Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1861-12-12

and l trust it will receive at your hands the
consideration which it deserves.
respectfully suggest the propriety of the
re-enactment of former laws for the sum-
mary punishment of persons in Maryland
who shall be convicted of aiding or abetting
in any manner those who are in arms against
the government. 1t is undeniable that, not
withstanding the careful watch kept by the
Federal officers, there are in our midst SYM
pathisers with and abettors of the rebellion,
with and give aid and comfort to the Con-
federatcs.
Let us endeavor to put an end to these
nefarious practices by inficting severe pun
ishment upon these offenders against the
peace of this Stute as well as against u.s.
Such a course will also measurably relieve
loyal citizens, in many parts of the State,
from the numerous annoyances and persecu-
tons to which they have been so long sub
jected at the hands of their secession neigh
bors, and which have undoubtedly increased
to their present embarrassing proportion be-
cause of the impunty with which men have
heretofore been allowed to act reasonably.
The object and intention of the govern
ment in the war forced upon it in defence
of the Union, as declared in the patriotic
proclamation of General Dix on restoring
the flag in the counties on the Eastern
Shore of Virginia, and of General Sherman,
in South Carolina, are entitled to and will
receive the support of our people.
The condition of the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad and of the Chesapeake and Ohio ca
nal requires action on your part. The REQ
pening of these great works to traffic ard
travel is of immense importance not only
to the people directly, but as bearing on the
future of our financial resources. The tate
ment made by the President of the Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad Company is here
with submitted.
Other topics Of less importance, not neces-
sarily requiring immediate attention, will be
presented in detail in my communication to
you at the opening of your regular session.
In conclusion, gentlemen, congratulate
you and the people of the State upon the
immunity we have enjoyed from the dread
full evils which have fallen upon some of the
other States. While carnage and desolaton
have stalked through Virginia, kentucky
and Missouri. we, here in Maryland, have
had no battle fields no wanton destruction
Of homes, no outrages upon helpless women
and children. True, in every section of the
State rancor and deadly hatred, and in some
cases oven judicial prosecutions have been o.
penly INDUCED against those whose only Of
Tense is loyalty to the government. But this
hatred, bitterness and persecution have not
yet eliminated in bloodshed. The tread of
hostile armies has not interfe-ed with the
calling of the husbandman, but the earth has
yielded more beautifully than ever before.
If the thunders of artillery can be heard
upon our borders, if our industrial pursuits
have beer Frustrated to some extent by the
national calamity, we have yet had peace in
have been spared the dreadful evils and hor-
rors inseparably connected with war. For
all this we have abundant reason to he thank
| full. And in view of this we can yet afford
to pardon those who shall now cease from
laborins with zeal worthy Of a better cause
to stir up dscord within our State, to array
brother against brother and son against father.
1t is with you to efface whatever dis!oyalty
has appeared upon our Legislative records.
1t is also with you to prove that Maryland
is not only loyal but patriotic. Whatever
aid we can afford the Federal Government
should be offered literally, promptly, I'M
grudgingly. The perpetuity of the Govern
ment is at stake. Maryland wishes to dc
her whole duty, and her loyal sons hav'
placed her honor in your keeping. | know
you will not betray that trust.
May Heaven direct your labors, and may
the day be not far distant when this parri
cidal war shall cease; when, in peace, thu
morning sun shall gild the bright folds o
our flag again proudly floating in ever.
State of newly and more stron O w. cemente(
Union
THOMAS II. Hicks.
Executive Department, Dec. 4, 1861.