1858.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 271

titled, an act to simplify and abridge the rules and forms of
conveyances;

Which was read the first time.

Mr. Magruder, from the committee on Judiciary, reported
favorably on the Senate bill entitled, a supplement to an act
to amend and modify the present Primary School system of
Charles county, passed March 10, 1854.

Mr. Alexander, from the committee on Judiciary, reported
favorably on a bill entitled, an act to prohibit the courts of
this State, and the judges and clerks thereof, from receiving
declarations of intention to become citizens of the United
States, and from granting certificates of naturalization;

Which was read the first time.

Mr. Richardson, from the committee on Pensions, reported
favorably on a bill entitled, an act to authorise the Comp-
troller of the State to pay the balance of a pension therein men-
tioned;

Which was read the first time.

Mr. Alexander, from the committee on Judiciary, reported
favorably on a bill entitled, an act to cure the defective
acknowledgment of a deed from Charles G. Ogden to James
P. Hartley, bearing date on the 26th day of April, 1854, and to
make valid the recording of the same as though it had been
recorded according to law;

Which was read the first time.

Mr. Alexander, from the committee on Judiciary, reported
favorably on a bill entitled, an act amendatory of the act
passed January session, 1856, chapter 353, entitled, an act
to raise additional revenue to pay the debts of the State, by
increasing the rates of license to ordinary keepers and traders;
allowing the oath or affirmation of the applicant required by
the said original act, to be made before a justice of the peace
in the several counties of this State;

Which was read the first time.

Mr. Harrington, from the committee on Corporations, re-
ported favorably on a bill entitled, an act to incorporate the
Maryland Mutual Life and Fire Insurance Company.

Mr. Ford, of Baltimore county, from a select committee,
reported favorably on a bill entitled, an act amendatory of an
act passed January session, 1856, chapter 299, entitled, an
act requiring Joshua H. Hynes, Samuel P. Storm and Plea-
sant Hunter, late Sheriffs of Baltimore county, to make state-
ments to the Comptroller, of the amount of State taxes due
from them, and to pay the same into the treasury at such times
and on such conditions as are therein provided.