Maryland free press., 1863-01-30
An Editors Dream.

h1-We are not much given to dreaming,
having too much Of the "stern reality" to deal
with to afford us much time toindulge in that
luxury. Nevertheless, we had q dream, and
as we recollect it distinctly, our readers may
a. well have the benefit thereof, The day
with its tolls and troubles, was past, the eve
ming task Of opening and coming over our ex-
changes accomplished, and the precautionary
arrangements made for receiving that frster-
nifty of the claw and ORDER" party "wot CUTS
ont printing Offices" when we sought oss-
humble cot and repose. 4 while we lay cur
thoughts intent ON war and rurors of war,
visits from the venerable landlord that calls
for his rent-paper makers bills, and other
Ike afflicti ins, When sleep, "tirei natures
sweet restorer," overcame us, and we dreamed
In our dream we saw dark visaged figure,
nigh unto the "loyal" color-black. In its
hand it held book, and on it was written, in
letters of Gold THE Constitution" In this
figure we recognized BLACK Dan" the great
"Expounder' ofthat volume. He was read
ing therefrurn clause which prohibits inter-
ference with "or Abridging the Freedom Of
Speech or Of the Press" When he had fn-
ished, be spoke and said, and well we remem-
Der his words
alt is a homebred right-a fresids privi
lege. 1t has ever been enjoyed IN every
house, cottage and cabin in the nati"n. ltis.
not 20 be drowned in controversy IL IS 1s
undoubted as the right of breathing the aiI
and walking on the earth. 1T Is RIGHl
TO Re MAINTAINED IN PEACE AND n
WAR. 1t is a right which CANNOT BE IN
vApED WITHOUT DESTROYING CONSTI-
TUTIONAL LIBERTY Hence THIS
RIGHT SHOULD BE GUARDED AND PROTECTED
BY TIE FREEMEN or THIS COUNTRY WITH a
JEALOUS CARE UNLESS THEY ARE PR EPARED
FOR CHAINS AND ANARCHY"
Until he had finished, We had not noticed
the presence of another figure, i'll which we
recognised prominent individual of the times
one Francis ?. Blair, to whom the great
Exposnder appeared to have addressed him
self. This figure answering, said:
"UNDER no POSSIBLE EMERGENCY, NOT
EVEN IN RESURRECTION, OR AMID THE
THROt.S OF CIVIL WAR, can this Gorern-
ment justify ogc;di jatartererce tciA the freedom o.
speech or q the press, ANY MORE THAN IT GAN
WIrH THE FREEDOM OF THE BALLOT. Tae
Ecentiuusness of the tongue aud OF the penis
A MINOR EyIL COMPARED WITH the LICEE-
TIoUsSEss or arbitrary POWER"
We now noticed the entrance Of other par
ties, and after warm greetin gs, the converse
ton turned upon topics connected with the
great Rebellion" and the state of the nation,
One ofthe party, whom they styled the Model
President" with warmth asked:
"Suppose that the South, having msjority
OF the electoral votes, shenld declare that
they would only have slsvcholdcrs for Pre-
sident and Vice President and should elect
such by their exclusive sutrages TO rule over
us at the North De YOU THINK WE WOULD
SUBMIT TO IT. NO, NOT FOR A NO.
MENT. And do YOU believe your Southern
brethren are less sensitive on his subject than
you are, or less jealous OF THEIR RiGHrsi Ii
you DO, let ne tell you that you are mis-
taken. Ana therefore, y0H mast see tbst y this
Sectional parry succeeds, IT LEtDs LNEFlFA-
BILE 70 rHE DESTRUCTION OF THIS
BEAUTIFUL FABRIC, reared by our fore
fathers, eenieuted by their blood, and he
quoathed to US IS I priceless iaker.taucs.1
The sentiment were warmly applauded b.
those present, among which We Doticed Doug
lass, the little giant" Abe the Course joker"
and renowned "Rail Splitter" Everett, "tLe
young man eloquent" Dickinson, and host
Of others, who participated III the conversation,
but whose words Of advice and warning we
reserve for our next, fearing that we may car
~ the reader so far into dream land" that lie
will not readily find his way out.