| Volume 195, Page 39 View pdf image (33K) |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
503] The English Statutes in Maryland. 39 passed, but the Governor withheld his consent.2' Next year he carried into this controversy the same conciliatory policy which he made his general rule of conduct: told the Assem- bly that " the Proprietor and the country aim at the same thing-"—the good of the Province; and then accepted a bill which, drawn in a joint conference,29 was accepted by all par- ties and became and remained law.30 In this law the important phrases of the oath ran as follows : "You shall do equal law and right to all t{he King's subjects. rich and poor. according to the laws, customs and directions of the Acts of Assembly of this province so far forth as they provide; and when they are silent, according to the laws, statutes and reasonable customs of England, as used and practised within this province." 31 When Charles Lord Baltimore, next year. visited the Prov- ince, and, for a while, ruled in person, he pel-mined Governor Ogle's law to stand; and as he went out of his way to placate the opposition, and detached many of the leaders, including Dulany, by giving- them places in the governmental system, an epoch of good feeling existed for awhile." This was short- lived, and soon new or old causes of strife again made rela- tions between Proprietor and people somewhat strained. The extension of the statutes, however, never again became the subject of continued contention. If the Proprietor did not withdraw his instructions to the Governor not to pass a bill for general introduction of the statutes, the Lower House did not repeal or withdraw their resolutions; and from time to time declared that same statute was in force.33 What, then, was the outcome of this long and tiresome controversy? At first sight—nothing! But for answer, let us quote the opinion of the judicious McMahon, who looked at this whole question with sympathetic and calm insight: 28 Ibid. 29 L. H. J, MS. 1732. July 22. Dulany heads the list of members representing the Lower House. 30 L. H. J. MS., July 31, 1732. Act of 1732, ch. 5, 31 L, H. J. MS., July 22. 1732. Bacon, Laws of Md.. Act of 1732, ch. s, 32 Economics and Politics, ch. ii.. end, and ch. iii, 33 Mereness. p. 211; L. H. J. Oct. 18. 1753. |
| |||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
Please view image to verify text. To report an error, please contact us.
Sioussat's The English Statutes in Maryland, 1903
| Volume 195, Page 39 View pdf image (33K) |
|
Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!
|
An Archives of Maryland electronic publication.
For information contact
mdlegal@mdarchives.state.md.us.
Maryland State Archives