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section of the act entitled, "an act to provide for the taking of the
sense of the people upon the expediency of calling a Convention,
to frame a new Constitution and form of government for this
State, and to provide for the election of delegates to such Con
vention," passed at the December session 1849.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant.
PHILIP F. THOMAS.
Which was read, and
On motion of Mr. Blakistone, laid on the table.
Mr. Phelps, subruitteed the following preamble and order
Whereas, in the formation of a new Constitution and form of
government, due regard should be paid to wholesome economy in
the public expenditure.
And whereas, the continuation of Biennial sessions of the
Legislature will save to the State from twenty-five to thirty Lhou
sand dollars annually; and whereas, Biennial sessions would great
ly subserve the public interest by rendering our State policy more
stable, and our laws more permanent; and whereas, the ascertained
will of the people, when calmly and dispassionately expressed,
upon any great question of State policy, is always entitled to the
highest respect and consideration; and whereas, at the October
election held in this State, in the year 1846, the sense of the
people was taken upon this question in obedience to law, and
out of 55,646 votes cast, there was declared to be 4,646 majority
in favor of Biennial sessions of the General Assembly; and
whereas, this Convention has no evidence before it, by petition or
otherwise, of any adverse change of the popular sentiment upon
this great question; and whereas, it is important that the committee
upon the Legislative Department of the government should know
the opinion of the Convention, upon this subject, that they may
be the better prepared to conform their report, to the policy of
this body upon the question,
Therefore, Ordered, That the committee upon the Legislative
Depariment of the government, be, and they are hereby instruct
ed, and directed to report in favor of Biennial sessions of the
General Assembly of this State.
Which was read.
Mr. Biser, moved to amend said order by striking out the word
"instructed" and inserting in lieu thereof, "inquire into the ex
pediency;"
Mr. Tuck, moved to postpone said order and amendment until
Tuesday next, the 3rd December.
Determined in the aflirmauve.
On motion of Mr. Chambers, of Kent, it was
Resolved, That when the Convention shall adjourn to day, it be
adjourned until Friday morning 29th inst., at 12 o'clock, noon.
The Convention then resumed the consideration of the un
finished business of yesterday, being the report submitted on the
20th inst., by Mr Stewart, of Balt. city, chairman of the commit
tee on Reporting and Printing, in relation to the debates and pro
ceedings of the Convention.