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justices of the peace for Anne-Arundel county, agreeably to the constitution
and form of government pounds thirteen shillings and one penny current money, it being the amount of depreciation due him as a soldier in the first Maryland regiment, as ascertained by the auditor-general. By order, W. HARWOOD, clk. Which was read the first time and ordered to lie on the table. The honourable Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Esquire, from the joint committee of both houses appointed to prepare an answer to the address of the governor, reports the following answer: The JOINT ANSWER of the SENATE and HOUSE of DELEGATES to the GOVERNOR's ADDRESS. WE have received, with particular satisfaction, your excellency's address of the 16th instant. Although not sanctioned by precedent, or enjoined by the constitution, such communications have certainly their use; and we wish that future governors may follow the laudable example, whenever they may deem it expedient to submit to the legislature such matters as they shall judge deserving its attention. We cordially approve your sentiments respecting the general government, and rejoice most sincerely in that public felicity you have so truly depicted, the effect, in a great measure, of that government, and its wise, firm and provident administration. We regret with you that our chief magistrate is soon to quit that exalted station, in discharging the duties of which he has gained the confidence, esteem and love, and has justly merited the gratitude, of the American people. Although we regret his intended retirement from public to private life, we cannot but acknowledge the reasonableness of the motives assigned for that determination in his late address to the people of the United States; an address which no one of sense and feeling, no friend to his country, or to the human race, can read unmoved, at once admiring the wisdom of its precepts, and revering and loving the memory of the man. May that beneficent Providence which has blessed this country with an eight years administration of a magistrate thus enlightened, so disinterested and patriotic, inspire his successor with the same rectitude, firmness and wisdom. May the animosity of parties never agitate and distract the public counsels; may public opinion, thoroughly matured, and divested of all passionate attachments and antipathies to particular nations, ever moderate, by its influence, the proceedings of our representatives, should the intrigues of foreign emisaries, local and contracted views, unfounded jealousy of partialities, at any time hereafter delay or obstruct the adoption of measures tending to the public good. We perfectly coincide, Sir, with you in opinion, that the making of good roads, and removing obstructions in rivers to navigation, so as to facilitate the transportation of produce and merchandise, are objects well deserving legislative attention and aid. We flatter ourselves that the works on the Patowmack, which you inform us will probably be completed in twelve months, will produce the contemplated advantages, and prove, in a process of time, a considerable source of revenue to the state. We are satisfied equal emoluments will arise from rendering the Susquehanna navigable into the bay of the Chesapeake. It is expected that an application on this subject will be made to this assembly by the proprietors of the canal; when made, it will receive that due consideration which its importance truly merits. Your humane attention to persons confined for debt is highly commendable; we mean not to censure or justify the established law and practice of imprisonment in that case, but we reprobate the confinement of prisoners in private gaols, a practice so injurious to their health and morals should be discountenanced by the legislature; to prevent the continuance of this abuse, some plan may probably be adopted during the present session for erecting, where necessary, commodious gaols, in healthy situations, for the reception of prisoners. In a free country, such as this really is, (and we fervently pray it may ever remain so,) its legislators, no doubt, will endeavour to promote morality and knowledge, the surest supports of liberty. Seminaries of learning, under good regulations, contribute, we admit, to the diffusion of knowledge, which is generally attended by virtue; the union of both forms the perfect citizen. The best informed mind will soonest discern the true interest of the country; its energies can best display that interest, and persuade its adoption; and the virtuous citizen, from duty and habit accustomed to self denials, will more readily sacrifice the feelings and passions of the individual, when opposed to the welfare of the whole. The foregoing, and the other subjects mentioned in your excellency's address, will be duly attended to, and when discussed they will meet, we trust, with that decision which the revenues of the state, the existing circumstances of hte country, and public utility, may prescribe. We give credence to the assertion, that no other motive than the one assigned in your excellency's address induced you to make it, " a solicitude to co-operate in measures for the public good;" the same affection, we perceive, which impelled you to shed your blood, and hazard your life, in defence of your country, glows strongly in your breast, and continues to actuate your conduct. Which was read. The clerk of the house of delegates delivers to the clerk of the senate the following resolutions: the honourable the chancellor of Maryland, and four other gentlemen, to frame and prepare, for the |
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Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly, 1796
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