Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1862-01-16


tHlbe purpose Of a political faction whilst in
the South, on the other hand, we must abandon
1T once the hope to which we have hitherto con.
fidently clung of assistance from-that latent
Union element which undoubtedly there exist,
and is only awaiting the Federal power to set il
free. But the power that liberates it must be
an nnquestionahle exercise of constitutional au-
shority, and the slightest manifestation of pur-
pose to make that authority tributary to the
cause of abolition would inevitably unite that
latent element at once under the banner of Sc
cession. It is impossible, therefore, to believe
that policy fraught with such incalculabe
any advocates in an Administration whose course
thus far, whether as regards our domestic or
foreign relations, has been distinguished by its
prudence, patriotism and ability.
Nor is this movement, believe, to be con-
sidered rs expressing to any great extent the
sentiments of the Republican party but to my
mind il seems rather a sort of dying struggle of
desperate minority-the last spasm of an ex-
pirlng faction premonitory to its dissolution.
Assuming, therefore, as think we safely
may, that the Government in the conduct Of the
war will adhere to the policy which has secured to
such an extent the confidence Of the country, it
becomes us to consider how we can most effectual-
" aid in the work it has in hand. The local
situation of our State, encircling as it does the
Federal Capital makes it the first object of at
tack, and devolvcs on us the duty of being FORE
most in its defense. One Of the, most urgent of
the duties claiming your immediate attention
will be the thorough reorganization of the whole
military system of the State. The profound
peace We have enjoyed for nearly half a century,
has not been favorable to a proper development
OF that important branch of the public service.
The Constitution of the State has made it "the
duty Of the Legislature to pass laws for the eff
iectual encouragement Of volunteer corps" and
there never was time when that duty was so
imperative as at present nor can any means be
suggested better calculated to meet on our part
the exigencies of the crisis than prompt and a
beral provision for that object
/ trust that no consideration Of the rcpose
that we at present enjoy. nor any apparent &C
quicscepce of the secessionists in the result of
,ar recent election, will prevent you from pro-
vdln, by every proper means against any con-
trivance they may be expected to adopt. We
have seen that in the message Of the Governor
Of Virginia, already referred to, he declares to
the Legislature that their possession of Mary
land is indispensable, aud that thousands will
welcome them to the State and flock to the STAN
dard of the Southern Confederacy," whilst in
Kentucky-that gallant State always united to
lis by an apparent identity of political princi-
pies tuti dltdCnueutS never Sd suucdIeu W
us AS at present--a few men collected in an ex-
treme corner of the State, in defiance Of a Union
majority largely exceeding our own, have inau-
gurated what they call a Provisional Govern
rnent. as preliminary to the solemn mockery Of
admitting her into the same apocryphal Confede-
racy These facts admonish us that no precau-
tons for the future should be neglected because
of any apparent security at present.
Notwithstanding the undoubted loyalty Of
vast majority Of our people, there is confessedly
in our midst an active intelligent and unscru-
pulous secession element, ready and anxious, on
the first opportunity, to lend helping hand to
those now threatening US with invasion. SO
inveterate is this determination, so intense this
hostility to the National Government, that men
Under its influence, whether the invasion is
threatened from beyond the Potomac or from
- .:.s other side Of the Atlantic, hardly affect to
conceal the delight which the prospect affords
shem. With reasonable temper of this la
grant character. therefore, in our idss, sou will
readily perceive the essential Importance, at such
time as this, Of arresting far as possible its
power for mischief. All experience has proved
that f,rcible resistance to established authority,
whether in the shape Of tumultuous mob or
an organized rebellion, to be successfully res;s-
ted must be promptly and vigorously met, and
that to daily with it at all is dangerous ex-
pertinent. -
Our ancestors manifested their appreciation
OF this principle when they passed the act Of
February session, l777, entitled can Act to
punish certain crimes and misdemeanors, and
to prevent the growth of toryism." And whilst
all its provisions may not be applicable at this
day, it may at least furnish serviceable sugges-
tons, as we'll as recall to our attention the man
ner in which the men Of the revolution dealt
with such offerses.
Andif, in the language Of that act, DANCE
rous consequences" were apprehended from 3
delay of effectaal measures against toryisul or
treason of that day, when such offenses went
skulking from one hiding place to another, how
much greater the danger to be apprehended
now, when they hold their head aloft and openly
avow their sympathy with public enemy?
am pleased to see that your attention has
been already directed to the necessity of provid-
ing BY all practicable means against the trea-
sonable practices which are known to prevail,
and that there is apparently but little difference
of opinion on the propriety of such provisions
beyond such as is suggested by desire to avoid
any possible conflict with Federal authority on
the same subject. The people Of the State have
undoubtedly looked for some additional guards
to their future security at the hands of the Legis
lature: AT the same time am satisfied that
such is their confidence in its patriotism and in
telligence that they are prepared without hesta-
ton to acquiesce in its judgment, assured that
every such safeguard will be provided. within
the scope of constitutional authority. Ia this
connection it may be not amissto advert to some
provisions Of precautionary character evident
~ under legislative control = 80.
The readiness with which in these times many
seem to find the means of absoluing themselves
from the obligation of the oath SO frequently
taken to support the Constitution of the United
States. has already suggested to you the impor-
lance of so modifying that oath as TO make it as
precise and comprehensive as possible. Such
an oath, thus remodeled should not only be adj
ministered to all employed in tha civil and mill
tary service Of the State, and all engaged in the
administration <of justice, but It is we'll worth
your consideration whethefit would not be rea-
sonabe to require such an OATH or some other
more appropriately adapted to the circumstances
of the case of all who, under the authority OF
l;oancn nf the State ave enoaoed in eom nnercial