since the recess. It was thought that but little
time would be occupied in its discussion. Mat-
ters more important remain to be acted upon;
and if we are to occupy one, two, nay three
weeks upon this report, the same delay in the
consideration of other things will take place; and
thus a month may elapse before we reach a
question which was made the order of the day
for yesterday. I mean the report from the com-
mittee on representation. I hope gentlemen
may see the necessity of bringing this discussion
to a close, but that some few hours may be al-
lowed for the benefit of those gentlemen who
have not yet been heard. After that, let us stop
the general debate, and, five minutes being re-
served for explanations, all the time that ought
now to be given will be extended.
Mr. DORSEY regarded this subject as one of the
gravest matters that could engage the considera-
tion of the Convention, and thought that an undue
advantage would be taken if gentlemen were not
permitted to reply to the new facts and argu-
ments which had been brought forward. If the
Convention would exclude the views of mem-
bers in this way, and hear only those of one side,
he supposed he must submit.
Mr. BRENT, of Baltimore city. I have myself
spoken two or three times on this report. I do
not desire to speak again. It is no wish of mine
to prevent gentlemen who have not spoken, from
addressing the Convention; but only those who
have already been heard. I am, therefore, in
favor of the amendment of the gentleman from
Charles,
The President explained that the Chair had
ruled that amendment out of order, and slated
the reasons for the decision.
Mr. BRENT. Well, sir, I can only say, I hope
the Convention will put a stop to this debate. If
it is to be prolonged until all the new views and
arguments which may strike the minds of mem-
bers, shall be delivered and answered, it is easy
to see that final action on the report will be post-
poned for an indefinite period of time.
Mr. RIDGELY enquired of the President) what
was the state of the question ?
The President explained.
Mr. RIDGELY. It is necessary that something
should be done to prevent the time of this body
being occupied for an interminable period by
some half dozen of its members, to the exclusion
of all others. I am as ready and willing to lis-
ten to gentlemen as any other member of the
Convention, but I protest against its time being
monopolised by a few. We have a rule extend-
ing to every gentleman the right to express his
sentiments, and that rule is constantly violated
by members speaking three or four times.
Mr. BOWIE. Enforce your rule, then.
Mr. RIDGELY (apparently not hearing the in-
terruption) proceeded to contest the sufficiency
of the argument which had been urged, that
gentlemen were not allowed to answer new
views and positions, and to point out the ever-
lasting delay which must take place in the busi-
ness of the Convention, if this rule of action was
to be adopted. The Convention should live up
to its rule. He hoped the proposition would be |
agreed to. If it. affected any particular gentle-
man injuriously, that was his misfortune; the
general result of the proposition would be whole-
some and effective,
Mr. BLAKISTONE (who, under the invitation of
the President, has presided over the deliberations
of the committee, whilst the subject of the Elec-
tive Franchise has been under consideration.)
rose, he said, for the purpose of putting himself
right before the Convention, for he understood
this to be an indictment against him.
The President (interposing.) The Chair would
not entertain any indictment against the gentle-
man.
Mr. BLAKISTONE. I appreciate the courtesy
of the Chair. I am aware that no idea of the kind
was entertained, but I speak of the effect of the
remarks that have, been made by the gentleman
from Baltimore county, (Mr. RIDGELY.)
Mr. RIDGELY. Certainly, I had no intention
to reflect upon the gentleman.
Mr. BLAKISTONE, lam sure of that. I speak
only of the effect of the gentleman's observations.
Mr. B. proceeded to remark on the proper con-
struction of the rule governing debate [in Com-
mittee of the Whole, and to claim that his ad-
ministration of the duties of the Chair had been
marked by a strict adherence to its requirements;
and if lie had not discharged the duties of the
Chair faithfully and impartially, then, he said,
let the President of the Convention note the
fault and substitute for me some gentleman who
may beexempt from a similar fault.
Mr. BROWN. We will not let the President
supply your place.
Mr. BLAKISTONE, in some further remarks, ex-
pressed his belief that all propositions of this
kind did but protract the action of the Conven-
tion. Let full latitude of debate be allowed; let
gentlemen be satisfied that they had discharged
their duty to their constituents by a fair and
frank expression of their will, and they would
then be ready to vote. He desired, himself, to
express his views, but was prohibited by the po-
sition which bad been assigned to him. He hoped
the proposition would not prevail.
Mr. DORSEY. Upon the question before the
committee of filling the blank in the amendment
with five days, I have never expressed my views
nor spoken a word.
The question was then stated to be on the
motion of Mr. WEBER to strike out from the
resolution the words "first section," so as to make
it applicable to the entire report of the Commit-
tee.
Mr. SPENCER hoped the amendment would
not prevail for this reason, he said, among
others, that he had indicated his intention to of-
fer certain amendments which would lead to de-
bate, and which bad never been touched atall.
He was unwilling to give to the Judges of elec-
tion the power to determine who are non compis
mentis.
Mr. JENIFER. I think, perhaps, that this pro-
position may but embarrass the proceedings of
the Convention, and I therefore withdraw it,
Mr. WEBER renewed the proposition, so as
to terminate debate on the whole report. |
