The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1862-08-02

Square were crowded with ladies. About
a quarter after eight clock Mr.. John G.
Wimot called the meeting to order.
SPEECH OF GOVERNOR BRADFORD.
| The Governor, who was greeted with pro.
longcd applause, said:
our country is assailcd by an open Rebel
host, IN which you, not only us an integral
portion of that great country. have a com
mon interest with other loyal States, bat ii
particular interest before and above all
others--that Rebel host, now pressing men
OF every description, the old and the young.
the traitor and the true man, compelling
the latter at the point of the bayonct to for.
swear his country, to betray his allegiance,
to raise his reluctant arm in striking down
the cherished memories of his flag, is on its
march, and our own Maryland would be the
first green spot on which he would feast his
eyes should he ever escape from that desert
ct and od-forskcn region that he would
leave behind. [Applausc.l And shall
Maryland, Shall it ever be said that Mary
land-Maryland whose revolutionary his
tory is so thickly studded with the brightest
gems of patriotism-Muryand, that in
those days knew not only how to vote, but
how to strike, and whose Old Line struck
such repeated and eiicctual blows upon so
ever be said that Mary with these
memories Of the past clustering so thicklv
about hor-M Maryland that even up to this
day and moment feels herself offended at
any doubt or imputation upon her loyalty
Maryland, thus threatened with Invasion
that Maryland can call to mind these old
memories without rushing to the rescue -
[Applausc.] Not only is her own territory
menaced with invasion, but this glorious
Union and the hopes of the universe that
hang upon it-all all assaulted by the crowd
of rebels and traitors now endeavoring to
march hther; and that Maryland will fall
ter, will pause, will hesitate moment in
responding to that small request that she
will send to the front four regiments to be
enrolled i'll such a cause, do not believe.
Applause. But, my friends, came not
here to make speech. | am in no condi-
ton for speech making, nor is this the time
for protracted discussion, but for prompt
therefore, more appropriately employ the
very few minutes with which Ishall trespass
upon your patience than by adverting to
some of the considerations by which was
influenced when | responded, as | did by
proclamation, to the request of the National
Government, and invoked the assistance of
my fellow citizens to furnish the quota of
troops required, and more particularly to
notice few of those suggestions which have
reached me either through the public prints,
or the various suggestions and different
plans which have been urged, by which the
object we have i'll common view may be
accomplished.
The first that has been suggested was
call of our Legislature in ezra session.
That was, of course, my fellow. citizens, the
first and most obvious consideration that
presented itself to me, which | maturely
weighed before | ventured to call in the
assistance of my fellow citizens to supply
what | thought we had no rea sonable hope
of resting upon the Legislature to furnish.
My fellow citizens, will not say | enter
tain the most respectful recollection of that
distinguished body, but will say, in truth,
have the most kindly and friendly feelings
towards that body. Still, when asked if |
will not call the Legislature, | can hardly
avoid replying as an old friend of mine once
did when invited to attend fox chase He
was not particularly adapted to robust exer.
cises of that description, and when asked
whether he would not unite the next day in
a fox chase, assumed tone of great sur.
prise, and said "a fox chase! why, did
attend fox chase once. nearly year ago.
And, my friends, we had the Legislature
only few months ago. We sought appro-
priations at its hands, and | need not 90 far
for witnesses who will tell you that their
utmost eforts-and how difficult it was
were to pass bill with the petty appro-
priation of $500 for our suffering soldiers
and their families. Applause. Now,
say and repeat again, that no body of men
that ever assembled in the National or State
halls OF Legislation were ever more distin-
guishcd for patriotism and intelligence than