98               The Maryland Constitution of 1864.            [444

occupied the thought of the people of the state during
nearly two years preceding the close of the war. It was
largely the result of a long-existent feeling of the need of
reform in the social and political life of Maryland, and
although precipitated and somewhat changed in character
by the influence of the Civil War, would undoubtedly have
been successful at some later day. In this latter case it
would likely have been less extreme, yet perhaps more
thorough, in its results, and hardly would have suffered
the effects of the inevitable reaction which in the year
1867 not only abrogated the objectionable features of the
Constitution of 1864, but rejected some of its greatest
merits as well. But the fact that these merits and defects
once existed in the organic law and government of the
state, will not be forgotten by the more thoughtful people
of Maryland, but will serve as a valuable experience to
guide them in many hitherto untried paths of reform.
Furthermore, if the justification of a higher national ne-
cessity is denied the Union men of 1863-4, their courage
shown in the abolition of slavery in the state of Maryland
deserves the thanks and appreciation of their posterity.