1252 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS [Mar. 30,

Mr. Smith, of Baltimore city, being in the chair,

Mr. Touchstone submitted the following preamble and
resolutions:

Whereas, The constitutional period of this session of the
General Assembly of Maryland is now about to expire, and

Whereas, This is a befitting time fer the members of this
House to express the high regard in which we hold the Hon-
orable Speaker of this House, feeling as we do, that it would
be unbecoming as well as unusual on such occasions, to sepa-
rate without expressing to him our sincere thanks for the
prompt, efficient and impartial manner in which, he has dis-
charged the intricate, sometimes embarrassing, and always
high and responsible duties of his position.

It would be beneath the dignity of this body to utter words
of flattery, but it is one of Maryland's most venerated cus-
toms to boast of the virtues, ability and patriotism of her
statesmen. As in the heroic past, her statesmen are .the
jewels of her diadem, and it should be the ambition of every
true son of " My Maryland," to honor, to appland and to
emulate their virtues. Therefore,

Resolved, That our sincere thanks are due, and they are
hereby given to the Honorable William A. Stewart, Speaker
of this House, for his kind and courteous deportment during
this session, to each and all of its members, and for the im-
partial, remarkably able and dignified manner in which he
has discharged the arduous duties of his high and responsi-
ble position.

Resolved, That in the Honorable William A. Stewart,
Speaker of this House, distinguished as he is for his integrity,
ability and patriotism, we recognize the true type of the
Maryland statesman, and that knowing him to be as brave
as he is true, able and patriotic, we have every confidence,
that in whatever position lie may he placed in. the future, he
will battle for the interest, honor and sovereignty of our gal-
lant, noble and beloved commonwealth.

Which were read and unanimously adopted.

Mr. Bond, Chairman of the Committee on the Library,
reported favorably the joint resolutions in relation to the
State Library.

Which were read a second time and ordered to be engrossed
for a third reading.

The Senate bill entitled an Act to incorporate the Knick-
erbocker Life Insurance Company,

Was read a third time and passed by yeas and nays as fol-
lows :