The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-01-18
OITxINTELuIal alN q x.
THE RELIGIOUS AMENDMENT.

The Constitutional ReeoanItIon Of the Al
mIahty-A Convention TO Favor the Pro-
posed Amendment.
For two or three years past there has been
agitated the passage OF an amendment to the
National Constitution recognizing Almighty
God the Ruler OF the universe and the
Christian religion as the true basis of all human
government. A number of conventions have
been held in different parts of the country to
urge the adoption of such an amendment aud
National Association for the promotion of the
movement has been formed, with the Hon. Will
liam Strong, Associate-Justice of the Supreme
Court of the United States, as President This
afternoon convention was opened at Concert
Hall, in this city, under the auspices OF the
National Association, in pursuance of the fol-
lowing CALI
"There is no political document so all.important
TO the American stat ssmau and the American citi-
zen as the Constitution Of the United States. All
law, all customs, all forms OF administration are
shaped by IT, Everything in any State, corporation,
business which affects a citizen in the remotest
degree as to life, liberty, and the pursuit Of happ
ness is tested by it, and stands and works only as t
agrees with It, Year by year its moulding power is
felt. The President, the Congress, and the Courts
are coming more and more into evident agreement
with what is there written. Our statesmen and our
whole people are learning their Americanism, as to
It's letter and spirit, from that great instrument.
that Constitution should be found wanting in any
principle any matter of fact The deficiency will
in due time work mischief. Error in the Constltu-
tion Will work powerfully truth, aud there is
one most unfortunate OMISSION God and Chris
tianity are not once alluded to- although the Jon
stituton purports to represent the mind OF Chris
tian people who in ali their State Constitutions had
Hence Il s that ali the laws of this country in favor
OF Christian morality are enacted and enforced
f basS % or Re s caed sw est oV P0e ye
strictly no oa,D, no law against blasphemy, Sab
bath-breaking, or polygamy, that has any better
"The National Association which has been formed
for the purpose OF securing such an amendment to
the Constitution as will remedy this great defect,
invites ali American citizens who favor such an
amendment, without distinction OF party or creed,
TO meet in convention in Concert Hall, Chesnut
street, PHILADELPHIA on Wednesday, the 18th inst,
at O'Clock P. NJ"
The above call was signed by Hon. William
Strong, of the u. s. Supreme Court; by Gov
ernor Geary, of Pennsylvania; Governor Stew
art, of Vermont: Governor Harvey, of Kansas;
Governor McClurg, of Missouri; Ex-Governor
Jewell, of Connecticut; Amos A. Lawrence,
ESQ.,, of Boston; Jay Cooke and the late Stephen
Colwell Esqs., of Philadelphia; Felix r.
Brunot, Esq, of Pittsburg; Bishops McIlvane
and Huntington, of the Episcopal Church, and
many others.
The convention was attended by large num-
ber of delegates, and there were present clergy
men representing various religious denomina-
tions in this city. Among the audience were
quite number of ladies' who appeared to take
a deep interest in the proceedings.
Mr.. John Alexander, of this city called the
convention to order, and nominated DR.. James
Edwards, of Baltimore, for temporary Chair
man.
Mr. Edwards was thereupon elected.
Mr.. Edwards stated the object of the conven-
tion, and read the call under which the meeting
had been convened.
The same gentleman opened the proceedings
with prayer.
Rev. Mr.. Westman, of Illinois, was chosen
temporary Secretary.
Rev. T. P. Stevenson, of this city, moved for
the appointment of committees on enrolment
and nominations. Agreed to.
After the appointment of these committees
addresses were made on the subject of amend
ment to the Constitution.
The convention will continue in session
during Wednesday and Thursday and addresses
of special interest may be expected at the
evening session,