454             JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS [Feb. 19,

1. All negroes and mulattoes set free since the passage of
the law of 1831, chapter 314, to be hired out by the year for
two years, with the privilege of choosing their master and
going into slavery within the time; and all who refuse to
leave the State or go into slavery, to be sold at the end of
said two years, slaves for life.

„ 2. All negroes and mulattoes held for a term of service less
than slaves for life, to elect within one year after their term
is out, either to go into slavery or leave the State, else to be sold
slaves for life as above.

3. Any free negro or mulatto convicted of any crime less
than capital, to be sold slave for life.

4. All other free negroes or mulattoes not embraced in the
above three heads, to be hired out by the year, for five years,
with privilege of choosing their masters and going into slavery
in that time, or leaving the State; on refusing to do either,
to be sold slaves for life; their children, under fourteen, to
be subject to the action of parents; over fourteen to be bound
till twenty-one years old, then subject to the second divi-
sion.

We also pray your Honorable Body for an efficient rural
police law, with special reference to our slave and free negro
population; also, that slaves may become evidence against
Abolitionists. We also pray for the passage of a law for-
bidding the manumission of any slave within this State, by

deed, will or otherwise.

We know our legislature has passed many laws on these
subjects, but they all fall below a remedy. We believe these
remedies will prove effectual, and that nothing short of them
will be of any avail.

Your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray, &c.

John E. Hayward,
                                        and Others.

Which was referred to the committee on Colored Popula-
tion.

Mr. Grieves presented a petition from sundry citizens of
Dorchester and Caroline counties, praying the passage of a
law providing for the sale of a School House therein refunded
to, and dividing proceeds of sale equally between Dorchester
and Caroline counties ;

Which was referred to Messrs. Grieves, McGonigal and
Richardson;

Mr. Mountz presented a petition from Patrick Hammill and
nineteen other citizens of Allegany county, praying the speedy