1904.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 917

The Preachers Meeting of the Methodist Episcopal
Church of Baltimore city respectfully and earnestly
protest against the enactment into law of the bills be-
fore the General Assembly of Maryland, and the Gov-
ernor of the State as follows:

1. The so called "Jim Crow" laws which have the
effect of degrading the colored people of al/ classes.

2. The "Franchise" bills which will have the effect
of disfranchising practically the whole body of colored
people and of placing in the hands of election officials
a tremendous and dangerous power of oppression
upon white people as well, and opening the way to all
forms of political fraud and corruption.

(Signed), JAMES P. WILSON,

President.
JOHN R. EDWARDS,

Secretary.
Baltimore, March 14th, 1904.

Which was read and referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES.

Mr. Johnston, from the Committee on the Judiciary,
reported unfavorably,

House bill, File No. 522, entitled "An Act to repeal
and re-enact, with amendments, section 6 of Article 52
of the Code of Public General Laws of Maryland, title
'Justices of the Peace,' sub-title 'Civil Jurisdiction."

Which unfavorable report was adopted.
Also unfavorably,

House bill, File No. 222, entitled "An Act to stay
executions on judgments and decrees, and to extend
the time for the payment of mortgages on real and
personal property, and to suspend the remedy of dis-
tress for rent for a period of six months in Baltimore
city."

Which unfavorable report was adopted.