Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-01-23
address my fellow-citizens in behalf of the

! replied by return mail, that the commit
tee had heard with great pleasure his re
quest, and named certain evening at "Bel
videre Hail. Cumberland, when he and tn
the Hon. Frank Galaher of Baltimore
(since dead would address the friends o
Douglas.
Posters were struck and put up, circular
were distributed, and the local press duly an
nounced the coming speech of Gov, Thomas
The hall, upon the occasion, was not dense
~ crowded there was still deep lingering
feeling of prejudice existing in the mind
OF the people towards the Governor, which
neither time nor the existing circumstances
could erase. The want of a crowd did not
in the least, dampen his ardor or spirits
lie was plainly but neatly dressed IN sui
OF black, and appeared well and more Wig.
orous than had ever seen him. occupied
a seat on the platform and could, therefore
hear every word and witness the slightest
change of manner during his speech. His
gestures were taultless; his action was as
graceful and easy as though he had lived
every hour of his life midst the fashionable
conventionalities OF European courts, and
his voice was clear and melodious as a noun.
tain bugie, He was rather slow in his open
ing, but he soon warmed up as he proceeded
with his subject it was the smoothness OF
the stream before it shoots the precipice, the
stiffness that comes before the tightening
when the words seemed to burst like q
mountain cataract long locked in snow, which
melting suddenly under some unreasonable,
fiery influence, pours forth its frightfu vol
ume. He occupied some two hours in de-
livering this speech, and which was one ofthe
finest forensic efforts ever heard: and upon
leaving the hall, | was thoroughly impressed
with the idea that tho lap Of the future still
held further honors and more active duties
for this once distinguished parsonage.
Soon after President Lincoln convened the
new Congress in 1861. Inc GOvern0l Of
Maryland issued his proclamation for spe-
cial election for members of Congress
Gov. Thomas received tho almost unani-
nous endorsement of the union party, as it
was then called; and as the district was
largely Of that complexion, he was elected
to Congress by very decided majority
soon after the announcement of his candi-
dacy, he called to see me and desired to
know how the Democracy of Alegany
stood upon the the issues at stake" | re-
piled that as far ash could gather from in
quiry and observation, that there were but
few who tooE grounds with the secession
lists, but they were very generally opposed to
coercion
: And pray soll me, sir what you mean BIZ
Imean ioG'i S;irs.,
sovereign thal the UnrUh fSs.ih A States are
alton, q contfact that if the people OF any
one feel aggneved, they have the right to
withdraw, and the general government has
no authority to modest or disturb its action.
"Pray, may | ask again, in what school
were you educatedY"
In the Democratic school, in which, il
mistake not, you received a deploma and
accredited honors, the teachings of the one
you have ignored, the latter you have long
since lost
81 deny that any such heresy was enter
tanned by the Democracy during the period
| co-operated with the party, and wish to
say that without entering into any argu-
gument at this time, that IL it is your inten-
ton to throw your influence and assistance
with men who are seeking to destroy the
general government, then you are traitor to
your country and all such should be hung
up and quartered."
II Is not the first time have heard such
declarations and as regards the epthet of
traitor, it has been applied to purer and better
men than you or those whom you have re-
fered to.
With these remarks the Governor left me
abruptly and evidently much surprised and
excited. ! did not meet him again for two
or three weeks Gov. Hicks had convened
the Legislature Of Maryland in special ses-
sion To be held at Frederick. ! was, NJ the
time, gbsent from the Senate in Cumberland
on business was anxious 10 get back; all
railroad communication between the two
cities had been stopped by reason Of the
burning Of the bridges along the line Of the
railroad was walking up street in search
of private conveyance, when ! again nc
cidenty met the old Governor lie met me
very kindly, and remarked
sim in deylish bad fix this morning; i'm
portant matters require my attention at Fred.
crick, and have learned that your friends
across the river have destroyed all the bridges
between this and that point, and here ! am
compelled to the necessity Of making the
trip across the mountains on the old nation
al pike, which will consume the best part Of
three days"
I'm in the same fix, Governors am now
on my way 10 look for Il conveyance. Sup
pose you join mei The expenses will be
lighter, and think we will have a pleasant
ride
81 very much doubt the propriety Of such
an engagement, as most Of the road lies with
in short distance and parallel with the Po-
tomac, along which are gangs of Southern
desperadoes, under the command Of the two
Ashbys and others, and | do not know at
what moment you might assist in handing
me over into their custody"
To this replied, will make a contract
of honor,-you protect me, and see mo safe
through 10 Frederick and will do the same
with you.
ut Is agreed"
In few moments all Of our arrangements
were effected, 40 that we might leave Cum
berland early the next morning.
lTo ~ CONCLUDED ~ OUR NEXT.
Don't do itl No, don't learn trade
young man. You might sol your hands,