1870.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 569

same at the expense of the delinquent owner of the adjoining
lands; that gates and every obstruction of every kind should
be prohibited, &c.

The bad roads of Maryland are one of our reproache.—
The system of laws which leads to, or permits such a result,
must be radically defective, and the people of Maryland ask
their representatives in the Legislature that they do some-
thing to remedy the evil, and that if the plan herein sug-
gested is not approved, that some wiser and more efficacious
system be adopted.

Hoping that the aforegoing memorial may have the effect,
if none other, of awakening the attention of the Legislature to.
the subject of the public roads, a subject no less important to-
the local and rural interests than railroads, and that some
action may be taken to remedy evils in this particular, which
now so impair the prosperity of the State and retaids the
growth and improvements of our rural districts.

All of which is respectfully submitted, &c., &c.

JNO. THOMPSON MASON.

Which was read and

On motion of Mr. Baldwin, of Anne Arundel,

Ordered to be entered on the Journal and referred to the-
Committee on Roads and Highways,

Mr. Sword presented the petition of John H. Sites, S. F.
Culbertson, and 206 others, prohibiting the Franklin Rail-
road Company from connecting at any point with the Chesa-
peake and Ohio Caual, except at Williamsport, Maryland.

Which was read and referred to the Washington delega-
tion.

Mr. Shower presented the petition of Susan Wilhelm,.
widow of John Wilhelm, a soldier of the war of 1812, for a
pension.

Which was read and referred to the Committee on Pen-
sions.

Mr. Strprtt presented the petition of Susan Howe, asking-
for a pension.

Which was read and referred to the Committee on Pen-
sions.

Mr. Hamilton submitted the following order :

Ordered, That Geo. A. Kirk have leave of absence until
Monday next.

Which was adopted.

Mr. McCreery submitted the following order :

Ordered, That W. G. Goidy have leave of absence from
Wednesday until Saturday of this week, to attend to urgent
business.