Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1866-07-16
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
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arguments in favor of the proposed natiora
convention yet published:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WAsHINGToN, July II, 1866.
SIR: Excuse me for expressing surprise that
you ask me whether L approve of the call of |,
proposed National Union Convention at Phil.
adelphia.
After more than five years of dislocation by
civil war, regard restoration of the unity OF
the country as its most immediate, as well as
its most vital interest. That restoration will
be complete when loyal men are admitted as
representatives OF the lovai people OF the ele ven
states SO long unrepreSented in Congress
Nothing but this can complete it, Nothin q
more remains 10 be done, and nothing more is
necessary. Every days delay is attended by
multiplying and increasing incon yenien ces,
embarrass ments and dangers, at home and
abroad. Congress possesses the power excIu
slvely; Congress, after a session Of seven
months. still Omits to exercise that power
= w nat can be done to induce Congress to act -
rms is the question OF the day. Whatever is
done must be in accordance with the Copstitu
ton and the laws. 1t is in perfect accordance
with the Constitution and the laws that the
people OF the United States shall assemble, by
oelegates, In convention, and that when so as
sembled they shall address Congress hv re-.
spectful petition and remonstrance and that
the people in their several States. districts and
territories shall approve, sanction, and unite
IN such respectful representations TO Congress
n o one party could do this effectu aIly or even
seems willing to do il, alone; no local or popn.
lar organization could do it effectually II is
the interest OF all parties alike of all the States
and OF all sections-a national interest: the in,
terest OF the whole people
Inc Convention, indeed, NAV not succeed in
inducing Congress to act: but if thew fail the
attempt can make matters no worse. 1t will
be lawful and patriotic attempt made in the
right direction, an effort to be remem bered with
price and satisfaction, whether It succeed or
1aii. The original union Of the States was
Drougnt about by movements of the same
character. The citizen who objects to the (lon
vention is bound TO propose better plan of
proceeding to effect the desired end No other
plan is offered or even thought Of Those who
should oppose 1t would seem to me to manifest
at best unconcern, If not opposition TO all recon.
sIucuon, reorganization, restoration, and re.
conclIiation between the alIenated masses of
the American people. To admit that the Con
people of the United States are deficient in
either the wisdom or the virtue necessary IN
continue the existence OF the Republic / believe
no such thing. A great political writer saws
mat government Is secular religion. and that
the people Of every country are divided into
TWO classes, each maintaining a distinct polit
cal faith. The one class always fears the yery
worst that can possibly happen, and the
other hopes under every circumstances the
very best that can in any event happen.
without accepting this theory as absolutely
true, L think that all men do generally act
from motive 10 guard against public danger
or else from positive desire to do good. Roth
classes may, therefore, favor the present at
tempt to restore the unity OF the nation.
am sir, your obedient servant
WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
Hon. j. X. DOoLITTLE,
Chairman Executive Committee, &c.