Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-08-23
THE PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION.
DECLARATION OF. PRINCIPLES.


Mr. Cowan, on behalf of the committee appointed tt
nrenare resolutions and address, sad After very
% aX and Good p of the night beg leave to repor
the following declaration OF principles, aooptea unam
Ny IT Tead and Also address the people
t nonpr which will be read by the Hon. Mr.. Raymond
Oh Ne" etary then proceeded to read the Declaration
Of Prncples each of which was loudly applauded
With prolonged cheers, in which both audience and dele
united
After the vote had been taken it found that tho
reading of the seventh resolution had been omitted by
cdent. This fact announced by MIR. Dooitte. The
resolution was then read and adopted with applause and
unanimity.
The National Union Convention assembled in the
city of Philadelphia composed of delegates from every
state and Territory in the Union admonshed by the sol
emn lessons which for the last five it has pleased
the Supreme Ruler of the Universe to give to the Amer
people profoundly grateful for the return of peace
deSrOus large majority OF their countrymen al
sincerity 70 forget and forgive the past reverng the
stitutras to from our ancestors regarding
the Union IN its restoration more sacred than ever look
ing with deep anxiety into the future as of instant and
continuing trial. hereby issues and procaims the follow
ing decla alton of principles and purposes which they
have, with perfect unanimity, agreed
FirstWe hail with gratitude to Almighty God the end
of and peace to afflicted aud beloved
land.
Second.-The war just closed has maintained the au-
thory of the constitution with all the powers which it
and all restrictions which it imposes upon the
general government unabridged and unaltered. And it
has preserved the Union with the equal rights, dignity
and authority of the States perfect and unimpaired
States and in the Electoral College is right recognized
by the constitution abiding in every State and as
imposed people, fundamental
and essential to the existence of republican nstitu
And neither Congress the general government
has any authority power to deny this right to any
State to withhold its enjoyment under the constitu-
ton, from the people thereof
FourthWe call upon the people Of the United States
to elect to Congress, members thereof but
who viii receive to seats therein loyal representatives
from every State in allegiance to the United States sub
lrct - the constitutional right of each House Judge of
bers.
Fifth-The constitution of the United States and the
made in pursuance thereof are the supreme law OF
the land anything i'll the constitution or laws of any State
the contrary Notwithstanding All the powers not con-
ferrcd by the constitution upon the general government
prohibited by it the States reserved to the
thus reserved to the States is the right to prescribe the
qualification the elective franchise therein with which
right Congress cannot interfere NO State or convention
of States has the right to withdraw from the Union to
exclude through their action in Congress otherwise
any other State States from the Union The union OF
these States is perpetual.
SIXth-Such amendments to the constitution of the
ned States may be made by the people thereof as they
may deem cXpeden but only in the mode pointed out by
its provisions and IN the proposition and exposition OF
and in ratifyng the same all the States of the Union
equal and undcnabe right to voice and vote
therein.
seventh Slavery is abolished and forever prohibited
and there neither desire purpose the part of the
Southern States that it should ever be re-establshed
upon the soil within the jurisdiction of the United
States and the emancpated slaves in all the States OF
the Union should receive, IN common with all their IN
h&bitants equal protection IN person and property
Egoth-Mhile we regard as utterly invalid and never
To be assured made of binding force, any obligation
incurred undertaken in making against the Unitrd
States, hold the debt of the nation to be sacred and
inyioabe and proclaim Jour purpose in dschargng
this, in the discharging all other national obligations
to maintain unmpaired and unmpeached the honor and
the faith IF the republic.
NintI-It is the duty of the national government to
recognize the services of the federal soldiers and sailors
in the contest just closed by meeting promptly and fully
all their just and rishfu claims for the services they
have rendered to the nation, and by extending those
of them who have served and the widows and orphans
of those who have faen the most generous and consd
crate support.
TentI-In Andrew Johnson, President of the United
States who has proved seadast in his devotion to the
constitution the laws, and the interests Of his country
mmOyed by and undeserved reprOach having
faith uEassaabe in the people and in the principle OF
free government, recognize Chief Magistrate worthy
Of the nation and equal to the great crisis which
his lot i cast. And tender to him. III his high and
responsible Duties profound respect and
cordial and sincere support.