USA > Maryland > Leading Events of Maryland History: With Topical Analyses, References, and questions for original thought and research, revised and enlarge > Part 15
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Columbus and Washington has been told. The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery was the first institution of the kind in the world. All this explains why its people sometimes call Baltimore a "City of First Things."
The people of every community like to celebrate the notable events in their history. In September, 1889, six days were de- voted to a celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the defense of Baltimore against the attack of the British in 1814, the memorable occasion that inspired the " Star- Spangled Banner." The exercises began on Sep- tember 9 with a great industrial display, show- ing the progress of the city in manufacturing. On the 12th a sham battle took place at Pimlico to illustrate the battle of North Point. The City Hall, Baltimore From a photograph During the celebration many distinguished persons visited the city, including the presi- dent and vice-president of the United States, with members of the cabinet, the governors of Maryland and Delaware, many army officers, and other persons of note. In 1914 a similar week was devoted to the Star-Spangled Banner Centennial, which included industrial, military, and municipal parades, historical pageants, and the dedication of Fort McHenry as a public park.
In 1875 a new City Hall was completed in Baltimore which was among the finest buildings of the kind in the United States.
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The structure covers an area of over thirty thousand square feet, yet the growth of the city has been so great that many public offices now have to be housed outside the City Hall. The white marble used in its construction was quarried in Baltimore county, Maryland. Near the City Hall is another large and handsome
The Court House and Battle Monument, Baltimore From a photograph
building, the Postoffice, completed in 1890 by the government of the United States. It is built of granite.
Baltimore's beautiful Court House, occupied in 1900, is said to be the finest in America. The interior of the building is beauti- fully finished in hardwood and marble, and at the main entrance are two bronze doors. Its walls have since been adorned by several of the most famous mural painters of the time. Some of the most notable of these works are Charles Y. Turner's
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" Burning of the Peggy Stewart," Jean Paul Laurens' "Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown," and Edwin H. Blashfield's "Religious Toleration " and " Washington Surrendering his Commission."
Another fine building is the Custom House, a large granite building completed by the United States in 1907. It contains a series of mural paintings by Francis Millet, showing the development of commerce by water.
The Armory of the Fifth Regi- ment is a very important building, because it can seat more than 20,000 persons and so is one of the largest convention halls of the country. It was in this building that the National Convention of the Democratic Party in 1912 nominated Woodrow Wilson for president of the United States. A number of earlier presidents also received the party nomination in Baltimore.
An era of splendid development for Baltimore dates from a great dis- aster. On the morning of Sunday, Statue of Cecilius Calvert Entrance to Court House, Baltimore From a photograph February 7, 1904, a fire broke out in a large wholesale dry-goods store on the corner of German and Sharp streets. An explosion, the cause of which is not certainly known, took place, setting fire to a number of surrounding buildings, and the high wind which was blowing at the time swept the flames rapidly to the east and north. The fire was soon utterly beyond control, and although engines and firemen were sum- moned from New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and other
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cities, the progress of the flames could not be arrested. Not until five o'clock on Monday afternoon, February 8, was the fire pronounced under control, after having burned its way to the Basin and Jones Falls. The fire had extended over one hundred and forty acres, and had destroyed wholly or in part more than thirteen hundred buildings, including eighteen banks, all the great
Rebuilding in the Burned District, Baltimore From a photograph
office buildings of so-called fireproof construction, the great news- paper offices, and hundreds of important business houses. The very heart of the business section was laid in ashes, and only a timely change of wind and the heroic efforts of municipal officials and employees saved the splendid public buildings of the city from destruction. It was at once apparent that Baltimore had been visited by one of the great conflagrations of history.
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The state militia was placed on guard while the fire was still raging, and rendered splendid service. The troops were, how- ever, under the authority of the police department ; there was no disorder and no necessity for martial law. Officials of the city and state at once instituted measures of relief ; the city pluckily declined the count- less offers of assistance m that poured in on Mayor M'Lane, and set to work with a will to build what is spoken of as " Greater Baltimore." The General Assembly authorized the appointment by the mayor of a Burnt District Com- mission, to give its whole time to the problems grow- ing out of the fire. Plans were carried out for the widening and grading of streets and for immensely increasing the dock facili -. ties of the harbor. Private persons and corporations, Baltimore Stock Exchange From a photograph with similar enterprise, set to work to build enlarged and improved business structures. Some large business firms were allowed the use of public buildings, and practically all secured temporary, and in some cases permanent, quarters promptly. Great as was the calamity that fell upon the city, there is no doubt that it has proved to be, on the whole, an ultimate blessing, because of the new spirit of enterprise that it created.
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A new Baltimore, indeed, has arisen from the ruins of 1904. Upon the ashes larger and finer buildings have been erected. A great sewerage system, one of the best in the world, has been completed at a cost of more than $20,000,000. A system of public docks has been erected to promote the city's commerce. Millions of dollars have been spent for improved paving. A fine new avenue for traffic north and south to the harbor has been provided in the " Fallsway." This is a street built over Jones Falls, the banks of which were already guarded against floods by high walls. The unclean water is thus hidden and carried off in huge pipes, bridges are unnecessary, and the city profits in beauty as well as in the possession of a new highway for traffic. The city's water supply has been increased and improved, and better means provided for fighting fires. This is only part of the story, for other improvements have been made or planned, while indus- tries and commerce are showing a more rapid growth. "Greater Baltimore " has become a reality.
122. Conclusion. Before laying aside our story let us look backward and view it in its entirety. We will watch again the few feeble colonies on the Atlantic coast grow slowly in numbers and wealth until they are able to cast off the government of a distant king, win commercial freedom on the sea, people the vast interior country from ocean to ocean, and become one of the leading nations of the modern world. In this wonderful progress Maryland has played a part honorable and important. The first sturdy little band of colonists brought the blessing of religious freedom to the New World, and their successors have worthily borne their share in the burdens and achievements of the nation -learning in the school of self-government, fighting for inde- pendence, building a new nation, defending its interests, and pro- moting its prosperity and advancement. It is a record of which we may justly be proud.
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Let us also look toward the future. Our pride in the past should not make us contented or thoughtless defenders of things as they are. Let it rather inspire us to new achievements, new ideals of service, and the ambition to aid the march of improve- ment and progress as our fathers have done before us. We shall perceive that state and nation can be made better, and it is for us to do it; that new times bring new needs, and we must meet them. For history is a story that never ends, and each and all of us must help to make it, for good or for evil. How shall we choose ?
TOPICS AND QUESTIONS
111. Formation of the Present State Government.
Tell about the character and the adoption of the Constitution of 1864. When was our present Constitution framed ?
What two parts has the Constitution, and what is the function of each ? Describe fully the organization of (a) the legislative department ;
(b) the executive department; (c) the judicial department.
What persons may vote in Maryland?
How may the Constitution be amended?
What is the " home rule" amendment of 1915? the referendum amendment of 1915? the budget system adopted in 1916?
112. Politics and Elections.
Name the two great political parties of this country.
Give an account of Maryland politics since the Civil War.
Describe the Australian ballot system, adopted by the Assembly in 1890. Describe the present system of nominating candidates and electing officials. What are " direct primaries "? What facts show inde- pendent voting ?
113. Industries.
Give a full account of each of the following industries :
(a) Agriculture ; (b) mining ; (c) fishing ; (d) manufacturing. 114. Commerce and Transportation.
Give an account of the commerce and transportation facilities of Balti- more; of other parts of the state.
115. New Social and Industrial Laws.
How machinery, steam, and electricity have changed the world.
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Laws for child welfare, and limiting the work hours of women.
Workmen's Compensation Law, 1914; Public Service Commission, 1908; State Board of Agriculture, 1916.
116. Education : Public-School System; Normal Schools.
Education in colonial times.
Rise of the public-school system : Constitution of 1867.
The educational " survey " of 1914-1915; new school law. Present organization of the public-school system.
Public schools of Baltimore; its high schools.
Compulsory school attendance.
Training of teachers.
117. Higher Education and Professional Schools.
Johns Hopkins University, its history and importance ; medical school and hospital ; school of engineering.
Maryland State College of Agriculture; other institutions of higher and professional education.
State aid and free scholarships. Maryland State University.
118. Public Libraries, Learned Societies, Art.
Peabody Institute : library, art gallery, conservatory of music.
Enoch Pratt Free Library ; State Library; Washington County Free Library.
State Library Commission.
The Maryland Historical Society ; its aims, work, library, etc.
The Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland.
The Maryland Academy of Sciences.
The Walters Art Gallery.
119. The Spanish-American War.
War begins in April, 1898.
Services of the cruiser Baltimore.
Commodore Schley in the battle of July 3d.
The court of inquiry ; the popular verdict.
Cruise of the Dixie.
Exploit of the Oregon.
120. Monuments to Distinguished Marylanders.
The Monumental City. Armistead monument. Columbus monument. Monument to Edgar Allan Poe: when and where was the monument erected, and by whom? Ezekiel statue. Rank of Poe as an author. Describe the following monuments: (a) to Leonard Calvert ; (b) to General Herbert ; (c) at Guilford Courthouse ; (d ) at Prospect Park, Brooklyn ; (e) to General Smallwood; (f) to Francis Scott Key ;
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(g) the Revolutionary Monument in Mt. Royal Plaza, Baltimore ;
(h) statue of John Eager Howard; (¿) Union; (j) Confederate ; (k) statue of John M. Hood.
121. Progress of Baltimore, Metropolis of Maryland.
Baltimore's important relation to Maryland ; position as a leading city of the United States.
A "City of First Things." Can you justify the title ?
Anniversaries of the defense of 1814 and the Star-Spangled Banner. Principal public buildings.
Great fire of 1904: how the emergency was met ; losses and gains. An era of development : rebuilding, better streets and paving, splendid sewerage system, " Fallsway," etc.
" Greater Baltimore."
QUESTIONS FOR ORIGINAL THOUGHT AND RESEARCH
1. Find the meaning of the word " bicameral." Is the Maryland Assembly bicameral? How many delegates has your county (or legislative dis- trict of Baltimore) in the Assembly? What are their names? What is the name of your senator? What is meant by impeachment? What provision does the Constitution of Maryland make in regard to im- peachment? (See Art. III, Sec. 26.) In what three ways may a bill become a law? State the principles of the chief political parties.
2. What qualifications must a man possess to be governor of Maryland? How is a vacancy in the office, occurring before the end of the term, filled? (Const. II, 6, 7.) What is meant by the governor's message? What is a " pocket veto "?
3. In which judicial circuit do you live? What are the names of the judges ? Which is chief judge? What is an indictment? What is a subpoena? What is a writ? What is meant by the terms " plaintiff " and " defend- ant "? What are the duties of the grand jury? Find out as much as you can about the method of procedure in the trial of a criminal case. What are the powers and duties of a justice of the peace? What offi- cial of the government has the power of granting pardons? What are the duties of the sheriff ?
4. Consult encyclopedias or books on government for information about workmen's compensation laws, child-labor laws, public-service com- missions, the budget system, the referendum.
5. Point out the advantages of a celebration of important events; the advantages of erecting monuments.
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6. Point out the various ways in which a public library will promote public improvement.
7. Explain the advantages of historical study, with special reference to local history. Explain the value of public art galleries.
8. Write an essay, as full as possible, on " The Nation's Debt to Maryland."
9. Can you think of some probable ways in which your city or county and state will develop in the future? What can its people do to make things better? What can you do? What is a patriot?
REFERENCES
There is no book or article to which one can turn for the general story of this chapter. Will's Our City, State, and Nation (1913) treats more of the topics than any other one work, and is especially helpful for Baltimore. See also James's revision of McSherry's History of Maryland, ch. xxi. The state geologist, Pro- fessor William Bullock Clark, has prepared a brief Geography of Maryland (1916) as a Supplement to Brigham and McFarlane's Essentials of Geography; it is valu- able for industry, commerce, and transportation. (Similar supplements to other geographies appear from time to time.) Maryland, Its Lands, Products, and Industries (1908) was prepared by T. J. C. Williams for the Board of Public Works. The Baltimore Book is published by the city librarian (1914). The Municipal Factory Site Commission of Baltimore has issued a pamphlet on the business advantages of the city, with numerous good illustrations. An Industrial Survey of Baltimore was made in 1914 under the auspices of J. E. Aldred, head of the Consolidated Gas, Electric Light, and Power Co. The annual Almanac of the Baltimore Sun is useful for the period it covers ; it was discontinued in 1915, but in 1917 a successor appeared as The Maryland Almanac. The Maryland Manual is issued annually by the secretary of state; besides giving extended lists of state and local officials, institutions, etc., it includes the colonial charter, the Constitution with all amendments, and sometimes the text of important new laws (for example, Workmen's Compensation Law in issue for 1915-1916). A pamphlet of election laws is also issued by the secretary of state. Teacher and pupils may collect almost any amount desired of valuable and up-to-date material by securing reports of state and local officials, boards, and commissions. of colleges, libraries, societies, etc. For comparative information about the coun. try as a whole, see Paxson's The New Nation (1915), Beard's Contemporary American History (1914), Statistical Atlas of the United States (1914), and other publications of the United States Census, including various special reports on Maryland. The annual Almanac and Encyclopedia of the New York World (25 cents) provide: nearly 1000 pages of valuable information on current history. The departmen of legislative reference, Baltimore City Hall, is always ready to aid students o: public affairs.
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COUNTY HISTORIES
FROM
THE TEACHERS' MANUAL
COMPILED BY
DR. M. BATES STEPHENS State Superintendent of Public Education
ST. MARY'S
A Typical Tobacco Field From a photograph
This "mother county " dates back to 1634, and has an area of 360 square miles. It was named in honor of the saint whom the devout colonists took as their patron. It forms the extremity of the Southern Maryland peninsula, lying between the Poto- mac and Patuxent rivers, its lower eastern side bordering on
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the Chesapeake. Historic Point Lookout is at the wide mouth of the Potomac. St. Mary's touches no other county except Charles, the Patuxent making in between it and Calvert. There are highlands along the water-front and lowlands in the interior. Some of the soil is sandy, with a clay subsoil, and productive loam is found in parts of the county. Half the cultivated land is occupied by tenants. Forest areas abound in white and red oak, poplar, sycamore, pine, and chestnut. Farms fronting on the bay and rivers are generally large, and vestiges of the old manorial life are numerous. Tobacco growing chiefly engages the attention of the farmers, and corn, wheat, and potatoes are also grown; much live stock of an excellent grade is raised. The construction of a railroad to Point Lookout, traversing the county, is often urged. St. Mary's only railroad, the Washing- ton City and Potomac, runs from Brandywine, on the Pope's Creek Line in Lower Prince George's, through eastern Charles and into St. Mary's as far as Mechanicsville, twelve miles from Leonardtown, the county seat, located about midway of the county. Steamboats from Washington and Baltimore touch at points on the Potomac, and the Weems Line vessels from Baltimore ply the Patuxent. Leonardtown, named after the first Governor Calvert, is one of the most interesting ancient colonial towns of Maryland. Its population is 526. The site of St. Mary's city is fourteen miles southeast of the county seat, on St. Mary's river. A seminary for girls is established there, and at the tomb of Leonard Calvert a monument has been erected. Charlotte Hall Academy, above Mechanicsville, was established by legislative enactment in 1774, and its alumni include many famous Marylanders.
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KENT
Washington College, Chestertown
Kent, with an area of 315 square miles, was named after the English shire from whence came many of its early settlers, who saw in its smiling landscape a replica of the fairest county of England. Kent claims the distinction of being the oldest county on the Eastern Shore. The first settlement within the present limits of Maryland was made on Kent Island in 1628 by Protestants from Virginia under the leadership of William Claiborne. Calvert claimed the island as a part of his grant, and the contention was not ended until 1647, when Claiborne was dispossessed. The Maryland proprietary, having estab- lished his authority over the island, in 1650 organized Kent
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county, it then embracing the upper Eastern Shore. Kent is a peninsula, lying between the Sassafras and Chester rivers, its eastern border being the Delaware line, and its western boundary the Chesapeake bay. With its standing timber, fer- tile soil, game, fish, and many natural advantages, under the liberal policy of the proprietary, Kent soon became a flourishing colony, with a population consisting of Protestants, Catholics, and Quakers. And presently negro slaves were brought into the county. In 1864 about one-fourth of the population were colored people. The soil of Kent yields a great variety of crops, and agriculture is the leading occupation of the people ; although the fishery interests are extensive. A paper mill, basket factory, phosphate factory, and other manufacturing plants are located at Chestertown, the county seat (population, 2,735). Canneries, mills, and other plants are numerous in the county. The people, though conservative, are progressive. They have promoted railroad and steamboat communication with Baltimore and Philadelphia. During the ante-Revolu-
tionary period, Kent was active in opposition to the oppressive measures of Parliament. It is not commonly known that Chestertown, then a port of entry, had a "tea-party " of her own, a small cargo on the Geddes, brought into the Chester for the neighboring counties, being seized and thrown overboard by the indignant citizens. In the War of 1812 the British under Sir Peter Parker landed a force in Kent for an important military operation. The enemy was met by a body of local militia under Colonel Philip Reed (a Revolutionary officer, and United States senator 1806-1813), and driven back to its ships with heavy loss, Parker being among the killed. Washington College (founded 1782), which has a normal department, is at Chester- town. Rock Hall, Betterton, Millington, Edesville, Galena, Still Pond, Kennedyville, and other thriving towns are in Kent.
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