The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-10-31
Proclamation by the Governor of Mary.
land. l3}ie ,5t@ t%f.4 <

Maryland, hereby make this proclamation to the
citizens of Baltimore. .
Having been credibly informed by large and
respectable number Of citizens of Baltimore that
serious apprehensions are entertained that the
approaching general election is threatened with
extreme violence and disorder in this city, suff
cient to terrify and keep away from the polls
many peaceable voters, unless the civil arm is
vigorously interposed for their protection; and
being fully convinced of the business Of this appre-
hensi0n from the events of the elections of 1866
aud of the recent municipal election in the city,
have felt it my duty to repair to this city to fulfill
my constitutional obligations to afford to the citi
zens the faithful observance of the laws. Accord
ingly, have addressed the Mayor Of the city, and
solicited his cooperation in adequate measures
for the protection Of the peace Of the city So
far ! have received from him no satisfactory
response; and being resolved TO be involved in
no failure of duty by postponing measures which
only be efficiently carried out, under the cir
cumstances, by the greatest promptitude, hereby
proclaim to the citizens of Baltimore that, in
virtue of my powers and duties under the Consti-
tuition, and laws Of the State have directed the
proper military officers to enroll and hold in readi-
ness their respective corps for active service at
once, and especially on the approaching day of
election, and l have issued to them full instruc-
lions to preserve the peace of the city and secure
to the legal voters their rights against the violence
and intimidation of the lawless rufians who have
disgraced the city and outraged the elective rights
in the recent election. .H s.sal -it.s.1ssfE
In thus acting / have sought merely to dis
charge my duty and insure to the citizen the
rights pledged to him by the Constitution and the
and aid Of all good citizens who value their gov
eminent and its privileges $500 ~
Especially do forewarn all persons against all
illegal conduct in the obstruction of voters, and
admonish them of the serious responsibility which
awaits the infraction of the law.
1t is to be seen II republicanism IL adequate for
its own protection. The Governor confidently
relies on the loyalty of the citizens of this great
metropolis, and in the hearty readiness with
which they will cooperate in the yindication of
the city and State from any ignominious submits
sion to lawless ruffians. If they do, all parties
will rejoice at the triumph Of Government, and
every good man in the conviction that the
pledges of the Constitution are not an empty
nockery. At all events the Governor win do his
duty. If constitutional authority and law are not
upheld and vindicated, the responsibility must
rest elsewhere. lg.f IS, ss i.rsa ssr "a
But there is no reason to fear any adverse
result. The Governor win not question the
fidelity of the military arm, doubt its ability for
any emergency that may arise. The military
officers with whom have consulted express their
readiness to serve the State, and ! have no doubt
Of their suficiency for the occasion; and good
citizens may confidently trust that their title to
constitutional government will be fully redeemed.
Let all ctizens therefore, exercise their rights,
abstain from disorder and violence, and trust in
the genius Of the Constitution and the laws.
Let no man leave the precincts OF his ward,
unless ordered TO do so by competent authority.
Thus he will promote the fairness of the election
and avoid the Just retributon that win be dealt to
those vagrant emissaries of disorder who wander
from polls to polls for the purpose Of illegal vot-
ing, and 10 deter peaceable citizens from the eI-
ercise Of their rights. But Il is the sincere hope
of the Governor that the majesty Of the law, sup
ported by the counteDance Of good citizens, will
make the ensuing election a signal triumph to
those who believe in the capacity of the people
for selfgoyernmsnt. .us. ~ ...,br
Given under my hand, at the city Of Baltimore,
this twenty-eighth day Of October, In the year of
Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
seven T. WATKINS LIeos
By the Governor:
j. PIrKNEY Secretary of State .sr