The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1866-08-01
Stewards Letter.
The following letter from Secretary Sew.
ard has been made public:
DIPARTNENT OF STATE,
MaShin IRON. u. G July IL e

,.- DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
~, Washington, D. c., July IL, 66.
SIR :---Ex ,usc me for expressing surprise
that you ask me whether / approve of the
call for a proposed Union National Con-
vcntion at Philadelphia After more than
five years of dislocaton by civil war. re-
gard restoration of the unity of the coun-
try its most immediate, as we'll as its most
vital interest. That restoration will be
complete when loyal men are admitted as
representatives 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 nee
essary. Every days delay is attended by
multiplying and increasing inconvenience,
embarrassment and dangers at home and
abroad. Congress possesses the power ex-
clusively. Aftera session of seven months
by Congress it still it still olnits to exercise
that power.
" hat can be done to induce Congress to
act +? this is the question of the day.
Whatever is done must be done in accord
anec with the constitution and laws. 1t is
i'll perfect accordance with the accordance
with the constitution and laws for the poo
pie of the United States to assemble, by
delegates, in convention, and that when as
selnbled, they shall address Congress by a
respectful petition and remonstrance. and
that the people in their several states, dis
tricts and territories, shall approve sanction
and unite in such respectful representa-
tons to Congress. No one party could do
this etfectaally, or even seems willing to do
it alone. No local or popular organization
could do it etlectually. 1t is to the interest
Of all parties alike; OF all the states and
OF all sections--a national interest, tho in
terest OF the whole people. The conyen-
ton indeed may not succeed in inducing
Congress to act but if they fail the at
tempt can make matters no worse. 1t will
be a lawful and patriotic attempt made in
the light direction, an effort to be remem-
beced with pride and satisfaction. Wheth-
or it succeeds or fails, the original union Of
the states was brought about by movements
Of the same character. The citizens who
object to the convention are bound to pro-
pose better plan of proceeding to effect
the desired end. No plan is offered, or
even thought Of Those who should OPP
pose it, would seem to me to manifest at
best, unconcern, if not opposition to all
reconstruction, reorganization, and recon
citation between the alienated masses Of
the Americad people. To admit that the
convention viii fail, will be to admit that
the people Of the United Slater are def
Gent in the wisdom or virtue necessary to
continue the existence of the Republic
believe no such thing; great political
writer says that government is secular
religion, and that the people of every coun-
try are divided into two classes, each main
tanning 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. Without
accepting this theory as absolutely true, |
think that all men do generously act from
a motive to guard against public danger,
or else from positive desire to do good.
Both classes, may, therefore, favor the
present attempt to restore the unity Of the
nation.
80 am, sir, your ob't serv't,
WV. II. SEWARD.
70 Hon. J. r. Doolittle, Chairman of the