1856.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 641

Also delivered the following bills;                 

A bill entitled, an act to incorporate a company under the name
of the Hydrant Company, of Port Tobacco;

Was read the first time, and referred to the Committee on Cor-
porations.                                                                                 

A bill entitled, an act to authorize the State Treasurer, upon
the warrant of the Comptroller, to pay over to William F. Frick,
and Charles Frick, Executors of the late Judge Wm. F. Frick,
the salary of the said Judge, for the quarter ending the 1st day of

October, 1855;            

Was read the first time, and referred to the Committee on
Claims.                                                       

And a bill entitled, an act to provide for the sale of the lands
reserved for the use and occupation of the Choptank Indians in
Dorchester county;                                                               

Was read the first time and referred to Messrs. Dail, Frazier,
and Thomas.                                                                                         

Mr. Fiery from the Special Committee to which were
the petitions in relation to nunneries &c, made the following

REPORT.                          

The Select Committee to whom were referred the various pe-
titions, asking further legislation for the protection of persons un-
lawfully confined in Convents and Nunneries, beg leave respect-
fully to report                                                                       

That they have given the subject that calm and deliberate con-
sideration which its importance demands, and while they have been
led unanimously to the conclusions they present, they will not be
able to do more than state those conclusions, without furnishing
all the reasons in detail, which have induced their adoption.

The Constitution and Declaration of Rights of our State, guar-
antee to every individual the right to worship God in such man-
ner as he may think most acceptable to Him; and they also de-
clare that no person ought, by any law, to be molested in his per-
son or estate on account of his religious persuasion or profession,
or for his religious practice, unless under color of religion any
man shall disturb the good order, peace or safety of the State.—
And, however persons may differ as to the propriety or necessity
of establishing Religious Houses, Monasteries or Convents, in
which professors of religion may seclude themselves from the
world, the right of any individual, under our laws, to enter such
places, and there remain of their own free will, cannot admit of a
doubt.