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ticing the charges made in the public prints, and from re-
peating the rumors now so current in the city of Balti-
more. I will, however, say that there exists the strongest
apprehension in the minds of many (in which I concur)
that unless there be some mode of arresting the extrava-
gance (I will use no harsher term) of those now in au-
thority in Baltimore, that the ruin of our city is in-
evitable.
Mr. Gill concluded by invoking the Convention to rem-
edy the grievances set forth.
Mr. Wethered very much regretted that his friend had
submitted this order. In his opinion this Convention had
no power to investigate the affairs of Baltimore city, or
Ellicott City, or any other corporation. He thought that
the people would be better satisfied if they were to confine
themselves to the work of preparing the constitution and
making it as correct as possible. The order particularly
related to the Union railroad, and charges had been made
in the papers of Baltimore that this was a bogus road,
and that the subscriptions to the stock were bogus. This
he pronounced to be false. His own firm had subscribed
$5, 000 to the stock, and there was no doubt that the road
would be built and that the interest on the bonds would
be paid. He was satisfied that there was no necessity
for an investigation. An outcry had been made also
against the Gwynn's Falls road and the Western Maryland
railroad, but there was no doubt that, on the completion
of these roads, coal could be transported to Baltimore
much cheaper than at present rates. There would be at
least five hundred thousand tons carried annually. He
moved to lay the order on the table, but subsequently
withdrew his motion.
Mr. Page would ask whether, if this investigation was
ordered it would have the effect to detain the Convention
here any longer.
Mr. Gill thought it would not.
Mr. Wethered thought it was unfair to name that sub-
committee. The appointment of the committee should
be left to the Chair.
Mr. Alvey thought no practical result would be reached
by the investigation.
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