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question the Convention shall decide that the same shall not now
be put, the main question shall be still under consideration, and if
the previous question is sustained, the main question shall be on
the adoption of the proposition under consideration, and in cases
where there shall be pending amendments, the question shall be
first taken upon such amendments in their order, and without
further debate or amendment."

Mr. Biser moved to lay said amendment on the table;

Determined in the affirmative.

Mr. Johnson, chairman of the committee on the Legislative
Department, submitted the following

REPORT:
Section 1st. The Legislative power of this State shall be vested
in two distinct branches, the one to be styled the Senate, the other
the House of Delegates, and both together "the General Assembly
of Maryland."

Sec. 2nd. The Senators shall be elected by the qualified voters,
for the term of four years, and the Delegates for the term of
from the day of the general elections.
3rd. The first election for Senators and Delegates shall
take place on the first Wednesday of October eighteen hundred
and fifty-one, and on the same day in every second year forever
thereafter the general elections for Delegates; and for one-half of
the Senators as nearly as practicable, shall be held.

Sec 4th. Immediately after the Senate shall have convened
after the first election under this constitution, the Senators shall be
divided by lot into two classes as nearly equal in number as may
be, the Senators of the first class shall go out of office at the ex
piration of two years, and Senators shall be elected on the first
Wednesday of October eighteen hundred and fifty-three, for the
term of four years, to supply their places; so that, after the first
election one-half of the Senators may be chosen every second
year. In case the number of Senators be hereafter increased,
such classification of the additional senators shall be made as to
preserve as nearly as may be, an equal number in each class.

Sec. 5th. rrhe General Assembly shall meet on the first Wed
nesday of January eighteen hundred and fifty-two, and on the
same day in every year forever thereafter, and at no
other time unless convened by the proclamation of the Governor,
who shall have power to convene the same whenever he may
deem it expedient and proper.
Sec. 6th. The General Assembly may continue their first two
sessions after the adoption of this constitution as long as in the
opinion of the two Houses, the public interest may require it, but
all subsequent regular sessions of the General Assembly shall be
closed on the tenth day of March next ensuing the time of their
commencement, unless the same shall be closed at an earlier day
by the agreement of the two Houses.