1776.] OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND. 321

22. " That the senate may originate any other, except money bills
to which their assent or dissent only shall be given, and may re-
ceive any other bills from the house of delegates, and assent, dis-
sent or propose amendments.

23. " That the general assembly meet annually on the first Mon-
day of November; and if necessary, oftener.

24. " That each house shall appoint its own officers, and settle
its own rules of proceeding.

25. " That a person of wisdom, experience, and virtue, shall be
chosen governor on the second Monday of November, seventeen
hundred and seventy-seven, and on the second Monday in every
year for ever thereafter, by the joint ballot of both houses, to be
taken in each house respectively, deposited in a conference room,
the boxes to be examined by a joint committee of both houses
and the numbers severally reported, that the appointment may be
entered; which mode of taking the joint ballot of both houses
shall be adopted in all cases. But if two or more shall have an
equal number of ballots in their favour, by which the choice shall
not be determined on the first ballot, then a second ballot shall be
taken, which shall be confined to the persons, who on the first
ballot shall have had an equal number; and if the ballots should
again be equal between two or more persons, then the election of
the governor shall be determined by lot, between those who have
equal numbers.

26. "That the senators and delegates, on the second Tues-
day of November, seventeen hundred and seventy-seven, and an-
nually on the second Tuesday of November, forever thereafter, elect
by joint ballot in the same manner as senators are directed to be
chosen, five of the most sensible, discreet and experienced men,
above twenty-five years of age, residents in the state above three
years next preceding the election, and having therein a freehold in
lands and tenements, above the value of one thousand pounds
current money, to be the council to the governor, whose proceed-
ings shall be always entered on record, to any part whereof any
member may enter his dissent, and their advice, if s'o required by
the governor, or any member of the council, shall be given in wri-
ting, and signed by the members giving the same respectively;
which proceedings of the council shall be laid before the senate, or
house of delegates, when called for by them, or either of them.
The council may appoint their own clerk, who shall take such such
oath or affirmation of support and fidelity to this state as this con-
vention or the legislature shall direct, and of secrecy, in such
matters as he shall be directed by the board to keep secret.