The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-12-19
The CENSUS AND RATIO OF KErREsENrATI0N-Ihe
TO MY CnNsTITIrEzrrs

Ever since the meeting of Congress- have watched
with intense at times hopeful but fearful intere7
the progress of events and feel that the crisis has
rived when should be dereict to my duty, your Re-
preventative if did not soemnly warn YOU of the peril
situation of the Federal Government
1t is not present purpose to upon discussion
of the unhappy causes which have led to the dangers
that surround every side, simply to announce
to you the existing condition of public affairs in or
der that you may, in conjunction with citizens
in other portions Of the state. prepare to meet the gath
ering storm, which, in my Judgment, nothing but Gods
providence THAT has been often heretofore nerposed
for our safety can turn from its destructive
have almost lost all confidence in human power avert
the calamity which threatens l see no ray of
hope to soothe to aay the justly eXasperated feelings
Of the South in the antecedents of the President elect
in the opinions of his confidential friends and advisers
of the representatives of his party upon the floors of
Congress where they preserve either moody reserve or
omnous silence 1t is true there have been
lated movements recently amongst the Northern peo-
pie Of encouraging character, but expressions of
conservative cOnciliatory sentiments from their recog
niZed political authorities.
In the meanwhile drifting with fearful rapidity
towards revolution and probably civil war, with all its
attendant horrors. And there is literally nothing being
done in the only quarter where anything be DONE to
avert temporarily to stay onward course to
dissolution of the Government 1t is my firm convic-
ton, based on information of the most reliable character
that, unless there be effected a speedy adjustment
of the existing difficulties between the two great
sections of the country, basis satisfactory
to the South. and conservative Of its rights before
the constitutional termination of the presnt Con-
gress sir States of the Union and probably Seren will
longer remain members of the cOnfederacy And vet
in the midst of this revolution as vet boodesswbist
our political edfce is crumbling into ruins-whst
States in the very resolving themselves into
their original elements Of nationality which will nroba
bly, be followed by the internal dsntegraton of other
States, Maryland is left bound hand and foot without
the power of acting through her legitimate authorities
and almost defenceesS the hearts and naked
hands of her brave and gallant sons.
In this emergency, do not hesitate to say that it is
matter of imperative necessity that Legislature should
be convened without delay, for the purpose of calling
Convention through which the people may act in their
sovereign capacity and decide for themselves when the
eXigency exist the future of Maryland-to interpose
possible for the preservation of the Unon-but if un-
successful in that patriotic effort then determine what
other course action would most consistent with her
ancient renown, her interest and her dignity Surely
the people may be trusted with the exercise of these
high prerogatives. fnot, 10 whom shall conffde
them
1t is yet possible nay probable, that if by forbearance
and moderation civil war at the outset can be avoided
new powerful and homogeneous conederacy may be
formed by the gravitaton towards Maryland as a com
mon nucleus with Washington Its captal) Of numer
States under the impeng force of interest
and common policy excluding those States from whose
barbarism, misguided enthusiasm and fanaticsm have
proceeded "al woes thus rendering it possible that
We may yet pluck the flower safely from the nettle
dGRgeTn
In view of all these considerations and of the imm
of the danger by which we are threatened re-
specially suggest that primary meetings, with
out distinction Of party, be held
S St G IN each election precinct of the
fair expression of public opinion the propriety Of call
ing the General Assembly together On that question all
policy.
As for myself shall remain at the post of duty to
"itC4l Nou nave cdiieu me with the earnest desire
becomes your representative every effort to restore
and tranquility within the borders Republic
and to exhaust every of Cancellation preserve
the Union, not Incompatible with your rights and honor
But the day Of Compromises has gone by trust ney
to return We must have the Constitution as it is and
the Union ms We received it from fathers.
More than quarter ola century ago voluntarily and
through choice cast my lot in life, for for woe
with the State of Maryland, and assuredly shall
not desert her in whatever of trial may await her. In
the war with Mexico held higher military command
than any of her noble native sons and in peace
generous confidence you have honored me far beyond
my merits. Come what may, go with 'old Maryland -
But must he permitted to say in all rankncss can
dor that my feelings sympathies and the dictates Of
my Judgment with the South. ~
Your friend and servant,
GEO. W. HUGHES.
House OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON Dee II +