318

On motion of Mr. Dent,
The 20th section of said report was divided, so that the last
paragraph was made the 21st section.
The 21st section in the report was then read,
On motion of Mr. Dorsey,
Said section was amended by striking out in the 1st and 2nd
lines these words, "which are not redeemable at the pleasure of
of the State;"
The question then recurred upon the amendment as offered by
Mr. Ridgely on yesterday, as a substitute for the said 21st section.
Mr. George, moved as a substitute for said section and substitute,
the amendment offered by him on yesterday.
Mr. Ridgely, withdrew his amendment.
The question then recurred on the adoption of the amendment
as offered by Mr. George,
Mr. John Dennis, moved to amend said amendment by strik
ing out these words, "the amount of debts, hereafter contracted
by the Legislature, shall never exceed one hundred thousand
dollars," and insert in lieu thereof, "the Legislature hereafter
shall contract no debt ;"
Mr. George accepted this amendment.
Mr. Spencer, moved further to amend said amendment, by
striking out these words, in 2nd line, "except for the defence of
the State," and inserting in lieu thereof "except in case of War,
to repel invasion, and to suppress
Determined in the negative.
The question then recurred upon the amendment offered by Mr.
George, as a substitute for the 21st section.
Mr. I)onaldson, offered as a substitute for said section and sub
stitute the following
"The aggregate amount of debt or liability hereafter contract
ed by the Legislature shall never exceed the sum of one hundred
thousand dollars, except in case of war, to tepel invasions, or sup
press insurrections, unless the same shall be authorised by a law
for some single object, distinctly specified therein, passed by a
vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each branch of
the Legislature, which law shall provide ways and means, exclu
sive of loans, to pay the interest of said debt or liability and dis
charge the principal thereof, within twenty years from the pas
sage of the law, but new loans may be made if necessary, and
new bonds issued in pursuance of law, for the payment of either
principal or interest of the debt now existing;"

Which was read, and
After debate thereon,
Mr. Brown moved the previous question, that is: