Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1869-01-22
Inau gural Address Of Governor Bowie.
Mr.. Secretary Of State and Gen. Latrobe:

Mr.. Secretary Of State and Gen. Latrobe:
1t is with exceeding regret that l note the
absence of my distinguished predecessor and
know that it is caused by serious and pro-
tracted Illness
In receiving fronhis hands the helm Of the
ship Of State, which he has guided so ably
and successfully Though an eventful and, at
times, stormy administration, I had hoped to
receive the suggestions of his wisdom and ex-
perience, shall yet expect, upon his restora-
ton to health, which, in common with all the
people of the State, hope may be immedi-
ate and complete. to have the benefit of his
wise and prudent counsel.
1t is known, sirs, that after mature consid-
Grafton, decided not to convene the General
Assembly in extra session, for which there
had been some pressure, and which has been
generally customary when the regular session
was not held in those years that the Execu-
tive extered upon his official functions.
But could see no pressing necessity which
required it, and preferred that the finances
Of the State should be preserved from the un'
avoi1able expense attendant upon such ses'
sion. The Legislature, therefore, not being
assembled, it will not be expected, and is en-
tirely unnecessary, that should dwell, ir
these brief remarks, upon any matter of State
policy.
1t gives me great satisfaction, however, te
say that / am assured of the sound and excel
lent financial condition of the State, that ou
people are happy, contented and generally
prosperous, and look with hope and anxiety
to an improved and more settled condition o
national affairs.
The country has just passed through an ex
citing contest between the two great poitica
parties. The result has been peacefully ane
Immediately accepted and acquiesced in
Every disposition is everywhere very proper
ly manifested to give the incoming admins
tration fair and liberal trial, and if deserv
ing, cordial and generous support.
am assured by those best acquainted will
General Grant that he is man of enlarged
and liberal ideas, of generous impulses, o
high magnanimity, of firm purpose, and o
exalted sense of right and justice. He is; for
tunately, man tolead, and will not be led
The same antagonism between Congress ane
President, which thwarted all of Presiden
Johnson's earnest and sincere efforts for re-
union, will not exist The same motive.
which prompted him at Appomattox to &C
cord just and liberal terms to Gen. Lee ano
his veterans of many bloody and brilliant
battle-6elds, will nerve him, let US hope, t.
be just and reasonable to those States from
which those veterans came, and to those peo-
pie whom they !|aptly represented.
him insist upon the observance Of terms ther
agreed upon, will enable him to lead Others
less willing perhaps than himself, to restore
to their inalienable rights the people of oul
sister Southern States, whose pitiable condi,
ton we of Maryland so deeply deplore.
"Let US have peace" was bis utterance, re.
fectirg the aspiration of the people, and re.
sultng in his election. 1t is with him to 'le
us have peace" His is the opportunity sci.
dom offered to man. If be avail himself o.
it, his will be the honor and glory. The
country will be paci6ed and prosperous, re.
constructed and reunited, and if this be the
result, as long as the Republic shall exist, his
name will be honored and revered.
In this desirable consummation Maryland
has as deep an interest as any other State, and
as her Executive, whilst shall compromise
no political sentiment of my own, or of a ma
jorty of her citizens, l shall reflect her wishes
and interests by giving to the administration
of Gen. Grant cordial support in any and
every effort for the supremacy of the Consti.
tuition and the reconstruction and perpetuity
Of the Union
I thank you, gentlemen, for the courteous
and consderate manner in which you have
discharged the trust delegated to you by Gov
Swami, and hope that at the expiration Of
my Gubernatorial term / shall be able te
transfer to my successor in office these valued
archives and our proud insignia, as honored
and untarnished as they have been delivered
to me.