The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-04-27

The Republican Convention, which met in this
city yesterday, was compelled to adjourn amid
scene of much violence and disorder The par
ticulars of the attack upon it are given elsewhere
and it will be seen that a notorious ruffian
participated in it, backed by men who claim
to be both honest and respectable Candor
compels us to state that number of citizens
of unbemished character, openly expressed
their approval of the outrage and in view of this
fact it is incumbent upon US, as journalists, to
record fairly and frankly our own opinions upon
the subject. Our position with regard to the Re-
publican party cannot be misunderstood, for we
have too often and too distinctly explained it in
these columns; nor can any one regret more than
we do that in crisis like this, that politica
organization should find any practical support in
this State. But that it has adherents here, it is
useless to deny, and that these ought to be kicked
into remuneration of their present convictions.
few it is presumed, will have the hardihood to
contend Moreover, the delegates who were as
sauted yesterday, had simply assembled to elect
representatives to a Convention, with which, the
people of Maryland have been invited to unite
both by portion of our press and through
public meetings; and they were assailed for being
Republicans, although they and the members
of the late Convention in Carroll Hall may,
in few MONTHS be found voting side by side for
Judge MCLEAN or Mr.. BATES for the Presidency.
They will be permitted to sustain the Republican
candidate and principles, and many will help
them to do so, but they are told they
must not dare assume the odious de-
signation of their party. We have, however,
no disposition now to discuss the aims and objects
of the Republicans, or the of those afiIia-
ted with them. Their right to meet in council is
the simple question to be decided, and such deci-
sion is to De rendered, maintain, by the legally
constituted authorities. If these men were hold
ing an unlawful gathering or infringing in the
slightest degree the ordinances of the State, they
should have been arrested on proper warrants and
detained 10 answer for the offence. If the meet
ing was incendiary, or was calculated to excite
connections, any citizen might and should have
asked the interference of the States Attorney or
of the Court But we do protest against submit
ting the matter TO the determination of either the
most responsible Of merchants or the mos+
reckless Of bullies. We nre for the statute-law
against mob-law, at all times and under all cir
cumstances As we have always insisted on re-
ceiving adequate protection from the authorities
when we were outraged ourselves, so do we de-
sire TO see the same measure of justice accorded to
the opponents whom we most contemn As we
have complained of the lawlessness which disfran-
chised our friends, we will not stand by silently
when the same wrongs are inflicted upon
our adversaries. As we discountenanced the afro
cities that frightened the Southern merchants
from our city, we will not palliate the violence
that may be practSed in order to attract their trade
Nor will we readily believe that right-minded
men can hesitate to condemn in the strongest terms
the proceedings which brought the Convention so
summarily to a close, but in any event we shall
adhere to the opinions we have here felt bound to
express upon the subject. In regard to the COM
ments ofan evening contemporary of the 'unted
opposition order, upon the Police Commission
ers, need say little. Those who are aware of
the real situation of the Board will not require
any refutation of the complaints made against it.
We understand that the Commissioners had no
knowledge of the intended meeting, and were not
applied to TO protect it; and from the present
police, which is not Of their choosing, they cannot
look to receive much information about intended
or probematical violations of the peace. 1t has
been found impossible to take the bonds of three
hundred and fifty policemen, and commission and
assign them to their stations within week, and
the old police being still on duty were treated with
customary contempt. When the new force is or
gained indignant citizens will, we trust, be
taught that they must abstain from resorting to
violent and criminal measures to suppress unpop-
ular assemblages, or put down Objectionable men