Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1867-09-09
The Maryland Constitution-Letters from
Messrs. Jos. III. Bradley and william HI
MerPick

Joseph II. Bradley, Esq of this city, in &C.
knowledglng the receipt of an invitation to
attend the meeting of the Democratic and other
conser vative voters OF Montgomery county,
Nd, held at Rockville On Saturday in favor
Of the adoption OF the new constitution, sent
the committee letter, In which he says:
There is not. probably, citizen Of the State
who has watched the progress OF the conven-
ton with Keener interest than have, or who
more cordially approves the result Of their de.
liberations, as exhibited in the proposed con-
stttuticn. am quite free to say it is not. in
some respects, such as would nave preferred;
indeed, there are portions which l very de-
cidsdly disapprove. But Ioox upon it as q
whole, to be received or rejected as one instru.
ment. and I find in it so much to commend it.
self to the calm judgment Of every good citizen:
so many safeguards OF public liberty and of
private right; so much to advance the interest
OF the State; such large, wise, judiclous and
presclent provisions for the development of
her resources, by prudent legislation, and such
advances toward the perfection OF civil gov
ernment, IN the broad light Of the present age;
so much to approve and comparatively so lit
tie to condemn, that trust there will be no
serious obstacle interposed to its adoption. II
every man who finds fault with one or a few
especial provisions, shall be unwise as to
unite with those who oppose it on organic
principles or from party bias it will be most
unfortunate, as 1t always is, to reject great
good because we cannot have it in the precise
mode desired. .p-.s.
sIf I shall be within reach at that time it
will give me great pleasure Once more to min.
gle Win tuOSc / may W0ll call WY 1eIIOW-cltl.
Gems of the county, among whom have passed
SO much ofmy life, and with whose progress,
Advancement and interests my own have been
and are so much Identified, and it possible l
will be with you. But fear shall then be
many miles distant Should be SO fortunate
as to be present, however, cannot address
the meeting, because various reasons conspire
to lead me to the conclusion that / ought not
to do SO. and my individual wShes and desire
point In the same direction"
Hon. VIM. M. Merrick who was also invited
wrote to the committee that 1t would be i'm.
possible for HIM TO attend, adding:
al rejoice at the enthusiasm which has
prompted the call Of that meeting. 1t argues
well for the outpouring Of your people on the
18th Of September to adopt the Constitution.
We are now living under an instrument framed
amidst the excitement Of civil strife, and con-
tanning features Of odious prescription, which
are q reproach TO the tolerant, liberal ana pa-
triotc policy OF the people OF Maryland. We
owe 1t to ourselves. and to our feilow.citizens
throughout the Union, to pat the stamp Of rep
rotation upon all the excuses and ali the de-
partures from fundamental right which grew
out OF the era OF violence. In no way can we
so efectually discharge that duty as by repu.
dating q frame of government imposed upon
rs by force and fraud, and adopting, In its
stead, the Constitution which the representa-.
lives OF an nntrammeled people have, upon
careful consideration 0f their wishes and In.
terests, presented for their free acceptance"