THURSDAY, April 3rd, 1851.

The Convention met,

Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Griffith.

The proceedings of yesterday were read.

The President laid before the Convention the following corn
munication from the Hon. Louis McLane:

To the Hon. John G. CHAPMAN, President of the Con.
Sir: In consequence of the state of my health, which abso.
lutely requires relaxation from my constant attendance upon the
Convention, I have the honor to ask that leave of absence for two
weeks may be granted to me?

I am, sir, with great respect,
LOUIS MCLANE.
April 2, 1851.
Which was read.
On the question being put,

"Will the Convention grant the leave of absence asked?" it was
Determined in the affirmative.
Mr. Biser, presented a petition of 45 citizens of Hauver's
District in Fredetick county, asking that a clause be inserted in the
constitution, restricting the sale of intoxicating liquors except it be
approved by a majority of the voters in said district; and
Mr. Gaither, presented a petition of sundry citizens of Freder
ick county, of similar import.
Which were severally read, and
Referred to the select committee already appointed on that
subject.
Mr. Thomas gave notice that when the report of committee No.
14, creating a Board of Public Works, should come up for con
sideration, he should offer as a substitute for said report the follow
ing, which he desired should be entered upon the Journal and
printed.
"At the first general election of Delegates of the General Assem
bly after the adoption of this Constitution, four commissioners
shall be elected, as hereafter provided, who shall exercise a dili
gent and faithful Supervision on all Public Works, in which the
State may be interested, as stockholder or creditor; and shall repre
sent the State in all meetings of the stockholders, and perform
such other duties as may be prescribed by law, and shall each re
ceive a salary to he fixed by law, which salary shall not be increas
ed or diminished during their continuance in office.
That one of these commisioners shall be a resident at the time
of his election, and shall have been a resident at least years
next preceeding his election in a district to be composed of the
counties of A llega ny, Washington, Frederick, Carroll and