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promise was dangerous; but when it was a question of
expediency, compromise was eminently proper. The vote
which has just been taken demonstrated that a majority
of this body was in favor of admitting negro testimony to
the courts of justice. The debates had evidenced the fact
that there are three classes here; first, those who believe
that this provision should be inserted in the Bill of
Rights; second, those who recognize the propriety of the
insertion of the provision, but do not think the Bill cf
Rights is the place for it; and, thirdly, those who are
opposed to making any provision in regard to the matter
in the constitution at all. It thus appeared to him that
some middle course could be adopted which would be ac-
ceptable to all.
Mr. Jones was gratified at the statement of the distin-
guished and experienced gentleman from Harford (Mr.
Farnandis) that the time had come when this provision
should be inserted in our constitution. He was glad that
it was acknowledged that it was time to cease this con-
flict between the jurisdiction of the State of Maryland and
of the United States—a contest in which we could not sus-
tain ourselves, either in the forum of earth or of Heaven,
bo this provision was inserted in the constitution, he
cared not where it found a place. Great Britain from the
earliest time had never made any distinction in the ap-
plication of this law on account of race or color, except
in such of her colonies as where slavery existed.
Mr. McKaig was willing for this provision to go in al-
most anywhere, but the English language was broad
enough to protect the negro without the use of the word
race or color.
The order submitted by Mr. Farnandis was ther.
adopted.
ELECTIVE FRANCHISE AND QUALIFICATION OF VOTERS.
Mr. Wickes presented the report of the committee upon
the Elective Franchise and the Qualification of Voters, as
follows:
The committee appointed to consider and report upon
the Elective Franchise and the Qualification of Voters
beg leave respectfully to make the following report:
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