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The motion to adjourn was then decided in the nega-
tive, by 44 to 20.
Mr. McKaig said, by the rules, a minority had the
power to compel the attendance of a majority. There
were too many vacant chairs here, and it was their duty
to the State to see that the public business was not so
neglected. He moved the appointment of a special com-
mittee of three who shall report what steps are necessary
to compel the attendance of absent members.
Mr. Carter asked if the motion was in order at this
time.
The Chair said it was not now in order.
Mr. Ritchie again took the floor in opposition to the
pending amendment.
Mr. Bateman called for the previous question, which
being sustained, the question was taken on the amend-
ment of Mr. Gill, when it was lost by a tie vote of 33 to 33.
The question was then taken on the amendment of
Mr. Carter, when it was agreed to by a vote of 37 to 30.
Mr. John Parran moved an amendment requiring the
judges to have resided ten years in the State next pre-
ceding their election, instead of five.
The amendment was not agreed to.
Mr. Carter moved as an amendment to insert the word
"white" before the word "citizen. "
Mr. Mackubin asked if the words "qualified voters" did
not provide for this.
Mr. Carter said it did not. In view of the fact that
the Congress of the United States might declare negroes
to be qualified voters of the State of Maryland, and their
right might be conceded under the constitutional amend-
ment, and a negro then might say you have rendered me
eligible to a seat on your bench.
Mr. Motter had no objection to the amendment, but
he thought this section meant qualified voters under this
constitution, and not under any act of Congress, which
was an outside matter.
Mr. Merrick hoped the gentleman would withdraw his
amendment, as it was impolitic and invidious. He thought
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