Maryland's House of Delegates will observe a 300-year-old tradition--unique among the world's legislative bodies--when it convenes in January.

• Position: People & Politics - Brief Article

Maryland's House of Delegates will observe a 300-year-old tradition--unique among the world's legislative bodies--when it convenes in January. Mary Kay Monahan, chief clerk of the House, will enter the chamber carrying a two-foot long "speaker's mace" of wood and silver that dates back to 1698, when the colonial governor presented it to the House. She will place it in its felt-lined holder to the right of the speaker before the roll is called. The mace was modeled after one used by the British House of Commons, and is the oldest one used anywhere in the world...