Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1860-11-30
Secession AQouelurnts.
Position of Maryland-An Exciting
Meeting in st. MaPy'S County.

k'UslblOH VI E4ACatlHS
Meeting in st. Mary's County.
A meeting of the citizens of St. Ma
RVS county, Nd, was held at Leonard
town, on Tuesday evening of last week,
for the purpose of memorializing Gov.
Hicks to call the Legislature together
1t was largely attended, and considera-
BILE excitement was manifested From
the proceedings, as given in the Beacon,
we take the following:
IL. G. S. Key was nominated for chair
man. Mr.. Key arose and stated that he
declined to preside over the meeting
that it had been called without consulta-
ton with himself-that he was opposed
to any immediate action on the part of
Maryland looking to secession, and that
he thought she should await some move
mcnt IN her sister States of pennsylva-
MIA, Virginia and North Carolina. Mr..
Harris took the floor, and remarked that
he thought Mr. Key was unwarranted in
supposing that the decision of the meet
ing would be in favor of immediate Sc
cession; that he had no right to antici-
pate what might be the action of the
meeting, but that for himself he saw no
good reason why Maryland should not
act at once without waiting to see what
might be done by any other State-that
the continued aggressions of the North
called for action, immediate and decisive,
and that be, for one, was in favor of such
action. He concluded by nominating
for chairman Colonel John Ii. Sothoron,
who was unanimously elected. Richard
II. Reeder, Esq, was elected vice-presi-
dent, and j. L. King secretary. Col.
b. q. Harris then offered the following
Whereas, in the present condition Of
the country, in consequence of the ag-
gressions of the Northern States of this
confedefacy, the interest and honor of
our beloved State are deeply involved,
requiring that steps should be taken by
the proper authorities of the State in or
der to protect and defend both,
=" Therefore, gcsolvcd, That the Gov
eruor of Maryland be requested to con.
vene the Legislature at an early day to
consider what steps it is right, proper and
necessary for Maryland to take in the
present position of affairs"
Col J. T. Blackstone proceeded tc
speak in favor Of the resolution offered
though depr coating any hasty action on
the part of the State. Mr. Key opposed
the adoption of the resolution, reitcra-
ting his opinion that Maryland should
await the action of the border States, and
particularly that St. Mary's county should
await the action Of the more populous
counties of this Safe. Mr. V. Dorsey
opposed the resolutions on the ground
that they did not express the purpose for
which the Legislature was TO be conyen-
ed; that for all that appefred on the
face of them it might be for the purpose
of secession, while he looked upon the
calling of the Legislature as a Union
measurc-as means of preserving our
rights in the Union, and not as a step
preparatory to secession. lie concluded
by offering preamble and resolutions as
a substitute for the resolution offered by
Mr.. Harris.
This preamble and resolutions favored
the calling of general Southern con-
vention, which shall make formal and
Ultimate demand upon the North for a
recognition Of our rights, redress Of our
wrongs, and guarantee for the future
upon denial of which we cast our lot with
our sister States Of the South, and pledge
ourselves, our lives, our fortunes and
our sacred honors' to uphold and defend
s them-apd whereas we are at this time
totally unprepared for any emergency,
aud the best guarantee of cur rights is
to be in condition TO maintain them
+ and whereas the financial condition of the
State requires immediate Legislative ac-
ton" therefore the Legislature should
be convened at an carly day, to take such
action as may be necessary.
The two sets Of resolutions gave rise
to an exciting debate, motions 20 adjourn,
refer, postpone, &c. Mr. Dorsey con
: tended that the resolution Of Mr.. Harris
savored Of disunion, and would be so re-
: gardcd by the public, and therefore would
not be followed up By similar action in
! other parts Of the State-and, moreover
/. that going forth without any expression
Of devotion to the Union or Of desire for
: the preservation, they would not truly
j represent the feelings Of the people.
J. Mr. Harris coutended that bis pream-
i bic and resolution did not differ essential
ly from those Of Mr. Dorsey.
DR.. VIM. |. Edelin, insisted that some
action on the part of the Legislature was
necessary.
Mr.. Key moved That both resolutions
be laid on the table--lost.
Col. John + Dent moved to refer them
to a committee, but subsequently with
= drew the motion.
I Finally, Mr.. Dorfey's substitute vas
j rejected, and the preamble and resol1-
ton Of Mr. Harris was adopted. j. q.
Harris, Joseph Forrest, Theophllus liar
rison, John +. Dent, Henry I. Carroll
aud Edward S. Abel, we're appointed a
committee to transmit the result Of the
= meeting to Governor Hicks.
Meeting or SOUTHERN CoNoREssMEv
2, Steps have already boon taken. It's stated
y to have meeting Of all the Southern
r Senators and Representatives immediate.
ly after the converting Of Congress, with
view Of comforting together. 1t il
said that all the members from the South
that are in Washington will he invited
Senators Hunter and Mason, Of Virginia
, Pearce, Of Maryland; Bayard and Sauls
? busy, Of Delaware, and Green and Polk
n - a. a