The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1884-01-04

spouse to the obligations we have assumed as
Senators of Maryland, and the duties ncum-
bent upon us as such, ever having the cour-
age of our convictions and discarding all par
tisan feeling in the interest of good govern
ment, we will boldly and candidy meet all
questions presented, and, by the application
of broad and liberal views, express our judg.
ment upon said questions by the enactment
of Just and equal laws"
A memorial from Geo. p. Jones, of Somer
set, claiming the inelgibility of Thomas Hold
son, the Republican senator returned elected,
was read, after some discussion. The me-
mortal claims that Hodson is ineligible under
the constitution, having been preacher of
the gospel at the time of his election. Mr..
Jones therefore asks that Hodson be not
sworn in aud That the seat be given TO him,
no one else having been voted for. A com
miltee was appointed to consider the case.
Hodson is not regularly ordained preacher,
and, it is said flat while he breaches occa.
| sionaly, he also practices law.
THE HOUSE.
Ninety out of the ninety one members OF
the House were present ut the organization
Of the body, including all of the Hartford del
egation, Messrs. Archer, Plowman, Silver
and McNabb. The Democrats nominated
Hon. J. Pembroke Thorn, of Baltimore city,
for Speaker, and the Republicans J, Writ
Randall, of Anne Arundel DR.. Thorn re-
ceived G3 votes, Mr. Randall 2G, and there
was one blank vote. Mr.. Thomas II. Moore
of Baltimore county, was chosen chief clerk
DR.. VIM. r. Cole, of Baltimore city, reading
clerk; Mr.. Milton Y. Kidd, of Cecil, journal
clerk, and Mr.. r. s. NcNutt, of Hartford, ser
geant alarms.
DIR. Thom's speech upon being conducted
to the chair was the shortest delivered by
any Speaker. 1t was as follows:
GAS Speaker / will try to be entirely fair and
Just to all, and as legislator will take as my
guide the interests and honor of the State of
Maryland and of my immediate constituents. /
will not presume TO indicate to you any line of
legislation. | assume rather that you are here
to discharge your whole duty conscientously
to your State and respective constituencies, and
| invoke the blessing of Almighty God upon
our proceedings"
The House went Immediately TO work and
transacted II great deal of routine business
necessary to perfect its organization, and
then adjourned until Thursday afternoon.
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
Governor Hamilton sent his message to
the House ut $50 p M. 1t was referred 10
special committee for distribution to the
several committees to be hereafter appoint
cd. The document covers sixty seven book
pages, and is devoted mainly to the financial
condition of the State and the questions
which have from time to time arisen in con.
necton Herewith. He reterates the declara
tions he has heretofore made concerning the
use of money that should be placed in the
sinking fund to meet the ordinary eXpendi
lures of State government, and urges the re-
turn to the system contemplated by the law
in regard to provisions for paying the State
debt. In order that this may be accomplish
ed he ursEes retrenchment and economy in
expenditures and the abolition of all offices
which he regards as supertluous
As step in this direction he justihes his
refusal to designate laws for publication in
the newspapers and specifically urges the
abolition of the offices of tax commissioner, in
surance commission, the land office fish
commissioner, the State board of health, and
weighers of grain and hay
He also recommends the repeal of
the law requiring the compulsory inspection
of tobacco and the stoppage OF donations to
colleges and academies not directly connect
ed with and part of, the public school system.
Governor Hamilton also recommends that
the Governor lie given complete control of
the oyster police with much better equip.
ped force of steam police boats at his dispo-
sal. He renews his complaint of the division
of authority through the vesting of the APP
pointing power in the board ofpublic wo rks
and its partial retention by the Legislature,
and condemns the tendency towards special
legislation and the haste with which bills are
crowded through in the closing days of q
session.
The Governor gives his views at length on
the taxation ofmortgages, ofwhch he thinks
majority of the people are in favor bribery
at elections, for which he urges every posi-,
BILE means of suppression better regulations
in connection with the appointment of i'm
portant officers reformation of the civil SER
vice; assessments of office holders revision
of the system of fees and costs of courts, and
nth itar IF ntn.
ance. In regard to the proposed call of
constitutional convention, the Governor
does not think it desirable to have Il conyen-
ton earlier than 1887, but that amend
ments to the constitution might be adopted
Which would answer the general purpose
In conclusion the Governor says that in re-
turning to the private walks of life he shall
beia with h m the consciousness of having
fairly, honestly and faithfully endeavored to
discharge the important and imposing obi
cations assumed, and of having faithfully en-.
.deayored to meet the just expectations ofthe
$eOple.
HTaken all together, the Governors message
Fntains much that our legislators would do
q ell to reflect upon. While we have not
always been able to agree with Governor
Hamilton we are willing to give him credit
for sincerity and honesty of purpose. His
administration has been free from stain and
he has accomplished great deal in prepar-
ing the way for an economical and pure
management Of the affairs of our State by his
successor
The morning edition of the Baltimore