WE ABE COMING
=2
We all uoming, Andrew Johnson, we are corning
gom the West: •
We save gathered from the prairie plains, the
ibravest and the beet,
To bear aloft the stern flag, the emblem of the
. free,
The standard of that legion host, the eons of
•
liberty.
We are ocming, Andrew Johnson, we are coming
_ from the Butt
We have WWI the fatted calf, to make ready the
great feast
At which the SOW from all. the States can CDDgre.
hate and sins. •
And laugh and zhont those Wild huzzat that make
the welkin ring.
We are taming, Andrels..Johnsonore are coming
from the North;
We are gathering in onr legions, to drive the
traitors forth.
From every nook and corner, of every rank and
. station.
And place anew in every posts statesmen of the
nation. .
We are cornier. Andrew Johnson.we are coming
from the South.
To hail' again our 'natal flag; the glory of our
Youth—
The fin cur grendsires swore by, Deeatnr's hope
and pride; •
The one he bore with heroism, on ovary tea and
tide.
We are coming, Andrew sohnson, we are coming
• as a band
That owns • common heritage, in thin free and
happy land: -
We had one loiter mother, the fairest and the
• boot.
We. own one father onty—"Cincineatun of the
West."
AN nth we are coming, chieftaic, the fora to revo
lution,
The friends of law and order, and the glorious Con
stitution,
Which is by night our polar star, by day a glowing
SW:
qh, keep it, guard it sacredly, that boon of Wash
ington,
THE UNION CONVENTION.
Union Men Rule the Wigwam.
SKNATOE DOOLITTLE PRESIDENT.
FERNANDO WOOD RETIRES.
lienry Glay D&ia goes Home's
VALLINDIGHAM OUT PI THE COLD.
Massachusetts and South Carolina Frit•
ternal at Last,
ONE FLAG, ONE UNION, ONE DESTINY.
SENA TO-R COWAN'S REPORT.
fihe Grandest Polities' Platform on
Record,
It DedareS. :Slavery Abolished.
My:~~~'~~~4:~~~-~~1~~:~~~i:~~l
IT PROVIDES FOR THE SOLDIERS' ORPHANS.
IT ENDORSES PRESIDENT
JOHNSON.
It is Heartily Enthusiastically and Riau.
imonsli tndoraed.
MR, RAYMOND READS TDB "ADDRESS.".,
The Greatest Political Doom
went - Ever Produced.
THE APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE;
Tuesday, August 14.
The morning of the convention, yesterday,
was cloudy and dull. It was a damp. foggy,
day, cheerless in the streets and comfortless
in the hotels. The delegates were astir early,
Before the 'business hones were opened the
different committees had assembled to per
fect their organization. - 'At a very late hour
on Monday night, it had been determined to
meet at the wigwam 'Whether wind or I
weather favored orlowered. This fact was
generally unknown. The wigwam was sat
urated bithe h'eav,y rains :of- Sunday night
and Monday. Thieugh'' the unfinished roof
the mist and rain entered-until the' whole
building eminently , suggested chills and
fever. Yesterday morning e rumor was
originated that the, eoniention would meet
for temporary organisetion at National
guird's Hall. A counter rumor was started
that it would first assemble at, the 'A-0 4 4 1 !7
of Music. Among Philadelphians, , who aro
aware of, the repairsDOW . 61,nsforming. the
splendid
. theatre into an academy 'Of 'even
more magnificence than the past, the 'latter
rumor was not credited. It gained strong
hold, however, among strangers. By noon
the academy had been visited by two thouL
sand people, who thought the convention
would Meet there at noon. Of Course they
were chagrined beyond measure at the
deception. - A Usage numberi believed the
THE GREAT NATIONAL UNION WIGWAM.
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rumor in regard to the National Hall,
and were similarly dietppointed. Those
who had taken the precaution to get posted
went to the wigwam and were comfortably
housed.
The rain drizzled uncomfortably all the
middhi of the day. When the delegates
turned toward,the wigwam therein was tall
ing heavily. Nearly , all the delegations
drove directly to the scene in closed car
riages. The humbly disposed took the horse
cars. The ride in these vehicles was an un
paralleled jam. By the front entrance of
the building Use cars of the Girard•avenue
railway pass twice in five minutes. Under
the shadow of the eastern wall is the ter
minua of the Seventeenth and Nineteenth
street railroad. A. square below, the Ridge
avenue line with its double track Intersects
Girard avenue, and further east the
Fifteenth-street cars ran crowded to reple
tion. With these several lines of access to the
wigwam, and the score§ of cabs that rolled
along towards the convention, more per
sons walked to the place than could obtain
conveyance.
THE WIGWAM.
The wigwam itself, then nearly completed,
was praised by all who visited it. The dele
gates unanimously agreed that it was the
most admirably constructed building ever
erected for campaign -purposes or for the
accommodation of a convention. No pre
vious structure ever equaled it in size. It
looks, at a distance, like a huge camp. bar
racks, or a temporary enclosure for a mam
moth fair. At the intersection of Girard
avenue and Twentieth street is a largo com
mon. In the centre of the lot the wigwam
stands. It faces northwards. Upon Girard
avenue it has a front of one hundred and
forty-six feet.
The Front View.
From the avenue the appearance is very
fine. The front is two stories high, with
twelve large windows and five doors. The
main entrance is a folding door twelve feet
wide, leading into a wide vestibule. On
either side of the principal door are smaller
entrances. The doors to the galleries are at
the east and west ends of the, front. A. tall
flagstaff, one hundred feet high, crowns the
peak of the reef, directly above the main en
trance. From its lofty top the star-spangled
banner floats 'benignantly on the patriotic
men who meet below its Ude to preserve
the Union founded in blood, and consecra
ted by the sacrifice of thousands of the brav
est Of the land.
The Vestibule. • •
The attangoutent of the • vestibule is not
unlike that of the Academy of Music. It is
a broad avenue, twelve feet'wide and forty
feet long, reaching from the main entrance.
to the lobby. The doors on either aide of
the, central entrance lead into the vestibule,
Which will empty the largest audience that
can he gathered within the wigVam in ten
minutes.
The Amphltbeatre.
The vestibule opens into the amphitheatre.
This' is an open space large enough to seat
thne thousand persons. It is semicircular
in Ihe front, but terminates Dy square angles
at the south., It-is filled with benches for
tee neeommodation of the delegates and in
vited guests. Che northern end is separated
from the elevated seats by a large lobby.
The Galleries.
The galleries are very extensive. They are
designed to accommodate seven thousand
People, and fully meet the intention of the
builders. The galleries are twofold.. They
rise from the east and west sides of the am
phitheatro to the walls of the wigwam, curv
ing to the sides of the vestibule on the north.
A wall of boards divides them. To the lower,
access will be had from the floor through the
lobby. To the upper; the entrance will be
from the exterior. Only ladies or gentlemen
accompanied by ladies are admitted to the
lower tier of seats, The upper circle is in-
~,-'
tended for gentlemen alone. A music stand
is directly over the main entrance. A full
brass band will be present during the session
of the convention.
The amphitheatre is separated from the
rest of the building by a broad partition
three feet high. The stage is at the extreme
rear of the building, and towards it all the
seats will face. It is of a triple character, a
a central staging, about twenty-five feet
square, being the speakers' and secretaries'
stand, and the side stands being intended for
reporters' tables. On the 'stage were seated
the leaders of the movement. The neat, at
tractive figure of Senator Doolittle and the
lithe, long body of ;Senator Cowan were the
observed of all observers. General Randall,
General Stoedman, Senator McDougall,
Montgomery Blair, Thomas B. Florence and
General Dix, who, with a score of other
prominent gentlemen, occupied seats on the
stage, wore the centre of attraction for thou
sands of admiring glances.
The stage itself was neatly decorated.
The original intention !of the National
Union Johnson Club, of this city, to drape
the wigwam with decorations, the elabora
tions of which would outvie the scenic
splendor of Union avenue of the great
sanitary fair, was of course postponed in
the incomplete state (4 the wigwam. But
the impromptu decorations of yesterday
morning wore neat and becoming. Two
immense flags, the dimensions of which
seem liliputian in that vast theatre, with
blue fields touching, formed the back of the
stage. At the union another flag drooped
and fell, bearing the coat-of-arms of Penn
sylvania. Above it was a wreath of ever
green, and arching it all was a beautiful
span , bearing the names of the States, and
wearing the motto: "UNITED WE STAND;
DIVIDED WE TALL" The sides of the wig
wam over the galleries were festooned with
red, white, and blue folds. The coats-of
arms of several States were on the walls.
The Side Rooms.
The space under the elevated seats is di
vided into smaller rooms. On the east the,
committee of the National Union Johnson
Club have constructed a very handsome'
committee chamber, forty-eight by twenty.
A. telegraph office is placed in the southeast
corner, and communication established di
rectly with the centre of the city and all,
parts of the country. On the west side a spa
cious room, twenty by eighty, has been set
apart for banqueting and other purposes.
It is one of the finest dining rooms in the
city. All these apartments are properly,
ventilated, and the galleries lighted by win
doWs placed in the east and west sides of the
wigwam. In the rear of the stage retiring
rooms and water-closets have been erected.
is of board, doubled and covered with pitch.
The distance from the ground to the eaves is
twenty-eight feet. By a rise of twelve feet
at an oblique angle, the roof covers the gall
leries. This roof is distinct from the cap ,
ping of the amphitheatre. The roof of the
latter is forty feet at its eaves and fifty feet at
the apex. Between the two roofs is an open
space two feet high, extending around the
entire building, for ventilating purposes.
At the wigwam the police arrangements
were complete. A. line of patrolmen guarded
the doors leading to the galleries'aild a ser
geant's squad formed a hollow square at 'the
central entrance. As the , delegates ap
proached one by ono their credentials were
examined arid the delegates . admitted. By
noon the building was half. filled. The re
porters to the nuMber.of two hundred occu
pied the front of the ,ampliitheatre; facing
the speakers' platform. The preen of the
United States never were generally ac
quainted with each other as they *ere yes
terday. From the differentoities were gathi
ered the principal editors and reporter,
bracing all classes of polities and all grades
71C. mWi"
ITUNTIN GPO TUES JAY. AUGUS r 21, 1866.
MO!
The Stage.
Tin Roof
of influence, from the Now York Time,e, the
exponent and leader of the Union party of
the country, to the infinite extreme of the
Philadelphia Star, which, represented by
ono reporter, whom nobody know, was thrust
into a corner out of eight and out of mind.
Full staffs of reporters from the great Now
York dailies, ready to record the full pro
ceedings of the convention, seated themselves
along the front of the stand, and near them
the special phonographeitiV• 'the Washing
ton official editor and of the Philadelphia
papers were placed. The Pittsburg, Cincin
nati, Chicago, St. Louis, Louisville, Boston,
Springfield, Baltimore and Washington Jour
nals were all represented, and nearly fifty
reporters were admitted on the authority of
credentials from influential and enterprise
ing dailies and weeklies of the interior of
this State and from .r ew Jersey.
The convention filled up rapidly. Dele
gation after delegation came in, until the
lower section of the house could contain no
more. Then they crowded into the reporters'
galleries, and stepped over the rail into the
outside circle of seats. At half-past twelve
there were over one thousand five hundred
delegates assembled within the wigwam.
With them came venerable and gray-haired
statesmen from all quarters of the country.'
Men, life-long antagonists, whose heads had .
whitened in political warfare, begun before
the time when Andrew Jackson appealed
from a rump Congress to a thinking people,
now met side by slide in amity. The , few
leading rebels appointed from one or two_
southern districts carefully kept then:Li:elver
aloof from the convention. The spirit of the
hour manifested in the previous action oil
the committees, and the determination of
the Union men to keep the convocation
pure, was a lesson the significance of which
was heeded well. Equally pointed was the
intention signified to the peace Democrats
of the North, a feeble handful of whom had
been accredited to the convention. The
Woods retired on Monday night and re
turned home. Henry Clay Dean and Val
landigham withdrew yesterday. .•
Fernando Wood and Dean addressed to
the convention through Senator Doolittle
and Hon. John M. Elwood, chairman of the
lowa Democratic' State Executive Commit
tee, their views in writing. Fernando wrote
thus:
PHILADFLPHIA, August 13.—T0 the - Hon. Jame's
Doolittle, Chairman, etc: Dear Sir. - 'I am earnestly
desirous for the entire success of the movement pro
successful thetiated by the ,conventior: to-morrow. If
results to the country will be of the most
satisfactory character, and It eannot be successful if its
notravehdeltl be
b,vgiirobuesdaturve,rem:'lMlUg
arise In consequence of an attempt to be njade tq.ax•
elude some delegates, myself Included, because our
political record is distasteful to the radicald and their
symnathiz re.
Now, although I feel confident that such an outrage
would not be perpetrated by the Convention,- and
though I have nothing to regret or take back as to my
course during the war, and do not admit the right of
any one to rates that qnestion in the Convention, yet I
am too much devoted to the high and patriotic objects
in view to permit my presence there Co lie a means of
disturbing its deliberations, or an excuse for an ahsault
by Ito enemies outside. Therefore I shalt not attend
the convention as a delegate.
• FERNANDO WOOD.
Mr. Dean, in his letter, said:
Hon. John N. Elwood, Chairman of the Democratic
State Central Committee: Dear Sir—Through, the kind
confidence of the Democratic party I have been honored
with the appointment of delegate to the Union Con
servative Rational convention, for which, to that in
vinciblebody of true men who constitute the Democracy.
pf lowa, I return my profound thanks: I most heartily
approve of the avowed purpose of the convention to
sustain the President of tho United States in aft effort to
restore the supremacy of the Constitution , and the
laws, and the States to their legitimate authority, and
representation to the people; but I cannot join -with
anybody in elevating any mere man to a enpromacY ,
over theConstitation. We mast form our estimate of
the man by theConstittition, and not of the Constitution
by the man, and in so far as the President *sustains it,
it le tho duty of alt Democrats to sustain the President
With their lives, fortunes, and sacred honors. .
But this support Democrats should be allowed to give
in their own way—through their own orgaidtation in
accordance with the principles and usages of' the groat
Democratic party, which made the Union by the Cone'
siltation, made our history illustrious, and oar people
rep, The Democratic party for three genetatiosateas '
the guardian of American liberty, and preserved invio
late this rich legacy which' was bequeathed to no
through the bloody testaments of noble generegeas of
'glorious men who willingly offered themselves in. sac-
Wilco to secure it. This lesaoy.mnat not be squandered
or thrown away. The Democratic Pads'hes more to ao
complish than year convention can or Is eirmoted Ledo.
It stands an unbroken army arrayed against'. tests and
test-oaths other than those prescribed by the Constita.-
non, and against those monstrous retres_pective test•
oaths which were never written in, the. Baslisti len.
gunge, much less adopted •by a delloerative bodYeuntli
they, ere forced upon the country by the present le.
'gislatiVe Mob called the congress of the United Slates.
• - The resolutions of 1798-9 were the great cutpositione
of Democratic truth. They have been revived. in Kew
ifikciedil?nA Y
lucky in her late glorious election, and by forty thou
sand majority. A majority of more than one million
of the people of the United States are Democrats. To
them we look with hope for rescue. Their votes cast
for true men is the only solution of our evils. I stn.
cerely trust your convention will do well its specific
work in such a manner as will meet the hearty ap
proval of the general convention of the Democratic
Party when it may assemble to receive your co-opera
tion. Inasmuch as I think your• convention can beet
sustain the President under the guidance of those who
placed him in power, who have concluded to abandon
the Democratic organization, among whom I am net
included, I most respectfully return to you my certifl
•mte of appointment.
' I am, very truly, your obedient servank,
HENRY CLAY DEAN.
Letter from Hon. R. v..-WlRAtkup.
The following noble lotter.fromHon.ltob
ert C. Winthrop, of Massachusetts; was read
at the executive rooms:
BROOKLYN. August o.—Hon. Leverett Saitonstall:
My Hoar Slr—Vam sincerely sensible of the honor con
ferred upon me yesterday by the meeting at Fattenll
Bali, over which you presided, in placing my name at
the head of the delegates at large to the National Union
convention. But, as I had previously Intimated to more
than one of our friends, it will not be in myPower to go
to Philadelphia next week. I am quite unwilling, how
ever, to decline the appointment without a distinct ex
preesion of whomyrty concurrence in the general views
of those bythat convention has been called, and
of my earnest hopelhat its deliberations May condone
to the earliest Practicable restoration of all the States of
the Union to the exercise of their constitutional powers,
and to the on ioyment of their constitutional privileges
in the nationalgovernment.
I can add nothing, I am aware, to the arguments
Which others have already presented on this subject,
and I gladly avail myself of the language of Judge Cur
tis in his late admirable letter: .ff`o suppose that the
government of the United States can. in a state of peace,
rightfully hold and exercise absolute and unlimited
power over a part of its territory and people just so long
as It may choose to de so, appears to me unwarranted
by any mien of nubile law, abhorrent to right reason,
and inconsistent with the nature of our government."
:With Judge Curtis, too, I bold to the opinion "that the
southern States are now as rightfully, and should be as
effectually, In the Union as they were before the mad
nese of their people attempted to carry them out."
Miffed happily, Congress did not adjourn 'without ad
milting to their seats the senators and representatives
of Tennessee; but that very act has rendered it all tilt,
mere ditHetat to discover anything of constitutionaff
Principle, or anything of true national policy in its
persistent denial of all representat the other
southern States. Congress has ample moans of protect
ing itself and of protecting the country from the pres
ence of disloyal men in the balls of legislation; by the
simple exercise of the poWers which each branch pos
sesses, of deciding without appeal OIL the qualidcations
of its own members. Had the, case of each individual
imitator or representative elected from ten States, lately
In rebellion, been tskgn up by itself and fairly consid
ered on its own merits, agreeably to the Wise suppo
sitions of President Johnson, no ono could have com
plained whatever might have been the result. But I
know not how either branch could have consented. as
it has done, to compromise its constitutional independ-,
once by submitting any question as to its members
either to legislative or executive discretion.
This groat question of representation to not a Aries.
Bon which concerns only the southern States, who, I
know, are regarded by not a few unrelenting men as
having forfeited all rights which the northern States
are bound to respect. It is a question which concerns
the Constitution and the whole country.. The'Peonle of
the whole Union have a right to_ demand of their pub
llo servants en exact and faithful observance of the
Constitution and of all itsprovisions. It was to enforce
and vindicate that Constitution that their blood and
treasure bare been poured out so lavishly during the
last four years of civil war. Who could have believed,'
in advance, that a year and a half after that war had
ended, and after the Union had been rescued and re
stored. so far as our gallant armies and navies could
accomplish it, nearly one third of the States should still
be seen knocking in vain at the doors of the Capitol,
and should be dented even a hearing in the councils of
the country? Such a course may, indeed, be calculated
to prolong the predominance of a party, but it seems to
me utterly inconsistent with the, supremacy of the Con
attrition.
I have no disposition, however, to indulge in any im
pntations either upon parties or upon individuals. I
hops that a spirit of forbearance and moderation will
prevail at Philadelphia, notwithetanding the insulting
and proscriptive tone in which the convention has
been assailed by so many of She opponents of the Pres
ident of the United. States. Bnt I shall be greatly dis
appointed, I confess, if through the influence of .that
convention, or through some other influence, the peo
ple of the whole country are not soon aroused to the
danger of allowing the Constitution of the United States
to be longer the subject of partial and discretionary ob
serve, ea on the part of those who are sworn to suppOrt
it. It is vain to offer test oaths to others if we fail to
fulfil our own oaths. The necessities of a state of war
may be an excuse for many irregalaritteaboth
lagiela
live and executive. But now that, by the blessing of
Cod, a state of peace has been restored to tie, we
are entitled to the Conetitution and the Union
In all their legitimate Authority and extent.
Nothing less than the whole Constitution and the
whole Union ought to satisfy no. • For one I should de
spair of the restoration of law and order in ten southern
States, and even of the maintenance of our own national
credit, if. there should fail - to be exhibited at Washing
ton something of that scrupulous adherence to the Con.
stitution and tho laws which characterized the earlier
days of the republic. Nor could anything, In my judg
ment, be of more baleful Influence uporrthe fence ca
reer of our country than that Congress should ever seem
to be holding In abeyance any provisions of the COrteti-
Wien, until they shall have been changed, under du
ress in order to suit the opiniem or secure the Interests
of a predominant party. dgalast saoh a course of pro
.ceedin g I trust the convention at Philadelphia will put
forth a seasonable and eflectiVe protest
Once more regretting my inability to be present at the
convention, and thanking all to whom I am indebted
for the honor of being gamed; az a delegate. I remain.
dear sir, with great regard, very faithfully yours. •
• ROBERT C. WIDITHROP.
Then, as if the tendency to letter writing
.had become epidemical, George. Francis
Train wrote one. Characteristic of the man,
it produced intense amusement wherever
read. Jlis advice to the conventidn at the
close of his letter:le the most admirable sug
gestion yet submitted to that body. Train's
letter WM
WITHDRAWAL.
NEBRASKA DELEGATION, Convection Morning,
Parlor No. 0, Angviet 14,1888 —To the Executive Com.
mittee: My proxy le In your bands. I wanted harnlenY.
We have it. Some time eines I proposed to withdraw
keepor two others would. despatcht their promise; /
mine. The following to the President
expresses my views, and I congratulate you all on the
result
DESPiTCH TO inn PRESITOMT.
To the President of the United States, Washington. D.
C.: Your convention is already a gigantic suttees;' all
harmonious, everybody shaking hands: National Union'
party a great fact, conservative Congrees eeenred.
GEORGE FRANCIS' TRAIN,
Nebraska Delegation.
"The Union mast and shall be preserved," said Mr.
Jackson.
• .• • •
"The Union mud and shall be restored," said Mr.
Johnsen.
One million oflrish votes. representinz six millions
of the Irish race in America linetead of asking the con
vention to pass a resolution friendly to Irish nation
respectfalls offer the following platform for Its
consideration:
THE ISISH.AISERRICT P1431E01151.
"We pledge our lives our fortunes, and our sacred
honor to maintain the Union, the Constitution, and the
Lowe."
E=
Permit natitTaWtVattilNeffen:
Tuesday — Orgntilto.
Wednesday—Pass resolutions.
Thursday—Adjourn.
Friday, and everyday till fall elections, all the dele
gates should make speeches for the National Union
Party, therebyburying forever the two offensive words
—Democrat and Republican.
Sincerely, • GEORGE FRANCIS TRAIN.
The convention, as we saw, commenced
to fill rapidly, until at 12.30 the entire amphi
theatre was crowded. In the music stand
over the mein entrance was stationed the
band of the National Union ohnson (flub.
It opened the exercises with a flourish of
trumpets, a roll of drums and blare of bugles.
The echoes rolling through the long galleries
wore answered by a storm of applause that
drowned the notes of the band and
made the very roof-trees shake. At half
past twelve, Postmaster General Randall
rose to 'call the convention to order.
As ho stepped to the front, a commo
tion at the entrance attracted attention
to the vestibule. A wild• cheer that filled
the vast theatre burst from every man
present, when arm-in•arm, along the corri
dor, were seen approaching the veteran wag,
General D. H. Conch, of Massachusetts; and
Governor OJT, of South Carolina. In close
file behind them came the other delegates of
the two States, entering, ride by dile, the ern
phitheatre. •
Those who saw the entrance of the two
delegations will not soon forget R. The
scone itself was one of profound enthusiasm.
Every tongue in the convention added to the
cheers that rose like the roar of many waters,
and the whole audience stood 'uncovered as
the double lines filed into the centre -of the
building. But thinking men felt a deeper
significance in the union. They saw, for the
first time since the old Whig party'died un
der the shroud of its silvery-voiced leader,
a national organization that would be again
to the land a shield and guide, as the honest
yeomanry of the North and South were in
the days of. Clay. They saw a , knitting of
interests, a burial of faction, and a resurrec
tion in the hearts of men of the principles
of true and national devotion to a land whose
only destiny is to be chief among the powers
of the earth. The Massachusetts and South
Carolina delegations were seated, and the
convention regularly opened.
Hon. John Hogan, of Missouri, then rose
and called for three cheers for thirty-six States.
The response came before he could give the
signal. Three united shouts made the roof
trees ring again. Three more were given for
Andrew Johnson, three for the Union, and
then the three times three were increased to
a dozen by three more for the red, white,
and blue.
When the cheers subsided Governor Ran
dall said:
For the purpose of tho temporary organization of this
convention, I propose the name of General John, 4.
Dix, of New :York, se temporary chairman.
The proposition was unanimously acceded
to. Fifteen hundred yeas answered the
question, and while the cheering broke out
afresh the veteran .was escorted. to his seat.
When ho appeared beforo the convention,
his hair frosted with ttcy, but his face aglow
with patriotic love for his country, ho looked
the embodiment of the 'Union soldier who
now as ever would shoot on the spot any
man who would dare to diehoner the
Union of our fathers. In respectful silence
the convention listened to the
•
• Opening Address of General Dix.
• Gentlemen of the convention and fellow-citizens of
the whole Union: I return to yon my sincere thanks for
the honor yon have done me in choosing me to preside
temporarily over your deliberations.' I regard it as a'
distinction of no ordinary character, not only on are
coma of the high morel and political standing of the
gentlemen who compose this convention, but because it
is a convention of the people of all the States of this
Union, and because it cannot fail, if its proceedings are
conducted with harmony and good j odgrnent. to lead to
most important results. It may be truly said that no
body of men has moron this continent under circum
stances so momentous and so delicate since the year
1787, the year when our ancestors assembled in this
city to frame a better government for the States that
were united under the old confederacy, a government
which has been made more enduring, we'. trust, by the
fearful trials and peril+ it has encountered, and the
Constitution which they came here to foam we ere h ere
to vindicate and to restore. [Cheers.] We are here to
assert the supremacy of representative government over
all who are within the confines of the Union—a govern
ment which cannot permit the violation of its princi
ples or of the protection It extends to the people who
are represected in it, over those.who by virtue of that
representation are entitled to a voice in the administra
tion of the Public affairs. [Cheers.] It Was such a
gurernment our fathers framed and put in operation. It
is the government which we- are bound by evert 'con
sideration of fidelity, inaties, and good faith to defend
and maintain. Gentlemen, we are hot living under
such a government.' Thirty-nix States have for many
menthe been governed by twenty-five ' .
- Eleven States have been whollywithout representa
timi in the legislativebody. 'ThatnumericalPreportiort
of the represented and uhrePreeented has been changed
by the admission of the delegation from Tennessee—a
unit taken from the smaller and added :to the larger
number. Ten States are stUl denied the re Presentation
in Congrees.th which they are entitled under the Con.
etitation. It is this wrong which we have tome here
to protest against; and, as far as in us lies, to redress.
[Long and .continued applause.] . When the President
of the. United States declared that armed resistance to
the authority of the Union was over, all the States nad
It right to be represente right legislativConstitution.
plause.] They , had thender the
They had the right under resolutions pasted- by both
houses of Congress in 1861. [Applause.] Those resolu
Mena were not concurrent, but they were substantially
identical Moreover, they were entitled to be se Mee
seated on other grounds of fairness and - good faith.
Th e president, net in perenance of any constitutional
conditions d called on the Confederate exerciseo accept
' of their admission to the of their
legitimate functions as members of the Union—the ra
tification of the amendment to the Constitution abolish
ing eleven'', and the repudiation of the debts contracted,
to overthrow the government. These conditions were '
made and accepted. The exaction of new conditions is
unjust, a violation of the faith of the government, sub-'
venire of the principles of our political 'system, and
dangerous to the public proeparity and' peace. [AU
nianee.l Each house of Congress is made a judge of the
qualification!' of its members, and can reject individuals
for just cause% but the two bodies act conjointly, and
cannot exclude entire delegations without an unwar
rantable assumption of newer. lApplanse.)
Congress . has not only done this: it has gone further.
It has incorporated new conditions in amendments to
the Constitution, and submitted, them for the ratifica
tion of the States. There is no 'probability that these
amendments will be ratified by three-fourths of the
Staten of the Union. To insist on the conditions they
contain is to prolong indefinitely the exclusion of more
than one-fourth of the Slates from their representation
in Congrese. Is this the government our fathers fought
to establish? [Cries of No, no.] is this the government
we t eve been fighting to preserve? !Cries of No, no./
The President has done all in his power to correct this
wrong lapplanee and cheering], torestore the legislative
body to its full proportions by giving to the Menton of
the Union their proper plate in the public councils. Le-
gislatlon withent representation is:an anomaly under
our political system. Not In our form of government it
would be another name for usurpation and Misrule.
gentlemen, I trust that in our deliberations ' ere we
shall confine ourselves to one main - Purpose-that Of re
'dressing the wrong to which I have referred: There is'
much in the administration of oar government Which.
neede amendment—some 'things to he done and'others;
to be, undone, "There are commercial-and financial re
forms which are indispensable to the Public' welfare.'
bat we shall not have the power to carry nut these'
until we change the political complexion of Congress.
(Loud cheering and apPlause.) This should be ourfirsti
our immediate aim, (Applause.) It loin the congres
sional districts that the vital' contest is to take .place.
The control of one body van enable in to .prevent par
tial, unjust, and Pernicious legislation. Bat the control
of both houses, with the power to introduce and carry
out salutary reforms to bring the government -back, in
the language of Jefferson, 'to the republican track."
will come later. tepplause.) But with wis'e,
monions.indicions action on our part, and on the part
of those we represent, it need• not. be long delayed.
(Applause.) I believe that public opinion.: is rightt
that It Is only necessary to present to the people cletolY •
the issues between us and those which' control the as
tiOn of Congress. and, gentlemen, is not the object for
which we are contending a:, consummation. worthy of
our highest and most devoted efforts (applause) to
bring barn the republic, purify it. strengthen it by the
fiery ordeal through which it has passed:andto its an
cient prosoerity and' power? Mond cheers and ap.
Mame.] To present to the world all example worthy of
Imitation, with no Utopian vision of better
government,
but with the grand old reality of better times lap-
Plattsel with' which the memory of oar fathers. • the
rlcollections of the past, and all our hopes of the future
ate inseparabls entwined. tatiplattee.] One country,
one flag, one Union of equal States. (Loud and con
tinued cheering and applause.]
The Prayer:;
Amid a hush so, profound that the lull
succeeding the tempestuous applause . that
followed the close of General Dix's 'address
scorned awesome, the opening prayer was
offered. Rev. J. N. McDonough was the
priest who, between the hearts of his coun
try's altar, supplicated the divine blessing
on tho convention and its labors. While all
stood in reverent stillnesi he offered adore
,
tion:
0 Lord! high and mighty Ruler Of the nniPerser we,
Thy dependent and needy creat raw, humbly draw near
to Thee, in the name of, Thy beloved Son, our Lord'and
Saviour; Jesus Christ.' Have mercy upon no according
to Thy loving kindness; according unto the multitnde
• of Thy tender mercies, blot out ony , transgresslons.
bless Thy great , and holy name for the innumerable
mercies Thou has; in Thy loving kindness bestowed on
us as a ehristian people. We bless Thee for the estab
lishment and maintenance here of religious and civil
liberty, and especially, 0 Lord, do 'we prates Thee-for
the interposition of Thyoower in our behalf in the late
troubles which have 'been Permitted to come noon our
beloved' country. We • bless Thee that Thou beet
brought to an end the fearful struggle in Which the,
nation hos been engaged, and that toe Union' is pre ,
nerved. Verily 'Thou art a God that doeth' Wonders!
Thou tenet make the wrathler man to praise Thee, and
Thou can et restrain the power thereef. We thank Thee
that Than bast pat in the hearts of Thy servants here
present to assemble from various Paris of our land to
consult for the uubllcgood; . and now, '0 • bloat ghty
and hlost Holy, let Thy blessing rest upon this conven
tion.. May Thy servants come together as brothers and
as friends; help them to lay aside all selfish motives, all
unworthy, personal, and sectional constderattonsi en
lighten their counsels, guide them in all their '&114-
rations. so that the union of these Slates may. be :Billy
restored, and may be rendered perpetual Restore their.
prosperity as at the first. and th-ir peace and fraternity
as at the beginning. Bless the country le all its 'inter
ests, in its agriculture, it+ commerce, and in the me
chanical arts in ltd churches and its religions : and be
nevolent Institutions. Avert from us. we beseech Thee.
the pestilence that walketh in darkness and the de
struction that waeteth.noontide, and-all = the Judg
ments which our sine deserve. And oh, most. men:dial
God, one Heavenly Esther, we beseech Thee to: maul
fest thy special favor upon Thy servant. the President
of the 'United States. May his health and life. be-pre
cious in Thy sight; make him a great and lasting bless
ing to the country over which, In Thy wonderful favor
able Providence, he hasheen called to bear rule; bless
his constitutional 'advisers; guide him with wisdom
and pith strength In every emergency. We pray Thee,
0 Lord, that he may be a Just ruler in the fear of God,
even the light of the morning, when the mu ariseth—a
morning without clouds—and. as the' tender grass
springing from the earth alter rain. And especially, 0
Lord! wilt thou crown the efferte of thy servant in
maintaining the Union of these States • inviolate, with
the Constitution establiehed by our fathers. Bless all
nations and their rulers. -Let the gospel be spread
abroad. Tby kingdom come everywhere. Let oppres
sion disappear among men. Let righteousness and
peace/Tien over the whole earth. These are our peti
tions, these are our requteate. 0 Lord, hem! 0 Lord, for
give! 0 Lord, hearken. and for His sake, oar great Ha
deemer, who bath taught us when we pray to say, 'Oar
Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy
kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as in heaven;
give us this day our daily bread; forgive no our tres
lasses, as we forgive these who trespass against us;
ead us not into temptation, but deliver usfrom evil, for
Thine is the kingdom, the power, and-.the glory, for
ever." Amon.' •
General J. B. Steadman, of Ohio, then
secured the floor and said:
Gentlemen. I hold in my hand a resolution for the
appointment of a committee on credal:aisle. which I
oiler for the consideration of the convention.
On motion of Mr. Randall the following
gentlemen wero appointed secretaries of the
convention: E. 0. Perrino, New York; J.
F. Coyle, District of Columbia; Andrew
Rosa Potts, Pennsylvania; J. R. O'Byrne,
.District of Columbia.
General Dix then directed the reading of
the call of the convention.
Mr. E. 0. Perrino amid repeated applauee
road the following call:,_
The Call.
A National Union Convention, of .at lout two
delegates from each oongreasionaedistriet of all the
Mates. two from each Territory. two from' the Dis
trict of Columbia. aid four delegates at large from
each Mate, kW) be held at the city, of Philadelphia:
on the second Tuesday (14th) of August next.
Such delegates will be chosen by the electors of
the several tastes who sustain the administration in
maintaining unbroken' the union ot the States
under tho Constitution whieft, our lathers cask-
Ihhed. and.who agree in the followingyronmitione.
The union of the States is, -in every sass, indis
soluble, and is perpetual; and the Constitution of
the netted States, and the laws twined by Congress
in pursuance thereof, supreme and °natant, and
universal in their obligation.
The rights, the dignity, and the equality of the
States in the 'Union, Including the right .of repre
sentation in Congress, are Solemn!, guaranteed Mr,
that Constitution, to save which from overthrow
So mush blood and treasure were ,expended in the
late civil war.
. .
There is no right. anywhere. to diraolvo . the
Union, or to sanative States tram the 'Union. either
by voluntary withdrawal, by forge pf arms, or by
congressional ;lotion; neither by the eeoession of
the States, nor by the exclusion of their loyal
and qualified representatives, nor by the national
government in any other form. •
Slavery is abolished, and neither can nor ought
to be re-egt-bii.hed in any State or Territory with
in our Jurisdiction!. • .
nom. dim,. um Goo undoubted right to Dresdribe
the qualificot vas of its 017 A oleotore, and no exter
nal power rightfully can, or ought to, dictate, con
trol, or influent° the free and voluntary action of
the States in the exeroise of that right.
The maintenance inviolate of tbe rights of the
States, and especially of the riot of each State to
order and control its own domestin eormerniyac
cording to its own judgment cormusively, subject
only to the Oonstitution •of the Uukted Stater, is
essential to that balance of power on which the
Perfection end endurance of our political . fabric
depend..and the overthrow of that:system by the
usurpation and centralisation of powerja Congress
would ha a revolution:dangerous to republitiari
Pees:meat and destructive of itoerty. `;•
Bach house Of Congrees by the (I: net ta
ttoo. the Sae Judge of the' elrotions, returns: and
qua lifications of its members; .but the exotusion of
loyal senators and representatives, properly chosen
and qualified. under . the Constitution and laws, is
unjust and revolutionary.
five* Patriot amnia frown upon all these ads
and proceedingst everywhere. which can serve no
other purpose than to rekindle the animosities of
war, and the effeot of which upon our moral, metal
and material interests at home, and upon ourstand
ing abroad, differing only in degree, is injurious
like war itself.
The =poen of the war having beha to preserve
the Union anti the Oonstitution by „putting down
the rebellion, and the rebellion: having been any-
Pressed. all rosistateo to the authority of the keno
ral government being at an end, sand war having
ceased, war meaeureedhould also cease, and should
be followed by measures 'of peaoefuljuia,inistra
lion, ao that amen. harmony, and concord may
be eneouraged, and induatrY, comb:tette, and .tne
arts of peace revived and promoted; and the early
rescoration of all the States to the'exeroise of their
eonatitntional powers in the national'acvernmeot
is inclispenaabiy necessary to the strength . and the
defense of the itepublio. IMO the maintenance of
the nubile reedit,.