The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-01-26

We have seldom seen q Convention assem-
bleo In the city OF Baltimore WHICH SO
thoroughly represented The intelligence ana
influence Of the State cs the one which con-
yened at Temperance Temple on yesterday to
EXPRESS the opinions and wishes OF the people,
and to concert measures for the restoration OF
the privileges Of the elective franchise TO the
great body of the citizens OF Maryland. ms
iinguished gentlemen, who have filled the
highest stations in the national and the state
governments, were there amongst the yeo-
many of the counties, all inspired by 4 COM
mon sentiment-the desire OF restoring mar
mony and cordial relations amongst all par
ties who have been separated by the accidents
of the late civil war, and earnestly bent on
vindicating the personal and political integ-
rity, and restoring to their just political PRIV.
leges the prescribed majority of the state. All
party political differences seemed TO have been
obliterated from the hearts of the delegates.
All seemed to feel the important influence
which their deliberations might exercise In the
present crisis of our State and national AFFAIRS
The prevailing tone amongst the mem bers was
that by cones should rest with the dead mono
ries Of the past, and that in the great
struggle with the radical element Which
now grasps the control Of national and
State affairs was but one thought and
one purpose, one policy and one aim 10
be accomplished, to prevent the political power
of the country from being perpetuatea III
the hands of a small and dangerous 1action,
who, under the loudest professions OF equal
rights, are really endeavoring TO peryert the
character of our free institutions and to make
this Government a creature OF the few, ruled
and governed through the numerical power OF
the African race. The issue which radicalism
has rendered in the halls of Congress OF exclu-
ding the entire representation of the Southern
States, and retaining them in territorial con-
dition so as TO force upon them the acceptance
Of negro suffrage, was distinctly stated oy me
Hon Montgomery Blair, the President OF the
Convention, as the absorbing political ques-
ton of the future, and which must involve in
Its results the preservation or the overthrow
of our system of constitutional government.
He indicated very clearly that upon this ques-
ton the sen liments of the President of the
United States We're in accord with the people
of MARYLAND, and that he desired earnestly
that the citizens Of Maryland, and the citizens
Of all the States of the South, should 1T once
be restored to their fair share in the control OF
the country, towards which they now harDor
no hostile anticipation.
The address which has been adopted by the
Convention, and the resolutions which have
been reported for consideration, generally
breathe that calm, deliberate and firm tone
which Ii unmistakable In Its meaning. The
address is rs temperate in its language rs it is
emphatic In setting forth the grievances to
which the people of Maryland have been sub
jected. 1t 10 q dignified appeal to the sense OF
Justice to the Legislature; IL expresses conf
dence that the sober judgment Of those who
hold the political power of the State will do
justice to all. 1t declares the duty of the peo-
pie 70 exhaust all peaceable means to obtain
redress OF their grievances, and that the peo-
demands until right Is xtorted from reluctant
power. The Convention meets again this
morning 70 take action on the resolutions sub.
Wttted ~ tts committee Baltimore San 18th