802
of said officers, shall not exceed the sum of twen-
ty-five hundred dollars per annum over and
above office expenses and compensation to assis-
tants; and presided further, that such compensation
of clerks, registers, assistants and office
expenses shall always be paid out of the fees or
receipts of the offices respectively."
Mr. SOLLERS said that he had had some experience
in this matter of clerk's fees. He wished
to suggest to the Convention a proposition,
officers respectively, of fixed annual salaries or
compensation by fees as the Legislature may in
their discretion direct; raid salaries or compen-
sation in no case to exceed twenty-five hundred
dollars and such additional allowances as may
be necessary and proper with reference to the
amount of business to be done for the compensation
of assistants."
This plan provided, said Mr. B., for the whole
matter to be left to the Legislature; and this em-
braced every argument and every view which
could be taken in favor of any plan.
Mr. SOLLERS hoped that the Convention would
itself settle the matter, and settle it finally.
Mr. RANDALL inquired how much difference
the gentleman from Calvert, had known between
two fee-bills.
Mr. SOLLERS replied, that he had known it very
much to exceed one hundred per cent in his
own case, at one time, be had known such a difference.
In a case in St. Mary's county, the
clerk received $80. In his own case, where
there were twice as many witnesses he had re-
ceived but $16.50. He presumed it was partly
owing to his not having charged as much as was
due lo him. He would undertake to affirm that
no clerk could ever keep an account of the fees
received. A copy might be asked for, which
would come to fifteen cents. Should he keep a
record of that?
Mr. BLAKISTONE explained that in the case in
St. Mary's alluded to, the guilty party had been
unknown, and an immense number of summons
were sent out; whereas in the case in Calvert
county, the guilty party was known, and that
truth was avoided.
|
 |
