Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-02-01
Maryland state Convention.


This body, composed of delegates from eve
~ county of the State, assembled in Baltimore
on the oath ult., for the purpose of taking
measures looking to the repeal of the present
DISTINGUISHING State registry law, and for the
restoration of political rights to a majority OF
the people. Many of the most distinguished
men of the State were members.
Hon. MONTGOMERY BLAIR, late Postmaster
General, was chosen President of the Conven-
ton, and delivered very able address, in the
course of which he said
1t was conceded on all hands that the
trouble was over, and yet we find men stirring
up the embers of contention merely to keep
themselves and their party in power. The
great desire of the radicals was to keep possess
sion of power until they could introduce the
black element, by which to override the whites
in the South, and keep control of the country.
This was large and mighty scheme-conceiv-
ed by adroit men, and about being carried out
by willy politicians who knew no interest but
their own. These men had taken advantage
of the confusion brought about by the war to
carry out their schemes. With them he found
he could no longer act, and when, some months
since, he went to address a democratic meeting
in New York, party different from that with
which he had co-operated during the war;
great hue and cry was raised that he had gone
over to the democratic party. TWAS said that
the restoration of the South would restore that
party to power, and this seemed to be con-
trolling reason with their opponents for keep
ing the South out. Whether that was the rea-
son the democracy were for restoration was inn
material. Restoration ought to take place, and
he went with those who went for it.
Negro suffrage is the absorbing political
question of the future, and which must involve
in its results the preservation or the overthrow
of our system of constitutional government
Upon this question the sentiments of President
johnson were in accord with those of the peo-
pie of Maryland, and he desired earnestly that
the citizens of Maryland and of all the States
of the South should at once, without restric-
ton be restored to their fair share in the con-
troll of the country, towards which they now
harbor no hostile feeling or purpose.
In regard to negro suffrage, MIR. Blair said 1t
was a scheme for the establishment of despot-
ism on this continent. Napoleon's throne was
built on universal suffrage, and the plan was to
degrade suffrage here by giving it to negroes,
the children of the tropics, the creatures ofim-
pulse, to whom despotism was the natural go
vernment. King James the End, of England,
Mr.. Blair said, was the father of the registry
law. only the registers under him owere called
regulators, and be pushed prescription much
farther. For example, in the town of Tewks-
bury, Macauley says, the regulators only allow
ed thirteen voters, but this was found too large
a number, for majority of those voted against
the King And that would be the case in
Maryland-the sober second thought of the
people would bring about the change. There
was that innate honesty in the American heart
that led him to believe that justice would yet
be done, and that speedily. Mr.. Blair was fire.
quenlly interrupted with hearty applause in
the course of his remarks"
An address of great ability, to the people of
the State, was read by Judge William'M. Mer-
rick, and a series of resolutions adopted, from
which we quote the following:
Resolced by this Convention, representing
all the people of Maryland who are in favor of
the restoration of political rights to the dis
franchised citizens of the State, That the per-
sistent efforts of the President of the United
States to restore to their political rights the
citizens of the Southern States, and to protect
them in the enjoyments of their constitutional
relations to the Federal Government, receives
our cordial endorsement, and we pedge to him
our support in his efforts to re-estabiish the
rights of the States and the Federal Govern
ment upon a constitutional basis.
ReSOired, That the President OF this conyen-
| ton be directed TO communicate to the Presi-
dent of the United States copyof the proceed
ngs of this convention, and to express to him
their high appreciation of his patriotic efforts
to restore peace, good feeling and political G.
quality between all sections of the country.
Resolced, That the great principle Of Amer
lean liberty that no community should be taxed
without representation is violated by the con-
stitution and registry law adopted upon the as
sumption of their necessity, and that the sup
posed reason for their passage having ceased
with the return of peace, we appeal to the citi-
zens of the State no longer to countcnance the
continuance of laws which violate the funda-
mental principles of republican government.
ReSotred That the registration law OF this
State is odious and oppressive in its provisions,
unjust and tyranical in the manner of its adj
ministration, the fruitful source of dissention
among the people, calculated TO keep alive the
memory of differences which ought to be for
gotten, and that sound policy, enlightened
craftsmanship and positive justice demand its
immediate repeal"