38               The Maryland Constitution of 1864.            [384

been successful, particularly in Worcester, where the ma-
jority had been overwhelming.³ These men, while firm and
aggressive in their policy and expressing a sense of great
responsibility,⁴ can seldom be accused of unfairness, as
they resorted to high-handed methods in very few instances.
Although relying on their large numerical superiority, they
sometimes kindly informed the minority at the beginning
of a debate that the final outcome was already settled, a
statement more forcible than pleasant,⁵ yet, on the whole,
more fault could be found with the provisions they carried
through than with the manner of doing so.

Very few regular caucuses were held by the majority
members,⁶ for they had been largely elected on and pledged
to the same platform, so that they were a unit in many par-
ticulars, though differing widely on certain subjects, as the
judiciary, internal improvements, etc., which will be noted
later. Owing to their decided numerical superiority, it
was almost entirely unnecessary to use the "party whip"
or any other political methods in order to secure a majority
vote. Archibald Stirling, Jr., of Baltimore City, may be
regarded as their leader. He frequently closed the debate
with brilliant and forceful arguments—among the best of
those given in the Convention—rather "cutting" at times,
but always clear and logical.⁷ He was ably seconded by
Henry Stockbridge, of Baltimore City, another of the
strongest men in the Convention; John E. Smith, of Car-
roll; Wm. T. Purnell, of Worcester, and others scarcely
less able. As stated above, the Baltimore City delegation
was extremely influential as a whole, usually standing

³ 890 "for," 135 "against." We can only repeat the difficulty
of saying how much of this had been caused by force or intimida-
tion.

⁴ Deb. i, 351-2.

⁵ The minority often complained of their position in this respect.
See Deb., i, 274, 326, 521-2, 569; ii, 764.

⁶ Authority of Mr. Joseph M. Cushing, a surviving member of the
Baltimore City delegation.

⁷ For an opponent's estimate of Mr. Stirling, see Deb., iii, 1748.