288

On motion of Mr. Howard, it was
Resolved, That the committee on amendments and revision of
the Constitution be instructed to enquire into the expediency of
inserting an article substantially as follows:

That in the year 1862, and every tenth year thereafter, it shall
be the duty of the Governor for the time being, to arrange the
representation in the House of Delegates, according to the ratio
adopted by this Convention, and to declare by Proclamation, the
number of Delegates to which each county and city may be en
titled according to the new census of the United States. And
in said Proclamation, he shall also invite the people of the State,
to vote on a day therein to be named, whether or not they desire
to hold a Convention for the purpose of altering the Constitution.
And in case a majority of those who vote, shall desire that a Con
vention according to the new basis of Representation, the Gover
nor shall take the same steps to organize the Convention, which
were followed as to the present.

On motion of Mr. Merrick,
The Convention resumed the consideration of the order of the
day, being the report submitted by Mr. Johnson, chairman of the
committee on the Legislative Department, on the 25th ultimo.

The question pen ding before the Convention on yesterday being
on the adoption of the 2nd section as amended.

On motion of Mr. Spencer,
The Convention was called and the doorkeeper sent for the
absent members.
On motion of Mr. Spencer,
Further proceedings under the call was dispensed with.
The question then recurred upon the adoption of the 2nd sec.
tion, as amended.
Mr. John Newcomer moved the previous question, that is,
"Shall the main question be now put'?"
Mr. Chambers, of Kent, moved the question be taken by yeas
and nays, and being ordered appeared as follows:
AFFIRMATIVE.—Messrs. Dairymple, Buchanan, Welch, Dickin
son, Phelps, Hearn, Annan, Stephenson, Nelson, Schley, Fiery,
Neill, John Newcomer, Harbine, Michael Newcomer, Brewer,
Parke and Oockey—1 8.
NEGATIVE.—Messrs. Chapman, President, Morgan, Ricaud,
Chambers, of Kent, Mitchell, Donaldson, Dorsey, Wells, Kent,
Merrick, Howard, Ridgeiy, Lloyd, Sherwood, of Talbot, John
Dennis, Williams, Hicks, Hodson,Miller, Tuck, Sprigg, Bowling,
Spencer, George, Wright, Dirickson, Jacobs, Thomas, Shriver,
Gaither, Biser, McHenry, Carter, Stewart, of Caroline, Presstman,
Ware, Waters, Anderson, Weber, Hollyday, Fitzpatrick, Smith,
Shower and Brown—44.