The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1881-03-12
FACING TO THE FRONT.

Even from this brief review it is manifest that
the nation is resolutey facing to the 'front.' resolved
to employ its best energies in developing the great
possibilities of the future Sacredy preserving
whatever has been gained to liberty and good
government during the century our people are de-
termined t. leave behind them all those bitter con-
troversies concerning things which have been ir-
revocably settled, and the further discussion of
which can only stir up strife and delay the onward
march. The supremacy of the nation and its laws
should no longer be subject of debate. That
discussion which for half n century threat
ened the existence of the Union, and closed at
last in the high court of the war, by decree from
which there is appeal, declares that the Consti
tuition and the laws made in pursuance thereof,
shall continue to be the supreme law of the land,
binding alike upon the States and the people.
This decree does not disturb the autonomy of the
States, nor interfere with any of their rights of
local self government, but it does and establish
the permanent supremacy of the Union. The
will of the nation, speaking with voice of battle
and through the amended Constitution, has full
filled the great promise of 1875 by procaiming
elderly throughout the land all the inhabitants
thereof"
The ee alton of the negro race from slavery to
the full rights of citizenship is the most important
political change we have known since the adoption
of the Constitution of 1887. No thoughtful man
can fail to appreciate its benefcent effect upon
our institutions and people. 1t has freed us from
the perpetual danger of war and dissolution.
1t has added immensely to the moral and indus
trial forces of our people. 1t has liberated the
MASTER well rs the slave, from n relation which
wronged and enfeebled both. 1t has surrendered
to their own guardianship the manhood of more
than 5,0OO,O00 of people, and has opened to zach
one of them career OF freedom and usefulness
Tt has given inspiration to the power Of self
help in both races by making labor more honor
able to the one and more necessary to the other.
The influence of this course will grow greater and
bear richer fruit with the coming years.
No doubt the great change has caused serious
disturbance to our Southern communities. This
is to be deplored though it was, perhaps, unavoid
able.
But those who resisted the change should re-
member that under our institutions there was no
middle ground for the negro race between slavery
and equal citizenship. There can be no perma-
nent disfranchised peasantry in the United States.
Freedom can never yield its fuIness of blessings
so long the law or its administration places the
smallest obstacle in the pathway of any virtuous
citizen. The emancipated race has already made
remarkable progress. With unquestioning devo-
ton to the Union, with patience and gentleness
not born of fear, they have "folowed the light, as
God gave them to see the light" They rap
idly laying the material foundations of self sup
port, widening the circle Of intelligence, and be-
ginning to enjoy the blessings that gather around
the homes of the industrious poor. They deserve
the generous encouragement of all good men.
So far as my authority can lawfully extend, they
shall enjoy the full and equal protection of the
Constitution and the laws.