Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1862-01-16

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Act to punish certain crimes and nisdemean-
OTIS, and to prevent the growth of toryism"
ana whilst all its provisions may not bs ap-
pl'caoie at this day, it may at least furnish
Del suggestions as well as recall to
our attention the manner in which the men
oil ,he hsevointon dealt with such offences.
Ana H. ID the language Of that act. "dan-
gerous consequences were annrebend.d fror,
delay Of effectual mcasnreo oao;ns. ~.
torylsm or treason OF that day. when srcb
offences went skulking from one ~ ea s.en
to another" how much greater o., h,a,rs piAte
be apprehended now, when thew oia 80 "
heads aloft and openly avow their syS,, III.
with public enemy? p"'"J
am pleased to see that your attention ~.
been already directed to the necessity of pro,
viding by all practicable means against the
reasonable practices which are known to
prevail, and that there is apparently but lit
tie 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
locked for some additional guards to their
future security at the hands of the present
Legislature. At the same time, am salts
fed that such is their confidence in its patri-
otism and intelligence that they are prepared
without hesitation to acquiesce in its judg-
ment, assured that every such safeguard will
be provided within the scope of Constitu-
tional authority. In this connection it may
be not amss to advert to some provisions Of
a precautionary character evidently under
legislative control.
The readiness with which iE these times
many seem to find the means of absolving
themselves from the obligation of the oath SO
frequently taken to support The Constitution
of the United States, has already suggested
to you the Importance of so modifying that
oath as to make it as precise and comprehen-
svo as possible. Such an oath, thus reno
dolled, should rot only be administered to
all employed in the civil and military SER
vice of the State, and all engaged in the ad-
ministraton of justice, but it is well worth
your consideration whether it would not be
reasonable to require such an oath, or some
other more appropriately adapted to the cir
cumstances of the case, Of all who, under the
authority or license Of the State are engaged
in commercial pursuits. That hundreds Of
such persons are constantly seeking oppor-
tunity to trade with the enemy-some influ-
cnced by the love Of lucre, and others by
sympathy tor the rebellion-is fact too
notorious to be disputed And whilst, per-
haps, no oath that could be prescribed would
in all cases restrain such illicit traffic, it
would seem to be but the exercise of pro-
per precaution always to require it.
The ncct ssity of liberal provision on
! your part to enable our State to discharge
her part of her duty of suppressing this re-
belhon, to pay her quota of the National
tax, and t, aid in organizing and cquipping
her volunteers, has been already SO distinctly
called TO your attention, in the recent mes
| sage Of my predecessor, that little remains
, for me TO add. 1t is hardly necessary to say
that ! cordially concur in his suggestions.
| Clear and cogent rs they ere upon their face.
they will, | am sure, particularly command
your confidence, from the fact that they are
! his suggestions; for who can so well advise
for our security and peace in the future as
lie who las so faithfully and successfully
preserved them amidst the extraordinary
pcrils OF the past.
/ approach to-day the duties of the Office
with which | have been honored by the peo-
Pile Of Maryland with profound sense OF
the responsibilities with which it is sur
rounded. They are such as might we'll cause
one Of far greater experience and ability to
shrink from their encounter. Ny chief on
enlargement comes from the reliance place
on the enlarged patriotism and eminent
ability Of those to whom the people OF the
State have committed its legislative func-
TONS Looking confidently to that support,
and trusting to the protection OF the Great
Governor of all, who has hitherto so merei-
fully preserved us, am ready now to take
the oath which the Constitution prescribes.
and under His overruling providence will
! ,,,oav,,r fat Fpll- to nbsprye