The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-02-04

The meeting at the Maryland Institute on Fri
day night showed how very large proportion of
our citizens regard with anxiety and indignation
the position of Maryland and the course of Cover
nor Hicks. None of the customary modes were
adopted to attract or excite crowd. There was
no flag exposed to view in order that each success
siye orator might apostrophize it and swear to die
beneath its folds, nor was the aid Of band in
voked to keep up the enthusiasm that might else
have died out in the intervals between the speeches.
But Notwithstanding this the assemblage was an
immense one, and those present participated in
the proceedings with an earnestness that gave to
them more than ordinary weight and signii-
canoe. 1t was neither packed with political clubs,
nor composed mainly of policemen and unsympa-
thizing spectators. 1t was, despite the report of
the American to the contrary, large and infuen-
tial gathering and those who took part in it were
animated by deep feeling and strong con-
victions.
While we cannot acquiesce in all the views which
some of the speakers presented and advocated, we
nevertheless heartily approve of the resolutions and
of the objects Of the meeting, and we hope and be-
leve that the people of the State will cordially re-
spond to the invitation to send delegates TO a
Convention, to meet in this city on the 18th inst.
Maryland has been too long silent already. Her
Governor has refused on many frivolous pretexs
TO call her Legislature together, and her people
have been denied all opportunity Of making even
one effort TO uphold the Republic. The Union is
in the very throes ofdssolution, and we have not
ventured to assume the responsibility of taking
step or making a suggestion in its behalf; and
timidity or apathy, we have dignifed with the
name of "masterly inactivity" 1t is too late now
for US to consider or propose measures that may be
calculated to restore harmony between the North
and South lfthe Union be yet preserved, it will
not be saved, in any degree through the instru-
mentality of the people of Maryland. Before they
can intervene, the reconciliation or separation of
the hostile sections will have been effected. But
ESQ terrible misfortune as the destruction Of
this Coniederacy should belall US, another mo-
mentous issue awaits US, with which we must be
prepared at once 10 deal. What course shall
Maryland take in that contingency? How shall
she secure herssfagainst present danger, and best
promote her future welfare? These inquiries con-
Germ the well-being, not merely of every indivi-
dual in the community, but of unborn genera
tons. Is Governor Hicks to decide these
questions for the people Of the State; or are
we to be content to accept whatever
destiny the chances of the political game
or the fortunes of war may assign US? We are
satisfied that neither of these propositions meets the
views of the people of the State. They intend TO
be heard in this matter. Ii, therefore, as is very
possible, the dissolution of the Union may be an
accomplished fact in fortnight the proposed con-
vention has not been called an hour too soon. Il
is to be regretted that the citizens of Maryland
have not been suffered to give expression to their
sentiments through the customary channels; but
as they have been denied the privilege, it is their
duty now to adopt the readiest and promptcst
mode of making known their wishes and opinions
before their rights and interests are summarily
disposal of either without against their consent