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mining interests of Allegany, the agricultural interests of
the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland, and the com-
mercial interests of the city of Baltimore. They have
been pronounced to be the product of worn-out preju-
dices by the greatest thinkers and political economists.
He was not, however, for putting the rate at seven per
cent, as proposed by his colleague from Baltimore, (Mr.
Denson. ) This was not necessary. The article allows p.
higher rate in the absence of contract, and let it be un-
derstood that seven per cent, is paid in Baltimore, that it
is the universal practice, and the money which now goes
to New York will stay there. He thought the committee
had solved this knotty question in the best manner, and
he should cheerfully vote for it. This report was a com-
promise; the great majority of the business men of Bal-
timore wanted the rate put at seven per cent.
Mr. Perry asked if this article would not work to the
great injury of the debtor if it went into operation at
once?
Mr. Brown did not believe that it would. He knew that \/
in the city of Baltimore a higher rate than six per cent.
was obtained on nineteen out of twenty mortgages; it
was done by one device or another. In regard to the
banks, he had some experience, and he knew that they ob-
tained greater rates of interest; the national banks did
openly, and the government of the United States, with all
its power, did not dare to enforce its own usury laws
against its own banks. It was utterly impossible to com-
pel moneyed men to put out their capital for less than it
was worth.
The debate was continued by Messrs. Ritchie and Perry.
Without action, the Convention adjourned.
THIRTIETH DAY.
ANNAPOLIS, FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1867.
The Convention met at 10 o'clock, prayer by Rev. Mr.
Henderson.
The Chair presented a communication from Attorney
General Randall, stating that he deems it his duty to reply
to the allegations, made in the debates of the Convention,
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