|
|
|
well; let them have them. But in Baltimore city and in
Frederick, Allegany, Washington and Baltimore counties
they could not get them at that price. If a man went to
law, he did not go to the lawyer who would give him ad-
vice for a five-dollar note, but to the one he thought would
gain his case, and this principle would apply exactly to
the case under consideration.
Mr. Hayden had been opposed to fixing the salaries of
the judges in the constitution. In most of the other States
the salaries were left to be fixed by the Legislature ac-
cording to the circumstances. It had occurred to him that
this was the best provision. High prices now prevailed,
but the cost of living might, within a short time, greatly
decrease, and if such should be the case, and the report of
the committee was adopted, the salaries of the judges
would be constitutionally placed at a much higher rate
than necessary. Again, if amendments reducing the sal-
aries prevailing and a financial crisis should arise, which
many thought inevitable, the judges might be compelled
to resign because of the inadequacy of their salaries. For
these reasons he thought it better not to place any specific
amount in the constitution.
The Convention then took a recess until 8 o'clock P. M.
SIXTIETH DAY—EVENING SESSION.
Convention met at 8 o'clock, eighty-five members being
present.
The report of the judiciary committee was taken up.
The 24th section, relative to the salaries of the judges be-
ing under consideration, considerable debate ensued, but
without coming to a vote the Convention, at 9. 55 P. M.,
adjourned.
SIXTY-FIRST DAY.
ANNAPOLIS, THURSDAY, AUGUST 1.
Convention met at 10 o'clock. Prayer by Rev. Father
Burke.
Mr. Merrick said there had been considerable difficulty
in reference to the adjustment of the judicial circuits of
the State, and there was great anxiety among the mem-
387
|
|
|
|
 |
