377]           The Maryland Constitution of 1864.              31

amendments to that of the majority, was defeated on Janu-
ary 20 by a vote of 20 in favor to 50 opposed. After long
and excited debate and continued negotiation with the
Senate, the House finally, on February 3, passed the bill
on its third reading by a vote of 43 to 17.

The Senate early appointed a committee to confer with
a like one from the House on the subject of the recom-
mendation for a Convention contained in the Governor's
message. A joint bill was reported on January 18, and
considered by the Senate at various times, till finally the
bill passed by the House was received. Numerous propo-
sitions went back and forth between the two Houses till
finally, at the suggestion of the House of Delegates, a con-
ference committee was appointed on the morning of Feb-
ruary 8. The differences were at once adjusted, and the
committee report sent in that evening was immediately
adopted by the Senate by the vote of 14 to 2. The House
received the report on the next day, and adopted it, yeas
43, nays 15, accepting the minor Senate provisions as to
delegates, etc.

The Convention Bill, as finally passed, contained the fol-
lowing provisions: A vote was to be taken on the first Wed-
nesday of April (6th) at the usual places and in the legal
manner on the question of holding a Convention. At the
same time, delegates to this Convention were to be elected,
the qualifications being the same as those necessary for a
seat in the House of Delegates, and the number the same
as the total representation in both Houses of the Legisla-
ture. In making returns of votes, the judges of election
were to certify, under oath, whether there was military in-
terference (except on demand of the civil authorities), in
case of which the Governor was to order one or more new
elections in the districts affected till that interference was
discontinued. An oath of allegiance was required of all
voters challenged on the ground of disloyalty. If the vote
at the election was favorable to a Convention, the Governor
was to issue a proclamation, calling it to meet in Annapolis