Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1867-09-05

.;vs,v If h;s statistics are correct, that 1t
will not be more expensive than the pre-
sent system.
He concluded with an eloquent appeal
to the people to stand by their old faith
and their ancient leaders. As an old man,
b. said he might never have the pleasure
If addrepsing them hereafter, but ne trust
ed we should all often meet again under
the great constitutional banner Of our Tore
fathers. and that We would continue to
6pht side by eide, in defence Of the prln-
ciples Of democracy until all our ancient
rights shal be restored
The Chair next introduced the Hon. b.
A. Jamison, who spoke as follows:
Asa member of the late Constitutional
Convention, | deem It my doty to make
few observations on this occasion. 1t will
be admitted, I presume, to be good Amer
lean doctrine that all men should live I'M
der written constitution This admit
ted, and the radical constitution of 1864
being before us, the question necessarily
aries to our minds-how shall we rid our
selves of that constitution -? The provl-
sions Of that constitution are too well
known to require comment. They pre-
sent to III grave political and social bar
riers, which it becomes us as freemen to re-
move; and, to that end, the late conven-
ton was called by the conservative ele-
nent in Maryland. The constitution OF
|. 1864 was not the work of the people OF
MARYLAND but was foisted upon ,nem by
| Federal influence, and IN contraventon OF
the reserved rights of every State IN the
American union. 1t was military mea-
sure, founded on military necessity - no
called and has no foundation in justice
or law, whether We regard it IN its incl
piency or its maturity
But, tho question now presented IL
whether we shall adhere to the tenets OF
party claiming to be based on IS military
necessity" or fall back upon our ancient
legal and constitutional rights! " beth
er we shall accept the constitution OF "a,
which all here will admit had lts tounda-
ton in violence and oppression, or will
suatain the action of the uncontrolled Wis
dom of the democratic party OF the State,
az had through its members IN the late
convention. Let the people Judge for
themselves upon isqurstion and to their
honesty and sagacity | submit the grave
questions involved.
But there are points likely to be IN
volved in the canvass Of this question that
may require from me more than a general
reference. The question of negro testl-
mony will, it is likely, be held up to the
people as reason why they should vote
against the constitution we have framed.
| voted against it myself in the late con-
vention, when first proposed, and the only
vote cast for it was on the final adoption
of the entire constitution. | can see no
harm, however, that can grow out OF this
measure, for the legislature IL given en-
tire control over it. Fit proves danger
GUS to the people, it will be repealed the
coming Winter, and will only thereafter
be regarded ~ an experiment which has
failed
Mr.. Ja1nison referred at length to the
great advantages which must result to us
by the adoption of the constitution. The
right given to the Legislature to approprl-
ate $500, 600 for internal improvements
in the lower Western shore counties waa
matter not to be overlooked. 1t could not
fail to be of mcalculable benefit to our peo-
pie.
He thought the proposed judiciary sys-
tenn an improvement upon that already
existing, and Wan satished that It gave
less opportunity for the exercise of fraud,
corruption, &c.
He thought there should be no political
prescription of the young men from this
State who had followed the standards of
Lee and Jackson, and he should ever op-
pose 80 narrow minded policy. Let them
stand. ~ the constitution we offer you pro
poses they shall, upon terms OF the fullest
equality with us.
Mr.. Jamison closed his remarks with an
eloquent appeal to the people, in which he
referred to the proud position old SAINT
Mary's had so long held III politics, which,
he trusted, she would not now forfeit by
casting any considerable vote against the
new constitution. Z
Upon the conclusion Of Hr. Jsmlson's
romaTkS, the CldlT HILL luli oduCtu th'
Hon. Is. G. Harris, who made the follow
ing remarks in opposition to the adoption
of the new constitution
Fellow C1rIzENs- the short time
allowed me shall not be able to make
some minor objections to the Constitution
which the two gentlemen who have pre-
ceeded me have so eloquently defended,
My remarks, therefore. will principally be
directed to the political bearing ot.that IN
strument In the first place, however,
let NE notice the declaration of the advo-
Gates of this Constitution that We should
adopt it as choice of evils | do not adj
nit that the sovereign people Of Msrylsnd
are forced to any such alternative, They
can if they choose reject this one and or
der that there shall be one made which
shall have no political evil in it At all |
sincerely regret that body in which. as
these gentlemen said, there was not = SIN
gle republican, should send forth docu-
ment 20 destitute of democratic principles,
or rather SO full of those principles adopt
cd by the radicals,
join the gentlemen heartily in de
nouneing the infamous Consultation of
1864 When it was passed by the Re