|
|
|
Mr. Syester did not refer to the present librarian in any
of his remarks. The library had been in its present con-
dition ever since he had known anything about it.
Mr. Vansant was opposed to giving any assistant to the
librarian. The fact was, that in these modern days it
was not fashionable for the principal in any office to do
any of the work; that was all left to the assistants. The
higher the salary the less service performed.
Mr. Bateman had acted as librarian for 18 months, and
had performed the work without assistance, and on re-
tiring had received the vote of thanks of the Legislature
for the performance of his duties.
Mr. McKaig would be in favor of removing the Court
of Appeals to Baltimore if his friends there would promise
to give them the use of their excellent library.
Mr. Merrick said the law library of Congress, which
was frequented by the members of Congress, the judges
of the courts, &c., was in the charge of but one gentle-
man, whose only assistant was a colored porter. He (Mr.
M. ) had frequented the library, and could say from per-
sonal experience that the duties of the librarian were
performed in the most admirable manner. He could lay
his finger in one minute on any book that was called for.
The Convention could draw the parallel, and decide
whether any assistant was needed here.
On motion of Mr. Syester, the first section was again
taken up.
Mr. Syester moved to amend by striking out the last
sentence, and adding at the end of the section: "At the
first meeting after the election or qualification, or as soon
thereafter as practicable, the said commissioners shall
determine by lot which of their number shall hold office
for two or four years, respectively, and thereafter there
shall be elected as aforesaid, at each general election for
county officers, county commissioners for four years, to
fill the places of those whose terms have expired; their
number, compensation and duties in each county shall be
fixed by the Legislature, but their powers and duties shall
be uniform throughout the State. "
Mr. Syester said the boards of county commissioners
372
|
|
|
|
 |
