Mr. Earle, from the Committee on Finance, to whom the
leave was granted, reported a bill entitled an Act for the
more strict compliance of the State of Maryland with the
provisions of an Act of Congress, approved July 2, 1862, en-
titled an Act donating public lands for agricultural and other
purposes.
Which was read the first time.

Also, from the same Committee, to whom was referred
House bill entitled an Act to amend and re-enact the 86th
and 95th sections of Article 4, of the Code of Public Local
Laws of Baltimore city, entitled "Auctions," reported it
without amendment.

Said bill was then read the second time.

Also, from the same Committee, to whom was referred
House bill entitled an Act to provide for the renewal of cer-
tain bonds and certificates of indebtment of the State already
due, and others falling due, in the year 1870, reported it
with the following amendment:

Strike out all after the enacting clause, and insert the fol-
lowing :
A BILL

Entitled an Act to create a Loan to provide for the payment of
the Overdue Debt of the State, and for that portion of the;
debts of the State now approaching maturity.
WHEREAS, there is at this time, bonds and certificates of
debt of this State overdue, and others approaching maturity
at an early day, amounting in the aggregate to nearly two
and a half millions of dollars, nine hundred eighty-eight
thousand, six hundred and twenty-two dollars, ($988,622,) of
which said debt having been due since 1865; and whereas,
not only justice to the holders of this debt demands that the-
same be promptly redeemed, but the honor of the State and
her true interest manifestly require that provision be made-
on the best possible terms, for the consolidation of these
debts, and their prompt liquidation ; therefore,

SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Mary-
land, That a loan be, and the same is hereby created, to be
called "The Maryland State Loan," not to exceed two mil-
lions four hundred thousand dollars, or so much thereof as:
may be necessary, bearing an interest of six per centum per
annum, payable semi-annually, on the first days of January
and July in each and every year, said. loan to be exempt
from State, county and municipal taxation, and redeemable
at the pleasure of the State in fifteen years from the date of
its issue.

SEC. 2. And be it enacted. That the Governor, Comptroller
and Treasurer are hereby authorized and directed to have the