motive to guard against
public danger, or else from positive de-
sire to do good. Both classes may there
fore favor the present attempt to restore
the unity of the nation.
am, sir, your obcdicnt servant,
WILLIAM ii. SEWARD.
Hon. j. r. Doolitle, Chairman Executive
Committee, &c.