Cleveland daily leader. [volume] ([Cleveland, Ohio]) 1865-1873, 1866-07-17
From w Washington.
AG Important Letter.

WASHINGTON, July 1.-the following
important letter has Just been made public !:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON, July IL, 1866.
SIR Excuse for Tor expressing surprise
that you ask me whether l approve OF the
call for a proposed Union National Conven-
ton at Philadelphia. After more thar FIVE
years of dislocation by civil war, l regard a
restoration of the unity of the country as
IFS most immediate, as well as its most vital,
interest. That restoration will be complete
when loyal men are admitted as represen-
tatives of the loyal people Of the eleven
States so long unrepresented in Congress.
Nothing bat this can complete it. Nothing
more remains to be done, and nothing more
is necessary. Every days delay is attended
by multiplying and increasing inconven-
fences, embarrsssments at home and abroad.
Congress possesses the power exclusively.
After a session of seven months Congress
still omits TO exercise hat power. What
can be done 10 induce Congress to act ?
This is the question of the day. Whatever
IS lone must be done in accordance
with the Constitution and laws. It
is in perfect accordance with the
Constitution and laws, that the people Of
the United States shall assemble by dele
gates in convention, aud, that when, SO as
sembled, they shall address Congress by re-
spectful petition and remoustrance, and that
the people by their several States, districts
and counties shall approve, sanction and
unite in such respectful representations to
Congress.
No one party could do this effectually, or
sven seems willing TO do it alone. No local
or popular organization could do il efectu-
ally. 1t will be a lawful and patriotic at
tempt made in the right direction, an eff
fort TO be remembered with 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 10 propose a better plan Of proceed
ings 10 effect the desired end. No other
plan is offered or is even thought of. Those
who should oppose it would seem to me 10
manifest at best ~unconcern, If not opposi-
tion, to all reconstruction, reorganization,
reconciliation between the alienated masses
of the American people. To admittha4 the
convention would fail would be 10 admit
that the people Of the United States are de-
6cient in wisdom or the virtue necessary
to continue the existence Of the republic. |
believe no such thing. A great political
writer says Government is s secular re-
ligion, and The people of this country are
divided into two classes, each maintaining a
distinct political faith. The one claims al
ways the very worst that can possibly hep
pen, and the other hopes under every cir
cumstance the very best that can IN any
event happen" Without accepting this
theory as absolutely true, l think that all
men do general act from a motive 10 guard
against pablo danger, or else from q posi-
tive desire for good. Both classes may there
fore favor the present attempt to restore the
unity of the nation.
l am your obedient servant,
WILLIAK II. SEWARD.
To Hon. J. R. Doolittle, Chairman Executive
Committee.