The Upper House. 191

The low Estate of our Staple Justly Claimed your Consideration
and Relief, and I hope the present Law for that purpose will prove
Effectuall.
It is with Great Reluctance that I am Obliged to Dissent to the
Laws For Ascertaining the Form of the Oath of Judge or Justice.
As likewise that for Ascertaining the Fees of the Practitioners of the
Law; The first because it is the Opinion of all the Lawyers here.
That the Statute Law does not Extend to the Plantations unless by
words of Locall Limitation; And forasmuch as the Oath declares
not only those already past do but also them that shall be hereafter
Enacted; As to the other it is not Agreeable to any known Law here.
Gentlemen of Both Houses. I cannot sufficiently Commend your
Zeal in your Countrys Service; and the Good People of Maryland
my Faithfull Tenants may Depend, Impartiall Justice shall be the
Measure of my Government.

M^r Dulany from the Lower House Acquaints His Excellency that
the House hath Appointed M^r William Cumming to Act as the Clerk
on behalfe of M^r Michael Macnemara during the absence of him the
said Macnemara and hopes for His Excellency's Approbation; His
Excellency is pleased to Approve of the said M^r Cumming; Who
takes the Oaths to the Government Appointed to be taken by Act
of Assembly and subscribed the Abjuration & Test according to the
Directions of the Act afors^d and also took the usuall Oaths of Office,
and then withdrew.
Adjourned till to Morrow Morning Nine a Clock.

U. H. J.

Wednesday Morning 14^th July 1731.
This House met again according to Adjournment.
Present as Yesterday.
A Message from the Lower House by M^r Dashiel and M^r
Thompson.

July 14

By the Lower House of Assembly. July 14^th 1731.

This House in Order to Expedite the Publick Affairs of this Prov-
ince propose to sit from Eight of the Clock in the Morning untill
Twelve & from two in the afternoon untill Six during this Session &
desire to know if the said Proposall be Agreeable to your Honours.
Signed p Order W^m Cumming Cl. Lo. Ho.

The following Answer being prepared is Sent to the Lower House
by Col. Ryder.

p. 72