Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1861-01-10


fragments.
have extensive means of information as to
the wishes of the people, not possessed by those
who urge this measure upon me and am full
ly convinced that an immense majority of these
throughout the whole State, are firmly opposed
to such action.
In the course Of nature cannot have long to
live, and fervently trust to be allowed to end
my days citizen Of this glorious Union. But
should be compelled to witness the downfall
Of that government inherited from our fathers,
established as it were, by the special favor of
God, | will at least, have the consolation, at
my dying hour, that 1 never, by word or deed,
assisted in Fastening its disruption
THOMAS H. Hicks.
TCoMMU NIcATED.7
Mr.. WELLS Will you indulge me with
space in your paper for few reflections for-the
consideration of our countymen
In the last issue of the "Times, the people
of Charles county have been recommended by
a portion of their fellow -countymen in view of
the grave questions now agitating TIE country,
and the dangers that threaten the South,4to as
semble in Primary Meetings, on the 10th inst,
20 elect delegates to County Convention,
which shall Initiate proceedings for heassen-
bling of a State Convention, to take such mea-
sures as may be possible for the security and
protection of Maryland in the impending trou-
Iles and rero.a9 i wsalA aSsm tAs 1I1a
eseestion: B!ft yet, doubts have been expressed
as to the right and policy of such proceeding !
In regard to the right Of free people in the
omission OF their government to provide for their
security, or for the purpose Of aiding it to do So
to assemble in Primary, County, or State Con-
veltions to give uttcrance to public sentiment
or to concert measures, for the public safety, no
man who is not ignorant of the first principles
Of free government. or not blind partizan,
will for a moment entertain a doubt. We are
not left to reason from first principles though
in this matter. The very paper that contains
the call for the Convention gives, in an article
on the first page copied from the Sun, pre-
cedent for the proposed movement. III the
omission of Governor Eden, indeed, in his OPP
position, for any provision for the action Of
the Province of Maryland Or for the safety of
its people, in the collision about to ensue be-
tween the Colonies and Great Britain, the peo-
pie acted through Conventions, and went SO far
as to revolutionize their government Who
doubts now the Legality of their proceedings
AS has been recently stated in an able'speech in
Congress, even among the despotic governments
of Europe, the right of people by universal
suffrage to change their government, or their
rulers under any form of government, is admit
ted and acted upon. Much more then haveia
free people the right to assemble in convention,
to provide for their security, to advise, and if
necessary to instruct their government, as to the
public sentiment of the State. Can any man
doubt as to the policy of the measure proposed?
One of the Southern States has Withdrd,cn from
the Union. Others are holding conventions for
the purpose of SO doing. Every Southern State
| except Maryland, has assembled its Legislature,
or will do SO during the present month, either
in ordinary, or ertra session. Those that do not
propose to leave the Union Immediately, are
organizing and arming their militia, for the pro-
lection of their citizens and their property
MARYLAND, the most deienceless, and the most
ex posed to danger Of all, from her boundaries
aad location, is doing nothing Her Executive
refuses to convene the Legislature. Unless he
sets up his discretion against the rcW Of the peo-
pie, if they speak through Convention, would
he not be relieved of the responsibility Of the act,
and proceed forthwith to convene the LegIsla-
ture in accordance with their wishes so express
ed =? But, even if the Governor should still re-
fuse, the sentiment of Maryland upon the great
questions at issue would be thus made known,
and might have controlling influence for good.
If that hope should fail, we might through con-
certed action, and united resources, ecen If zee
determined to remain neutral in the contest be-
t,ceen the Black Republicans and our Southern
co,nt,'ymen and natural friends, provide in a
measure at least, for our safety, and the protec-
ton of property.
And can any man doubt that both the safety of
our people-our helpless women and children
and the security Of our property, will be jeopar-
died in contest, which from present indica-
tons is inevitable, between the South and the
incoming Administration Our property too,
of all kinds! not negroes only, as some pretend
to argue Do our men wish to be drafted to
witness Lincolns inauguration, and to ensure
order and tranquility at Washington during its
ceremonies Already have seen in Black
Republican print suggestion, for requisiton
upon five neighboring States, including Mary
land, Virginia, and Kentucky, for ten thousand
men each, to be placed under General Scott, to
ensure order and tranquility at Washington at
that time Or, if they escape that, do they wish
to be forced off to aid to enforce the erecuttoa
/ of the lars at the South, whilst their old men
their wives. and their children, and their pro-
perty will be left to the tender care and hope:
! ful fo,,5sc7un.s Of men who have endorsed the
sentiment; and raids of John Rr, wn? IF they
are willing for these things, then the men o.
Charles county can vote against a Convention
e,H4,se the refusal If the Governor to call thG