On motion of Mr. Bayly, the question was put, That the following be inserted as an article in the form of government; "That militia companies choose their own officers, and battalions their field officers; That justices of the peace, clerks of the counties, and surveyors, be chosen by the people who are qualified to vote for representatives of each county annually?" Carried in the negative.

On motion of Mr. S. Chase, the question was put, That the following be inserted as an article in the form of government; That every person who shall offer to vote for delgates, or for the senate, or for the sheriff, shall (if required by any three persons qualified to vote) before he be admitted to poll, take such oath or affirmation of support and fidelity to this state, as this convention or the legislature shall direct?" Resolved in the affirmative.

On motion of Mr S. Chase, the question was put, That the following be inserted as an article in the form of government; "That a justice of the peace may be eligible as a senator, delegate, or member of the council, and may continue to act as a justice of the peace? Resolved in the affirmative.

On motion of Mr. Bruff, the question was put, That the words "officers of the militia" in the 43d article of the form of government be struck out? Carried in the negative.

On motion of Mr. Bond, Resolved, That the following be inserted as an article in the form of government; "That all civil officers hereafter to be appointed for the several counties of this state, shall have been residents of the county respectively for which they shall be appointed six months next before their appointment, and shall continue residents of their county respectively during their continuance in office."

On motion of Mr. S. Chase, the question was put, That the following be inserted as an article in the form of government; "That

no field officer of the militia shall be eligible as a senator, delegate, or member of the council?" Resolved in the affirmative.

Convention adjourns till to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, November 6, 1776.

Convention met. All members present as on yesterday. The proceedings of yesterday were read.

On motion, Ordered, That the memorial of captain William Stone be taken into consideration on Saturday next, that summonses issue for his witnesses, and that he be allowed council if he shall think proper.

In progression on reading the form of government on motion of Mr. S. Chase, the question was put, That the words, "every senator, delegate of assembly," be inserted in the first line of the 46th article, after the word "governor?" Carried in the negative.

On motion of Mr. S. Wright, the question was put, That the words "and every judge and justice" be inserted in the said article between the word "council" and the word "before?" Resolved in the affirmative.

On motion of Mr. Fitzhugh, That the following be inserted as

an article in the form of government; "That lawyers' fees ought

Ridgely,

1776.]

OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND.

341

to be ascertained and limited by law." The previous question was called for by Mr. Parnham, and put, Whether the above question be now put? Carried in the negative.

Mr. B. Mackall,
Fitzhugh,

J. Mackall,

Horsey,

Convention met. Mr. Sheredine appeared in the house.

On motion of Mr. S. Chase, Resolved, That the words "or ought to have" be struck out of the article.

On motion of Mr. Johnson, the question was put, That instead of the oath prescribed by the 51st article, the following be inserted; "I, A. B. do swear, that I do not hold myself bound in allegiance to the king of Great Britain, and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of Maryland?" Resolved in the affirmative.