Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1851-01-08
MARYLAND REFORM CONVENTION.

| This beng the day 1or Inc re-assemollne
of the Reform Convention, but few mem
bers appeared in the HalI-owing, no
doubt to the inclemency OF the weather this
|. morning, as about daylight the snow COM
menced falling heavily, and has so continu-
ed up 10 this moment. The members pre-
sent adjourned ill II O'Clock tomorrow.
Jan. l, 1850.
The members Of the State Convention, in
this city, assembled this morning, and al
though some addition was made to the num-
Der in attendance yesterday, there was no,
sufficient number present to proceed to
business.
The Hon. A. Randall took the chair, and
after prayer by the Rev J. J. Graft,
On motion of Mr.. Bowie, the members
presen, adjourned until tomorrow at IL
O'Clock.
Jan. 2, 1850.
The Convention met. Hon. A. Randall,
presiding.
Upon the call Of the roll forty-four men,
bers answered to their names. The cars
shortly after arrived, bringing a suf1icien,
number Of members to form a quorum
whereupon tue journal was read by the Sc
cre,ary.
| Mr.. Weber submitted an order, that here
after no member or officer Of the Convention
be allowed any compensation when absent,
unless such absence be caused by sickness,
which, on motion of Mr.. Jenfer, was laid
on the table.
NJ. Dorsey submitted an order, that Com
mi,lee No. IA inquire into the expediency
of inserting in the Constitution an article
declaring null and void all acts of Assem-
bly, now passed, or hereafter 10 be passed,
giving power to the Governor, or any other
person, to release interest on any deb. or
balances due to The State Of Maryland for
arrearages of taxes or otherwise.
MIR. d. prefaced The introduction Of this
order by some remarks, which brought a.
bout discussion upon its proper reference
In the course of which, Mr., Grason object
ed to its reference to the Committee on the
Executive Department, as that committee
was ready 10 report.
At the suggestion of Mr.. Ridgely- it was
so modified as to direct the Committee No
IA to inquire into the proprety of restrict
ing the Legislature from passing any law
TO authorize the Governor hereafter to re-
nit any portion of The public debt, and to
prohibit the Governor sereaher from re-
hitting any par! Of th@in.eresl on the pub
lie debt
Mr.. Sprigg then submitted the following
substitute: Tha,ihe Executive COMMITTEE in
quire into the expectancy of inserting in the
Cons lituion an article declaring that The
Governor Of this State shall in no case what.
ever have the power Of RENTING any por-
ton, principal or interest Of The public debt.
other than fines, forfeisures, &c.-which
was agreed 10.
On motion of Mr.. Sprgg, the above order
of Mr.. Dorsey, with the one suggested by
Mr.. Ridgley. were also referred to the Com
miltee on the Executive Department. Ad-
journed.
Jan. 3, 1850.
Mr.. Sellman submitted an order, request
ing the Treasurer to inform the Convention
the amount Of arrears Of interest upon the
taxes, which has been RENTED by the Ex-
eculive, under the act Of 1912, chap. 207,
specifying the dates Of the remissions, and
the names Of the collectors 10 whom such
remlssions Of interest were made, which
was adopted.
On motion Of Mr.. Chandler, ordered g:
| That the Committee on The powers Of Mu-
nicipa and other Corporations, inquire into
the expediency of restraining The Legislature
from passing any law to authorize such
corporations 10 extend or enlarge its limits
without the consent and appreciation of the
local authorities Of The county in which
such corporation is situated.
On motion of Mr.. Stephenson, ordered !:
That the Judiciary Committee inquire into
the expediency Of prohibiting the imposi-
| lion Of fines greater in amount than $50, I'M
less laid BY Jury, who shall assess the
fine at the time they find The fact, if they be-
lieve the fine should exceed $50.
Mr.. Stewart of Baltimore, Chairman Of
the Committee on Printing, under an order
Of the Convention, reported that a compe-
tent reporter can be obtained for a sum not
exceeding $4,000 and that printer could
also be employed for like sum-making
the whole cost of reporting and printing the
debates $4,000.
! Mr.. Jenifer then submitted resolution,
authorizing said committee to conrac, with
Henry G. Wheeler to report the debates of
the Convention, in accordance with the a.
bove resolution.
Mr.. Phelps moved to postpone said order
until Tuesday next.
Upon the introduction of this subject, a
very spirited debate ensued, which was very
generally participated in, when
On motion Of MIR. Kilgour, the previous
question was ordered upon the postpone
men', and the Convention, by vote of 80
to 26, refused to postpone.
On motion of Mr.. Mitchell, the resolution
was amended by striking on, ''Henry G.
Wheeler" and inserting "some compelen,
reporter"
The question being upon the adoption Of