have very wisely fixed. I think it is wise
and proper for us to fix the salary in the con-
stitution, and to say they shall not be
altered during their continuance in office. If
you do not the legislature will be continually
beset by one or another officer wishing his
salary to be increased. I think it ought to
be fixed in the constitution for the term of
the constitution, unless it should be changed
by an amendmeat of the constitution. .
I wish to say one word further with refer-
ence to the perquisites and additional com-
pensation awarded by the legislature. I
learn that that wag intended for packing,
freight, ftc., upon the books sent, and was
not intended as a& appropriation to the libra-
rian. There was probably a little margin
left. The librarian informs me that if all the
freight, &c., had been paid, there would have
been nothing left. The legislature in making
the appropriations did not make them as an
additional compensation to him; but they
made the estimate as near as they could; and
there was some freight which was not charged,
or something of that kind, which left a small
margin. I think it is due to the librarian to
make this explanation. Therefore I think
$1,500 now, little enough under all the cir-
cumstances; and I trust the section will be
adopted as reported unanimously by the
committee.
Mr. VALLIANT. I am willing to vote for
$1,600; but in doing so I am actuated by the
consideration that all kinds of merchandise
now command a much larger price than a few
years ago. But I would not be willing to
continue the salary of $1,500 for all time to
come. If $1,000 was sufficient three or four
years ago, the probability is that it will be
sufficient three or four years hence, unless
this disastrous war continues much longer
than any of us now apprebend. I will read
my proposition again, which I have modified
to have the salary of $1,500 begin with Jan-
uary 1, 1865, although I should have pre-
ferred an earlier date. "The salary of the
present incumbent shall be $1,500 per an-
num, beginning on the first day of January,
1865, and continued until the close of his
present term of office. Thereafter neither
he nor his successors shall receive more than
$1,000 unless otherwise determined by the
general assembly." I am- willing to leave it
to the general assembly, believing they will
not change it unless it ig right and proper.
Mr. PETER. I think we ought to fix in
the constitution the salaries of all our officers.
If we do not, what will be the consequence ?
During the sessions of the legislature every
office-holder will be here asking for an in-
crease of his salary, and take up the whole
of the time of the legislature with their ap-
plications. I am in favor of giving a fair
salary to every man. I would be willing to
vote for $2,000, for I believe every officer
ought to have a fair and liberal salary. Let us |
fix it honestly and without fear of what our
constituents may say hereafter. I think
$1,500 is little enough, if I am rightly in-
formed of the duties of the librarian. We
are not merely to consider the services ren-
dered to the legislature or the court of ap-
peals; but we ought to consider that the
library requires his constant care, to look
after and see to the books and preserve them.
It is important that we should have a com-
petent man for the office, and for such a man
$1,500 a year is little enough. As regards
the assistant, I believe that a librarian and
assistant are little enough to do the work.
Let the $1,500 be in full of everything, and
leave no opportunity to the legislature here-
after to increase or diminish his salary. That
I think is the correct principle for us to es-
tablish here.
Mr. VALLIANT. I would like to mention a
little fact of history. At the time the old.
constitution fixed the salary at $1,000, the
State librarian was intrusted with the charge
of this building for which he also received
$350, making his salary really $1,350.
The PRESIDENT. The gentleman from Cal-
vert is correct. He had charge of the public
grounds.
Mr. KING modified his amendment, so as
to read,. " the legislature shall pass no laws
whereby he shall receive any additional com-
pensation."
Mr. BRISCOE. I believe there is a clause
adopted in the legislative article which pro-
hibits that very thing.
Mr. STOCKBRIDGE. The 21st section of the
legislative article is:
"Sec. 21. No extra compensation shall be
granted or allowed by the general assembly
to any public officer, agent, servant or con-
tractor, after the services, shall have been
rendered or the contract entered into. Nor
! shall the salary or compensation of any pub-
lic officer be increased or diminished) during
his term of office."
Mr. BRISCOE. That amendment therefore
.is not necessary; although the legislature hag
done that same thing in its general appro-
priation bills for the last twelve or fifteen
years. It has been done; but it is entirely
unconstitutional.
Mr. STOCKBRIDGE. I beg leave to remark
that I think it is an error to suppose that any
extra compensation is allowed for the service
performed. The appropriation bills all say :
" For the expense distributing bound copies
of Maryland Beporte to the clerks and registers
of wills Of this State, $50," &c. They do
not give it to the librarian.
The PRESIDENT. The gentleman is mis-
taken. The librarian always draws for that
specific sum.
Mr. STOCKBRIDGE. I am speaking of the
law. If an improper gum is drawn by the
librarian, I am not responsible for that. It |
