Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-08-05
TIE coxvrvrIox OF rEsrEEDAY.

TIE CONVENTION OF NESNEfsDAA'
The Convention of yesterday ia this city,
a full report Of which is furnished in another
column, was numerously attended and fully
represented the entire congressional dis
trict. il was composed Of men Of all vari-
cites Of political opinion in previous times,
and who had occupied towards each other
opposing attitudes during the war. Fhey
came prepared for Cancellation however, and
at the door Of the Convention shook from their
shoes the dust Of former political arenas, and
with breasts purged Of all the passion engen-
dered bythestrise of arms, calmly, resolutely,
and with dignity Joined in the expression Of
opinions regarding the present posture Of
Affairs and united in purpose to endeaYor to
disenthrall the government from the inauen-
ces which have retarded the return to
sound and stable peace, and to assist in the
work Of re-establishing the just authority Of
the Constitution, and restoring the equal
measure Of political liberty which is the in
herent right Of every American citizen.
= Itwasa gratifying occasion to every man I'M
swayed by passion, and imbued with pro-
per appreciation Of the design and scope Of
free institutions, and as we looked upon the
faces present, and listened tothe proceedings
we felt certain that if the great
Assembly at Philadelphia, comprising men
similarly situated, and representing every
section, and State, and Territory could be
brought to the admirable temper which there
prevailed, it could not fail TO do work which
would rebound to the honor and glory of
the Republic; and we have no reason to
anticipate that il will not. The indications
are that turbulent elements will form no
part Of that convention. We have scanned
closely the action Of the various States, and
scrutinized the lists of appointed delegates,
and can find, so far as we are able to judge,
no factions material, and no improper spirit.
In so large a body, and upon themes so in
tensely interesting there must Of necessity be
collisions Of opinion, but if due restraint is
placed upon the tempers Of members we be-
lieye that thegreat conservative object which
called it together can be accomplished salts
factorily and successfully. The meeting
yesterday in its tone and action we trust is
an earnest Of that which will characterize
the Philadelphia meeting.
The resolutions are deliberate and explicit.
They clearly state the danger and the evil of
the times, and suggest the only true remedy
"a return TO the rule Of the Constitution and
the laws-the exorcism Of the demon Of sec
tionalism, and the cultivation Of the spirit
Of patriotism which looks to the interest
of the entire country, and inculcates malice
towards none, but charity for all"
The speeches were in accordance, and
every lip that uttered the sentiment of the
body rang with certain sound-a calm,
firm, stern purpose, to do nothing in viola
ton Of strict law-abiding propriety, but to
do everything that becomes freemen 10 pre-
serve the institutions that made them free.
The delegates and alternates appointed
are gentlemen Of distinction, and irreproach-
able character. They properly represent
every element in the community that de-
sires representation in the Convention, and
we have confidence they will enter that
body animated with a patriotism as pure
and single-hearted as that which inspired
the deliberations Of the Continental Con-
gress ninety years ago.
is charged that this political movement
was conceived by partisan leaders, and the
enemies Of the President attempt to iniure |
him, and impair the power Of the Conven-
lion for good by connecting it with his sup
posed personal aspirations. They mistake |
aim, and the people. This Convention may
ay out the foundations Of political party,
'ut it will not be the party of any ambitious
public man, though he be never so deserv-
ng Of public confidence. 1t will be neither
or PoMPEY, or CESAR, or BRUTUs, but a
'arty for Rome-a party for thecountry, and
hat man will merit its esteem and receive
Is honors who shows himself most devoted
o the interests, and most competent to serve
ms country.