Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1866-10-05
NO. 40.

tiality all these gave to the assembly an ap-
pearance of unity in a common desire to re-
store the seeded States and cement divid-
ed nationality. The Convention adjourned
after an extremely long session, and its ac-
ton was laid before the people.
Following the meeting Of this body came
another of an entirely different type, COM
posed of men who are "radicals' in our day,
but were "unionists" during the war, and
hailing only from the South. Their views
were boldly presented, and their legislation
admitted no room for doubt as to its intent
or meaning. The contrast of the two con-
ventions was great, both in point of compo-
sition and of action.
Then came the Presidents tour: an at
tempt to popularize the new policy and par
ty of the administration, q movement de-
signed as an electioneering canvass for the
"National Union" organization. Unfortu-
nately for the projectors it has resulted dis
astrously to their cause and in conjunction
with the last Philadelphia Convention,
though operating differently, has restored to
their old allegiance thousands who had been
led mistakingly and unconsciously into its
snare.
The trip of the Southern loyalists has on
ly added to the number of returning prodi-
gals. 1t also had its desired effect in inspir-
ing the hearts of those who were always
steadfast in Republican faith.
If we compare the two conventions we
may point to the first which met in August
as one devoid of much popular sympathy,
wanting in consistency, ineffective in its ac-
ton. The other electrified the public, excit-
ed general sympathy, and elected the gen.
eral favor. Both partook of spirit of en-
thusiasm but the former was as nothing in
comparison to the latter's display of the
same. The former was restrained in its
speech, limited in its action: the other was
free and unlimited in both. The former pos
sessed harmony which was enforced
through official power; the other only what
was natural and characteristic.
If, too, we compare the trips of the Presi-
dental party and the Southern loyalists, the
first has been the occasion of continued
display of political opinion as held by an
humble individual; the other an exhibition
of what men have believed and defended
through the trying scenes of war, of doc
trincs which were dear to our soldier-heroes,
and of principles for which they laid down
their lives.
The Southern Convention and the trip of
the Southern loyalists have but increased the
interest felt in their cause by all loyal men,
while the others have but damaged their
own interests and defeated their own pur-
poses. The loyal party is strengthening
every day and every hour; the party of the
administration is losing much by desertion.
Congress is more popular than ever, and the
President more unpopular. Conservatism
is becoming efiete and radicalism gaining
new triumphs. Maine has started the call;
New Jersey has responded and other States
are to utter their voice. BY the opening of
the next session of Congress, the public
mind will have been expressed fully and
freely, and we venture to predict it will
have given as hearty an endorsement to the
the course and policy of the President.
1eJis.