The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1885-09-04
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. sINTHECOUN.
TIES.

The Committee appointed to carry into effect
the Resolution of the Maryland Historical Soce-
ty, regarding the extension of adjunct societies
in the counties OF the State, respectfully report
The State of Maryland is as rich in the ma
terials of history, as in the treasures of her soil
and waters, but these historic archives have been
greatly neglected, producing chasms in some and
obscurity regarding other important periods
In late years, however, an increased interest has
been aroused, as seen in the action of our Leeis-
lature respecting the State archives, and also by
the public attention to any new historic develop
ment, and doubtless suitable Investigations will
discover manuscripts and relics throwing Zig hit
on the past and stimulating further historic re-
We therefore earnestly favor the formation of
Historical Societies in the counties wherever
practicable, thus realizing our title. THE MARY
LAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY, large part of
Maryland having been settled one hundred years
before Baltimore town on the Patapsco.
We believe that this movement is likely to sue
coed, because of the increased diffusion of educa-
ton, and also from the improved communica-
very near hence IN every county the materials
for such organizations already exist. Physicians
lawyers, farmers, ministers. teachers and schol-
ars could easily unite to deve'ope the resources
of their respective localities, provide lectures,
tablish collections of manuscripts and other
relics Of the past, thus not relying on Others, but
mental. social and moral condition of the neigh
Misunderstanding favorably on other localities
people who have no past are not likely to have
any future" We do not propose to elucidate
THIS axiom IN showing tne value OF History. we
shall only apply to the State of Maryland what
Chancellor Kent says of New York: If says he,
II do not greatly deceive myself, there is no por
ton of the history of the country more instruc-
tive or calculated to embellish our National
character than the history of this State 1t will
be found on examination as fruitful as the re-
cords of any other people In recital of heroic ac-
lions and in images of Respondent virtue. 1t is
equally well fitted to elevate the pride of anoes-
try, to awaken deep feeling and kindle generous
emulation"
We therefore recommend:
/. Information given by circulars extensive
ly distributed as to the nature and benefit of
such societies, inviting tho participation of all
interested.
2. Securing the cooperation of the editors In
the various cities and counties of the State.
3. The appointment of a public meeting with
speakers who will excite attention to the historic
wealth of that locality.
The growth of every good undertaking being
gradual, we do not anticipate any sudden success.
There must be beginning, the seed before har-
vest, but we trust that with ordinary effort this
movement will in time succeed. In our own
recollection the physical resources of our State
having developed to an extent not dreamed of
by our ancestors. Let the historic wealth of our
State be equally expanded with this advantage,
that once discovered, 1t is permanent. inexhausta-
BILE. The skill of the inventor, the genius of the
artist, the deeds of the benefactor, the herosm
of the soldier, the study of the scholar the nves-
legations of science these constitute the State"
and bequeath to posterity an mperishable legacy.
AT the touch of history, decay itself is arrested
and our dead towns" like the Deserted Viii
lage," would awaken an interest unknown in
their day of prosperity.
There are many old mansions in this State
whose history. il written, would furnish all the
destinations of the novel without the unreaity of
fiction.
GEO. A. LEARIN
SAML. A. HARRISON,
LEWIS III. STEINER,
EDW. STABLER JR.