Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-04-14

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should admit to the sacred right CT suf-
frage, those who never name the Govern
mcnt but to curse it, neyerraisc their hand
but to strike it, and from whose faces the
sullenand malignant scowl never departs
but when some disaster befals our arms,
or some brief advantage fights on those
of the enemies of our Country, How
well the Legislature fulfilled these
expectations in the Bill for taking the
scus: of the people on the question of
calling convention, was seen at the cleo
ton last Wednesday. We have no desire,
however, to recall the scandalous scenes
which took place at many of the polls in
our county, where men known to be only
not rebels in arms, because they are too
cowardly; impulontly thrust themselves
forward and took the oath which would
have chohcd them, had they spark Of
conscience left in order to serve their
masters in Richmond, by voting against
4 Convention. Let them go for ibis time.
Thanks to7the patriotism and good sense
Of tho loyal nlasses---,he Convention is
called in spite of them. i
We know Of bat oae thing that the
Convention ia universally expected to do ;
but that one thing is the most important
deed ever done in Maryland, 1t is to
emancidatc the slaves, to MAKE. this Il free
State, to wipe out for THAI stain upon
our oscutcheon, that shame upon our
manhood, that curse upon our soil---Slav-
cry Other reforms in the Constitution
'aay be attempted, but this must be-
Loyal men may, aud do diaer about an
Elective Judiciary, annual or biennia!
sessions Of the Legislature, &c. &c . but
they donot differ on the subject of Eman-
cipation. On that point they are all
agreed, aud they are determined to have
it. Let the Convention see to it, that the
desire aud expectation Of the true loyal
men of Maryland arc not disappointed.
No Constitution can possibly be framed
that will pass the ordeal Of the popular
vote which docs not contain this one SUI
prcmo feature The duty Of the Conven-
ton, then, seems to Us extremely simple
and plain. 1t is to provide for the immc-
date and unconditional Adjustment of
slavery in the State; to secure a more
just and equal apportionmento of represent
taton in the Legislature and, perhaps,
to declare the absolute right of the people
to amend, alter or abolish the Constitution
at pleasure, in language SO plain and I'M
ambiguous, as to preclude the possibility
OF og1in misunderstanding it.
Provision must be made, Of course,
for the assemblagc of the Legislature to
pass such laws as will place our code in
harmony with the new and free Constitu
ton to be established, but We soc no aa-
vantage, in going, at this time, into a
thorough and radical revision of the Or
ganic law. On the contrary. we think
there is some danger in attempting to do
too much. Only the one custom of
emancipation has been discussed before
the people, and upon that only, have they
rendered their verdict. Other reforms
may be postponed to quietcr times. when
mems minds are relieved from the strain
of the struggle for the preservation of our
and our liberties. But Eman-
cipation is one of the means of that pres
crvaton, and must be settled nou. The
others are not vitality essential, and may
safely be referred to that future of peace
and tranquility which we all hope and
believe will soon dawn upon our distracted
and bleeding country.