Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-08-21

sincerity, 70 IoTsSeG ana forgive the past re-
veringt the constitution as it comes to us from
our ancestors ); regarding the Union in its
restoration more sacred than ever looking.
with deep anxiety into the future as of in
slant and continuing trial, hereby issues and
proclaims the following declaration ofprinci-
ples.and purposes on which they have, with
perfect -Inanimity, agreed:
First.-We hail with gratitude to Almighty
God the end of war and return of peace to an
afflicted and beloved land. -----..-.
Second.-The war just closed has mafn-
tanned the authority of the constitution, with
all the powers which it confers and all the re-
strfctious whicfi-it imposes upon the general
government, unabridgedan unalterea. And
it has preserved the Union with the equal
rights, dignity and authority of the States
perfect aud unimpaired.
Third. Misrepresentation in the Congress of
the United States aud in the Electoral Col
lego is right recognized by the constitution
as abiding in every State, and as duty i'm
posed upon Its people, fundamental in its ma
ture and essential to the existence of our re-
publican Institutions: And neither Congress
nor the general government has any authority
as power 20 deny this right.to any State, or
to withhold its enjoyment; under the. constiS
tuition, from the people thereof
Fourth.-We call upon the people of the
United States to elect to Congress, as r.en-
bers thereof, none but men who admit this
right of fundamental representation, and who
will receive to seats thereln loyal representa-
tives from every State in allegiance to the
United States, subject to the constitutional
right of each house to judge of tie election
returns and qualifications of its own men,
bers.
Fifth.-The constitution of the United
States and the laws made in pursuance there
OF are the Supreme law of the land, anything
In the Constitution or laws of any State to the
contrary Notwithstanding. Ali the powers
not conferred by the constitution upon the
general government, nor prohibited by it to
the States, are reserved to the States or to
the people thereof; and among. the rights
thus reserved to the States is the right to
prescribe the qualification for the elective
franchise therein; with which right Con,
gress cannot interfere. No State or conyen>
ton of States has the right to withdraw from
thc Union, or to exclude, through their ac-
ton in Congress or otherwise, any other State
or States from the Union. The union of
these States is perpetual.
Sixth.-Such amendments to the constitu-
ton Of the United States may be made by
the people thereof as they may deem expe-
dent, but only in the mode pointed out by
its provisions, and in the proposition and ex-
position of such amendments, whether by
Congress or Convention, and in ratfying the
same, all the States. OF the Union have an
equal and uudeuiable right to voice and a
vote therein.
Sevcnth.-Slavery is abolished and for
ever prohibited and there is neither desire
nor purpose on the part of the Southern
States that 1t should ever be re-established
upon the soil or within the jurisdiction of the
United States and the emancipated slaves
in all the States Of the Union should receive,
in common with all their inhabitants, equal
protection in person and property.
Eighth-While we regard as utterly in
valid, and never to be assumed or made of
binding force, any obligation incurred or I'M
dertaken in making war against the United
States, We hold the debt OF the nation to be
sacred and inVioiable and we proclaim our
purpose III dischargihg this, as in performing
all other national obligations, to maintain un-
impaired and unimpeached the honor and the
faith of the republic.
Nlnth.-lt is the duty of the national gov
crnment to recognize the services of the fed
eral soldiers and sailors in the contest lust
closed, by meeting promptly and fully all
their just aud rightful claims for the services
they have rendered the nation, and by ex-
tending to those of them who have served
aud to the widows and orphans of those who
have fallen, the most generous and consider
ate support.
Tenth.--In Andrew johnson, President of
the United States, who has proved steadfast
III his devotion to the constitution, the laws
and the interests Of his country, unmoved by
persecution aud uudeserved reproach, having
faith unassaiable in the people and in the
principle OF free government, we recognize a
Chief Magistrate worthy Of the nation, and
equal to the great crisis upon which his lot is
cast. And We tender to him, in his high
and responsible duties, our profound respect
and assurance Of our cordial and sincere sup
port.
SENATOR COwAN.
After the declaration or resolutions were
read and adopted, three cheers for Senator
Gowan, of Pa, were given. Senator Cowan
acknowledged the compliment, but said that
as he considered himself the host of the con-
vention, one Of his distinguished quests would
address it, by virtue of authority unanimous
ly derived from the committee on resolutions
and address, namely the Hon. Mr. Raymond,
Of New York.
ADDRESS.
To the People Of the United States:
Having met in convention at the city of
Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania,
this 18th day of August, 1866, as the repre-
sentatives of the people in all sections, and all
the States and Territories of>the Union. to
consult upon the condition and the wants of
the common country, We address to you this
declaration of our principles, and of the po-
.lltlcal purposes we seek to promote.
Since the meeting Of the last National Con-
vention, 1860, events have occurred which
have changed the character of our internal
politics and given the United States a new
place among the nations of the earth Our
government has passed through the vicissi-
tudes aud the perils of civil war; a war (which,
though mainly sectional in its character. has