The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-05-04
Treason fn the Maryland Legislatures
The Duty OF the Government.


The presence of imposing and resolute
bodies of loyal Northern troops at different
points in Maryland and along the northern
border Of the State has produced very sud
den and very remarkable Union reaction
among that people. The secessionists are hum
bled in Baltimore, the United States flag aud
its authorities are reinstated In that city, and
the loyalty of the people throughout the Com
nonwealth is manifesting itself in various
ways. But the State Legislature in extraordi-
nary session at Frederick City is evidently, in
each house, controlled by body of malignant
secessionists, recklessly intent upon mischief.
A loyal Legislature, devoted to the Union, in
stead Of abandoning Annapolis, the State CAPT
tai, on account of the presence of our federal
troops, and seeking refuge in a place con-
yenient to the rebel forces at Harper's Ferry
would have considered Annapolis all the safer
under the sure protection of a Union army
In this fight 10 Frederick we have strong
crcumstanial evidence of the Iebellious pro-
clivities and apprchensions of both houses of
said Legislature. But in their proceedings the
other day we have positive proofs of premedi-
tated treason. For example-both houses
adopting the report-a committee was appoint
ed to wait upon the President ''to ascertain
and report to the General Assembly forthwith,
for its consideration, whether any becoming
arrau gements with the general government
are practicable in regard to the present and
any proposed military use or occupation of the
soil aud property of the State by the general
government consistent with the "peace and
honor Of the State, and the security of its in
habitaIts.r The gravamen OF this movement
| is more clearly expressed in the report, which
| complains that, in the occupation of her soil,
her capital, her highways and her property by
The federal government Maryland has been
"treaied as a conquered province" In the
rext place her Legislature has appointed
rabid secession Board Of Public Safety, con-
sisting CT seven members, with dictatorial
powers over the militia and military policy Of
the State.
These proceedings mean secession, revolu.
ton and the destruction of Mary land. Ii is to
he hoped that Mr.. Lincoln or his Premier will,
in THE instance. give this inquiring committee
definite answer, without any humilatpg
apologies, and viii give them TOO q fair warn
ing Of the consequences Of any overt act OF
rebellion in their State at the end Of the twenty
days grace Of The Presidents proclamation
which will expire 10 morrow TIE day has
gone by for soft ard honied phrases with i'm
pudent conspirators demanding This thicg that
thing and the other in the way Of coucessions
to armed rebellion We can now uaaerstand
how narrowly in several instances. the capital
Of The United States since December last has
escaped Mexican revolutionary occupation,
and how wise and sagaciCas we've the warn
ipgs. the acquisitions and preparations of Gen.
Scott for its protection.
Governor Hicks, in this come ytion tnolyith-
standing bis laer wcakreises), is entitled to
great credit lie gave the fst warnings to
Mr.. Buchanan's administration, in December
last, OF grand plot which comprehcuded the
sudden descent upon Washington of body of
Virginia and Maryland secessionists: and in
refusing for weeks and months to call the Ma
rylsnd Legislature together, he did much to
defeat the scheme. In December too, Mr..
Iycrson, of Georgia in fiery secession speech
in the United States Senate, foreshadowing the
programme Of an impending Southern confede-
racy, very broadly suggested that Washington,
By a natural course of events, would most
likely become its capital. lie spoke by the
card. The course pursued by Governor Hicks
and Gen. SCOTS mastering of troops into
Washington defeated the original scheme ofthc
seizure Of the city by revolutionary mob.
The next plan Of coup Pftd, we can believe
now, was to cut OIL at or near Baltimore, by as
sassination, The President elect, on bis way to
washington, or on the day Of bis inauguration.
We are no longer disposed to laugh at the mid.
night ride inecg. OF Honest Old Abe from
Harrisburg, nor at the comprehensive and mi.
mute arrangements Of the military and police
for his safety on the 4th OF Mafch
What next A mysterious circular il issued
] from Ex-Governor Wise ami Others at Rich.