1841.

RESOLUTIONS.

of the United States, that portion of territory now called"
the District of Columbia, it is expressly provided, that
nothing therein contained shall be construed to vest in the
United States any right of property in the soil, or to affect
the rights of individuals therein, otherwise than the same
shall or may be transferred by such individuals to the Uni-
ted States; and whereas, the inhabitants of said district have
no where transferred to the United States, any right of dis-
possession of property in their slaves, or any control over
the same.
Be it therefore resolved unanimously by the General As-
sembly of Maryland, That the congress of the United
States does not possess the power to abolish slavery in the
District of Columbia, and that any such assumption of
power would be contrary to the provisions of the Federal
Constitution, and in direct violation of the terms and condi-
tions upon which the cession of the District of Columbia
was made to the congress and government of the United
States.
Resolved, That his excellency the governor, be requested
to transmit copies of the foregoing resolutions to our repre-
sentatives and senators in congress, and to the governors of
the several States of this union.

Passed March
1. 1842.

No. 17.
Preamble and Resolution in favor of George D. Coad.

Whereas, it has been represented to this legislature,
that George D. Coad, has rendered important professional
services as attorney for the State, in Saint Mary's county,
in the cases of the State vs. William Reeder and others,
and the State vs. Richard Milus, for which services under
existing laws he can receive no immediate compensation;
and whereas, it is but just that services rendered to the State,
should be rewarded.
Be it therefore resolved by the General Assembly of
Maryland, That the treasurer of the western shore pay to
John M. S. Causin, for the use of George D. Coad, the
sum of one hundred dollars, as a compensation for the con-
duct and argument of the said cases.