The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-12-19
LORD Lyons, &C., &C., &c.
INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE.

hhV''' L. u httO6"tH, SpeuhcF o. the House OF
DEAR sIR:-In the present extraordinary and alarm
ing crisis it appears to to be very desirable that the
voice of Maryland should be heard, and that
she should be in position to act efficiently
and promptly, for the preservation of our Union
from the impending dangers, if that be pos
sibe and for the vindcaon of her constitutional
under all circumstances and at every hazard and for
TINS purpose has been suggested that there should
an extra session of the legislature the principal obiec
ton to which appears to be that tn members were elect
ed more than year ago with view solely to the local
legislation of the State and supposed to rep
resent correctly the sentiments of the people of Mary
land in regard to the present unexpected state of our
Federal relations
As members of the present House Of Delegates we
are not unwilling to assume any responsibility that may
properly dcvove upon US; but if the Legislature is to be
convened, we think it highly important-and in fact
due to our cOnstucntstha heir representatives should
come fresh from the people, and be elected with reference
10 te ne" anu important questions which are now at is
sue. We therefore respectfully suggest through YOU to
our fellow members Of the House. that we all resign our
places and join in request to the Governor to order
new election and call an extra session.
This course appears to us to be reasonable and
proper that We scarcely doubt its adoption; and we
beg that you Will take method Of aScertaning the
views of other members, that we may have their
counsel and concert of action in the matter There are
now eleven vacancies in the House. which can only be
filled by special election, and election for the whole
State might be held at the same time without anv add
tional delay, or much more trouble and expense. The
trouble ana expense we should count nothing in
parson with the high and important interests involved
1t not merely for the purpose Of calling State Con
Hehoh tuaI te Legislature should be convened. There
may be other duties for it to perform requiring an
rate knowledge Of the popular will and the best talent
and purcs patriotism the State can furnish Propositions
may be made by Congress for amendments to the Const
tuition, which will have to be submitted TO the Legisla
lures OF the several States for their adoption rejection
and it to be hoped that there moderation and wisdom
and patriotism enough in Congress- to devise some plan
by which the present controversy may be adjusted and
harmony and good feeling restored. But that hone
aIl 1t is to be feared that partisan sprit emberaJ
feelings, fanatcism and rashness may thwart all the
efforts OF the wise and good and then the salvation of the
Union and the security of constitutional rights must
depend mainly upon the course of Maryland and the
other border States and when they speak through their
constituted authorities their will ought be- and will
be respected both by the North and South
The questions involved in the present controversy be-
long, IN act almost exclusively US because in every
aspect our interest in them is fold greater than that
OF States remote from the border who lose no fugitive
slaves, VINO are exposed to inroads in case of
solution far away from the scenes of strife which are
likely to enSuc. What will rights will secure
the rights OF the South and what will satisfy us ough
to satisfy even South Carolina If our border States shall
then act promptly and in concert with moderation and
frmness, asking nothing but what is clearly right moth
on and secured by the laws eXpounded by the COURTS
If without needing the camOr of demagogues or The.
speeches writings Of fanatics, in or out of office we
make our appeal as States, to sister States Of the
Norh and ask them to respond through delegates elected
with reference to this question, may not hope to bring
about an amcabe adjustment of this whole controversy
You will perceive flOm these remarks how important
1t is in our opinion that those who shall be called upon
speak for Maryland and define her position should be Sc
lected specially for the purpose and be specially instruct
ed by the people in regard to their duties Hoping that
your own views will coincide with ours thus briefly and
informally, but earnestly expressed are obeden
servants and fellow-members