St. Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1845-1863, 1861-01-03
. 1BoNARD roWN. N.ealD, TIIuRsDAY 1861

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friends and nlvisert oF the rprcsen.
tAairsB nf M palfy NJ i the Hoors 81
FeeEr7 rh!!Fs ~ fve al moody
s erl hsse besn sos1|e olsted mosemenss
iecentl amcneA 6rth<tn pcerle OF 81
speouttgiag nstnre 70 expressions b
irora Their 80 s;zsd .pol; s;sssl srssn.isies
Tia the meanwhile, we are drifting with
fearful rapidity towards revolution, and
probably. civil war, with all its attendan,
horrors: and there is literally nothing
being done, in the only quarter where
anything can be done. to avert, or
even temporarily to stay. our onward
course to a dissolution Of the Govern
ment. 1t is my firm conviction, based on
information of the most reliable charac-
ter, that unless there can be effected a
speedy adjustment of the existing difficult
ties between the two great sections of
the country, satisfactory to the South
and conservative of its rights, before
the constitutional termination Of the pre-
sent Congress, sic States of the Union
and probably srrcn, will no longer re-
main members of the Ccnfcderacy.
And yet, in the midst Of this rcyolu-
: ton "as yet bloodlcss," while our politi-
Cal eli6cc is crumblng into ruins
whilst States are in the very act of re-
solving themselves into their original ele-
mcnts of nationality, whicll will probably
be followed by the internal disinte grafton
of other States, Maryland is left Bound
hand and foot, without the power of act
ing through her Legitimate authorities.
, and almost defencelcss, save in the stout
hearts and naked hands of her brave and
gallant sous.
| In this emergency do not hesitate to
say that it is matter of imperative neces-
sity that our Legislature should be con-
vened. without delay, for the purpose
! of calling a convention, through which the
! people may act in their soverei gn capacity.
| and decide, when the exigency may exit,
the future of Maryland-to interpose, if
possible, for the preservation of the
Union. bat. if unsuccessful in that patri-
otie effort, then to determine what course
of action would be mo.t Consistent with
her .ancier. .rcuown, her interests and her
dignity. Surely the people may be
trusted with the exercise Of chose high pre-
rogatiycs! If not, to whom shall We
confide them?
1t is yet possible. nay probable, that if
by forbcarancc and moderation, "A civil
war at the outset can be avoided, n new,
powerful and homogeneou. coufcderacy
may be formed by the gravi,ation towards
Maryland, as y common nucleus with
Washington as its CapitaD of numerous
States, under the impclling force Of mu-
tual interest and common policy. exclud-
ing those States from whose barbarism
misguided enthusiasm and fanaticsin have
proceeded al! our woes,' thus rendering
it possible that We may 'rluck the flower
safety from the n.ttle danger
In view of these considerations and Of
the in,miHency Of the danger bv which VIC
are threatened. respectfully suggest that
primary meetings, without distinction of
party. be held as soon us practicable. in
each election precinct of the Sixth Con-
gressional District. in order to secure
''"' ""H iah GA HIcsSiou vi PuoIIc ohii-
ION on the propriety Of calling the G.ne-
raj Assembly together: on that question
all may unite without plcdging ther.selve.
to future policy.
As for myself / shall remain at the
posi- of duty to which you have called ne
with the earnest desire, as becomes your
representative, to use every effort to re-
store peace and tranquility within the bor-
ders of the Republic, and to exhaust eve
ry measure of cancellation to preserve the
Union, not incompatible with your rights
and honor. But the day of 'compro,,,,-
Ses' has gone by trust never to return
We must have the Constitution as it is.
and the Union as we received it from our
fathers. More than a quarter of ccEtu-
ry ago, voluntarily and through choice,
cast my lot in life, for veal or for woe"
with the State of Maryland, and most as
suredly | shall not desert her in wha.evcr
of trial may await her In the war with
Mexico, | held higher military command
than any of her noble native sons; and in
peace, with generous confidence YOU
have honored me far beyond my merits.
Come what may, | go with ,.old Mary
land but | must he permitted to say in
frankness and candor that nv feelings,
synpathics and the dictates Of my juGg- :
mont are with the South. {
Your friend and servant.
GEO w HI'GUE0