Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-07-05
The National Union Convention.

Union Convention to assemble in the city of Phil
adelphia on the second Tuesday OATH of Au-
gust next Below We publish the call in full, as
received by mail While are heartily glad
that the call is so general and liberal in its terms
that it has united De locratic and Conservative
Republican Senators, still must regret that 1T
did not treat of present issues alone, and not drag
before the people theories which have been driven
out of the field of party strife by the sword The
call, to have been really National, should have
cast aside old party theories and dealt with estab-
lished facts and present issues.
If the Radicals are to be defeated and the coun-
try rescued from the imminent peril into which 1T
has been carried by the dangerous temerity OF the
Jacobns, it must be done by AN carly and honest
coordination of the consery alive elements and we
know of no surer or better plan than by means of
the proposed Convention. We believe there is
enough conservatism and patriotism in the land
vet to save it, if it can be combined in wise and
harmonious effort against Radicalism. The peo-
pie of the South are especially interested in this
matter for in the defeat of the party now in pow
er rests the only hopeful solution of the political
troubles and dangers which now threaten their de-
struction. 1t behooves them particularly to act in
this matter promptly, and do their work thor
oughly.
The political pulse of the country gives sure
indication of disease, which will suck the life
blood from the South, if it does not threaten the
Nations existence. Certainly nothing can do
more to cure these troubles than by bringing to-
gether the conservative men from every part of
the Union for open and candid discussion. A
knowledge of the disease is the first steps to its
cure and all we desire is that the masses of
the Northern people should become acquainted
with the real wishes and feelings of the South,
and no longer to be deceived by the Radical poll
ticians and presses, and their paid and dishonest
correspondents. And especially do we desire that
the representatives of the people. North and South,
should consult together in friendly meeting, and
learn from each other what is necessary to restore
the good feeling and reconciliation necessary to
the future permanency and prosperity of the
Government.
| We believe that the Convention is conceived in
truly national purposes and that it's object is the
welfare of the whole country. The call issues from
the noble conservative minority of the North, and
certainly much good must result from the assem-
bling together again of the representatives from
the whole country, not to select men to fill
political positions not to distribute the
" loaves and fishes" to hungry aspirants, but
to commune together for the common veal
and Illustrate, if possible, the designs of the enc
mics of the Union, who now, unfortunately WELD
its destinics and shape its course for evil. And
while we may be disappointed in the good to be
accomplished it furnishes many grounds for hope.
Should the President and his friends at the North
go down before the Radical faction, and Stevens
or Sumner be elected to preside over the coun
try past and present troubles are but the omin
Gus beginning of certain fate, and alas too many
men could be found within our own limits who
would be willing ministers of fanatical hate and
executive power.
| Let the South, therefore, make haste to respond
to the call. Let delegates be selected with care.
Give such Il response to this invitation, not only
by the promptness of our action, but by the char
acter of our delegates, will furnish unmistaka-
BILE evidence of desire to receive the hand
of fellowship extended to us, and willingness to
do all we can to restore the integrity and harmo
ny of the Union.
| While, therefore, entering protest against
some of the dogmas contained in the call, and re-
probating the supposed necessity or policy of un-
burying dead issues, great is our desire to see
the different sections of the country united under
the friendly and protecting egis of the Constitu
ton, that we most heartily advise our people to
assemble in county meetings and appoint dele
gates to State and District Conventions, to select
delegates to attend this Convention. Many of
the counties will hold meetings for the purpose
of selecting candidates for the Legislature, and
these meetings might serve two-fold purpose
Let it not be said that the people of the South |
we're callous in supporting movement instituted
for its good, and which has the sanction of the
President If the Radicals are to be defeated, it
not to be done 10y lying supinely on our backs, |
when our friends ask us to meet them upon terms
of equality, and consult with them for own and
the good of the country.
The following is copy of the call;
National Union Convention.
National Union Convention of at least two delegates
from each Congressional District OF all the States two
from each territory from the District OF Columbia
delegates at large from each State will be held
at the city of Philadelphia the second Tuesday Q4th
Such delegate chosen electors the
era States sustain Administration in maintain
ing unbroken the Union of the States under the Consu-
ton which fathers established, and who in the
following propositions, VIZ: .
Tho union of the States is in every ndissoluble,
and is perpetual and the Constitution of the United
States the laws passed by Congress in puls
thereof supreme and constant and universal Ill their OBJ
The rights, the dignity and the equality of the States i'll
the UnOn including the right of representation Con-
gress solennly guaranteed by that Constitution
which from overthrow much blood and treasure
expended in the late civil
There is right anywhere to dissolve the Union to
drawal, by force of arms or by congressional action
neither by the of the States by the exclusion
of their loyal and qualified Representatives. by the
tional Government in any other form.
Slavery is abolished and neither ought to be-
re-establishcd in State territory within juris
diction.
tho