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Mr. McMaster asked what was the difference between
the system of the city and the counties.
Mr. Vansant said the difference was that the Mayor
and City Council of Baltimore appoint the commissioners.
He was not, however, speaking of the system created by
the act of 1865, but the system anterior to that. The
system of Baltimore was the boast and pride of her citi-
zens. The graduates from the male and female high
schools had reflected the greatest credit and honor on the
system under which they were educated, and numbers of
them had filled the very highest positions, both public and
private.
Mr. Nicolai had the highest appreciation of the school
system of Baltimore. It was but natural that he should,
having been one of the recipients of its benefits. It was
his hope and desire to secure this system in the future,
but he thought this whole subject was one that properly
belonged to the Legislature, and therefore could not vote
for any of the amendments.
The amendment of Mr. Morris was then rejected.
Mr. Gill moved to amend the first section by adding-,
"Provided that the General Assembly shall give to the
city of Baltimore, if not inconsistent with the efficient
promotion of education throughout the State, a separate
and independent system of public schools. "
A lengthy debate ensued on the amendment, after
which it was rejected by a vote of 76 to 20.
Many members who voted in the negative expressed
themselves as in favor of Baltimore city having a sepa-
rate system, but entertained no idea that the system of
Baltimore would ever be interfered with.
No further amendments being offered to the first sec-
tion, section 2 was read and passed to a second reading.
The third section was then read, and no amendments
being offered, the article was, on motion of Mr. Rider,
ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
The report is as follows, just as it came from the com-
mittee:
Section 1. The General Assembly, at its first session
256
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