The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1853-10-08
POLITICAL.


hon. RlChlrd johns Bowie.
In nominating this gentleman for the
office of Governor of MARYLAND, the
Wing party have presented a candidate
who deserves not only the cordial sup
port of every voter of his own party,
but one who must command the respect
and confidence even of his political OPP
ponents. Mr.. Bowie has served the
people of the State with fidelity and
ability in their State Legislature; while
very few representatives of Maryland
have attained in the National Congress
more distinguished reputation.
Modest, retiring and unambtious,
! Mr.. Bowie has never sought political
! distnclion; but whenever called into
official station by the unsolicited voice
Of his fellow citizens, he has never failed
to discharge the duties imposed upon
him in such manner as to win their con-
fidence and appreciation. By his past
services, the people of Maryland can
judge Of his qualifications for the re-
sponsi5e station for which he is now a
candidate for their sutirages. 1t is to
give brief sketch of those services that
this article is prepared.
On the 10Th Of November, 1886, the
college of Senatorial electors assembled
at Annapolis, as provided by the Con-
slItution of the state, and Richard }.
Bowie, Of Montgomery county, was
elected a member of the Senate of Mary
land This was his first entrance into
public life. Though then quite young
man, (under thirty years of age he was
thought by the college of electors wor.
thy to be ranked by the side of such as
sociates as J. V. l.. McMahon, VIM.
Price, Richard Thomas, VIM. Schley,
Jas. B. Ricaud, and the other distinguish
ed men whose names and fame are
identified with the Legislature Of Mary
land. The Senate OF 1886, it is high
honor TO say OF it, was unsurpassed tor
talents by any which ever assembled in
Maj WAND. In that body Mr.. Bowie
held a prominent postion-a conclusive
evidence OF his ability and worth-and
took leading part in many OF the i'm.
portant measures agitated at the sessions
of 1886 and 1887.
When the celebrated Bcmis case ot-
Cured, and the demand for the surren-
der OF Bemis and his associates made by
the Executive OF Pennsylvania had been
communicated by the Governor of
Maryland to the General Assembly;
with a view to obtain its advice upon
the delicate and momentous question at
IT, IF he,
mittee of conference between the two
Houses, to whom the subject was refer
red; and it was lie who drew up the res
lutions which were subsequently, adopt
ed by both branches OF the Legislature.
Those resolutions asserted on behalf OF
the South the very rights afterwards
conceded by the enactment Of the Furi-
tive Slave Law; and the principles thus
set forth by the youthful Senator OF
Maryland were afterwards sanctioned
TO their fullest extent by the Supreme
Court of the United States in its decl-
sion of the case Of Prigg and the Com
monueaIM Of Pennsy|rania. The length
OF these resolutions preclude their in
sertion here; but may easily be referred
to in the volume OF the Laws of Deccm-
Der session, lS37.-They were offered
by Mr.. Bowie, in spirit OF compromise
at time when more violent measures
had been suggested for the action of our
Legislature, and when it required the
exercise OF the utmos, prudence 10 pre-
serve the friendly relations between the
two States, and at the same time secure
the rights of the citzents of Our own.
1t will be remembered that the amen
ded constitution of Maryland was adop-
1886 and 1897. The amendments then
enacted were considered satisfactory to
the most ultra retormcrs of that day.
| They provided for the election OF a
Governor and Senators by the people;
the adjustment Of the life tenure OF
Clerks and Registers, and their appoint
ment for a term OF seven years; and in
crease of representation to Baltimore
and the larger counties, &c. This was
the reform demanded at that day, and
it received the cordial support OF Mr..
Bowie.
BY the operation of this amended con
stitution, AIR. Bowie's term of service
in the State Senate was reduced from
five wears to two. He retired from the
Legislature with the session ending in
the Spring of 1898; and has never since
been a member of either branch of that
body.
In 1889, Mr.. Bowie was selected bv
the Wings of the District composed of
Frederick and Montgomery counties, as
their representative to the National
Convention at Harrisburg. He went
there the Jealous supporter of the noml-
nation of Henry Clay. The mode adopt
ed by the Convention in making the
nomination, was to vote by States, the
h.. "a