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chester, the Assistant Secretary, is detained at home by severe in
disposition, and therefore unable at present to discharge the duties
of hisofflce.
Mr. Weber, submitted the following order
Ordered, That no member or officer of this Convention shall
hereafter be allowed his per diem when absent, unless his absence
is occasioned by sickness.
Which was read and laid on the table.
Mr. Dorsey, submitted the following order
Ordered. That standing committee No. 14, enquire into the
expediency of reporting an article to be inserted in the constitutipn
of this State, declaring all those parts of the acts of Assembly
heretofore or herereafter to be passed, giving power to the Govern
oror any other person, to release interest on any debt or balance
due to the State of Maryland for arrearages of taxes, to be null
and void.
Which was twice read.
Mr. Ridgely, moved to amend said order by striking out all from
the word "State," in the second line, to the end thereof and in
serting in lieu thereof the following: "restricting the Legislature
from passing any Jaw, authorising the Governor to remit any part
of the public debt, and to prohibit the Govornor hereafter from re
mitting the interest on the public debt."
Which amendment was read.
Mr. Sprigg, moved to amend said order by striking out all after
the word "ordered," to the end thereof and inserting the following:
"That the committee on the Executive Department, be instruct
ed to enquire into the expediency of incorporating an article in the
constitution, declaring that the Governor of this State shall in no
case whatever, have the power of remitting any portion of either
principal or interest of any debt or debts which may be due this
State, except in cases of fines and forfeitures."
Which was read.
On the question being put, will the Convention accept said
amendment? it was
Determined in the affirmative.
The question then recurred upon the adoption of the order as
amended.
On motion of Mr. Sprigg,
Said order and amendments were referred to the committee on
the Executive Department.
On motion of Mr. Presstman,
The Convention adjourned until to-morrow morning, 11 o'clock.