The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-07-07
The Philadelphia Convention.

learning that the Democratic members of
Congress intended issuing an address supple
mental to the original call, we postponed our
intention Of further discussion of the ques-
ton until that document was before the
country. In our article of the 3D., we recalled
the fact that the people of Virginia and
other Southern States had already ratified
the restoration policy of Mr.. JOHNSON in pri-
mary meetings. We also endeavored to show
what may be accomplished by vigorous and
united effort on The part of the people of the
North, In the interests of pacifcation.
We now return to the argument more full
y enlightened than before, by the address
above referred to, and the views of our CO.
temporaries of Virginia and the South. Ths
mass 0: our exchanges favor the sending of
delegates.
On the other hand some Of the most able
papers Of the State, oppose The suggestion
We have examined these objections with great
care and fnd many of them to be well con-
sideled and argued with ability; but in re-
viewing these we notice that each separate
paper loses sight Of the fact, that in periods
Of revolution there never can be neutrality of
looTties. The history Of TIE French Assem-
bly,, and of the last Congress which met in
that memorable last year of Mr. BucHANAa's
administration, shows that all Intermediate
parties must be absorbed on one side or the
other in revolutions. t@
But, perhaps, the failure OF kentucky in
her attempted role, is the best illustration of
the impossibility Of avoiding active participa-
ton in such great events.
The inezorable law Of revolutionary force
sooner or later must draw US into this contest,
and the question is, when and how we shall
take cur position7
According to tie argument Of one of our
contemporaries, the time for this is when the
Convention has finished its labors, and we
have them before us Otherwise we quote
the sensel we might embarrass the Conven-
ton" Granting the force of this reasoning
granting that the presence of delegates repre-
senting the devotion Of the South to local
liberty, and its maintenance, as far as con-
ssts with the new order of things, -grantina
this, we say. did it ever occur to our cotcm-
porary that the "Union men" of the South,
technically SO called, have been urged to send
delegates to this body7 The cali has been
made on them, and there is no doubt ST the
response.
II these gentlemen were to do this, would
thsreally ''loyal" sentiment of the South-the
loyalty" which means just and jealous re-
gard for the obligations we have assumed, and
the public liberties, as the basis of restored
Union--would this sentiment be represented
satisfactorily, say by Mr., BorTs and his
school, for example7 In short, it seems to
us impossible to keep out of this Convention.
The way, then, in which we can avoid enbar-
RAISING It, is BY sending our best and wisest
msn; sending them by such popular vote
as will give the Convention the assurance
that theyreally reflect the opinions and wishes
of the people. If we are right in our assump-
tion, that the law-we may call it the law OF
!ngurgitatioa-which governs all periods Of
revolutionary transition, must needs force lis
into action, then, Of course, there is no further
need Of reasoning to combat the argument
against this scheme. But there is Que objec-
ton which We beg leave to discuss moment.
An authority, for which we have the high
est respect, objects on the ground that we
have had dirt eating enough" We take
issue with our cotemperary. III the name OF
Virginia we challenge the assertion,
What are the facts2
We fought, rs General Grant says, with
"Herculean yalor." Hopelessly beaten, and
outnumbered, we surrendered. What did
we desire? to secure the largest amount OF
liberty possible. We fought for that. After
capituation, we re-cndeavored to obtain it,
by compliance with terms which were under.
stood to be preliminary to the restoration Of
our State functions. The terms were harsh,
but we were powerless; and under the Cir
cUmstances no dishonor attaches 10 the efforts
made by Virginia, or the Southern States, to
regain their Federal positions. posterity and
history will acquit us of this charge. But il
there has been no degradation in the past
would participation in this convention bring
it upon rs now z
Our opinion is briefly stated We fought
for larger liberty with sword and musket
during one phase Of the revolution, and it is
our duty, as brave men, to fight with pen and
tor que, as long as we can speak with the one
or WELD the other, in this, the second phase
And if our words are honest, the more honor