The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-05-04
Maryland constitutional COnventio


The following are the remarks Of
Hon. Henry H. Goldsborough, on assn
ming the presidency of the convention
on the 9th inst, as announced by tele-
graph:
Gentlemen Of the Contention: 1t is with
much difhdence that l enter upon the
execution of the duties of presiding
officer of this body ] am well aware
of the responsibilities belonging to such
position in ordinary times, greatly in
creased as they must be in period like
the present, with the passions of men
aroused with the exciting events of
each day, demanding, in the position ]
now occupy, the exercise of more than
the usual amount of torbearance and
control. / need not remind you with
what solicitude the people of this State
are watching our proceedings l am
sure do not speak with unauthorized
hope, when / venture the prediction
that you will bring to the performance
of your several duties a fidelity, atten-
ton, and enlarged patriotism equal to
the expectation of those who have sent
US here for the purpose Of moulding
anew the institutions under which we
live. At any time this is an important
duty. At the present it cannot be per-
formed without a Jealous determine
ton to do our whole duty, irrespective
of personal considerations.
Twill not advert TO the present con-
dition of our State or national affairs. /
deem it most prudent to leave these to
the impartial judgment of each indi-
vidual member; and while seeking to
exclude from our deliberations all par
tisan prejudices, to beseech you to de
vote yourselves seriously TO the work
before you, and while in the performance
of your duties, not to overlook that
respect and esteem that is due from
each to the other
If l should be successful in the pur-
suit of such course as your presiding
officer, l am confident l shall be sus-
tanned and animated by the exhibition /
of similar spirit on your part We /
must expect to differ in our views.
Let ut determine to present and adj /
vocate them on all occasions in a cour- /
teous manner, and one becoming dig |
nifed, deliberative body Whilst re- /
specting the opinions of each other we I
shall be the better prepared to submit /
with becoming grace to the viii of the /
majority, that cardinal principle 10 be
cherished by all alike, if we sincerely I
desire the preservation and perpetu- /
alton of free institutions
Thanking you for the manifestation /
of your kind regard, now enter upon
the discharge OF my duties with the as
surance of your generous confidence, /
and an abiding hope that our labors /
may rebound to the peace, happiness
and prosperity of our State
The following is the oath sworn and /
subscribed to by each member
q do swear (or ahirm) that viii, to .
the best of my skill and judgment, dill /
gently and faithfully, without Partially /
or prejudice, discharge the duties of 4
member of the convention to frame a /
new constitution and form of govern /
ment; that / will support the Constitu-
ton Of the United States, and will be .
faithful and bear true allegiance to the 1
State of Maryland and the Government /
Of the United States, any law or ordi- /
nance Of any State 10 the contrary not I
withstanding, and that / have never,
either directly or indirectly, by word, /
act or deed given any aid, comfort OF
encouragement TO those in rebellion
against the Government of the United 1
States, and this swear voluntarily, with 4
out any mental reservation or aualifca-
ton whatever, SO hslp me God. j