1867] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES 583

Academy walls, which are of a character to do the Institu-
tion no credit.

One of the greatest difficulties the Academy has to contend
with, is a want of ground, and when it was located at An-
napolis, an expectation was held out that all facilities would
be extended by the citizens as well as by the State.

While, however, the citizens are benefitted in many ways
by the presence of the Academy, there seems to be a disposi-
tion to prevent the enlargement of the grounds by a spirit of
avarice, that must sooner or later re-act against the holders
of the property required for the enlargement.

We are willing to pay, on the part of the General Govern-
ment, a fair valuation, but I cannot, as the representative of
the Government, agree to pay the excessive demands made
upon us. The matter now rests with your Honorable Bodies
to decide whether it is worth while to pass laws enabling the
General Government to purchase property at a fair valuation.
I would most respectfully recommend .that a law be enacted
by the General Assembly of Maryland whereby the title to
any real estate, in or about Annapolis, which the United
States may desire as additions to the Naval Academy, may
be condemned, and with the possession thereof, be vested in
the United States of America, upon payment to the respec-
tive proprietors thereof of the sums so awarded by the law
as the value of the said real estate.

It must strike your Honorable Bodies that the retention of
this Institution in Annapolis is of more importance to this
city and the State of Maryland, than the interests of a few
individuals who desire to obtain a most exorbitant price for
their property.

Respectfully submitted,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Vice Admiral and Supt. N. A.
Which was read, and

On motion of Mr. Thomas,
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
The hour of 12 1/2 o'clock having arrived, the Senate of
Maryland appeared upon the floor of the House of Delegates,
when the committee of citizens from Baltimore were intro-
duced to the General Assembly by Mr. Jones, of the Joint
Committee of the General Assembly, when

Mr. Spencer, chairman of the committee, presented the fol-
lowing petition of T. J. Magruder and six thousand other
citizens of Baltimore: