may be permitted to work thereon, and clear the same from obstructions.  The committee do not
mean to convey any sentiment on the subjects, whether the state of Maryland has any authority to
make, or whether it has actually made to the Susquehanna canal company, a cession of the bed of
the river; they conceive a difference in opinion may arise on these questions, and that it would be
highly politic in the state to use the first opportunity which may occur to relieve the minds of its citizens
from all doubts on a subject of so much consequence.  Your committee are further of opinion,
that the charter granted the Susquehanna canal company does not expire until October, 1798, before
that period another session of assembly will intervene; in the mean-time it will be adviseable for the
general assembly to obtain whatever information may be necessary to elucidate this important subject.
They therefore beg leave to recommend the adoption of sundry resolutions submitted to this house on
the 5th day of December instant, and now lying on the table, as calculated to accomplish this object.
All which is submitted to the house.
                                                    By order,                                            S.  LUCKETT, clk.
Which was read.
    Mr. Whittington, from the committee, brings in and delivers to the speaker a bill, entitled, An
act to aid certain defects in the acknowledgments of deeds; which was read the first time and ordered
to lie on the table.
    The bill for the better administration of justice in the several counties of this state, was sent to
the senate by the clerk.
    Mr. Worthington appeared in the house.
    The bill recognizing the coin of the United States, and the value of foreign coins, as established
by the acts of congress of the United States, was read the second time, and passed.
    Mr. S. Frazier, from the committee, brings in and delivers to the speaker the following report:
    THE committee to whom was referred the petition of sundry inhabitants of Dorchester county,
report, that they have taken the same into consideration, and are of opinion that the prayer thereof,
so far as it relates to the levy court being authorised and empowered to levy a sum of money on the
county for the purpose of purchasing the lot of ground mentioned in the said petition, is proper, and
ought to be granted, but your committee are not impressed with the necessity or propriety of granting
the other matters applied for by the petitioners; they therefore submit the following order:
    ORDERED, That leave be given to bring in a bill authorising and empowering the justices of the
levy court of Dorchester county to levy a sum of money on the assessable property in said county for
the purposes therein mentioned.
    All which is submitted to the house.
                                                    By order,                                            Z.  HUGHES, clk.
Which was read.
    On motion, Leave given to bring in a bill to repeal the nineteenth section of the constitution,
and to provide a new mode of electing senators in case of refusal, death, resignation, disqualification,
or removal out of the state, of any senator, or on his becoming governor or member of the council.
ORDERED, That Mr. Robins, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Sprigg, Mr. Winchester and Mr. Brother,
be a committee to prepare and bring in the same.
    Mr. Duckett, from the committee, brings in and delivers to the speaker a bill, entitled, An act
to repeal the forty-fifth section of the constitution and form of government; which was read the first
time and ordered to lie on the table.
    Mr. Barroll, from the committee, brings in and delivers to the speaker a bill, entitled, A further
supplement to an act, entitled, An act to establish a market at the market-house in Chester-town, in
Kent county, and for the regulation of the said market; which was read the first time and ordered
to lie on the table.
    On motion, the question was put, That leave be given to bring in a bill to repeal such parts of
the constitution and form of government as prevent a senator, delegate of the assembly, or member
of the council, from being appointed to any office of profit during the time for which he shall be
elected?  Determined in the negative.
    RESOLVED unanimously, That the president of the United States merits the everlasting gratitude
of the people; that his profound wisdom in council, and eminent exertions in the field, aided by the
virtue and valour of his fellow-citizens, triumphed over British invasion, and led his country through
an arduous war to victory and to happiness; establishing its independence by a revolution unsullied
with a crime, and distinguished for moderation, virtue and humanity.  That his wise and steady administration
of the general government, promptness in suppressing domestic insurrection, firmness in
defeating improper exertions of foreign influence, and perseverance in the system of neutrality, have
continued to us those advantages which result from a stable and free government, and have crowned
us with the blessings of peace, liberty and prosperity, whilst Europe and the Indies have been convulsed
with the horrors of a dreadful and desolating war.
    RESOLVED, unanimously, That his late paternal address, the result of much reflection and experience,
is eminently calculated by its counsels to secure the continuance of the independence,
peace, happiness and prosperity of our country, if steadily pursued by his successors, and firmly adhered
to by the people; wisely founding the principles of our political conduct on the immoveable
basis of morality and justice, aided by the influence of religion, learning and virtue in private life.
    RESOLVED unanimously, That to perpetuate this valuable present in the most striking view to
posterity, it be printed and published with the laws of this session, as an evidence of our approbation
of its political axioms, and a small testimony of the affection we bear to the precepts of Him, to
whom, under Divine Providence, we are principally indebted for our greatest political blessings.