|
|
|
ment was taken up on its third reading, and certain verbal
amendments reported by the committee on revision and
compilation were agreed to.
The third reading of the article having been concluded,
it was passed—yeas 80, nays 7.
Mr. Rider asked to take up the special order, being the
report of the committee to provide for the formation of
a new county from parts of Somerset and Worcester coun-
ties. Agreed to.
Section 1 was read and slightly amended.
Mr. Jones moved an amendment providing that the
subject shall be submitted to the voters of the two coun-
ties at the next general election after the adoption of this
constitution, instead of at the election for the adoption
or rejection of the constitution.
Mr. Jones said it was unfortunate that the Convention
had not left this matter to the Legislature, but if it was to
be inserted in the constitution, he thought it very inex-
pedient to submit it to the people at the same time with
this constitution. From letters which he had received,
he thought it would result disastrously to the expecta-
tions formed by the supporters of the constitution. There
was a great deal of feeling now engendered in the two
counties on the subject.
Mr. Rider did not concur with his colleague. So far
from this having a prejudicial effect on the adoption of
the constitution, he believed that it would gain it many
votes. He did not believe the people of the counties con-
cerned were opposed to this movement. They were great-
ly suffering now from judicial abuses and for the sake of
being rid of them would give up their local feelings and
prejudices.
Mr. Tarr, of Worcester, said the object of the amend-
ment was nothing but delay, and the whole design of the
minority was to procrastinate. The people of Wicomico,
if it was formed, would give a large majority for this
constitution, no matter what was in it, as they were tired
of the constitution of 1864.
Mr. Jones said the object of the amendment was as he
stated, and any imputation to the contrary was unfounded
and untrue.
389
|
|
|
|
 |
