The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1866-02-08
GEyERALIsSIMo SWAMI.

BsS-0ur readers doubtless are aware
that the present Governor Of Maryland
once was distinguished as the Command
cr Of an organized band Of patriots
whose deeds Of prowcss have been sung
throughout the land Ia 1856, when
Mayor Of Baltimore, this noble army
was At the zenith Of its victorious career.
Each Ward Of the city had its selected
Headquarters. around which the famed
warriors gathered and from them Issued
the DEGREES upon which depended the
welfare Of the corporation. The cupho.
ny Of their designated titles was the dc.
| light Of these heroes. They had their
regularly elected leaders, and acknowl-
edged one great ruling spiri,---and
be the then Mayor Of the city.
Upon the eve Of an election this army
was put in motion. Each ballot-boz
had its lrusiy warders, chosen for some
conspicuous deed Of daring. And to
this organization were duo the great tri.
umphs achieved by the kuow-Nothings
of that period lobe sure, many things
were done by this army, which were
condemned by the people generally
But all is fair in war" and Of what
consequence indeed were even lives of
the citizens compared with the great
end to be acaompIished-ihe great is.
sue TO be decidcd--that Americans
should rule America p
The admirers Of Governor Swami
in the Legislature, having in grateful
remembrance the services he rendered
at tina, trying period, and decmiug that
an crigcBcy may arise which will call
him again to the field, arc making pro-
vision for the marshaling of another
army, but this time to be regulated by
what they term Iaui A new Militia
system is to be incorporated, and one
hundred thousand dollars are TO be
placed at the Governors disposal to
perfect all details Section 1G Of this
bill says:
In lieu Of general organization and
enrolment Of the militia at this time as
heretofore mentioned, lshould his judg-
mcut so indicatc) the Governor is here
by authorized aud empowered 10 accept
the services Of snch returned Union sol
dlcrs as he may deem proper, from the
several counties Of the State and city Of
Baltimore in companies Of not less than
one hundred, who may be willing to vol
untecr their services and said organiza-
ton, when completed, shall be uniformed
at the expense Of the State, and, when
called into active service, shall receive
the same compensation az is now allowed
in the military service of the United
States; and said organization shall be
styled the Maryland State Guard
The Legislature should act with es-
pecial reference to the color Of these
volunteers. Otherwise the whites might
exclude the negroes, and the intent of
the law be defeated Especially would
this be the case upon election days, for
enough whites could scarcely be found
debased enough, from among those who
lave bravely faced armed foes in the
field, who would be willing to shoot
down like dogs, men for only attempt
ing to exercise the rights Of the citizen.
BY all means call in the aid of the ne
groes. True the Constitution says,
"tbe militia shall be composed of all able
bodied male citizens residents of this
State, being eighteen years of age and
under the age OF forty-fve years." but
this righteous document will be set |
aside when our law makers sodetermine.
We Ia Grand Armee! Hosannas to |
Generalissimo SwRpp