American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-03-27
For the American Republican.

MsssRs. EpIToRs:-It is extraordinary that
disposition should DO manifested by any re-
spectacle portion of our population, under what
ever circumstances, calculated to create dis
affection to the laws, and give encouragement to
spirit of resistance TO the solemn enactments
of the legislature. The character of the COM
munications generally, which have occupied
the columns of two OF the leading papers in
this city, in reference to the "Stamp Act"
would induce almost every reader not intimate
ly associated with our citizens to believe, that
the views which are Swallowed forth by those
writers are entertained, if not by the editors
themselves, at least by a considerable ma ioIity
of the individuals under whose patronage those
papers are sustained and supported. Whatever
may be the inference, it is a fact that few, if
any communications or editorials have appear
ed, advocating the policy, cxpediency, or con-
stitutionality of the measure which the execu-
tive, determined upon the maintenance of the
good faith and honor of the State, had the
tirmness, the honesty, and the patriotism to re-
commend to the legislature, in his inaugural
Address. And why is it? has no man dared to
advocate the doctrine Of adopting any measure,
however odious or unequal, rather than give a
deep, all indehbe stain to the character of our
tme-honorcd State? Communications have
been made to the papers indicated, approaching
in high, but just terms, the noble firmness Of
our Executive IN proposing q measure which
no other than an honest man and q man of
great moral courage could have proposed, which
have never yet appeared-and why are they
not given with those in opposition TO the Stamp
Act, place IN their columns?
But let Us pause! let US look at the conse-
quences we are preparing TO bring upon our
own heads, by catering to feelings and preju-
does which unfortunately are already too rife
in our communicated unless we stay the
weapon we are thrusting into the hands Of the
lawless and unruly the "blOod is upon u.s." 1t
is the duty of every good citizen to maintain
the obligations of the laws while they exist,
and to discountenance every attempt which
may be made to bring them into discrcdit Let
US put forth our sttength--but let US act in the
spirit of good citizens, II the Stamp Act OPP
crates injuriously upon the interests Of the City
of Baltimore, and other parts of the State are
unjustly and unduly exempted from its burden
some provisions, let it be borne with becom-
ing moderation, until redress can be obtained
through the only legitimate and constitutional
channel, the ballot boa. But do not declare the
law unconstitutional and thus incite resistance;
do not encourage spirit OF disaftecton, and
thus promote RIGHTEOUSNESS.
The tone of your remarks in the Clipper on
the morning Of the 25th instant are in excel
lent character, and doubt not have received
the approval of every well-wisher and good ci-
tizen who has an opportunity of perusing them.
Let your columns be open to a discussion OF
the question, and the public mind will soon, on
the subject, be correctly impressed with princi-
pies which cannot fail TO promote our happi-
ness and prosperity. PuBLIUs.