The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1866-06-30
@ H A RI e S TON.
SATURDAY MORNING. JUNE 80, 1866.
THE UNION CONVENTION.

less as we'll as to the most scrutinizing OBJ
server of the political affairs of this country,
that the Republic of the United States is
public veal, NOT satisfied with the profits of
power, but determined to force their opinion
upon the opposing majority in the most tri-
| fling affairs, as we'll as in matter of the
gravest import. How this has come to pass,
in Government expressly designed to make
the will of the people the law of the land,
can only be thoroughly understood after
careful study of the history of the nation
from its birth, and more particularly for the
last five years, in which cold things have
passed away and all things have become
new" Suffice it for us to know that such is
the case, that there is great and vital svil
which calls for certain and speedy cure.
The question of what that remedy shall
be, and how it shall be obtained, has exercised
the minds of the most prominent men in the
country for some time past. ANDREW JOHN
SON, who, impelled by a keen sense of justice
and right, and a hardy honesty of purpose,
has 30 for, single. handed and alone, breasted
the tide of Radical fury and oppression; but
who, without the active support of a sympa-
thizing but heretofore silent majority, must
be swept away before the raging torrent, is
prevented, by his official position, from sub.
mitting the cause of the Union to the people,
and calling upon them to rally to his assist
ance.
The willy SEWARD, whose skill has guided
the helm of State through unparalleled
storms to7a haven of comparative security, is
likewise prevented, by his intimate official
connection with the President, from taking
an open part in political proceedings for the
support of his policy. There are, however.
nthara not nnitn On hirh in official position,
but distinguished for their patriotism and in
telligence, and acknowledged friends of Mr..
JOHNSON and Mr.. SEWARD, who have taken
the initiative in this great work of resistance
to oppression, aAd who have indicated a plan
for the organization of mighty party, com.
posed of the various elements of oppo sition
throughout the country, and devoted to the
reconstruction of the Union ON the basis of
the Constitution and the laws.
In pursuance of the said plan the Exeou
tive Committee of the National Union Club.
and certain distinguished Members of Con-
gress, have called Convention, to be held in
Philadelphia, on the 18th of August next,
to be composed of delegates from all the
States, elected by the supporters of.the Ad-
ministration, for the purpose of "holding
counsel together on the state of the Union,
and taking measures to avert possible dangers
from the same" This call has excited much
attention in political circles throughout the
country, and must be regarded as possessing
great significance. Coming from the quarter
it does it can mean nothing less than that the
President, Mr.. SEWARD and the other great
leaders of the conservative element of the
country have determined to make systematic
effort to overcome the power of the Radicals,
and have agreed upon this Convention as the
first step in the mighty contest VIII ioh must
ensue. ,-
The treatment of the Southern States
BY the Radical majority in Con gress, since
their return to the fold of the Union, has
been such as to dishearten their citizens and
almost entirely destroy among them all in
terest in the political affairs of the nation.
This result was legitimate, and as regards
any move of the Radicals it is not worth
while for us, the people Of the South, to con-
Germ ourselves. On tho other ha nd, however,
when the conservative masses of the North,
who show themselves disposed to be our
friends, invite us to q Convention whero we
may consult together concerning the common
danger, and the plan of proceedings TO be
adopted against the common enemy,-it be.
hooves us to enter heart and soul into the
movement, and to show that we will use our
utmost efforts and endeavors to escape the
calling bondage in which we are held, and
resume once more the exercise of the. rights
and privileges, properly appor.aining to the
citizenship of great Republic.
| Even if it should be argued that our in.