tion on whose recommendations the appointments for St.
Mary's county were made by the Executive—

I would respectfully state that I do not think the "public
interest" would be in any way advanced by communicating
the information desired, and it might properly be construed
as a violation of "private confidence."

The Governor, in making the numerous local appointments
throughout the State, must necessarily be unacquainted with
the character and qualifications of many of those seeking ap-
pointments. He has, therefore, to rely greatly upon such
information as he can obtain from those acquainted, with the
parties, persons in whom he has confidence, and who, when
appealed, to, or when volunteering information and advice,
naturally do not expect or desire publicity to be given either
to their statements or their names. In many cases even the
applicants for office themselves would dislike it.

I will state that in all cases where charges have been made
against the character or qualifications of any such applicants,
I have required the charges to be made in writing, signed by
the parties making them, it I had reason to believe there was
the slightest foundation for the charge.

I would further state that the nominations of "local officers
for St. Mary's county," sent to the Senate, were made up
entirely from lists furnished, me by the Senator and Delegates
from that county, and recommended by the purest and most
eminent citizens.

I respectfully decline to comply with the order of the Senate.

ODEN BOWIE.
On motion by Mr. Maddox,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the nomina-
tions (which had been ordered to lie over) for St. Mary'
county.

On motion by Mr. Maddox,

The Senate advised and consented to the appointment of A.
C. Tennison, David Tyler and Francis T. Thomas as Jus-
tices of the Peace for the first district of St. Mary's county,
agreeably to the nominations of the 17th February, inst.

On motion by Mr. Maddox,

The Senate advised, and consented to the appointment of
John W. Hebb, Thomas Dent and George M. Bohanan as
Justices of the Peace, for the second district of St. Mary's
county, agreeably to the nominations of the 17th February
instant.