The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-18
Addrss. OF the Hon. job. g. Chapman.


The following address was delivered by the
Hon. JOHN g. CHAPMAN, on the occasion of
his taking the chair to preside over the delbe-
rations of the Maryland Reform Convention.
1t is characterized by conservative yet patri-
otto spirit, such as is eminently worthy of a
citizen elected TO preside over body chosen to
remodel the charter of free people.
"GEsTLEMEs OF THE CONVENTION. II am deeply
sensible OF the honor you have conferred upon me
In calling me to this station. To preside the
deliberations Of any branch of the government Of
Maryland is at all times and under the most ordi-
nary circumstances, distinction which men high
er In the scale of public estimation than myself
might not regard with indifference. But that dis
tnction is infinitely enhanced by the momentous
character Of the objects for which this convention
has assembled, and by the talent, learning, and
ability which pre-emiaently mark the elements
that compose 1t. have not sought this position
had no right to expect t-nor did any aspirations
OF my own lead me to desire it.
al am not unconscious gentlemen, Of the grave
responsibilities which this chair imposes upon me.
But cannot be mistaken in saying that approach
the discharge of it's duties with mind strong in
the honesty OF its own purposes, and resolutely
bent on exercising the authority which you have
placed in my hands with single eye to the in.
terest the welfare and the honor Of the State. AS
your presiding officer, acknowledge no obligation
"
Pledging my best efforts to administer faithfully
and in spirit Of stern mpartiality the rules which
you may adopt for the government of this body. l
invoke your indulgent forbearance towards those
defects Of judgment from which l cannot escape
and your earnest cooperation in 30 executing those
laws as to meet the Just expectations of the people
whom we represent. Their eyes upon US
They look to our proceedings with interest not
less deep than it ia universal.
"GenNemcn, We have met together for no COM
mon purpose. There is not within the whole range
of human obligations higher, more impressive,
| a more solemn duty than now rests upon We
here to revise the fundamental law of the State
to break up the deep foundations of that fabric
der whose canopy we have 80 long lived and pros
pered, and to frame for ourselves and for chill
dren governments to endure perhaps for ages to
come veneratng as have ever done, the cha
racters OF those wise and patriotic men who IN l776
formed the first republican constitution of the State,
have witnessed with disrust, which never de-
sired to conceal the efforts that have been made to
chan ge Its provisions have been one among the
number OF those who would have been content still
TO trust our destnes to the tutelar protection of
organic law, whose PRACTICAL benehcenCe has found
thousand monumental vouchers in the onward
progress Of the Stat rather than seek for doubtful
good or contingent blessings in any change of the
system. am free b declare that time and rehec-
tion have not diminished the approximations with
which, have contemplated that change.
"But, gentlemen, let us reason together, and see
how these things We are sent here for that
purpose. The haze which obscures the brightest
visions the limit which bounds the foresight of the
| most sagacious mines the fixed and irreversible
decree which stamps the impress of fallibility on
the wisest human cotnselsall these considerations
admonsh not to leok for perfection in any thing
the work of mere human hands But we can bring
to the accomplishment of our task the sustaining
influences of pure hearts and patriotic resolves,
whose beacon lights will guide US in the path ofour
duty and lead us at last to safe and honorable
suits. This at least let us do. Our constituents
expect it, the State demands it, and our own honor
exacts 1t!
Gentlemen of the convention, let not dsap-
point these high expectations. All that is sacred
in the past all that is hopeful in the future, blends
itself with our deliberations, and calls upon for
disinterested and self sacri6cing action. May He,
whose eyes are in every place, beholding the evil
and the good, 80 guide our counsels that they may
promote the prosperity, the happiness, aud the
glory OF our common country,''