More evidences of the Lincoln Tyranny in Maryland.
We have received a copy of the
St. Mary's
Bracon, of November 26, published in
Leonardtown.
Md. The following article, extracted from its columns, will show that there are some gallant representatives of the press in that down trodden and persecuted old States who cannot be silenced or driven to stultification by all the
Federal bayonets which is in the power of that king of tyrants,
Lincoln, to distribute throughout its dominions, in order to overawe all the citizens of
Maryland into submission to his unholy crashed against the
South.
Notwithstanding the fact, that the late election in
Maryland fully evidenced the inability of the
Peace Party in the
State to frustrate or thwart the designs of the
Washington Government, and the further fact, that the people of this State have adopted the policy of that Government by a majority of thirty thousand votes, we find, as we heretofore predicted, that there has been no relaxation of vigilance, on the part of the autocrat or his premier, towards the people of
Maryland.
Nor does it matter whether or not the result of the late election is a fair indication of the popular will.
We may and do think the contrary, but the
Government has accepted it as such, and should have so based its subsequent action.
It claims that the election was perfectly fair, you it reposes no confidence in the loyalty of the people.
The Federal force in
Baltimore city and else where in the
State, has not been diminished, nor have arrests for opinion's sake been less frequent or of a less aggravated and unscrupulous character.
The soil of St. Mary's, heretofore unpolluted by the tread of the mercenary and the detective — except in instances where charges have been trumped up of a treasonable character — has of late been invaded, and her citizens dragged from their homes, without a moment's warning, or even the mere formula of a trial, that they may answer at the bar of Federal opinion for such imaginary crimes as spies may think fit to charge them with, or the
Government may suspect them of having committed.
Is it not sufficient for the
Government to know that the Unionists, through the potency of its influence, hold the rains of power, and will rule this State just as it may please to direct them?
Is it not enough for it to know that the gallant and undaunted few who still cling to their opinions, and maintain at the ballot box their rights, regard of the consequences which a despotism may inflict, are, in this State, in a hopeless and powerless minority?
Are vengeance and love of oppression so sweet, or the desire for a field of conquest — which it seems is not else where so easily found — so strong, as to demand this persecuting policy at the hands of
Mr. Lincoln?
Or is this simply a war upon the people of
Maryland?
The only slave State, except
Delaware, which has not raised her hand against the
Federal Government, she has been selected as a field for the display of Federal prowess, and her people given over to vindictive persecution.
Of the several arrests recently made in this county we have, in one instance, the full particulars.
A portion of the
Federal command — either of the soldiery or police — visited the house of the party, represented themselves as friendly to the
Southern cause, and asked for supper.
The supper was prepared and partaken of a free and unreserved conversation ensued, the host unbosomed himself to the supposed refugees and freely expressed his opinions and sympathies in connection with the unfortunate struggle in which the country is engaged.
His opinions — like these of nine-tenths of the people of this county — were in opposition to the war, and in favor of peaceable secession rather than reunion by force, and he so expressed them.
Ere the next sun arose he was arrested, and is now a Federal prisoner.
If the mere expression of an adverse opinion is sufficient cause for arrest, let the authorities at
Washington prepare other for tresses and build new Bastiles, for they can readily find plenty of occupant is for them.
Nor need they reflect such damning infamy upon the character of American soldiery and Republican institutions by resulting to such means as above narrated.
The ballot box, it the late election, closely as it was guarded by Federal bayonets, still unfolds a tale that renders, for similar cause, the arrest of many thousands necessary.
These are the reasons that have reached us for the arrest of a citizen of this county, and, if there are other cause, they are unknown to ourselves or the friends of the party.
Such an arrest, made under such circumstances, would certainly reflect, disgrace and dishonor upon any Government but this; and, if this course is to be persisted in towards the people of
Maryland, it would have been far better had they reserved their evidence of loyalty until better terms of protection had been procured.
To what end this course of policy will lead we shall not attempt to predict, but we can readily imagine a condition of things under which submission, like prudence, would cease to be a virtue.
