Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1850-11-27
MARYLAND REFORM CONVENTION

REMARKS OF HON. D. JENIFER.
Upon the meeting Of the Convention on
Monday, the ! l,h instant, Mr.. JENIFER,
said:
We have now, Mr.. Chairman, entered up
on another week. The last had been con-
sumed in fruitless efforts 10 elect President.
This was owing to the position of parties,
and the election being made party question.
He was from the first, and still is, opposed
to this stale of things. Had the election
been gone into without party lines being
drawn, he had no doubt that President
would have been elected the first day Of the
session. After seventeen trials during the
past week, we have made no more progress
than on the first day. Mr.. J. asked was this
state Of things 10 continue, and if so, how
long? It was, no doubt, the desire of every
gentleman here tha. the Convention should
be organized speedily, but as long as those
party lines were drawn, and each delegate
casts his vote for the candidate Of his party,
i. is manifest no election can take place.
What then is our duty, and what course is
best 10 ensure an eleclion? Withdraw the
names Of those who have been nominated
by either party and proceed, as delegates
should do, who were sent here not to make
this hall political arena, but to organize
Convention 10 reform The Constitution of
the State. The three gentlemen who have
been nominated by their respective parties,
have had The high complimen. Of being plac-
ed at the head of their parties. There are
others here who would discharge the duties
of the Chair with honor to themselves and
satisfaction TO this body. lie, US 60 into the
election wishou. regard to parties and in one
hour, Mr. ]. had no doubt, a President might
be elected. For himself, lie came here elec-
ted by no party, representing no party, but
with bona .tde intention, as far as in bis
power, to make Constitution forihe whole
State. In doing which, he should look to
no party, no section of the State. You came
not to make Constitution for Wings, or
| Democrats, or Union men, as such; but you
may make one which will embrace the in'e-
rests Of the whole S,aie-from the heig hts
Of the Alleganies to the shores of the Pa
tuxen.- from the extreme border Of the
Eastern, 10 that Of the Western Shore. In
framing such Constitution his humble ef-
forts should be exer,ed.
| Mr.. J. said, a system Of reform is required
at our hands and we were sen, here 10 ac-
complish that object. The great question
will be to what extent shall that reform go.
| Opinions have already been shadowed forth
Of extremes for and against reform. He was
an advocate for reform but not for revolu-
.ion. Let US organize Convention and
not constitute political assembly. From
The moment the House is organized and the
Convention proceed to the business for
which it was convened, you will hear no
more of Wings, or Democrats, or Union
men. Why then continue the struggle,
which will only procrastlnate organization
With view 10 arrest this, Mr. J. said he
would propose-"Thas the names of the
candidates Of either party be Withdrawn. and
that the House proceed to the election Of a
President to preside over the deliberations
of the Convention without nomination and
without regard to parties" This would
permit those who still felt themselves bound
to adhere to party, to vote for delegate
who might be elected. Whatever course
other gentlemen might take, Mr.. J. said, he
absolved himself from all party ties, and
should vote for the delegates he believed
under all circumstances best qualified to
preside over the deliberations of this body.
Should this course not be adopted, and
no election take place during the day, Mr..
J. should feel himself constrained to renew
the resolution which he offered on yes,er-
day, ,ha! the delegates either resign their
seats end let the people elec. others in their
place, or that the House adjourn sine die.
If you intend to carry out the wishes of the
people, organize the Convention and pro-
ceed TO the business Of the session. IF not,
dissolve the body and let the people send
other delegates here who will discharge
their duty.
The resolution submitted by Mr.. J. and
which be proposed to call up should no or
ganization take place, is as follows:
"Whereas, the General Assembly of Mary
land, at December session, 1S49, passed an
act "providing for taking the sense Of the
people upon the expediency Of calling q
Convention 10 frame new Constitution and