Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1866-01-19
HON. MONTGOMERY BLAIR.

y
Hon. MONTGOMERY BLAIR publishes a
letter, under date of the 18th ult., de-
Tending himself against some miscon-
structions Of the Baltimore american,
in reference to views contained in letter
be had previously written. He speaks
thus Of his present course
q The article also charges me with in
consistency in opposing the registry
law, alleging that did not oppose its
passage last winter, and that supported
the Constitution which authorizes it,
was not in Annapolis after the registra-
ton law was presented, and it was sprung
upon the Legislature at the last moment,
and was passed through, but little time
for discussion being allowed. and with
sout any opportunity being afforded me
TO interpose. Ita
II supported the constitution, but, as
l declared from the stump, only because
Of the emancipation clause, which icon
sidered a necessary war measure. Being
sincere friend for this paramount rea-
SOD, | could not set forth the dement's
of the instrument on other points. |
therefore waived all discussion on such
points, giving assurances, which | then
believed and still hope to be well found
cd, that. no serious evils could arise from
the Objectionable clauses before we could
annul them. 8N0A8 e
My antagonism to the whole Radical
family of measures, having for their OBJ
ject the exclusion of the white people Of
the South from suffrage, and the extern
sion of the right to negroes, to be di-
rectod by the Freedmens Bureau is not
doubted, am sure, by any one who
takes any interest in my relations to the
subject The only question is, whether
our Maryland bantling is of that breed.
"You maintain that it does not, and
that there is no negro suffrage party in
Maryland. l do not question your sim
cerity; buteI as honestly entertain a
different opinion. The recognized lead
ers of the Radical party in Maryland
already openly advocate negro suffrage.
The registry system, Of which they are
the authors, is a preparatory measure.
They must keep step with their allies,
and they know that they cannot keep in
line with their friends in the North and
be recognized by them without decar-
ing for negro suffrage. They could not
hope for success in Maryland whilst suf-
frage was allowed to the Democratic
party hence that party must be dis
franchised. A majority Of the remain
ing voters could then carry the mea-
sure. The meagre vote lately cast shows
with what vigor the work has been pros
ecuted to reduce the numbers necessary
to be controlled for the accomplishment
of their scheme. The pressure Of the
party organizations outside of Maryland,
and other influences, are relied on to
carry through the work.
In conclusion, allow me to add that
have been for nearly twenty years an
open opponent both of negro slavery and
negro equality. / have held to the doc
trine Of Mr.. Jefferson, that nothing is
more certainly written in the book of
fate than that these people (the negroes)
are to be free; nor is it less certain that
the two races, equally free, cannot live
and opinion have drawn indellible lines
of distinction between them 1t is still
in our power to direct the process Of
emancipation and deportation, and in
such slow degree that the evil will wear
off insenslbly, and their place be pari
passa filed up by free white laborers.
If, on the contrary, it is left to force
itself on, human nature must shudder at
the prospect held up. We would in
vain look for an example in the Spanish
deportation or depletion of the Moors.
We have lived to see this prophecy ter
ribly fulfilled, and yet fear the end is
not yet. If we do not heed the coun-
sells of this almost inspired statesman
and the programme now proposed for
having negro suffrage forced on us, is
adhered to, human nature will! shudder
yet moreabefore the work is complete.
1.-THE President, Gen Grant, Gen.
Sherman, and indeed all wise and
thoughtful men acquainted with the
subject, agree with Mr.. jefferson in the
opinion that the process OF forcing on us
negro suffrage involves war of races,
and this will entail, fear, civil war
Of wider dimensions even than the last.
Revering the teachings of Mr.. Jeffer-
son, l sought in my opposition to slavery
to do my humble part to save my coun-
sTymen from the calamities which he
predicted and which have befallen them.
In my efforts in the present juncture,
still seek to follow the same wise and
benevolent teacher in order to avoid O
second instalment of calamity probably
more appalling than the FIRST. >
Hon. CHARLES H. SMITH (BILL ARP. J
The correspondent of the Cincinnati En-
qairer gives the following description Of
the everlasting Bill .Arp:"
Speaking of Senators, one member
of the State Senate is so we'll known-at
least by his nom de plume North-as
to render it. perhaps. not altooether nm