Year: 1866

It will repay perusal

 DEPARTMENT OF STATE,

 WASHINGTON, July II, 1866. SIR: Excuse me for expressing surprise that ask me whether l approve of the call of proposed National Union Convention at Philadelphia.

 After more than five years of dislocation by civil war, regard restoration of the unity of the country as it's most immediate, as well as its most vital interest That res toration will be complete when loyal men are admitted as representatives of the elcv- en States so long unrepresented ill Congress. Nothing but this can complete it. Noth- ing more remains to be done, and nothing more is necessary Every days delay is attended by multiplying and increasing inconvenience, endorsements and dan gers, at home and abroad. Congress pos sesses the power exclusively; Congress, after a session of seven months. still omits to exercise that power. "What can be done to induce Congress to act? This IS the question of the day. Whatever is done must be inaccordance 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 delegates, in convention, and that when so assembled they shall address Congress by respectful petition and remonstrance, and that the people in their several States, dis tricts and Territories shall approve, sanction and unite in such respectful representations to Congress. No one party could do this effectually, or even seems willing to do 1t, alone; no local or popular organization could do it efectually. It is the interest of all parties alike; of all the States and of all sections-a national interest; the interest of the whole people.

 The Convention indeed, may not succeed in inducing Congress to act but if they fail the attempt can make matters no worse. I will be lawful and patriotic attempt made in the right direction, an effort to be remembered with pride and satisfaction, whether it succeed or fail The original union of the States was brought about by movements of the same character. The citizen who objects to the Convention is bound to propose better plan of proceed ing to effect the desired end No other plan is offered or even thought of. Those who should oppose itwould seem to mo to manifest at best unconcorn, ifnot oppress- ion, restoration, and reconciliation between the alicnated masses of the Amarican peo- pie. To admit that the Convention will fail would be to admit that the people of 1 the United States are deficient in either the wisdom or the virtue necessary to continue the existence of the Republic I. believe no such thing. A great political writer says that government is a secular religion, and that the people of every country are divided into two classes, each maintaining distinct political faith. The one class al- ways fears the very 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 abso- lutely true, think that allmen do gener- ally act from a motive to guard against public danger or else from positive desire to do good. Both classes may, therefore, favor the present attempt to restore the unity of the nation.

 am, sir, your obedient servant WILLIAM II. SEWARD. 1 Hon J. E. DooLITTLE,