rom
the fact that the convention, as they averred, was so truly
"National"--having delegates from every State of the Union. This feature
was presented as in hurtful contrast with Republican conventions, whose
members came almost entirely from the loyal States. A striking
spectacle was attempted by having members from Northern and Southern
States enter the great wigwam (which had been specially prepared for
the meetings of the convention) arm in arm. To intensify the effect
Massachusetts and South Carolina headed the procession, General Couch
and ex-Speaker Orr typifying in this display the thorough cordiality
of Unionist and Confederate in the return of peace and amicable
relations. The danger of all such exhibitions is that they may be
made a subject of ridicule. This did not escape. The "wigwam" was
parodied by the political wits of the Republican party as "Noah's Ark,"
into which there went, as described in Genesis, "_in two and two,_"
"_of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and
of every thing that creepeth upon the earth._" The humor which this
comparison evoked was of a kind especially adapted to the stump and
was used most effectively. Indeed the President's supporters, long
before the canvass closed, heartily regretted that they had ever
resorted to dramatic scenes as a method of promoting a political cause.

The convention of the President's supporters was followed a fortnight
later (September 3rd) in the same city--Philadelphia--by a still more
imposing assemblage called by the loyalists of the South, who, desiring
to explain their exact situation to co-operating friends, invited
delegations from the Northern States to meet them. Prominent
Republicans from every loyal Commonwealth responded in full force to
these men who were endeavoring to reconstruct their States on an
enduring basis of Constitutional liberty. Pennsylvania sent a
generous delegation as hosts to those who were to enjoy the
hospitalities of the State. Governor Curtin haded the list.
Associated with him were General Geary, already named as his successor,
General Simon Cameron, at that time a private citizen, Colonel John
W. Forney, then editor of the _Philadelphia Press_, and representatives
from every Congressional district in the State. Other States responded
with equal cordiality. Senators Morgan and Harris, Horace Greeley,
and John Jacob Astor, came from New York. Massachusetts sent her
governor, her