Year: 1866




Interfering with the Constitution and


Laws.


The Westminster Sentinel reliable and trust
worthy journal, makes the following expose of
the operations Of Gov. Swami and his Secretary
Of State Mr.. John NJ. Carter, in Carroll county.
1t is humiiating to think that the Governor of
State would descend to the acts charged upon
him by the Sentinel, which says


The Governor of this State elected by the 10y
al men sustained and upheld by them as long as
he carried out their principles, and fulfilled the
hopes of those whose ballots placed him where he
is has at last given way to the tempter ambition,
and stands before the people Of this State, and Of
the whole country, as the would be destroyer of
the loyal party in Maryland, which stood by the
Government when assaied by armed Rebels and
traitors even when he himself wavered and was
undecided. He dishonors the position he now
holds, not only because of his base ingratitude
to the party which confded in him, but because
he is prostituting the power placed in his hands
to the meanest and most selfish partisan purpose.
We venture to say that the history of this or no
other State can furnish parallel to the attempt
made by the Executive, through his agents and +.
tools TO nulfy and set aside, by Uery liberal con-
stq'1ction the Registry Law, which, among others
he has sworn to execute. We write it in sorrow
Wltl no WISH 10 provoke uuJuSb CIlltClSm upon
his Excellencys (for we cordially supported him
when before the people for their Sufrages, but
stern sense of duty compels US to unmask the
means taken to accomplish his ends in this coun-
ty, and to expose and exhibit to the people the
length be has gone to advance his personal inter-
ests in other words, to secure his election to the
United States Senate by the next Legislature
We do not desire to use harsh language, but we
believe he does no credit to himself or the people
of Mo ond in hic
ing under an oath to uphold and defend the law,
he has sent his Secretary of State into this coun-
ty ooithoat any SnUitatioBJ from any Of the Regis
terS to influence certain of them to c0nstrue the
law as literally as that if carried out would
amount to a total notification of the law. The
Secretary was no doubt charged with the duty
of representing Governor Swann's opinion and
wishes and came here to confer with certain
gentlemen as to the best method of accomplish
ing their object. To that end secret meeting
was held on Saturday night, at which certain men
(iacluding one tav0 able and distinguished Ldac-
gers, who had done all they could to defeat the
Governor when candidate, were suddenly taken
into his confding arms and the programme OF
operations laid down to be carried out the next
day Sunday.) And Sunday though it was,
the business was so important that it was in part
attended to- 1t was arranged that the Registrar
for" Myers district should be visited on that
day by the Secretary of State, and be instructed
in regard to his duty as sworn officer. While
we have but little to say as to the conduct OF the
Secretary save that it was impertinent and un-
becoming for him to be there at all, there was
that done in his presence, by another tool of his
master, that ought TO stamp with eternal infamy
all who were connected with it. The Registrar
was not directly threatened, but the reasoning
of the gentlemen was enforced by the assertion
that there was one Registrar in the county against
whom there would be more than twenty 1ndlct-
ments found at the next term of court, and leav-
inc this Registrar to draw the inference that II
he did not change his course he might be served
in the same way. We have no further comments
to make in this case /; thank God for the honor
of our better nature, they found man stern
enough and Independent enough to perform his
duty as he believed his oath required him to do,
without any fear of Executive power or otflclous
interference from irresponsible parties.


The Sixth election District was also visited in
pursuance of the plan laid down at their secret
meeting with about the same result, inspiring
both men with frmer resolution, and producing
in their minds nothing but the greatest indigna


ton and contempt for this base attempt to make


them swerve in the performance Of their duty.


On Monday (fr0m conscientious Scruptes ABOUT
5reakinq the Sabbath the Registrar of Taneytown
district was visited by another and entirely dlf-
ferent person. specially selected but with no bet
fer result. Not content with arguing and reason
ing in his usual orc6le and eloquent style about
the proper mode ofregiStering, official patronage
as well as high positions were offered to the iatn-
er of the Registrar as well as the party In whose
interests these attempts were made. 1t is not be-
| coming TO touch upon the ridiculous ending OF
the interview with this registrar, or the stupid


methed taken to throw dust in the eyes OF the cu-


rious the matter is to serious to indulge IN such
| leyity suffice it to say all the details Will oe
| given at another time, and in another place.
| All honor to the resolute Registrar OF District
| No. l, who had the manliness to tell this tool
! of the Governor that be could neither be 6rloed
| intimidated bought, or forced to resign tnat ne


was the Registrar of the district and as such he
/ would discharge the duties of the position as he


deemed right in view of the oath he bad taken


without dictaton or impertinent interference from
/ the Governor any of his satellites.


| We have only hurredly noticed these attempts


10 mould certain Registrars to the Executive will


and failing to do this to solicit them to resign


that Others might be appointed who would De


more plant tools; and is ltnot dlsgraceIui, reai
4 ly appalliag flor bear in mind no attempt was
! made to instruct those Registrars who were al
! lowing every one to become qualified voters WITH
/ out g dihgently inguring and aSceTtdnang aoheth-


e such persons had done any Of the acts declared IN
the third fourth and fifth sections Of article lSt Of
the Oonstitation as causes of disqualification s. -


they were esteemed by the Executive and bis Sec


retary of State to be performing their duty IN the
/ most acceptable manner, and were therefore TO


he left alone in their honorable career.) But we
believe this unwarrantable attempt of the Execu-
tive to interfere in matters that do not properly
belong to hin-to play the small wire-workIng,
/ Intriguing politician in this county, to advance


his own chances of an election, will open the eyes
/ of loyal men everywhere, and only make them


more determined in contending for the success OF
the principles OF the Union party.


H. IN hn


ed by setting aside this Registry law and we have
! done. The Governor of this State, as all are
j aware. is an aspirant for the United States SEN


ate he knows that he can get no voters from


1.-The lower counties as the law has been, and still
lis, so literally construed that all registered,


and none can or will be elected save straight out


Rebels. who will not vote for him under any cir


cumstances hence tits necessary to make ln-roaus


upon our vote in Allegany, Washington, treoer-
u ick Carroll & Baltimore counties and Baltimore


city. where we have majority, and II ne can


succeed then he will force the Rebels with whom


he is acting in these counties to nominate only


such men as have formerly been identified with


the Union party, and as matter OF course, VINO


will support him for the place he is seeking Tor


If will be perceived at glance, thati all these
votes can be secured, then he can laugh at the


lower counties, for he has majority without


them. What, then is the result 2 what the et-
feet produced =? Why he goes to the Senate and
is relieved Of all responsibility for what may fol-
Illow in the future. His course opens the door to
7 l,compensated emancipation, by placing IN power
the partv who are pledged to give it, and being
No Longer the Executive of the State, he will b
rel;eved Of all immediate responsibility for the en-
; falling of such hardship upon the people of Ma
ryland. In other words, the qualification ofni


ambition by the liberal manner in which ne Wish


es the Registry law to be enforced (that is nulll


fed, may possibly insure the success OF our ~ op
nav them for the e8 600 slaves lost by their trea
: son but what is that to the taxpayers Of Mary
= land, provided Swami is elected to the Unite
u States Senate g .fnre