Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1861-10-10
For the Legislature.
. TO the Voters Of AlIegany County.

FELLow-C rTIzENs:-I wish 10 be a member OF
the next House of Delegates, and if you honor
me with an election, you may rest assured That
in executing the trust. shall give you no cause
to regret your choice. l think understand
the hearts of the people of Allegany county
at least, I will say, | think | understand the
hearts of my democratic fellow citizens of the
connty: and therefore feel justified in saying
for them, no less than for myself that although
there is much to humiliate our national pride
in the present unhappy condition of our coun-
try. vet we still cling with hope and affection
to the Government of the United States--trust-
ing that the desolating march OF civil war
which is now affecting us with its destructive
and heart-rending consequences will soon be
arrested, and that we shall be again made hap
nv by the restoration of Union and harmony
amongst the States, and in the consequent en-
ioyment of all the rights and privileges which
are guaranteed to us and to our sister States
by our existing Federal Constitution.
Should be elected menIser of the House
of Delegates, before | can enter upon the du-
ties of such Office, our State Constitution re.
ouires me to take and subscribe an oath of
which the words following are part, to wit:
81, Samuel NJ. Semmes do swear that will
support the Constitution ofbs United States, and
that will be faithful and bear true allegiance
to the State of Maryland, and support the Con-
stitution and Laws thereof; and that will,
to the best of nay skill and Judgment, diligent-
ly and faithfully without Partially or preju-
dice, execute the Office of member of the House
of Delegates according to the Constita ton and
Laws of this State"
And in connection with this oath, our State
Constitution declares that "any person swear
ing falsely in the premises, shall, on convic-
ton thereof in court of law, incur the pen
alties for wilful and corrupt perjury"
In respect then to the question whether our
hall la nhal nr a.
stroyed. YOU see from the cath which a mem
Der of our House Of Delegates is required to
take before he can enter upon the duties of his
Office, that he is not only not at liberty to APP
prove or connive at any legislation having Tor
its object separation of the States as united
under our Federal Constitution, but that 1t is
made his duty in regard to all such legislation
to take the part of the General Government,
and to support the Constitution of the United
States.
Men, I know, of the old notification school
of politics used to contend, that the GA tn TO sup
port the Constitution of the United States on
~ bound a man to support the Constitution
as he understood it, and therefore, it he under
stood the Constitution of the United States ms
conceding the right of Secession to the dilier-
snt States to be exercised by them separa tely
at pleasure, then it was no violation OF his
oath to take the part of his State, should she
reuoupce all obedience to the authority OF the
Union, and claim to act as separate sovereign
nation. But deriving my knowledge OF the
Constitution from the teachings of Madison,
Marshall, Webster, fancy and other great and
good men whose expeditions OF the Constltu-
ton are respected IS controlling authorities,
nv appreciation of tbe oath TO support the
Constitution would oblige me not only 10 re-
iect all notification doctrines, but in the Ian
guage of v ashiugtoD 80 tieeountenance what
ever NAV eupgest erta 8 suspicion that our
National Uniou caG in any event be abandon
ed.'
In conclusion will lake the liberty of ad-
visine my denocrstie fellow citizens to STANG
to their party organization, and to AVOID all
nov perty uames. Democracy, to me, is a
time IGNORED name. whose trumphs as detail
ed ia history have yer thrilled my MIND win
dslight, uoiwiths,anding its occasional de-
rargement aud sad wanderings; tits truly the
most eloquent Of all political noun-substan-
4, tiyes, meaning IS it does that form OF govern
mell where the people are recognized MS tne
Fighsfal source of all power, and where puoic
officers Instead Of being the masters are oniy
recognized rs the servants OF the people, 10
whom they are accountable and by whom tneS
are paniahable for all abuses OF their respective
public trusts. The name of democrat has noth'
ING ia /. at all inconsistent with unionism
unconditional unionism or peace partyism'~
We srs all friends of the Uni on-all anxious
for lie speedy restoration of peace to our dis
tracled country. 1t was only few days age
when at the call Of the Chief Magistrate OF INT
United States, our Christian Churches OF al
denominations were opened, and the people O
all parties united in prayer to God Tor the re
tnrn Of Union and peace to our Nation; and ina
God may speedily grant our prayer is, an
sure, at the present time, the nearest wish o
every patriots heart
Oct. s-tk SAMUEL n. sEMAEs.