The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-05-24

some days ago we published among our tele-
grams statement made in Chambersburg by A
deserter from Harper's Ferry, to the effect that
the Virginia troops had made foray across the
Maryland line, and had killed seven hogs belong.
ing to farmer of this State Though we gave
little or no credence to the story, we felt confident
that Governor HICKS would investigate it, and
would, if it proved to be well founded, resent so
gross an outrage upon our people, For his acoui
escence in all the previous indignites that have
been put upon us, we have imagined that he could
frame some plausible excuse. The Federal Gov
eminent has, it is true, inflicted upon US manifold
injuries. 1t has, in fragrant defiance of the laws
and the Constitution, quartered its troops unon
US, and seized our property, and imprisoned our
cluZeDs, and exercised over us despo;c and arbi-
trary authority such as England did not dare 10
exert over her thirteen rebellious colonies. 1t has
subjugated this State, and trampled upon the
rights and liberties of its people, But it NAV be
that our Governor is constitutionally slow to
anger and, therefore, the grievances of other
men do not ruflle him; he may have small respect
for the privileges Of reemen and think it no great
matter that these are trodden down; he NAV have
dim perceptions about right and wrong, and be
thus unable to realize the infamous character Of the
usurpation of which the Government has been gull
V lie may be so devoted in his friendships that
he deems it a duty to defend the iniquites of his
allies; or he may be bitter in his enmites. that
his heart instinctively reoices at the evils which
may befall his adversaries. We can suggest a hun
ored reasons why Governor Hicks should fail to
lee indignant at the insults put upon this people
and why his judgment should take a distorted and
lenient view Of the oppressive and insolent domi-
nation to which Maryland has been subjected
But while we thus frankly excuse his inability to
realize the enormty of the offences which have
been perpetrated by the Federal Government 70
wards this State and its citizens, we are wholly
unable to comprehend what apology he can offer
US should he neglect to demand redress for the
atrocity with which the Virgiuians have been
charged as above mentioned Governor HICKS
certainly cannot misapprehend the true nature and
extent OF THIS last outrage. He can approach this
| SuhJect at least with an unprecedented mind. He is
unembarrassed by any connection with the par-
ties to the transaction and the affair presents No
delicate or intricate questions for his considera-
ton. he is farmer, and knows the vaIuo If q
| hog 1t may be, moreover, that an Investigation
| would disclose the fact that the animals said
to have been slaughtered were of the choicest
blood OF the aristocratic swine of Berk
Shire or OF China, and should such be the
case, he must fully comprehend the mag.
nitude OF the blow thus stricken at the material
interests of Maryland. So sure were we that he
would recognize the vast importance of thi,
affair, and that he would be keenlv alive to III,
necessity OF protecting and indicating the STATE
IN matter of such moment that we have ayvaitef
MS action with the utmost mpaticnce. We scl
convinced that his agricultural soul woud no fre5
py TINS porcne raid, and we were oath to embarras
HIS movements by any premature reference to SC
eAol''iiS Topic. we were satisfied that he wa
concerning retaliatory measures which would re-
| dound to his honor and our ADVANTAGE. and W.
nave been in daily expectation of hearing that
brgadier General and four regiments. which
would defy even MCCONNELL, were on the marcel
towards Harpers Ferry. We have thus far beer
disappointed, and we cannot ascertain that Gov
ernor HICKS has, up to this hour, taken any STEP
to call our neighbors to account. But we do no
yet despair. We cannot believe that he intends
to remain silent and inactive-that he will lool
on without remonstrance while our soil is desc
Grated by the feet of the foemen, who pursue on
pigs. That our liberties have been Frustrated
and our dearest rights violated, are matters o
winch we do not now complain, being willing tc
presume that our patriotic Governor has for some
! WISE purpose of his own permitted ne TO be thus
maltreated. But for his own sake, we implore
him not to overlook the last GROWING indignity
| which has been put upon lis The neorIo ~
maryland will, perhaps, forgive him for the in,
difference with which he has regarded their subiu.
gatlon-for his encouragement of acts of despot
ISM which are without a parallel in American
history-out let him beware how he imposes or
their better nature by neglecting to avenge theil
murdered hogs.