1867.] OF THE SENATE. 317

an express right to revoke, as well after as before execution,
er to disaffirm the execution of the power. But such far
fetched analogies only mislead, and the language of the char-
ter is plain. Besides, the Constitution ingrafts the right to
alter and repeal upon every charter. Contracts with corpo-
rations are made subject to this power and the execution of
the power cannot be inconsistent with such contracts. The
effect of a repeal or amendment upon rights of property pre-
viously acquired under the charter, is usually a question of
the interpretation of laws rather than of constitutional com-
petency.

But it is said that some work has been done on a part of
the railroad, and that the charter cannot now be altered,
equitably, without providing indemnity. This might be a
subject for future consideration by the Legislature if it were
less trivial or more meritorious. But it is easily perceived
that the little work which has been done has been hastened
during the winter to furnish an argument and to embarrass
legislation.

The undersigned perceives nothing in the contract, the con-
duct or the designs of the parties who have obtained control
of the Baltimore and Potomac charter, which should com-
mend them to the favor of this State. On the contrary, they
have made it necessary, in his judgment, for the Legislature
to interpose and restrain them from the execution of a plan
which is opposed to the policy, and will be ruinous to impor-
tant interests of Maryland.

The undersigned, therefore, dissents from the views of the
committee on this subject, and respectfully submits the fol-
lowing resolution for the consideration of the Senate :

Resolved, That the Senate does not concur in the views of
the committee on Internal Improvements, as presented in
their report on the memorials referred to them respecting an
amendment of the charter of the Baltimore and Potomac
Rail Road Company.

ELIAS DAVIS.
Pending the reading of said report,

The Clerk of the House of Delegates delivered the following
message:

By THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES,

February 26, 1867.
Gentlemen of the Senate :

This House having granted permission to a committee of
citizens of Baltimore, to appear upon the floor of this House
at 12 1/2 o'clock, for the purpose of presenting a memorial in
relation to matters of importance, now before the General