Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-08-21

moved the appointment OF committee OF two
from each State and Territory to report resolu-
tons and an address, and it was adopted.
This committee, with Mr.. Cowan at the head
of it, was soon afterwards announced The two
members from Virginia were Judge Richard
| Parker, from Frederick, and John L. Marye,
Jr., from Fredericksburg.
The Chair announced telegraphic dispatch
from President johnson, and the moment his
name was mentioned the Convention shook the
roof of the great wigwam with their cheering.
/ When quiet was restored, the message was read
as follows:
WASHINGTON, August H.
To the Hon. O. H. Bro,oning and A. W Ran
dali, Philadelphia Convention
thank you for your cheering and encoura-
ging dispatch. The finger of Providence is un-
erring, and will guide you safely through. The
people must be trusted, and the country will be
restored. My faith is unbroken as to the ulti-
mate success. ANDREW JOHNSON.
Nothing else of Importance was transacted,
and the Convention adjourned until Thursday
at 10 clock.
Pursuant to adjournment ofthe day previous,
the Convention met at 10 O o'clock on Thursday
morning After the transaction of some unim-
portant business, Mr.. Cowan, from the Com
mittee on Resolutions reported the following
as the declaration of principles by the Conven-
ton, which were read and enthusiastically and
unanimously adopted
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES.
The National Union Convention, now assem-
bed In the city OF Philadelphia, composed of
delegates from every State and Territory in the
Union, admonished by the solemn lessons which
for the last FIVE years it has pleased the Su-
preme Ruler Of the Universe to give to the
American people; profoundly grateful for the
return of peace DESTROYS, as are large major
ity of their countrymen in all sincerity, to for
get and forgive the past revering the constitu-
ton as it comes to us from our ancestors; re-
garding the Union in its restoration more sacred
than ever looking with deep anxiety into the
future as of instant and continuing trial, hereby
issues and proclaims the following declaration
OF principles and purposes on which they have,
with perfect unanimity, agreed:
First-We hail with gratitude to Almighty
God the end of war and return of peace to an
afflicted and beloved land
Second-The war just closed has maintained
the authority of the constitution, with all the
powers which it confers and all the restrictions
unabridged and unaltered And it has preserv-
ed the Union with the equal rights, dignity and
authority of the States perfect and unimpaired
Third-Representation in the Congress of
the United States and in the Electoral College
is a right recognized by the constitution as a.
biding in every State, and as duty imposed
upon its people, fundamental in its nature and
essential to the existence of our republican in
situations. And neither Congress nor the gen.
eral government has any authority as power
to deny this right to any State, or to withhold
its enjoyment under the constitution, from the
people thereof.
Fourth-We call upon the people of the
United States to elect to Congress, as members
thereof, none but men who admit this right of
fundamental representation, and who will re-
ceive to seats therein loyal representatives from
every State in allegiance to the United States,
subject to the constitutional right of each house
to judge OF the election, returns and uuaifca-
tions of its own members.
Fifth-The constitution Of the United States
and the laws made in pursuance thereof are the
supreme law Of the land, anything in the con-
stitution or laws Of any State to the contrary
Notwithstanding. All the powers not conferred
by the constitution upon the general govern
ment nor prohibited by it to the States are
reserved to the States or to the people thereof;
and among the rights thus reserved to the States
is the right to prescribe the qualification for the
elective franchise therein, with which right
Congress cannot interfere. No State or con-
vention of States has the right to withdraw
from the Union, or to exclude, through their
action in Congress or otherwise, any other State
or States from the Union. The union of these
States is perpetual.
Sixth-Such amendments to the constitution
of the United States may be made by the peo-
pie thereof as they may deem expedient. but
only in the mode pointed out by its provisions,
amendments, whether by Congress or Conven-
tion and in ratifying the same all the States Of
the Union have an equal and undeniable right
to voice and a vote therein.
Seventh-Slavery is abolished and forever
prohibited and there is neither desire nor pur-
pose on the part of the Southern States that it
should ever be re-established upon the soil or
within the jurisdiction Of the United States );
and the emancipated slaves in all the States of
the Union should receive, in common with all
their inhabitants, equal protection in person
and property.
Eighth-While we regard as utterly invalid,
and never to be assumed or made of binding
force, any obligation incurred or undertaken in
making war against the United States, we hold
the debt of the nation to be sacred and inviola-
BILE and we proclaim our purpose IN dlscharg
ing this. as in performing all other national OBJ
legations, to maintain unimpaired and unim
peached the honor and the faith of the republic.
Ninth-It is the duty of the National Gov
eminent to recognize the services of the federal
soldiers and sailors in the contest just closed,
by meeting promptly and fully all their just and
rightful claims for the services they have rem
dered the nation, and by extending to those of
them who have served, and to the widows and
ornhano IF those who hay IA lien tho most pen-
erous and considerate support.
Tenth-In Andrew johnson, President of
the United States, who has proven steadfast in
his devotion to the constitution, the laws and
the interests Of his country, unmoved by perse-
cution and undeserved reproach, having faith
unassailable in the people and in the principle
of free government we recognize Chief Ma
gistrate worthy of the nation, and equal to the
great crisis upon which his lot is cast. And
we tender to him, in his high and responsible
duties, our profound respect and assurance of
our cordial and sincere support.
We think that the Philadelphia Convention
should have adopted declaration similar to the