Weekly national intelligencer., 1851-05-17
THE MARYLAND CONVENTION.


who were present one.thrd voted against the Con-
stitution. The vote is reported as follows:
YEAs-Messrs Sellmsn, Howard, Buchanan, Bell, Welch
Chandler, Rdgey, Lloyd, Sherwood Of Talbot, Coson
Constable. Mccullough. Miller. McLane, Bowie. GrasoD
George, Wright Shrver, Gather, Bser, Annan SaPPng-
ton, stephenson. McHsnry Magraw, Garter, Thawley,
Stewart of Caroline, Gwinn, Stewart, of Baltimore city,
Newcomer Brewer Anderson, Holiday, Parke, and Show
er-40.
NArs-Messrs. Morgan, Lee, Chambers Of Kent, Do
MADISON, Wells, Randall, Weems John Dennis Dashiell,
sprigg Spencer Dckson, Mcaser, Fooks, Jacobs, and
Wates-22.
On motion of Gen. BENJAMIN G. HowARD, Mr..
BUCHANAN being in the chair,) it was
Reolred That the thanks of this Convention be and they
hereby rendered TO the Hon. Jso. G. CHAPMAs for the
digni6ed impartial and able in which he has DIS
charged the aduous and responsible duties OF the chair during
the protracted session of this Convention.
Gen. CHArMAs he President Of the Convenson) there
upon addressed the Convention as foIe1n:
Gentlemen of the Convention In proceeding to perform
the last public imposed upon the presiding officer
Of this body, my ncnaons sanctioned by the autho-
ry Of imshOnored CUSTOM mpel me to the uerance Of
Our abos are ended The sands political existence
wenigh out It's very grains are numbered The
peaceful revolution which brought together terminates
here and now and we the in this eventu scene
more forever.
is NEE. and decoous that, in time solemn the
multi Of the political elements should be hushed for
ment-that should breathe in each others the
Of peace and in the presence Of God and country
wipe from hearts the memory Of every embittered
feeling which may have found abiding place there Re-
presentatives of Maylandchsans-ge invite
you to this common sacrifice common altar.
The emphatic testimonial of approval which you have
stamped upon my official has been received by
with feelings Of deep emotion The natural distrust which
felt Of my ability for this station has been augmented in
degree by the difficulties attending the peculiar
organization Of this bodydcues which have confronted
every step Of progress and the pressure Of which
has for one instant ceased to be felt But say,
under devout conviction Of the truth Of the declaration,
that in administering the duties of this chair, have been
governed by dsnteested and pure desire the free
dom of debate protect the rights Of individual members
and promote the public welfare my witness is in Heaven
| and my record is on high"
Gentlemen, when, by your too partial suages ele
waited to this honorable position, avowed without
ton, the doubts and misgvings which perpexed my udg.
ment upon the question OF constitutional reform. The
maurest reflection of which my mind capable had led
to the conclusion that OF the reforms which had been
demanded required by sound regard for the public
welfare and that in relation those the necessi
and expdency Of which there might be less difference Of
opinion the best and safest mode for their accomplishment
that which, in wise forethought, ancestors had
themselves provided by the 5sh article of the old consu-
ton did believe in the necessity of any Of
the forms of revolution to remedy for any grievances
under which this gallant old State of ours might be suffering
In change for the sake of gratifying vague and unde
fined love Of change, saw, thought saw, nothing but
present discontinue and future evil.
Entertaining those sentiments have witnessed with re-
greet many Of the features which have been embodied in the
constitution about 10 pass from hands, That
changes sautary, in my Judgment and therefore command
ing my voice and my voe have been made, freely admit
But those changes few and light, when weighed the
balance against grave and Objectionable features, that
have alternative but vote at the balobox, should
have voted here, against the ratification of the instrument
This do in no aciious spirit my forebodings should
not be realzed this constitution should be adopted by the
eres foster industry, promote civil and religious
peace and secure In eminent degree the blessings Of
that great republican liberty for which, in other imes the
blood Of people poured out like rain, my "rgh
hand shall wher and my tongue shall ceave to the roof Of
my mouth" than will raise impious voice
against it.
And now, gentlemen, we part-not trust without
deeper sympathy in each others denies, and devoted
attachment to the mother that gave BIRTH She is
worthy Of all affections and all sacrifices. Behold
her history Preserve her honor Strike down the
igous hand that would invade il And may that Almighty
Being whose Providence has sgnally protected her " in
the dark watches Of the night" be with her in the noontde
of her returning prosperity And may we, under the shadow
Of His wing, illustrate the Of vrtuous united and
happy people
only remains for gentlemen, to pronounce this Con-
vention adjourned Vithout day.
Several other members of the Convention, as we
learn from the Baltimore Clipper" have express
ed their intention to oppose the new Constitution.
The Address, which is alluded to in an article on
the second page Of this days publication, recon-
mending the new Constitution to the favor of the
people, is signed by all the Democratic members,
except two; by the Wing members from Washing
ton county; and by the Wings who were elected
on the "union ticket from Frederick, Carroll, and
Baltimore counties.
In less than three weeks from this time (yiz. on
the 4th of June) the People of the State are re-
CURED to vote upon the adoption of the new Con-
sti.ution. The clipper" supposing that only
few Of the people will have an opportunity even to
peruse the instrument, much less to weigh and
consider its provisions, has published the promi-
nent features of it in condensed form, which we
copy for the benefit of our numerous readers in the
State OF Maryland, as follows:
Representation. Senate will stand as at present.
except that Howard county (now Howard Distc) will be
entitled to Senator The House Of Delegates constitute
ed under the old rule and under the new stands follows
Old rule New rule. Loss. Gain.
Aileghany. -
Anne Arundel ...........
Howard. .........0 2
Baltimore city ............5 10 S
Baltimore county,. 1
q Al