Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1866-07-17

PhlIRde eIPhia. ConventIOn-rLester
ofrPln Secretary Seward uIndOrs-
ing Ht. .gGntf jHas
4 WARRINGTON, July l5-The following
important letter has just been made pub
| lie: o,r.s .t1 Irja,,, .ii Iu .nnomt 1d'r
oO VOoO'1f'. WASHINGTON July IL, 1886.
SIR:-Excuse me for expressing sur
prise that you ask me whether approve
of the ecall of a, p. opposed Union National
Convention at Philadelphia. After more
than five years of disturbances by civil
war, regard restoration of the unity of
the country its most immediate as well as
its most vital interest. That restoration
wiliQbePomplete when loyal men are ad
mitted as representatives OF the loyal peo-
pie of the eleven States 40 long unrepre-
sented In Congress. Nothing but this can
complete it, nothing more remains to be
done, and nothing more Is necessary.
| Every days delay Is attended by mnltiG
| plying and Increasing inconvenieiices, EN-
barTassmepts and dangers at home and
| abroad. Congress possesses the power ex-
| clusively. After session of seven months
Congress still omits to exercise 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 accord
ance with the Constitution and laws. It Is
! 10 perfect accordance with the Con-
stitution 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-
t mOnstrance, and that the people in their
several States, districts and territories shall
H approve, sanction and unite in such re-
4 spectful representation to Congress. No
parry could do this effectually, or even
seems willing to do 1t alone. No local or
popular organization could do It effect
uSlly. 1t Is istheiinterest of all parties alike,
Of all the States and of all sections;
national interest-the interest of the whole
/ people. The Convention, indeed, may not
succeed In inducing Congress to act; but
II they fail, the attempt can make matters
| no worse. 1t will be lawful and patriotic
attempt made In the right direction all eff
j fort to be remembered with pride and sat
,sfaction, whether 1t succeed or fail. The
original Union of the States was brought
about by movements OF the same character
The citizen WHO objects to the Convention
10 bound to propose a better plan of pro-
ceeding to effect the desired end. No other
plan Is offered, or even thought Of Those
who should oppose it would seem to agree
TO manifest at best unconcern, if not Oppo-
sition to all reconstruction, reorganization
and reconciliation between the masses
of the American people. To admit that
the Convention will fail, would be to admit
that the people Of the United States are de-
fcient either inwisdom or the virtue neces-
sary to continue the existence of the Re-
public. believe no such thing. A great
political writer says that government is d,
secular religion, and that the people of ev-
cry country are divided into two classes,
each maintaining distinct political faith !;
the one class always fearing the very worst
that can possibly happen, and the other
hopes, under every circumstance, the very
best that can in any event happen. With
out accepting this theory as absolutely true,
i think that all men do generally act from
a motive to guard against public danger, or
else from a positive desire to do good. Both
classes may therefore favor the present at
tempt to restore the unity of the nation.
lam, sir, your obedient servant, ~ tI
[Slgned] VIM. Fl. SEWARD.
To Hon. J. r. DooLirrLE, Chairman Ex-
ecGtive committee, &c. .. .r,....
The Veto Message Sent to the
House.
WASHINGTON, July 16.-The President
this afternoon returned to the House, with
his objections, the bill to continue in force