Position of Maryland
Gov. Hicks, of Maryland, has declined to call an extra session of the Legislature. In replying to the request by a number of citizens that be should do so, he says that he trusts to the ‘" second sober thought of the conservative masses at the North,"’ for the repeal of the nullification laws. He thinks a meeting of the Maryland Legislature would only serve to increase the excitement in that State, instead of allay it. In conclusion he says:‘ You speak, gentlemen, of Maryland's peculiar position as a border slave State. That position, between the extremes of North and South, seems, thus far, to have kept sectionalism from her councils, and to have inclined her people to moderate measures. But there are other border slave States as much interested in these questions as Maryland can be, which ought to be consulted before we take the initiative in this matter.
I believe that neither Kentucky, Tennessee, nor Missouri has taken any such action. The Legislature of the great State of Virginia, which has been called together to take action as to her works of internal improvements, will have these matters under their consideration; and it seems only wise and proper to await the decision of our nearest Southern sister, rather than run the risk of clashing with her by hasty action — our people will not fail to act with boldness when it becomes necessary, because we waited with patience the true time for action, instead of becoming alarmed before danger had actually arrived, and rushing into perils which prudence may avoid.
In addition to these reasons, it seems to me we should wait to hear from the National Executive. It is his duty to look not to Maryland alone, but to the entire Union. He is, doubtless, correctly advised as to the true condition of the country, whose chief officer he is, and must have means of judging correctly as to its condition, far more extensive than those at my command, and of deciding properly as to what measures are best suited to compose our national troubles; and I will say, that I consider it but respectful to award the recommendations of that high functionary.
Congress, &co, will be in session on the 3rd prox., and coming, as its members will do, from every section of the country, it is but reasonable to hope that they, in their congregated wisdom, will give aid to the National Executive, and that wise and temperate counsels will prevail, and proceeding's be had which will allay much of the unkind and unnatural prejudice existing between the different sections of our once united and happy country.
Believing that all should act, or decline to act, as circumstances may render proper, I must, as at present advised by my own judgment, founded upon much information of the wishes of the people, and great deliberation, respectfully decline to gratify the request so politely made; but shall hold myself ready to act promptly when I shall believe the honor and safety of Maryland require me to act in the promises. With great respect,
’
Thos. H. Hicks. Nov. 27, 1860
