|
401] Constitutional Reform Agitation. 23
a convention assembled to form a new constitution to be
submitted to the people for ratification, there is danger
that the slavery question might be agitated to the preju-
dice of the quiet and happiness of the public, as altogether
visionary; and as implying injurious and unfounded doubts
of the good sense and sound principles of the people; that
we believe the views of all classes of our citizens on the
subject are sound, and that the State is more dishonored
by the intimation of doubts with regard to it, than she
could be by any agitation of the question that would be
likely to take place in a convention."18
When the legislature assembled in December, 1845, a
bill was introduced in the House which provided for tak-
ing the vote of the people of the State upon the question
of calling a constitutional convention. Petitions were re-
ceived from the several reform organizations of Maryland,
praying for the passage of the bill. The majority of the
committee to whom the petition and bill were referred,
reported that under the present form of government the
legislature had no power to call a convention, and that
whatever amendments were necessary, could be made by
the legislature in the manner prescribed by the constitu-
tion. The minority of the same committee reported that
under the Declaration of Rights, and the constitution of
the State, the legislature did have the power, and it was its
duty to do so at the present session. After a violent de-
bate between the members from the smaller counties on
one side, and the representatives from the larger counties
and from the city of Baltimore on the other, the bill was
lost by a tie vote.19
When a new legislature was elected in 1847, the sub-
ject was again introduced in the House. The committee
in their report deplored the idea of agitating a question of
such moment when the State was involved in financial
18 Niles Register, 5th ser., vol. 68, p. 405.
19 House Journal, December session, 1845.
|
 |
