St. Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1845-1863, 1861-01-03

! ter and past history. could appropriattly
net as the pacifcator III the emereenrT.
But how was she to act She must b
placed in position 70 consult with ha,
sister States. This can only ~, done by
sconvening the Legislatare IN onler that 4
Convention Of the people may be prompt
sly called Speedy aetian was an imn'r.
I ftant. IN detSyf0fa few days or ft.w
weeks might be fatal The border States
should unite in calm and emphatic de-
niand for the removal of all causes of cora-
plaint, of all unfriendly and hostile legis-
lation, and the enforcement of all the
constitutional rights of the South, anl
for ample guarantees for the future, and
i failing in that he did not hesitate to say
that the lot of Maryland should, without
further delay, be cast with her Southern
SISTERS. That this was no day for rccrimi-
nation Of our sister Ststes Of the extrcme
South, our partners in common dam
ger.
| The issue. whether rightly or wrongly
made, whether precipitately made or not,
Was before us. and was to be met. Tha.
he had no word of complaint TO utter
against South Carolina That her people
must act as a consideration of thoir best
interests should dictate; that he had hopes
that her precipitancy may be the means Of
bringing the re&cd question TO solution.
and in securing our rights, ami finally
bringing security and peace. He earnest
ly hoped that from this nettlc danger we
may pluck the flower safely. That he
hel'ved the hearts Of the people of the
Republic throbhed with a warm desire
to preserve the heritage bcqueatLed to Us
hy our fathers. That he spoke as slave
holder and an old citizen, who had all his
life devoted great attention to the affairs
OF the country. and could but pledge him.
self that what he said was the dictate of
age and the honest sentiments of a true
heart. What was to he done? South Car
"lina was responsible to her own people,
Maryland to her own. Maryland was pledged
by the last Legislature to act when the
crisis should arrive. That he had nc
doubt of the devotion of the Governor to
the best interests Of the State and of the
South and that he would endearor to car
ry out the trne wishes of the people, when
1t become apparent that meeting of the
Legislature was desired. That the Lcgis-
lature, when assembled. would doubtless
promptly call convention and thus place
Maryland in position TO act as the emer-
gency may require. That in conference
with the Middle States firm appeal
should be made to the North to correct
Its untoward public sentiment and section
al hostility. which was more to be de-
plorcd than any mere Legislative enact
mects. which We're az nothing and void
when brought Ill conflict with the federal
arm in enforcing the laws of the land.
That all our rig ghts under the Constitution
should be guaranteed, and failing in that.
it will then be time for Maryland to stand
side by side with South Carolina. With
out such guarantees there must be a
Southern Confederacy But yet calmness
and frnness should be used with sincere
hope of restoring peace and stability to
our Republic. That be doubted not but
that the county which gave birth to the
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court would
be true to the rights OF the South. MS
announced by that august tribunal.
Mr. hey spoke with much force and
eloquence. and appeared deeply moved by
the uiomcntous nature Of the subject. His
remarks were listened to with profound at
tenti"n. and called forth repeated applause,
from the audience. 1t is regretted that
greater ustice cannot be done to Mr..
Keys remarks in this imperfect sketch.
Upon the conclusion of Dir.
Keys remaks, and after addresses from
other gentlemen were heard, the .
meeting. on motion Of James S. I
Tongue, Esqr, unanimously rendered their !
thanks to Nr. Key for his able and elo- .
lnent views upon the crisis of the Union. ;