That, I
Think, Is The Conclusion To Which A Spectator Should Come.
It is
in that doctrine of finality that our friends have broken down - a
doctrine not expressed in their
Constitutions, and indeed expressly
denied in the Constitution of the United States, which provides the
mode in which amendments shall be made - but appearing plainly
enough in every word of self-gratulation which comes from them.
Political finality has ever proved a delusion - as has the idea of
finality in all human institutions. I do not doubt but that the
republican form of government will remain and make progress in
North America, but such prolonged existence and progress must be
based on an acknowledgment of the necessity for change, and must
much depend on the facilities for change which shall be afforded.
I have described the condition of Baltimore as it was early in May,
1861. I reached that city just seven months later, and its
condition was considerably altered. There was no question then
whether troops should pass through Baltimore, or by an awkward
round through Annapolis, or not pass at all through Maryland.
General Dix, who had succeeded General Banks, was holding the city
in his grip, and martial law prevailed. In such times as those, it
was bootless to inquire as to that promise that no troops should
pass southward through Baltimore. What have such assurances ever
been worth in such days? Baltimore was now a military depot in the
hands of the Northern army, and General Dix was not a man to stand
any trifling.
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