On motion of Mr. Brown,
Laid on the table.
Mr. McHenry submitted the following order:
Ordered, That the committee "to consider and report a Decla-
ration of Rights," inquire into the expediency of embodying the
following features in said declaration:
1st. An enumeration of the more prominent rights of men—
embracing freedom of thought, speech and action, restricted only
by the equal rights of others, the laws of morality and covenants
expressed or implied, of the political and social compacts under
which they may live; also the acquisition, enjoyment and free
transmission of property, limited only by the same laws and com-
pacts.
2nd. A definition of the proper nature, powers and functions of
government, as being confined to the protection of rights, and the
prevention or punishment of wrongs, by such means as will least
fetter individual liberty.
3rd. A concise description of the requisites for and attributes of
citizenship in Maryland, together with a comprehensive assertion
of the absolute equality, in rights, privileges and the eye of the
law of each and every citizen.
4th. A classification of the inhabitants of Maryland, not citizens
thereof, together with a brief, but distinct exposition of the rela-
tions of these classes to each other and to citizens—and a recog-
nition of the justice, morality and expediency of these relations.
5th. An acknowledgement of the impropriety of the concen
tration of even the necessary powers of government in a few
hands, and of the indispensableness of guarding against usurpa-
tion by so constituting the different departments and functionaries,
that these shall serve as checks and balances to each other.
6th. A recognition of the right of children, likely to become
citizens, to receive, and of the duty of the community to provide
that they shall receive such instruction and guidance as shall fit
them for the due enjoyment of the privileges and performance of
the obligations of citizens.
7th. An acknowledgement of the duty of the commonwealth
to provide for the maintainance and care of the destitute and
afflicted.

Which was read and adopted.
The President laid before the Convention reports from the
clerks of Howard district, of Anne Arundel county, Harford coun-
ty, and the register of wills of Charles county, in compliance
with the order of the Convention of the 15th ult.;
Which were severally read and referred to the committee on the
Judiciary.
The President also laid before the Convention a report from the
clerk to the commissioners of tax for Charles county, in obedience
to the order of the Convention of the 15th ult.
Which was read and referred to the committee on Representa-
tion.