tone, Dent, Mitchell, Weems, Brent, of Charles,
Jenifer, Buchanan, Williams, Hicks, Hodson,
Eccleston, Sprigg, George, Wright, Stewart, of
Caroline, Brent, of Baltimore city, and Web-
er—17.
So the previous question was seconded.
The question was then put,
Will the Convention reconsider their vote on
the resolution in relation to printing debates'?—
And it was
Decided in the negative.
Mr. SPENCER made some remarks which will
be published hereafter.
Mr, THOMAS said that these questions annoyed
some of them, who, on this account, made an
earnest appeal that if this subject had been re-
ferred to a committee, would it not be advisable
to let that committee explain what was wanted
and required? With the utmost sincerity to keep
pace with the questions, he did not know what
were half the questions submitted to them. If
the committee should say that they desired an
extension of the time, he would be willing to
give it to them.
Mr. SPENCER replied that the committee in
whose behalf he had spoken, asked this exten-
sion.
Mr. THOMAS thought that if the chairman of
the committee would come in and explain the
subject, he could vote understandingly upon it.
Mr. SPENCER said that he had spoken in behalf
of the chairman of the committee. If the
chairman had more authority for the gentleman
than himself when he spoke for the committee,
he (Mr. T.) could seek the chairman.
Mr. BUCHANAN said that he understood, when
he made the motion to reconsider, that the ori-
ginal proposition come from the committee— a
committee which was entitled to high considera-
tion, and for every member of which he per-
sonally entertained a very proper respect. He
had only to say that it was most remarkable
that gentlemen who sometimes had undertaken
to speak and manage for many of the committees,
without being members, should make objection
now, that nobody was so well entitled to a res-
pectful hearing by the Convention as a member
of a committee.
It made no difference to him whether a propo-
sition came from the chairman of a committee—
a member of the commmittee, or a member of
the Convention at large. His habit was to give
to the proposition itself, a proper and deliberate
consideration, and if it met his approval, he sus-
tained it—if not, he opposed it.
He was not a member of the committee, but
his friend from Queen Anne's, (Mr. Spencer,)
from whom this proposition comes, is a member
of the committee; so that if there is any thing in
the suggestion, that a proposition comes with
more weight from a member of a committee—
this is entitled to it. Committees are presumed
to have information on the subjects referred to
them, it is admitted; but it is not admitted that
they necessarily have all the information. Other
members sometimes are quite as well informed
as members of the committees. He clamed to
110 |
have taken some pains to acquire the necessary
information to enable him to act on this subject
and be was satisfied that the proposition of his
friend from Queen Anne's was right, and ought
to be adopted, but he feared it would not be.
He was satisfied that unless the reporter could
be prevailed on to superintend the printing, all
would be confusion and chaos by the first of Jane
so far as printing the debates were concerned.
The reporter, who has been most faithful in
the performance of his duty, and is even with
his work up to this hour, is not by any means
anxious to remain; but it is important to the
regularity of business, and to the interests of the
people that he should remain, rather than leave
imperfect a work which he has heretofore so
faithfully superintended.
I consider the proposition of the gentleman
from Queen Anne's right, and shall vole for it.
Mr. THOMAS was not aware that the gentleman
who had spoken, had taken any part in the pro-
ceedings. He had said to the gentleman from
Queen Anne's that they were most anxious that
this subject should be finally disposed of, and
the best mode would be, first to have from the
chairman of the committee some definite and
distinct proposition, and then they could finally
act on the subject by acquiescing in it.
Mr. BUCHANAN replied that he had made the
motion, and considered he had a right to make
it, and stood by it now.
Mr. TUCK, from the committee on Revision,
reported to the Convention certain amendments
to the report of the committee on Lotteries,
and
Also, on the Militia;
Also, on the Land Office;
Also, on the Librarian;
Also, on County Commissioners,
Which were severally read and disposed of.
Mr. CHAMBERS of Kent, from the committee
on Revision, made a report on that part of the
report of the Legislative Department relating to
banks.
Which was read and disposed of.
Also, made a report on the article in relation
to authorising private property to be taken for
public use.
And the article that corporations may be formed
under general laws, but shall not be created
by special act, except for municipal regulations.
Which were read and disposed of.
Mr. DONALDSON, from the committee on Re-
vision, made a report on future amendments and
revisions of the Constitution.
Read and disposed of.
The doorkeeper having returned and reported
that in obedience to order, he had notified the
absent members that their attendance in the Con-
vention was required,
The Convention then resumed the consideration
of the order submitted by Mr. MCCUBBIN
in relation to compensation to be allowed certain
officers of the Convention.
Mr. BUCHANAN stated to the Convention that
he was desired by Mr. Chichester, the Assistant |
