The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-06-19

cellency, I handed to him the ordinance OF
secession with which I was intrusted, and
also a written ton, In Wntch
endeavored to justify and explain the ac-
ton of the State Of Georgia.: and attempted
to- show that the material Interests OF
Maryland would be greatly promoted and
advanced by her cooperation with the Sc
csdins States. To this communication |
have received no reply, although, upon a
suggestion of Governor Hicks that ne
would favor me with a reply at his earliest
convenience, have waited for two days 70
receive such communication as he shouAd
be pleased to make to your body
I'm the absence of any written reply 10
nv note of the 18th ultimo. [ can only give
your honorable body the result OF the per-
sonal interview 1 had with the Governor,
and I regret to say that | found him not
only opposed to the secession OF Maryland
from the Federal Union. but that if she
should withdraw from the Union he ad-
vised and would urge her to confederate
with the Middle States in the formation OF
a central confederacy. He almost In
formed me that he had already, in his
official character, entered into cofrespon-
denec with the governors Of those States,
including New York, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey. Delaware, Virginia. Missouri ana
Ohio. with view, in the event of an ulti-
mate niSIhptipll VI tIit S'iNi.'t 'e''+''' -
tie establishment of such central confede-
racy.
He thought our action hasty and i!l-ad-
vised. and not justified by the action of
which we complain, and that we were at
tempting to cGerce Maryland to follow
our example: but he had great confidence
in the Peace Conference then IN session In
Washington, and had assurances that that
BODY would agree upon a plan of adjust
no, a a
Maryland; that the proposition before the
conference known as the Guthrie plan
was a fair and proper basis of compromise
and settlement. He also Informed me- III
the course of our interview. and in answer
TO a direct inquiry from me on that point,
that in the event of the Federal govern
nient.s attempting to coerce the seeding
States he would interpose no objection 70
the marching or transporting of troops
through his State. and their embarkation
at Baltimore by the Federal government
for that purpose; that as chief rnagis-
trate of the State. he had no power to
prevent it. as it would not be an invasion
of the state, and that he would not con-
yene the Legislature under such circum-
stances. that they might take action in the
premises
THE GOVERNOR FIRM.
"These opinions and views of the Gov
ernor [ have reasons to believe are not en-
tertained by a majority OF the people OF
Maryland. Indeed. | have no doubt that
the people there would spontaneously rise
en- nasse and resist the invaders, though
it encr:msoned their soil with the best
blood of the State. The people, then, IN
my humble judgment are true 10 the
memories of the past. They are a gallant,
patriotic and brave people. whose feelings
and sympathies are warmly enlisted IN
our cause and although some Of them do
entertain the opinion that we have, per-
haps, acted prectpitately. they acknowi-
edga that our action is fully justified by
the events of the past, and declare their
determination to assist us, if need be, in
sustaining our independence. It is greatly
to be regretted that such a gallant peopis
should be prevented by their own officials.
however high they may be, from giving
an authoritative expression of their con-
viction and of taking such action as, In
their Judgment, the affairs OF the country
demand. Without the consent of Governor
Hicks neither the Legislature nor an au-
thor;zed convention can be assembled. and
1 have no hesitancy in stating that he
will never convene either. II Virginia
shall withdraw from the Union the people
OF Maryland Will, in the shortest possible
period of time, assume the responsibility.
assemble in spontaneous convention. and
unite their deSunles With the ConIederdte
States of the South
IN conclusion, I would respectfully add
that this communication would have been
made at an earlier day. but that | waited,
hoping to receive an answer from Governor
Hicks before I laid before your body the
result of my mission.
SYMPATHETIC RESOLUTIONS.
While Mr.. Wright was in Baltimore. on
his way to Annapolis, the celebrated con-
vention was held here, over which Hon
Robert NJ. McLane presided. and which
passed resolutions of sympathy with the
South, reservins any suggestion for deli
rite action until Virginia had acted. These
resolutions. which nave become historic,
are as follows:
whereas, 1t is the opinion of this meet
ing that in the present alarming crisis in
the history of our country it IS desirable
that the State Of Maryland should be rep
resented by judicious, intelligent and pa
trotic agents, fully authorized to confer
aa