Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1866-03-02
DAILY COMMERCIAL,
BALTIMORE, MD.
THE FRONT STREET THEATRE MEET.
ING LAST NIGHT.

The meeting last night of that portion of the
Union party in this city, arrayed as peculiarly
the supporters of Congress in opposition to
the President on his Veto Message and speech,
as well as Of the reconstruction policy gener-
ally of the Executive, was like that at the In
stitute on Monday night crowded to overflow
ing; and affords more proof-if any was needed
that the restoration of the Union at least is
fixed fact; since this demonstration comes as
cumulative evidence to that previously given,
that all are earnest in seeing the Union thor
oughly reconstructed, however they may differ
as to the proposed means.
And since those who gathered last night
have INDUCED doubts that the President can
not longer be relied upon for the work need
ful to be done: as they seem determined to
stand off from him and to maintain or assert
a political creed peculiar to those who have
taken direct and angry issue with the Presi-
dent; are they quite sure that they are not
somewhat faster than may be considered de-
sirable by the Congressional leaders them
selves at Washington, who have so percepti-
bly, toned down in their debates for a day or
two past? Can they make national Union
party on the "make haste slowly principle
in reconstructing the nationality, eager as are
the moderate and patriotic people of all
sha ades of political sentiment, for peace, for
quiet and harmony.
Tired of five years of strife, of war and
bloodshed, we do not intend to foster any
longer disputes in the interests of any party
or individual; and we reiterate the belief that
if the South is not now beaten; is not thor
oughly cured of rebellion, and its conse-
quences, then the most awful dispensation
ever inflicted upon people in the history of
the world has failed utterly in its teachings.
The people of Maryland have-as compared
with the rest fthe South-come out ofthe fiery
furnace with scarcely ''the smell of fire npon
their garmcnts:' and of all others should in our
humble opinion, now be amongst the first to
lay aside vindictive feelings, and to allay neigh
borhood or partisan animosities. Yet it is un-
deniable that this moment our people are
more completely divided, are more ready to
continue social divisions than they are in the
States far South that have suffered more ter
ribly; a condition of things it is the duty of
every advocate Of peace, and of the best in
terests of the State and nation to protest
against with the uttermost earnestness. And
if for this any are branded or denounced as
disturber5 of the peace, as wanting in any
characteristic fthe good and patriotic citizen,
let them accept it bravely and cheerfully, well
assured that if their views are not accepted al
present, they will be ultimately.
And although differences must, in the nature
of things, exist in a country thoroughly free.
is that q reason why after escaping far better
than our neighbors during four years of bitter
conflict, that we should, now that the war is
really ended, resurrect old disputes, quarrel
over different lines of action or of policy, if
the sincere purpose of all is to have peace
Should not that party be considered as incur
ring terrible responsibility which, after wit
Messing four years of slaughter and all the
other evils that wait on war, is still desirous of
continuing the fight? and more, is ready to in
sist that the country is ripe for new struggles?
Th2nking the Great Ruler of the earth, that
orr escape from the worse fate OF neighboring
States has been so marked, so fortunate, should
not he be considered public enemy, who, af-
ter all that has happened, is not sated with
carnage, has yet angry passions to crafty?
For ourselves, we must sincerely hope that
the President and those recently taking vio-
lent issue with him, may find it possible to
come together again in the interests of a
common country; but happen what may, we
must insist that it was not the Executive who
was so swift to assail, to attempt disruption OF
the great Union party; but that the first as
sault came from men, from whom, looking to
their past course, better things were expected.
For ourselves, we reiterate the purpose to
stand by the President whilst he displays the
wisdom, the patriotism and the nerve that he
has done of late; and for those who, as friends
of the Union, cannot do this, even these have
no complaint to make; since in one the other
of recent organizations, they can find some
place in which to serve the country and to re-
storn the Union.