Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1866-03-03
TEE POEETICAESH FUATFON-FREED
OF SPEECH AND esgN TEE PRESS

YIN SOAiAoiOh ISGNCGll lS'ANSi' @'''''
Congress is palpably subsidmg; and that on
the assumption of torbearance, magnanimity,
q high degree of patriotism or something else,
there is a purpose manifested not to repeat the
rash experiment so recently made. Careless
as we are what is the true reason for this
marked change, we are nevertheless glad that
it is taking place, because nothing is more
plain than that with our rulers in angry disa-
greement, the public interests must inevitably
suffer. In truth, in any other country almost,
such an occurrence would have done far
more than has resulted from this affair in
unsettling matters; and thankful that we
have yet prospect Of harmony, let
every one do what he can, Individually, to
bring about still more desirable temper in
the public sentiment Of the land. Evident
now that had certain gentlemen at Washing
ton been better acquainted with the tempera
ment and other characteristics of the Presi-
dent, they would never have made the unwise
experiment they did, let them, in the interests
of peace and restored nationally, do still
more to bring matters right; let not Congress
adjourn without doing something to which the
people may point as evincing wise statesman
ship, something appurtenant in some degree
to the pressing needs of the occasion.
That the late remarkable occurrences have
had the effect Of making men pause in their
business operations to some extent, seems
plain enough. With the Spring already upon
us, and expectation but lately on tiptoe con-
corning heavy transactions in trade and so on,
men have within the past few days appeared
inclined to wait and see what will happen next
in the political world; and eager as they are for
some settlement Of vexed questions, there is
little doubt but that they would hail move
ments from any quarter decidedly in the in
terests Of peace, with hearty satisfaction to
which for a long time now they have been com
paratiye strangers.
Let US suppose that Congress had during
the three months that body has been in SEES
sion, devoted its time and attention. in the
first instance, to those great financial prob
lens, those matters of such infinite import
ance to the welfare of the people in recover
ing from the losses caused by the war, instead
of at once plunging into debates and quarrels
over other matters of a more abstract charac
ter, and less vital to the daily wants Of the
masses. Suppose they had done, we say-as
men Of sense do in the regular routine Of mat
er-of- fact life-taken hold of the most practi-
cal and pressing cases first; so that providing
for the support and immediate welfare Of the
people, they could have entered upon this in
terminable and barren discussion afterwards!
Why spend invaluable time rehearsing for the
thousandth time, their views of how States
got out of the Union; whether they were
out at all; and if out, how they could
get in again; and all this, when the
masses were needing every help by which
to meet the heavy burden of taxation
thrown upon them by the war. Like men
in an imperiled and leaky ship just enter
ing port, yet still far from entire safety
why stop pumping to discuss the question of
how the leaks occurred, or who was at fault
in the construction or sailing Of the vessel:
Had they met the finance views commend
ed to their attention, passed upon them
and placed matters upon such basis that Il
merchant might know whether he might ven
, ture upon purchases 10 supply his customers
without risking ruin, the propensity for end
less talk might have appeared more excusabIc
but with every thing Of the nearest Importance
neglected, and the President driven to Try
cal measures from them, no wonder the people
have little patience with certain members.
whilst plainly sympathizing with the Executive
Meanwhile, what offence greater than to
distrust men who profess such devotion
to the country; such fears lest its liberties
should again, and soon, be put in imminent
peril? What denunciations follow him
President, or private citizen, who has the in
dependence to question this or that theory, or
scheme, prospectively hurtful; perhaps ruin
GUS to the best interests of the country.
But is it so that there is in a popular Gov
eminent like this, no actual freedom of the
tongue or pen? Can it be that a selfassum-
ing autocrat of the press or rostrum can issue
his edict in favor of this or that line of party
tactics, and must all fall into the ranks slavsbv
not daring to demonstrate, not daring to give
vent to their honest sentiments. and does not
the President do a timely and brave thing.
when defying precedents insisted as binding
upon him, alone, he turns upon those who
would shackle and bind all who dare to cues
ton the wisdom or sincerity of their course :?
1t Is for the honest, toiling masses to aid the
President in solving questions so vital to their
own independence, their own welfare. Had
not extreme patience in the first place been ex-
ercised by President and people in relation to
the palpable shortcomings of Congress, the
latter might indeed have reason to complain,
And If the press is to be muzzled by a slavisb
terror OF consequences, when it should sound
the alarm if it must creep along upon all
tours in the rear Of public sentiment; if with all
Its conceded advantages, in discerning threat
ening consequences, it may not speak of them.
lest some stilted leader of faction hold up his
finger threateningly; why, already we have re-
trograded, as the result of war for a free
constitution and free governments and the
masses might as well fall behind with downcast
eyes, to take place amongst the veriest de-
voices and slaves of party, forever to hold their
peace.
But we do not believe the country has come
to this, or has even made an approach to it.
In the dawn of better destiny looking out
upon splendid future for the commonwealth
and the nation, let all strive to realize the
glorious advantages that present themselves
ana let none cease to vindicate the right
with all the power they possess. The great
battle OF the age and of all time has been
fought and won; and our children are to reap
the benefit of great principles indicated
where the rights of the people are vet in
volved. Fighting for freedom of speecb in
its broadcast sense, let it be considered no
crime that the President has upon occasion
communicated directly with the people; and
with the latter triumphant in securing good
government, let us still maintain that condi-
ton of things in which all may speak their
honest sentiments with no fear of the conse-
quence. ~