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78 The Maryland Constitution of 1864. [424
they occur, it will first of all be noticed that the old pro-
vision prohibiting clergymen from accepting seats in the
legislature was omitted, although Judge Chambers
strongly protested against this action on conservative
grounds.171
The regular sessions of the General Assembly had here-
tofore closed on the 10th of March, now they were unlim-
ited, though special sessions could only continue thirty
days. The former pay of $4 per day was raised to $5 for
all sessions, but no member could receive more than $400
for the regular session. This was of course a distinct im-
provement on the old provision.
A number of the restrictions mentioned above were
contained in a section (32) which prohibited the Legisla-
ture from passing local or special laws in fourteen different
cases, of which those relating to assessment and collec-
tion of taxes, to interest on money, those providing for
the sale of real estate belonging to minors, giving effect
to informal or invalid deeds or wills, those granting di-
vorces, and those "establishing, locating or affecting the
construction of roads, and the repairing or building of
bridges" were the most important. Also the provisions
were continued which prohibited the giving of the credit
of the state to aid in works of internal improvement, and
that unsecured debts were not to be contracted, except on
the authority of the General Assembly to meet deficiencies
to the extent of $50,000, or to any amount necessary for
the defense of the state.
It was provided that laws were to be passed requiring
the stringent oath of allegiance to be taken by the "presi-
dent, directors, trustees, or agents of corporations created
or authorized by the laws of this state, teachers or super-
intendents of public schools, colleges, or other institutions
of learning; attorneys-at-law, jurors, and such other per-
sons as the General Assembly shall from time to time pre-
scribe."172
171 Deb., ii, 790-6. 172 Art. iii, sec. 47.
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