14,057

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Marylanders of this generation and of many, many generations

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to come.

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While we could not possibly satisfy all Mary-

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landers in every respect with a single document, we have

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produced in my opinion a sound Constitution which will

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satisfy a majority of Marylanders on most points. The

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document was carefully conceived and required hours of

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patient deliberation. It is a blend of the variety of

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viewpoints and experiences represented at this Convention.

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I feel confident as I express my wholehearted approval for

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this Constitution, with my signature, that a vast majority

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of Maryland citizens this May 14 will likewise approve this

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document with their votes.

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It is fitting that the drafting and signing of

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this new State charter should take place in Maryland's

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historic State House. Over 180 years ago the Old Senate

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Chamber witnessed the signing of another historic document,

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the Peace of Paris, which ended the Revolution and gave the

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thirteen colonies their independence. A few years later

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from this State House the Annapolis Convention issued the

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call to the states which led to the framing of the United