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these officers that no changes had been made in the mode
of exercising the functions of their offices, and neither
had any change been made in the system under which
the clerks and registers of wills and Orphans' Court
judges worked. This was a grave question, and the Con-
vention would do well to consider it. In regard to these
two gentlemen he personally knew nothing of the manner
in which they had performed their functions, but the
exalted official character which had been given them was
a sufficient reason why they should go once more before
the people, and submit their claims to them. Personal
considerations should not weigh a feather before public
exigencies.
Mr. Roman had offered his amendment on the ground
of high principle alone. He had voted for the retention
of the Governor, not for the reasons of some of his col-
leagues, but because he was opposed on principle to legis-
lating men out of office. He wished to go home to his
people and prove to them that the whole object of this
Convention had not been to turn men out of office. What
charges had been brought against these officers? Had
they neglected any of their high duties? These officers
were State officers, they stood on the same footing to-
wards this Convention as the Governor, and no distinction
should be made between them.
Mr. Kilbourn said there was no injustice done in the
section as it stood. Those two distinguished gentlemen
had the same opportunity as any other citizens of the
State to go before the people in one case and the Legis-
lature in the other, and prefer their claims to re-election.
He could see no wrong in this. But the amendment of
the gentleman from Allegany proposed that this Conven-
tion should usurp the power of the people and the Legis-
lature.
Mr. Brown was so much opposed to turning out officers
that he was at first in favor of the amendment, but after
the debate which had taken place, he was constrained to
change his opinion.
Mr. Syester liked to hear the songs to principle, but
would prefer to see gentlemen dancing to their own tunes.
Gentlemen who had voted for retaining the Governor
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