The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1864-1911, 1866-07-25
THE PHILADELPHIA CONVEN-
TI0N.
Secretary Stewards Endorsement
Thereof.

WASHINGTON, July Is The following
important letter has just be- made public
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON,
July IL. 1866 Sn:-Excuse NE for ex-
pressing surprise that you ask me whether
! approve of the call of a supposed Union
National ConytniiOn at Philadelphia -
After more than five years OF disIocatiOn by
civil war, regard arestoration of the unity
of the country, as its most INN date as
well as its most vital interests. That res
to1ation will be complete when loyal men
a. admitted as representatives Of the loyal
people of the eleven States so long unrepre-
stn'ed in Congress. Nothing but this can
C, mplete ik nothing more remains to be
done, and nothing more is necessary.
Every day it is delayed is attended by
multiplying and increasing inconvenences.
embarrass and dangers at home and
abroad. Congress possesses the power ex-
cusively. Alter a session of seven months,
Congress omits to exercise that power
What can be done to induce Congress to
act? Tlis is the question of the day.
Whatever is done must be done in accUr-
dance with the Constitution and laws.
1t is in perfect accordance with the Cons
ttution and the laws that tho people of the
United States shall assemble by delegates
in convention, and that when so assembled
they shall address Congress by respectful
petition and remonstrance, and that the
people in their several States, districts and
territories, shall approve, sanction and unite
in such respectful representations to Con-
grpss.
No one party could do this effectfully, or
seems wiling to do it alone. No local or
popular organization could do it eff ctually
1t is the interest Of all parties, alike Of all
| States and OF all sections-a national inter
est-the interest of the whole peonle. The
convention. indeed, may not succeed in in
ducirP Congress to act, but if they fail, the
attempt can make matters no worse. 1t
will be lawful and patriotic attempt made
in the right direction, an effort 10 be remem-
bercd with pride and satisfaction, whether
it succeeds or fails.
The original Union Of the States was
brought about by movements OF the same
character. The citizen who objects to the
Convention is bound to propose a better
| plan Of proceeding to effect the desired end.
| No other plan is offered or even thought
of. Those who should oppose it would
seem to me to manifest, at best, unconcern,
| if not opposition to al reconstruction, reor-
! ganization and reconciliation between the
allenated passes of the American people,
To admit that the Convention will fail,
would be to admit that the people of the
United States are d. feient either in wisdom
or the virtue necessary to continue the exis-
tance of the Republic. | believe no such
ling. A great political writer says that
the Government isa secular religion, and
that the people Of every country are divi
led into two classes, each maintaining ;
distinct political faith; the one class Away
fariug the very worst that can possibly
happen, and The other hopes under ever!
circum tance the very hest that can in ANY
event happen. Without accepting thi
Theory as absolutely true, think that al
men do generally act from a motive tt
guard against public danger, or else from {
positive desire 20 do good both classes may
therefore, favor the present attempt to res
tore the unity Of the nation.
| am, sir, your obedi,nt servant,
VIM H. SEWARD.
To Hon. j. r, Doolittle, Chairman Exc
cutive Committee.