American Republican And Baltimore Daily Clipper

(Reported for the American Republican.)
MARYLAND LEGISLATURE.
ANNAPOLIS, Feb. 3, 1845.

The recent disuse of a good old practice in relation to the members of the House has been attended with material disadvantage. A regular roll of attendance used to be kept by the clerk of the committee on claims, and no member received a per diem for those days on which he was absent, unless some satisfactory excuse were rendered. But now, not only do they receive their per diem, present or absent, but at the end of the session, vote themselves two days extra compensation. Where they find authority for this I don't know,—though that is not my business now.

The public business has been materially retarded during the past week in consequence of the non attendance of members, and much of the time of the House has been passed, in calls of the House, and in awaiting the return of absent members. But a bare quorum has been in town,—many of the members having constituted themselves into an escort to the Allegany committee, and others having left the seat of government upon other business. Not one measure of public interest has therefore been considered during the week, and indeed, but few private bills either. The House is, however, again more full this morning, and it is to be hoped, that by renewed application, and industry, they make up for lost time.

In consequence of the necessary absence of the chairman of the committee on the Ch. & O. Canal, the consideration of the bill for the completion of that work to Cumberland, which was appointed for to-day, was postponed until Wednesday next.

Mr. Ware called up a resolution submitted by him a few days since, relating to the division of the Academy fund of Balto. co., which was passed.

The House also passed a bill reported by Mr. Stewart, to alter the bounds of, and change the place of holding elections in the 3d district of Howard District, and a bill reported by Mr. Holliday, of Kent, supplemental to an act for the improvement of roads in Kent co.

The reports of several registers, &c. in reply to calls of the House, relating to their fees, &c. &c., were received by the Speaker, and laid before the House.

The House granted leave to Mr. Potter to report a bill for the relief of Mary Parr, of Baltimore.

To Mr. Gallagher, to report a supplement to the Charter of the Baltimore Gunpowder Company; and

To Mr. Springer, to report a bill to continue the Charter of the Baltimore Chesapeake Steam Towing Co.

The House took up and passed the bill reported by Mr. Johnson, of A. A. co., to enable aliens to hold property in this State.

The bill to reduce the number of Commissioners of Insolvent Debtors for Baltimore city and county, reported by Mr. Graves, was rejected by a vote of 27 to 23.

The following nominations were this morning confirmed by the Senate, viz:

For Examiner General—Thos. Kearney.
Warden of the Penitentiary—Wm. Johnson.
Inspector of Plaster—J. E. Tyson.
Coroners for Baltimore City—Rufus B. Gallop, Jas. Hooper, John H. Muller.
Register of Wills for Prince George's County—James Harper.

The Governor has nominated Alex. C. Magruder, to be chief judge 1st judicial district; and Richard Swann, to be librarian.