Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1860-12-14
The Crisis The Position of Maryland.

We adverted last week to the letter of Gov.
HICKS, refusing to convene the Legislature of
Maryland in extra session, to consider the
perilous condition of the country, and ex-
press the voice of Maryland in the crisis and
we said his reasons for this refusal were alto
gether insufficient, in view of the momentous
interests involved in the issues now engross-
ing Che public mind. We suppose, now, no
sane man doubts that the Union is in immi-
nent danger of dissolution, if it has not al
ready taken place. A revolution has begun.
and is increasing in strength and potency as
it progresses. "The times are big with pc
ril, and the caamities which they portend
may oyerwhelm and engulph us at any mo-
ment.
We of Naryland-indeed, the men of this
county, may differ about the causes which
have produced this state of things, and about
the remedy which may relieve Us from our en-
barrassing perplcxities; but no one can deny
that our position is fearful one. No one can
shut his eyes and imagine that this confedcre-
cy is firm, united, and cannot be dissolved
for he must feel that it is rocking in its foun-
dation, and must hear the storm and tempest
growing wilder and louder from the Atlantic
to the Pacific The Union is in danger: and
we appeal TO every patriot in the land to pause
and reflect Nothing can preserve it but the
most prompt and decisive action on the part
Of the people.
South Carolina, first and foremost in the
work of secession, will, in all probability, be
out Of the Union before the lapse Of another
week The other Cotton States will soon fol-
low her example; and there is no doubt be-
fore the fourth Of March, seven or eight States
will have formally Withdrawn from the con-
federacy. Congress has been in session for
more than ten days. and from the proceed
lngs more of fear than hope has been excited.
Every thing indicates that the members from
the two sections of the country are much more
embittered against each other than ever before:
so much so, that no cordial cooperation be-
tween them can be anticipated and ii is less
than probable that Congress, if left to ITSELF
can suggest any practical manner of settling
these differences, and avert the impending re-
volution. The people must come forward to
the rescue of the Republic, and they must speak
ut once, or its destruction is sure and certain.
In this crisis the States which are in the
greatest danger should first speak, and first
be listened to; and it is the border States we
now have reference to, and first among them
is Maryland. II is incumbent on them, there
fore, standing as they do between the mere
extreme parties Of the North and South to
assume prominent position in this contro-
yersy. Virginia and Kentucky have already
indicated their intention of taking speedy
steps 10 place themselves in some proper and
decided position before the country In all
probability but few weeks win have elapsed
before these two States will have taken some
joint or separate action--not in order to
throw their weight Immediately with the
North or South, but for the purpose Of max
ing every patriotic effort for the preservation
of the Union, SO long as a hope Of saving it
remains. In the mean time Maryland looks
idly on. Not only has she remained quiet,
but she has intimaied her intention of refrain
ing from participation in controversy in
which her interest and her honor are alike in
volycd. Her position, too, is misunderstood
for her vote for Mr. BaEcgISRIDGE was warmly
hailed in the South as proof Of her sympa-
thy with that section, and her respect for It's
constitutional rights; and the late letter Of
Gov. Hicks is quoted in the North as evidence
Of her hostility TO the " Southern traitors"
But Maryland gives no sign Of any movement
which is calculated TO retrieve her from a po-
sition which is now equivoeal, and which
Will, in a few weeks, be disgraceful. The
voice Of her people should go forth through
her Legislature, and immediate steps should
be taken by her representatives TO place her
in communication with those of her sister
States whose situation is similar to her own.
II does not become her to see the Union threat
ened without making one loyal effort to avert
the danger; nor can she, in justice to herself
suffer the storm to break and find her alone,
defenceless and unprcpared. She cannot af-
ford to confde her destinics 10 any one mans
keeping in this trying crisis she must utter