Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1852-01-21
MESSAGE OF THE GOVERNOR

The Message of Governor Lowe is so ex-
ceedingly lengthy, that we have concluded
only to publish such extracts as may be of
interest TO the general reader, instead of in
cumbering our columns with the whole Of
the document. We copy from the Daily
.Neacs of Baltimore
His excellency commences by congratu-
lating The members of the Legislature on
the prosperity and favorable prospects Of
the great Commonwealth which they re-
present; and aIludes to the present ses-
sion of their body as one Of peculiar in
terest 10 their constituents. He says the
''poli,ical condition is an especial cause Of
gratula.ioD,''-"thata great, yet peaceful re-
volu.ion, the resul! Of long and bitter con-
test, has finally been accomplished" He
polite with the past, and calls TO their minds
"the storms which ragged around the 'Glo-
rous Nineteen Eectors,' and those who
united with them in resolule defiance of old
and uncompromising prejudces, and now
witness the serene sky which looks down
upon the work Of their hands Call TO mind
the fierce denunciations which have SO re-
Gently given way to cordial approval. See
the measures, once denounced as revolution
ary, agrarian, and destructive, now quietly
going into operation, under the solemn sane
ton of the new Constitution. What COM
men,ary is not this, 10 be sure, upon the
folly Of human extravaganza and passion !;
and what lesson to those who, whether
from fear or disincinalion, may seek there
after, TO check the onward march of liberal
institutions"
The new Constitution, he msintains pro-
vides "for reforms far more radical and
extensive than those which are commended
for by the nineteen Senatorial Electors in
1886, and which were then pronounced
Subversive Of the public liberties and pros
perity.
''It is not to be said that this Constitution
is perfect; by no means. IN the progress
of your legislation you will find i. your du-
ty TO fill up the chasms. The delay occs-
stoned by Stubborn debate in the Conven-
.ion, caused unusual and injurious precipi-
fancy in the final action Of tha. body, when
the Constitution was pu, together as whole.
However, take it with all lis deficiencies, and
i. contains full recognition of, and provi-
sion Tor every leading question of Govern
mental reform, which has for twenty years
past entered into the popoular agilations !;
with The single exception Of the representa-
tive basis"
In regard to this question, he admits thai,
the strict republican theory has not been
strictly adhered to, though, in his opinion,
this will be remeded in the future. Most
of the imperfeclions of this document will
be temporary, as they are within the reach
of legislation, In obedience to the Consli-
tuition, he suggests the following legislation:
On accoun. ofshe inappIcabilily of the ex-
listing election laws, he advises "a complete
revision Of these laws" He also speaks Of
the ''frequent and unnecessary delay which
occurs in the transmission Of the returns to
the Executive Department, occasioning, in
many instances, serious Inconvenience and
embarrassment, and, often affecting other
counties besides those in default. A sum-
mary process should be provided, to enforce
prompt returns"
He advises the establishment Of tribu-
nal for the deciding contested elections; and
calls attention to the acts and parts Of acts
relative to powers of the Executive in grant,
ing pardons, remitting fines, advising their
abroga.ion, and the passage Of q general &C.
in relation 10 the matter, and recommends
that power be given to the Executive 10 grant
a pardon or nolle prosequi, in any case, as
he is now authorized to do, in capital con-
vic.ions. The ends Of justice and the re-