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they did not want this increase, there was no reason why
the counties should give it to them.
Mr. Barry said gentlemen seemed to forget that they
are not working altogether for today. He hoped such a
constitution would be framed as would endure for all
time—hoped it would last for his time. The duties of this
officer in Baltimore city are and would be most onerous;
they were increasing every day.
Mr. Ritchie said there was scarcely a more laborious
office in the city of Baltimore than the position of State's
Attorney. Day after day he had to be at his post, and
he was compelled to give up his practice, and when he re-
tired from the position he had to begin the labor of ac-
cumulating practice again. Another thing, the State's
Attorney was paid in precise proportion to the labor that
he performed. He drew nothing out of the State treas-
ury, but all over the State the States' attorneys were de-
pendent on the fees of their office for their compensation.
If they did not work they got nothing; if they did do the
work, no gentleman but would admit that he was entitled
to a fair compensation for the labor that he performed.
Mr. Gill differed with both his colleagues. The question
was how much would secure the services of a competent
person for this position in the city of Baltimore. He be-
lieved that $4, 000 would do it, and therefore moved to
amend by making the salary $4, 000.
Mr. Silver regretted to see this disposition to increase
the salaries of officers. No greater bar could be put upon
the adoption of this constitution which they were about
to submit to the people than the increased rate of sal-
aries. The men who were to adopt or reject this consti-
tution would consider the matter carefully when they came
to vote.
Mr. Garey differed from his colleague (Mr. Carter) that
this position was noted for a field for a young man. Bal-
timore city, besides being the center of the wealth and
population of the State, was also the center of crime, and
the State's Attorney there should be a man of age and
experience, capable of meeting the best array of legal
talent. This matter concerned Baltimore alone, and he
was satisfied that the majority of his colleagues concurred
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