Supposing nine thousand, the present popula-
tion of Caroline and Calvert counties each, as
requisite for one delegate, this would give sixty-
five delegates in the House, and the proportion
of the respective counties and Baltimore city
would be as follows—allowing an additional one
for the larger fraction of that number :
Allegany county would have 3
Anne Arundel 4
Baltimore city 18
Baltimore county 5
Carroll 2
Caroline 1
Calvert 1
Cecil 2
Charles 2
Dorchester 2
Frederick 4
Harford 2
Kent 1
Montgomery 2
Prince George's 2
Queen Anne 2
St. Mary's 2
Somerset 2
Talbot 2
Washington 3
Worcester 2
This would give to the House of Delegates, in
the proportion stated, sixty, four members—the
aggregate, less fractions, giving one more, in the
whole making sixty-five.
This would be seventeen less than we now have
and would still leave enough, in all conscience,
for the legislation of the State. And while
on this view of the subject, I will refer gentle-
men to the Constitution of the State of New
York, where, with a population of 3,100,000,
their House of Delegates is composed of 128
members, which is one for every 24,000 only ;
sorely our people cannot be so much worse than
theirs, or our internal system of police so much
more complicated, as to require nearly three
times the amount of legislation.
But I am through with that system of appor-
tionment, and as I propose to take up the the va-
rious plans, that have been proposed, seriatim, and
let gentlemen see how the application of their
theories would work, in the future organization
of the Legislature, I will now demonstrate the
operations of that plan, wherein, it is proposed,
to give representation on population in the coun-
ties alone.
I find, by adding to the numbers of the coun-
ties, the additional number of Baltimore county.
for the city of Baltimore, which would give that
city a representation equal to the largest county
the aggregate would be 452,594 And obtain
the number of 65 members of the House, would
require one for ever 6963 souls; but as this ap-
proximates 7000 so nearly, we will say one mem- |
ber for that number—allowing another, for the
larger moiety. How should we then stand ?
Gain. Number. Loss.
Allegany 3 1
Anne Arundel 5
Baltimore city 1 6
Baltimore county 1 6
Carroll 3 1
Caroline 1 2
Calvert 1 2
Cecil 3 1
Charles 2 1
Dorchester 3 1
Frederick 1 6
Harford 3 1
Kent 2 1
Montgomery 2 2
Prince George's 3 1
Queen Anne 2 1
St. Mary's 2 1
Somerset 3 1
Talbot 2 1
Washington 4 1
Worcester 3 1
This would make up the exact number of six-
ty-five delegates in the House, showing also the
loss and gain, as well as the then number for each
county.
I have shown the result of two systems of re-
presentation, and will now notice the third and
last, which is to be a generous compromise. But
before I anticipate the working of that system,
I cannot avoid entertaining some curious reflections
as to what is to be compromised.
If it is a principle we are contending for essen-
tial to the political liberties of any portion of the
State, I imagine we shall have few, in this body,
willing to compromise on such an issue. Princi-
ple is the cardinal landmark—the brilliant bea-
con, that stands out in bold relief, to guide our
deliberations, point our aims and crown our ef-
forts in the end; and, unless that is consulted,
perpetuated, interwoven and finally sealed upon
that instrument, to eminate from our hands, no
other or all other means and appliances could, or
ought to commend it to the people of this State.
Who are to be the parties to this compromise?
for there must necessarily be two parties to all
compromises, and there is generally, a quid pro
quo, consideration. Is there not a bare possibil-
ity—a remote contingency, that other considera-
tions, besides the rights, and the will, of the
dear people, may influence our action here? I
impugn the motives of no gentleman, but I mean
to be honest. Sir, there seems to be a foregone
conclusion, in the minds of some gentlemen here,
that on this question of representation, the coun-
ties must concede; concede to numbers in toto, or
what is the same in principle, yield to a generous
compromise. To such gentlemen, I com- |
