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nominated before the day of election came, they would
get over all their scruples and deposit their ballots in his
favor.
Mr. M. then continued his argument at considerable
length, and in reply to previous speakers.
Mr. Barry said they must lead the people.
Mr. Maulsby concluded his argument in favor of the life
tenure. A faulty judge could never be billeted upon the
people, as it was always in the power of the Legislature
to remove him.
Mr. Kilbourn argued in favor of the amendment, and
maintained that the assumption of possible corruption as
growing out of the elective system was fallacious. What
was the case in regard to Judge Taney, who had left
such imperishable fame behind him? That eminent jurist
could have been elected to any position by any party in
Maryland, not because he pandered to partisan prejudices,
but because of his faithful and upright performance of
duty. Gentlemen contend that the incompetent or un-
faithful judge could be removed at any time by the Legis-
lature. So could he under the term system, and instances
had occurred under this system where such removals had
been made. He believed in the wisdom of the majority
of the people, and had confidence in their ability to con-
trol this matter. He had listened with great interest to
the debates, and would have preferred, if consistent with
his convictions of duty, that the report of the committee
should be adopted, but he was unable to favor it with
such provisions, and his constituents would deem him un-
mindful of their interests did he not rise here and pro-
test against such a radical change in the fundamental law
of the State. He denied that the defects which are com-
plained of were due to the system, but maintained that
they were the result of the pollution of the ballot-box,
with the assistance of a foreign military power. As to
salaries, he was willing that the judge should have any
reasonable compensation that his services demand, but
was unwilling to extend any compensation beyond his
term of office.
Mr. Carmichael, in explanation of his vote, proposed to
say a single word. It seems to be considered by all the
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