776

their work of disintegration* and dismemberment, regard-
less of all consequences. Such traitorous proceedings cul-
minated, as might have been expected and forseen, in all the
horrors of civil war. In such acts are to be discovered the
true cause of all our trials and sufferings, as well as the his-
tory of that determined popular clamor for this Convention,
as the most effectual means to check such movements within
our State. The draft of a Constitution now about to be sub-
mitted, is but one of the legitimate fruits of rebellion, to be
followed by other similar enactments, until the popular will
shall be reflected in an absolute extinguishment of this in-
stitution. Slavery interwoven with our social and domestic
relations, and accustomed to control our national policy could
not brook the antagonism of free speech and free labor.
In its mad appeal to the dread arbitrament of the sword, there
has been disclosed the secret history and ambitious designs
of many party leaders who have long sought to divide our
country by sectional lines for the gratification of their own
personal ends. That God, in the providence of His ways,
will effectually thwart the machinations of such schemers
and plotters of disunion, I have not a doubt. Believing that
He has permitted this state of things for the accomplishment
of some great National good, I have an abiding faith that the
great mass of the American people, whose generous patriot-
ism, unflinching courage and unselfish devotion to their
country's cause is without a parallel in the history of the
world, will emerge from this terrible ordeal, much better pre-
pared to appreciate the blessings of free institutions, and to
provide in a Constitutional mode for the removal of every
obstacle to the perpetuation of a united Government, consti-
tuting us one people, so dear to every true American heart.
This problem of universal freedom is being fast wrought out
by the current events of the day, to the satisfaction of every
loyal man, while in the blood of patriotic sons and sires will
be found the surest guaranties against all future enemies,
foreign or domestic, of that Liberty and Union which should
be one and inseparable, now and forever.

In this State the institution of slavery is dead. Those who
have tears, therefor, prepare to shed them now. It is not
now in your power, or mine, or that of any living mortal to
revive or resuscitate it. I congratulate you upon the accom-
plishment of this work, which I doubt not the people will seal
with their approbation. Even those of your constituents who
do not now coincide with your views, after the asperities of
the day shall have ceased will, I doubt not, hail with pleasure
this great social revolution, opening as it does, the fair fields
of Maryland to the hand of honest industry, in all its diversi-