The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-05-02

that unless the bridges had been destroyed Bati-
more would have been, within forty-eight hours,
the theatre of a fearful carnage, would have
beon under martial law, declared and enforced By
the regiments of New England; and it is, more
over, equally obvious that, if the roads leading to
this city had been occupied by these troops, and if
scarcity of food had been thereby produced, the
disorder and suffering here would have been fear
ful, and the terms imposed upon lis by the North
ern soldiery would have been humiliating. In
regard TO the order concerning the flags, there
has been much sentimental feeling displayed,
which the American has sought to turn TO ills own
advantage. 1t has been especially patriotic on the
subject, and has lauded the policemen who refused
to do their duty when commanded TO enforce the
prohibition of the Commissioners. 1t has been
particularly sensitive about the infring mcnt upon
the right Of every person to hoist flag upon
his housetop. Does not the American know that
there are Il hundred rights which all good
citizens are, and ought TO be, willing 10 forego in
grave emergencies? Nobody disputes the right Of
any man to throw to the breeze whatsoever banner
he peases so long as the act does not bring about
riot During the few days that the flag of Ma
ryland was floating at various points in the city,
it was not noticed by the authorities, simply be-
cause they heard no serious objection made to the
proceeding, and no one threatened to tear it down
or asSail its adherents. But when men began 10
take sides more decidedly, and party spirit waxed
warmer, the danger of collision became mani
| fest. Then, and not until then, did the aulhori-
ties deem it necessary to order the withdrawal OF
the rival banners. They saw that at such juno
ture it was not safe to suffer men to taunt each
other, or to faunt seemingly unobnoxious party
erblems in each others faces, and they adopted the
prudent and impartial measure which has resulted
so happily. We cannot see how any citizen, save
those few who would be satisfied to see riot and
bloo3shed in cur streets, could, for instant, dis
sent from the propriety and necessity Of the Com
missioners course in this respect. We can scarcely
believe that even the american woud have pan
dered to popular and passionate feeling, as it ha
done, if it had been capable of compromising The
ntous and perilous character of the crisis il
which we are involved.
There was time when the american was more
PROMPT than now to 'strengthen the Executv,
farm" 1t called vehemently upon its readers tt
assist it in doing So although the ''Execuv,
farm was then barring the access of peaceful
citizens to the baloI-box, and supporting ruf1iar
clubs, and furthering barefaced frauds, and shield
ing murderers. But the "Execuye arm" was a
INSCRIPTIONS rs vigorous, and had mob of hire
ling DULLES behind it, when the american laudet
its dongs, and bade US not to "whine" about TIL
wrongs it perpetrated The American knows now
that the Executive arm" will not strike, or suf
fer any one else to strike, unfair blow, or TAXI
| lawless vengeance on an adversary; an(
sallyIng forth as the uuninchng champion
of law and order, it essays to excite a popular
clamor against the authorities. In the midst Q
an anarchy with which dishonest authorities wer
| in league, the american thought that every goo(
citizen should support and strengthen them; bu
in the midst of terrible revolution, and when thu
mass of the community has confidence in the firm
ness and integrity of the authorities, the america,
sees no especial reason why it should give then
countenance and aid.