Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1860-12-06

fying the provisions OF the Constitution III ref
eience to fugitive slaves. There can be no two
opinions In Maryland ms to the outrageous
character Of these acts, for Maryland has been
constant sufferer from them, and has lost
} more Of this description of properly than all
the extreme Southern States combined
Strongly insulting to the Southern States,
they are in the plainest opposition to the de-
cissions of the highest Court and the letters
Of the constitution which these Lcgisla-
tors have sworn iosupport. But gentlemen,
these laws do not, in my Judgement express
the opinion Of the great conservative masses
Of the North. We know that there are very
many sound Union owing men at the North
who are utterly opposed to the ianatical
measures, passed by domagogues who havo
been temporarily placed in power by the ag-
ltation OF Tie slave question.
But t'le sober second thought Of the mass
es, which rarely fails to arrive at right con-
c,usions, WILL firmly trust secure the repeal
Of these laws, now, that their attention has
been 50 distinctly drawn to their evil effects.
Already we see that propositions Cor their re-
peal have been made in the Legislatures now
in session, and We are informed that similar
propositions will be introduced into them
when they meet Let I'd bo careful net t.
weaken Tie DhlluS Vi IIlCSc COH5eTFallNeS ny
adopting ultra measures at the South, which
always aids tho Northern fanatics, who can
only exists by the agitation of tie Slavery
question. Snail not that conservative class
have some Kindly consideration a. our hands
or shall we regard only the ultraist,. North
and South until they shall crush out all
hope Of perpetustiong oar glorious Union
| ! cannot but believe that the convening of
| kbn 7 lat, IN, tlott
| would only have the effect of increasing and
| reviving the excitement now prevailing the
country, and apparently on the decline. 1t
would at once be heralded by the sensitive
newspapers and alarmists throu ghout the
country as evidence that Maryland has aban-
doned all hope Of the Union and was prepar-
ing to join the traitors to destroy it,
Is such the true position or wish Of Mary
land 2 think have had very full oppor-
tunitics of learning the wishes of the people |
upon this question, and have no hesitation
in declaring it as my opinion that an i'm
mense majority, of all parties, are decidedly |
opposed to the assemblage of the Legislature |
at this time. Memorials similar TO that |
which you present have been in circulation |
for some time, but have thus far received |
but one, and that signed only by six names
although, learn il has been presented to the
people of the City generally for their sigma
lures. The wishes should certainly be re-
spotted in this matter, and their silence, I'M
der the circumstances, show that they SOC no
such necessity for immediate action.
To my mind, difficulties multiply rs we
proceed with the constellation of this sub
ectr
The Constitution Of tho State prescrbes
biennial sessions of the Legislature Of Limited!
length, and authority is given to the Govern
or to convene the Legislature only on extra
ordinary occasions. If were to do so now
it would be necessary to harrass the people
in some parts OF the State, just relieved from
an exciting canvass, with elections to fiji va
cancies, at an unusual and inclement season.
Amy session Of the Legislature would be very
expensive, bat an eytra-session of unlimited
length, would DO especially so, unlcs the e1-
ample OF the last session Of this Body, which
almost emptied the State Treasury, would
serve as some restraint.
You, gentlemen, favor an extra-session be-
cause OF the importance Of the present cris-
Is; but there are others who think Of their
own interest rather than those of tho State,
who would be found seeking to monopoize
the valuable time Of tho Body in flrtherng
schemes Of personal advantage, which can O.,
well afford to wait the meeting Of the regu- :
ar session.
You speak, gentlemen, of Mlrylan ds pc
cuiar position as border Slave State s
That position, between the extremes Of
North and South, seems, thus far, have kept c
sectionalsm from her councils. and to have ,
inclined her people 10 moderate measures. - , /,
But there are ether border Slave States as !.
much interested in these questions as Mary
land can be, which ought to be consulted be-
fose We take tho initiative in this matt,r. G
believe that neither Kentuc.,.;: Tennessee ,
nor Missouri has taken any such action T
The Legislature Of the great State of Viz +
yinia which has been called together 10 nc. !
ion as to her works ofinternal improvements. s
will have these matters under their consider
alton: and it seems only wise and proper to
await the decision Of our nearest Southern
Sister, rather than run the risk of cIashinp
With her by hasty aetlon--our people will [
l0t fail to act with boldncss, when i; be-
comes necessary, because we waited with ma
fence, the true time for action instead of D
becoming alarmed before danger had actual
y arrived, and rushing into perls which v
prudence may avoid. d
III addition to these reasons, it gsem to ME O
We should want to hear from the National .
It is his duty to look not to :,
Maryland alone, but to the entire Union. u
He is, doubtless, correctly advised as to the p
rue condition of the country, whose cbeiG u
flicer he is aud must have means of Judge IL
lg correctly as to its condition, far more ex- -
ensive than those at my command; and OF Il
eciding more properly as to what measures h
re best suited to compose our national troub- =,
- and | will say, that consider it but re- r
pectful to swat the recommendation of that y
Ugh Functionary. IL
Congress too will BIO in session on the 81. Il
rox., and coming, as its members will
@, from every section Of the country, it is
ut reasonable to hope, that they are in their =,
aggregated wisdom, that wise and TEMPER Y,
o ccunles will prevail, and proceedings be p
I'd, which will ailay much unkind and IN. I
'tural prejudice existing between tho diff pl
rent sections Of our once united and happy la
untry. on
Believing that all should act, or decline to dc
I, as circumstances may render proper. laI
ust as q. present advised by my own 90
lgement, founded upon much information as
the wishes of the people, and great delib- es
alton, respectfully decline to crafty the re- pa
est so politely made-but shall hold myself &c
,dy to act promtly when shall believe the
nor and safety of Maryland require mo to
in the premises.
With great respect l am ma
Your obi, Servt. in;
Nov. 81 go THCS. II. HICKS. at
A.s <.&D.e s. mes