1867.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 995

under the laws, from water rights and privileges, while it
bestows upon the said corporation the power to erect saw
mills, and other mills and manufacturing establishments on
lands of which the owners have thus been deprived unjustly
and without precedent, for the benefit of a wealthy private
corporation.

And they further protest against the said bill, because the
booms to be erected will be an obstruction to commerce and
navigation.

And because it will destroy the rights of fishing and gun-
ning.

And because it is a private monopoly, extending for a dis-
tance of twenty miles on the waters of said river and bay,
which are and ought to be the common property of all.

And because it is in many other respects unjust and
hurtful.

And because the usual and ordinary appeal to a jury of
the country is taken away from the citizens and landholders,
and given to a mere jury of inquisition presided over by no
judge learned in the law.

And this their protest they sign this 18th day of March,
1867.

G. P. WHITAKER,
ALEX'R EVANS,
JOSEPH GOLIBART,
WM. LINDSEY,
N. H. NELSON,
SAM'L W. WHITEFORD,
JOSHUA WILSON,
JAS. C. CLARKE,
JOHN T. FORD,
B. T. SHIPLEY,
DANIEL. W. CAMERON,
WM. A. BRYDON,
P. DAVIS,

EDWARD LEEDS KERR,
GEO. A. COLEMAN,
GEO. W. PARSONS,
W. G. GORDY,
GEO. R. DENNIS.

Which was read and ordered to be entered on the Journal.

The Speaker laid before the House the protest of R. A.
McAllister, against the passage of a law incorporating an
Asylum for Deaf Mutes ;

Which was read and referred to the Committee on Ways
and Means.

On motion of Mr. Bruce,