oaths, which even Governor Bradford, while
admitting they were to be put, and should be
put, could not refrain from intimating might
be liable to constitutional objections, which
must be waived by him as the Executive of
the State in deference to the legislative con-
struction of the constitutional questions in-
volved.
Out of a voting population in the State of
90,000. you could only count 30,000, and in
Baltimore city, out of 30,000, you could only
number 9,000-although many soldiers voted
there, and I understand, among other cases,
that one soldier voted who had never lived
there, but said be voted because he was sent
there to vote. Where is this silent mighty
throng of voters, 40,000 strong? They will
speak some day through the ballot box.
Take courage, then, "fellow Democrats," I
was about to say; but I will not say it, be-
cause the term Democrats has become ambiguous.
Mr. SANDS, (in his seat.) That is so.
Mr. CLARKE. Just as the term republican
ie ambiguous. Fremont men and republican
men are now in session and the gentleman
himself must admit that although the other
day he said he was for Old Abe, yet finally I
convicted him of opposing his administra-
tion. I will not use the term, because with-
out a qualification it might embrace war
democrats as well as peace democrats; and
the war democrats of the country I most hum-
bly conceive are worse than the republicans ;
because while admitting that violations of the
Constitution are going on, admitting that the
course of the Government will eventually
overthrow liberty, yet they lend their aid to
the very parlies whom they say violate the
Constitution, thus confessedly yielding their
principles foe plunder and for pay.
But I will rather say, take courage, conservative
men of the country; stand by the
liberties of the people, and the preservation
of the Constitution and the rights of the
States, and under the Constitution of the
United States, recognizing the fact that the
laws passed in pursuance thereof are the su-
preme law of the land; press on in your no-
ble work. Not only in Maryland, but
throughout the length and breadth of the
land, let us band ourselves together as pa-
triots lo maintain the rights of the people
and the rights the States. " Be courageous,
all ye conservative men, wherever you may
be, and under whatever flag you have fought.
Save the freedom of the white people of this
country. Save the Constitution. Save the
rights of the States. Long enough have we
witnessed the terrible events which are trans-
piring. The heart is sick and weary of such
contemplations.
"Enough—it boots not on the past to dwell ;
Fair scenes of other years a long farewell
Rouse up, my soul, it boots not to repine ;
Rouse up for worthier feelings should be thine. |
Thy path is plain and straight, that light is
given,
Onward in faith and leave the rest to Heaven.
Yes, mighty host of conservatives, "onward
in faith and leave the rest to Heaven."
Maintain on principle through the ballot box
your rights. Triumph must come. We
shall win. Unfurl upon your standard, "the
Constitution," " the observance of the laws,"
" allegiance to the Federal Government
within the limits of the exercise of its Consti-
tutional powers," "State rights and alle-
giance to the States within the line of their
Constitutional powers.'' Preston the column
with these as watchwords, and an army with
banners, though it glitters in the sunshine of
five hundred thousand bayonets, will not'
trample down the cause of human freedom
and Constitutional government.
Mr. STIRLING moved that the Convention
take a recess until half-past four o'clock.
Mr. BERRY, of Prince George's, moved to
amend, by substituting half-past seven o'clock.
Mr. CUSHING. The Blind Asylum have the
hall this evening.
Mr. CHAMBERS. If it is the disposition of
gentlemen to allow the question now lo be
postponed, let it be until to-morrow. I hold
up my hand against after-dinner sessions, at
any time, under any circumstances. I move
that the Convention adjourn.
Mr. PURNELL. Will the gentleman with-
draw that motion for a moment.
Mr. CHAMBERS withdrew the motion.
Mr. PURNELL. Personal considerations
compel me to ask of the Convention the
privilege of absenting myself for a few days
at my home. It, is my misfortune to be at a
long distance from my home, and the total
absence of any communication down the bay.
renders it necessary that I should make a cir-
cuit around it almost equal to that made by
Christopher Columbus when he discovered
America. As soon as I shall beable to do so,
I will return to my seat.
Leave of absence was granted,
On motion of Mr. PURNELL,
The Convention adjourned.
TWENTY-FIFTH DAY.
THURSDAY, June 2d, 1864.
The Convention met.
Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Davenport.
Present at the call of the roll the following
members:
Messrs. Goldsborough, President; Abbott,
Annan, Audoun, Baker, Barron, Belt, Berry
of Baltimore county, Berry of Prince George's,
Blackiston, Bond, Briscoe, Carter, Clarke,
Crawford, Cunningham, Cushing, Daniel,
Davis of Charles, Davis of Washington Den-
nis, Duvall, Earle, Ecker, Edelen, Farrow,
Gale, Galloway, Harwood, Hatch, Hebb,
Henkle, Hodson, Hoffman, Hollyday, Hop- |
