Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1861-12-12

cruiting, equipping and clothing the quota
of this State in the army of the United States.
and for furnishing relief to the families who
needed it of those who had volunteered in
defence of the Government
At the March session of ITS was passed
an act (chap. viii) for the better security of
the Government to which respectfully in
vite your attention. The preamble recites
that the duties Of protection and allegiance
are reel procal and whereas no man is en-
titled to the one who denies the obligation
of the other, the law prescribes the oath of
allegiance to this State and to the United
States, to be taken, repeated aud subscribed
by every citizen of this State under the PEN
altfes Gin case of recusance) and disqualif-
cations, therein stated. A thorough revi-
sion of the militia law and reorganization of
the State military is an imperative necessity
at this time.
The anomalous condition of the Munich
pal Government of the city of Baltimore
demands immediate action on your part
The police force of that city now receives
it's pay from the United States Treasury,
and it is obvious that such state of affairs
should be permitted to exist no longer.
transmit herewith a copy of commu-
nication received from the Department Of
State, at Washington, in reference to forti-
fcations within the limits of this State I
deem the subject to be of great importance,
and | trust it will receive at your hands the
consideration which it deserves
respectfully suggest the propriety Of the
re-enactment of former laws for the sum-
mary punishment Of persons in Maryland
who shall be convicted of aiding or abetting,
in any manner, those who are in arms
against the Government.
1t is undeniable that, notwithstanding thes
careful watch kept by the Federal officers,
there are, in our midst sympathizers with
and abettors of the rebellion, who, in some
way, keep up communication with and give
aid and comfort to the Confederates.
Let us endeavor to put an end to these
nefarious practices by indicting severe pun
ishment upon these offenders against the
peace of this State as we'll as against U.S.
Such course will also measurably relieve
loyal citizens, in many parts of the State.
from the numerous annoyances and persecu-
tions to which they have been so long SUBJ
lljected at the hands Of their Secessionist
slneighbors. and which have nndoubt in-
creased to their present einbar arrassinR pro-
4 portion because Of the impunity with which
men have heretofore been allowed to act
reasonably
The object and intention of the Govern
ment in the war forced upon it in defence
of the Union, as declared in the patriotic
Proclamation of General Dix at restoring
the flag in the counties on the Eastern
Shore of Virginia, and of General Sherman.
in South Carolina, are entitled to and will
receive the support of our people.
The condition of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad and the Chesapeake and Ohio Ca
nal requires action on your part. The re-
opening Of these great works to traffic and
travel is of immense Importance not only to,
the people directly, but as bearing on the
future Of our financial resources. The State
ment made by the President of the Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad Company is here
with submitted.
Other topics Of less Importance not neces-
sarily requiring immediate attention will be
presented in detail in my communication to
you at the opening of your regular session.
In conclusion, gentlemen, [ congratulate
you, and the people Of the State upon the
immunity we have enjoyed from the dread
full evils which have fallen upon some of the
other States. While carnage and desolaton
have stalked through Virginia, Kentucky
and Missouri we here in Maryland have
had no battle fields, no wanton destruction
of homes, no outrages upon helpless women
and children.
True, in every section Of the State rancor
and deadly hatred, and in some cases even
, judicial persecution, have been openly in
t dulged against those whose only offence is
loyalty to the Government. But this hatred
| bitterness and persecution have not culmina-
5 ted in bloodshed The tread of hostile
armies has not interfered with the calling of
5 the husbandman, but the earth has yielded
more bountifully than ever before.
If the thunders of artillery can be heard
upon our borders, if our industrial pursuits
2 have been prostrated to some extent by ma
tional calamity, we have yet had peace in
, our midst. By the blessing of Heaven we
have been spared the dreadful evils and hor-
rors inseparably connected with war For
all this we have abundant reason to be
thankful.
And in view of this we can yet afford to
7 pardon those who shall now cease from la
boring with zeal worthy of better cause
to stir up discord within our State, to array
brother against brother, and son against
father.
1t is with you to efface whatever dsloyalty
has appeared upon our Legislative records.
1t is also with you to prove that Maryland
!. is not only loyal but patriotic.
aeSVh hatever aid we can afford the Federal
Government should be offered literally,
promptly, ungrudgingly. The perpetuity
of the Government is at stake. Maryland
wishes to A her whole duty, and her loyal
sons have plSced her honor in your kecpings
[ know you wilfaot betray that trust.
May Heaven diSect you labors, and may
the day be not far distant when this parri
ciJal war shall cease: Wien. in peace, the
morning sun shall gild theGhright folds of