The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-02-20
Legislative Proceedings.


Considerable work was done in both houses
last Friday. Among the bills introduced in
the Senate, was one providing for the prepa-
ration of new code. Several bills were
read a second time and several passed. Mr.
Shriver submitted the report of the committee
appointed by the last Senate to visit the insti-
tutions receiving State aid, of which 1000
copies were ordered to be printed. The Sen
ate adjourned until Tuesday night.
In the House petition was submitted OPP
posing q resubmission of the local option
question to the voters of Howard county. A
bill was introduced, providing for a State
Board of Charities. Mr.. Evans, from the
printing committee, handed in the opinion OF
the Encouragement, called for under reso-
luton of the House, as to the power of the
Legislature to appropriate additional compen-
sation for State printing. The attorney gen.
eral, in deciding adversely to the State print
err, says the Legislature has no power to pro-
vide extra compensation under the terms of
the contract entered into by Mr.. Melvin, who
agreed to do the work for $40, 700. The
House adjourned until Monday night.
The House held brief session on Monday
night, the whole session being devoted to To-
cal matters, except that bill was introduced
to constitute st. Johns college part of the
public school system of Maryland This is
the bill that was discussed and disapproved in
the ADVOCATE two weeks ago.
The Senate met on Tuesday night. A Pc
tition asking the taxation of mortgages from
Garrett county was presented, and some local
bills were introduced. The bill incorporating
Church of the United States was passed.
In the House Mr.. Stake offered bill Great
ing commission to frame amendments to the
constitution. Some local bills were introduc-
ed, some advanced, and several Senate bills
were passed.
On Wednesday in the Senate Mr.. Lane
introduced a bill regulating the holding of
elections in this state. Some Senate bills
were read a second time. Mr.. Bowlus pre-
scented joint resolution, which was adopted
in both houses, calling for the appointment
of a committee of three Senators and five
Delegates to consider all the matters relating
to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Messrs.
Bowlus, Peter and Rusk were appointed
from the Senate, and Messrs. Beall, Cramp-
ton, Stonebraker, Schultz and Wright from
the House.
Senator Hodson resumed his speech against
the early-call bill.
In the House orders were adopted au-
thorizing the ways and means committee to
report new assessment bill by the 26th, and
for the appointment of a committee to inquire
into the expediency of further reducing the
state debt by the sale of stocks and bonds.
Among the bills introduced was to incorpo-
rate the Baltimore, Freedom and Liberty
Turnpike Company. An unfavorable report
was made by the Judiciary committee on the
House bill relating to chancery and divorces,
making insanity and idocy cause for divorce.
The report was adopted. The committee on
printing presented the bill repeating and re-
enacting the law providing for State printing,
which was read first time. The bill regard
ing releases and receipts of women over Is
years, was passed. Graham, Democrat, was
seated from Caroline county by vote of 43
to 35. 1t was case of tie between Graham
and Green, Republican. Hoffacker and Arnold
voted to seat Graham-Beasman and Buch-
man were absent, or not voting.
Nothing but local matters were considered
in the Senate on Thursday. Mr.. Hodson
wasted good deal of time in ostensibly dis
cussing the question of calling constitutional
convention. Every Senator'S mind is made
up, and all the discussion now is waste of
time and money.
Local bills occupied the attention of the
House during nearly the whole of Thursdays
session. Mr.. Hoffacker introduced bill to
amend the charter of Manchester, and Mr..
Arnold, from the Carroll delegation, reported
favorably House bill relating to wild fowl in
Carroll county; read first time.