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As our predecessors a hundred years ago, so

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here we for many months joined in intense, intelligent,

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and articulate debate, the end product of which we now

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proudly present to the people of Maryland.

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Hopefully, Mr. President, we have written for

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the ages — with certainty we are at least convinced that

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we have written wisely for the moment.

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The Charter we present to the people of Maryland

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bears the imprint of no single group — neither conservative

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nor liberal, Republican nor Democrat, neither white nor

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black. It represents the finest reconciliation of strongly

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held views that this Convention could produce. The near

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unanimous vote which it has received testifies to the

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patience, the good will, and the selflessness with which

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this Convention under your inspired leadership, Mr. President,

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has conducted its business.

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However satisfied we are, the final test is yet

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to come. Have we discharged our obligation in a manner

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leasing to the voters of Maryland?

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There will be opposition. Some will oppose for

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selfish reasons, some for reasons of misunderstanding, some