The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-07-24
FROM WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia Convention--Letter
From Secretary Seward Endors-
ing il.
WASHINGTON, July 15-The following
important letter has just been made pub
WASHINGTON, July II, 1866.

SIR:-Excuse me for expressing sur
prise that you ask me whether | approve
of the call of proposed Union National
Convention at Philadelphia After more
than FIVE years of disturbance by civil
war, regard restoration of the unity
of the country It's most immediate as well
as its most vital interest. That restora-
ton will be complete when loyal men are
admitted as representatives of the loyal
people of the eleven States SO long un-
represented in Congress. Nothing but
this can complete it. nothing moro re-
mains to be done, ,and nothing moreis me-
cessary. Every days delay is attended
by multiplying and increasing inconve-
niences, embarrassments and dangers at
home and abroad. Congress possesses
the power exclusively. After session of
seven months Congress still omits to ex-
ercise 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. 1t is in perfect
accordance with the Constitution and 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 re-
monstrance, and that the people in their
several States, districts and territories
shall approve, sanction and unite in such
respectful representation to Congress-
No party could do this effectually,or even
seems willing to doit alone. No local OF
j popular organization could do it efectu-
1 ally. tits 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 tc
act; but if they fail, the attempt can make
matters no worse. 1t will be Lawful
and patriotic attempt made in the righ
direction; an effort to be remembered
with pride and satisfaction, whether i
succeed or fail. The original Union o
the States was brought about by move
ments of the same character. The citl
zen who objects to the Convention il
bound to propose better plan of pro
ceeding to effect the desired end. M
other plan is offered, or even Thoughts Of
Those who should oppose it would seen
to agree to manifest at best unconcern, i
not opposition to all reconstruction, reor
ganization and reconciliation between tht
masses of the American people. 70 ad-
NIT that the Convention will fail, would
be to admit that the people of the Uni
ted States are deficient either n wisdom
or the virtue necessary to continue thu
existence of the Republic. / believe nj
such thing A great political writer say
that government is a secular religion, ant
that the people Of every country are di
vided into two classes, each maintaining
distinct political faith; the one class al
+ ways fearing the very worst that can pos
sibly happen, and the other hopes, unde
every circumstance, the very best tha
can in any event happen. Without ac
eepting this theory as absolutely true,
think that all men do generally act fror
motive to guard against public danger
or else from positive desire to do good
Both classes may therefore favor the pres
ent attempt to restore the unity of tn
nation. I am, sir, your obedient ser
want, WIN. ii. SEWARD.
To Hon. J. R. Doolittle, Chairman Ex
ecutive Committee, &c.