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of rendering the penal and criminal laws, both in regard to the
character and grade of offence and degree of punishment, definite
and precise; confiding to the court no greater discretion in pre
scribing the latter than would be unavoidable.
4th. Ordered, That the same committee consider the expedi
ency of directing the Legislature to provide for a general revision
of the statutes of the State,—to simplify suits and pleadings; to
authorise the trial of causes by special juries; and to establish such
regulations concerning the duties and compensation of attornies
and counsellors, as would ensure fidelity and purity in the profes
sion, and properly guard the rights and interests of suitors.
Which were twice read and adopted.
On motion of Mr. Tuck, it was
Ordered, That the committee on the Judiciary Department con-
skier the propriety of conferring upon the county courts, the ap
pointment of justices of the peace, justices of the magistrates
courts, constables and coroners.
The President laid before the Convention a communication
from D. H. Hanlon, Esq., stating that the 14th standing rule of
the Convention, recently adopted, excluded all persons from with
in the bar "except Members and Officers of the Convention," and
asking as a representative of the Press, permission to a seat within
the bar.
Which was read
Mr. John Dennis, submitted the following resolution:
Resolved, That the President of this body, be authorised to in-
vite and provide suitable accomodations for such Reporters as
may desire seats upon the floor of this Hall.
Which was twice read and adopted.
On motion of Mr. Dent., it was
Ordered, That the committee on the Judiciary, enquire into the
expediency of abolishing special pleading in the courts of law of this
State.
Mr. Dent, submitted the following resolutions:
1st. Resolved, That the committee to consider and report re
specting the elective franchise, inquire into the propriety of en
grafting into the Constitution of Maryland, some provision re
stricting from future foreign immigrants to the State of Maryland,
the right of suffiage, until they shall have been residents of said
State for at least ten years after they shall have given notice to the
proper authorities, of their intention to become citizens of the
United States, and have been fully naturalized according to the
laws of the United States.
2d. Resolved, That the committee to consider and report re
specting the elective franchise, inquire into the propriety of en-
grafting into the Constitution of Maryland, some provision by
which all voters who shall sell their votes, or otherwise dispose of
them for pay or compensation, shall upon conviction of the same,
be deprived of the privilege of voting at any election in the State
for at least ten years after said conviction, and shall be forever dis
qualified to hold any office of profit or trust in this State;—and