The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-11-29
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Appeal to the Government by the
Workmen Of Baltimore..Rsply Of the
pr>alH>~t

Appeal to the Government by the
W0rkmen Of Enthusiastically OF the
President.
A delegation Of prominent citizens of
Baltimore has visited Washington to make
an appeal in behalf Of the workingmen of
that city. They say -
BY the violence and factious opposition
of reasonable minority, Baltimore has
been involved in disaster and distress be-
yond what is due to the mere existence of
state of war, and their troubles have been
still further aggravated by the disabled
condition of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road, the principal artery of their trade
and source OF their prosperity. Of their
misfortunes as merchants, however, they did
not propose to complain, but they appeared
to plead for such relief as the government
could afford to the laborers and mechanics
Of Baltimore. The almost total suspension
during the past six months of the trades
and manufactures, upon which 80 large q
proportion of the people are dependent, has
brought famine to their doors and aroused
the most gloomy forebodinga Of the ap.
preaching winter but amidst all their suf.
terings the patriotism of the industrial
classes have been proof against the insid-
ious arguments of those who sought to in
volve them in hostility to the government,
by representing the war as the needless and
wicked cause of their misery, and the ADJ
ministration as opposed to their State inter-
ests and reckless of their personal welfare.
The great majority have always been loyal.
They have furnished many of their number
to the army and navy, and have by their
overwhelming votes at the late election,
indicated the honor of the State. and
demonstrated their own fidelity and zeal.
The delegation expressed the belief that the
Government would consult economy no less
than policy in causing more literally than
heretofore vessels to be prepared and con-
structed in Baltimore. They further sug-
gested the expediency of establishing
there naval depot, and also branch
clothing bureau, by furnishing employment
in these and other ways, so far as the gov
eminent has the power, to the labOriDg
forces. The effect would be not only to en-
courage loyal men. but to confirm the wav-
ering, and attract those, who, for time have
been seduced by the misrepresentation of
the rebels, or intimidated by the threat,
daily made, and acted, of Withdrawing all
custom and patronage from the friends of
the government. They express their warm
est wishes for the prosecution to success,
tul issue of the war now waging for the
preservation of the dignity, unity and sta
oility of our common country.
To this address of the delegation the
President replied as follows
GENTLEMEN--I thank you for the address
you have presented to me in behalf of the
people of Baltimore. have deplored the
calamities which the sympathy of some mis-
guided citizens of Maryland had brought
down upon that patriotic and heretofore
fourishing State. The prosperity of Balti-
more up to the 10th of April last, was one
of the wonders produced by the American
Union. He who strangles himself, for
whatever motive, is not more unreasonable
than were those citizens OF Baltimore who,
in single night, destroyed the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad, the Northern Pennsyl-
vania Bairoad, and the Railroad from
Baltimore to Philadelphia. From the day
that mad transaction occurred, the govern.
ment of the United States has been dill
gently engaged in endeavoring to restore
these great avenues to their former useful
ness, and at the same time to save Baltimore
and Maryland from the danger OF complete
ruin through an unnecessary and unnatural
rebellion.
l congratulate you upon tie declaration
which the people of Baltimore and Mary
land have made in the recent election, of
their entire appreciation of the acts of the
federal government, and of their enduring
loyalty to the Union. l regard the results
OF these elections as suspicious OF returning
loyalty throughout all the insarrecsionary
States.
Your wishes for fair participation by
the mechanics and laboring men OF BaIti-
more in the benefits of supplying the gov
ernmen. with materials and provisions, are
reasonable and just. They have deserved
that participation. Loyalty has involved
them in some danger, and has demanded of
them some sacrifices. Their wishes, as you
have communicated them, shall be referred
to the proper departments, and l am sure
that every member of the administration
will cbeerfuIly lend his aid to carry them
out, so far as it can be done consistently
with the prudence and economy which
always ought to regulate the puolic service.
Cassius NJ Clay.