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PLENARY SESSION
DECEMBER 4, 1967—2:05 P.M.
PRESIDENT H. VERNON ENEY,
PRESIDING
THE PRESIDENT: The Sergeant-at-
Arms will clear the aisles and close the
doors.
The Convention will please come to order.
The invocation today will be offered by
the Reverend John P. Gates of the Bethesda
First Baptist Church in Bethesda, Mary-
land, Montgomery County.
Reverend Gates.
REVEREND GATES: Let us pray.
Eternal God, Father of Mankind, whose
concern is the fulfillment of all Thy crea-
tion, we take a moment to reflect upon our
responsibilities, and the choices before us,
in this session of the Constitutional Con-
vention of the State of Maryland; to ex-
amine what we say and do in the light of
the justice and mercy which Thou doth
expect of worthy citizens and responsible
leaders.
We thank Thee for the heritage of
freedom and justice in this State; for those
who in the past conscientiously gave of
themselves that there may be a better life
among us.
We confess, that too often power has
created and permitted injustices that have
put certain of our citizens at a disadvan-
tage; too often special privilege without
real justification has prevailed among us.
Indeed, all of us, in every station in life,
have been less than we could have been, had
we been more faithful to Thee.
Grant now that the great and unusual
opportunity presented to us in the calling
of this Convention may be used to increase
freedom, justice and mercy in the land;
that with renewed thought, discipline and
mutual trust, a more worthy Common-
wealth may emerge, under Thee.
Grant especially that all political, eco-
nomic and spiritual power, may be used in
this session for the common good; that an
example be set for all our citizens, young
and old, as to what responsible government
means in our time.
May each person gathered here today, in
whatever capacity, be given wisdom that
is born of looking to Thee for guidance;
that all decisions may be grounded in the
good judgment that seeks to benefit all
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people within this State, and nation and
beyond, throughout the world. Help all of
us, in every situation in life, to rise above
that natural concern of self-interest which
so easily degenerates into unbridled selfish-
ness and lack of concern for others; to
live and act according to Thy Will, oh God,
who looks at life as a whole, and whose
passion and concern is the good of all thy
creatures, Amen.
THE PRESIDENT: Roll call.
(The roll was called.)
THE PRESIDENT: Has every delegate
answered roll call?
The Clerk will record the roll call.
There being a quorum present, the Con-
vention is in session.
The Chair recognizes Chairman Powers,
Chairman of the Committee on Calendar
and Agenda.
DELEGATE POWERS: Mr. Chairman,
I move adoption of Debate Schedule 9,
which covers debate on Committee Recom-
mendation Number SF-2.
THE PRESIDENT: Is there a second?
All in favor signify by saying Aye; con-
trary, No. The Ayes have it and it is so
ordered. Debate Schedule 9 is adopted.
Delegate Powers.
DELEGATE POWERS: I move the
adoption of the debates calendar.
(The motion was seconded.)
THE PRESIDENT: All in favor signify
by saying Aye; contrary, No. The motion
is carried and the calendar is adopted.
The Chair recognizes Delegate Beachley.
DELEGATE BEACHLEY: Mr. Presi-
dent, I would like to announce that we
have 72 students from Hagerstown High
School. They are seated on the balcony to
the rear of the Delegate chamber. Among
the 72 is Mr. John Grumbacher, the son
of our distinguished delegate, Richard
Grumbacher.
The students are accompanied by their
teachers, Miss Vicky Westfal, an English
Teacher, Mr. Robert Lochbaum, who is the
guidance Counsellor, and Mr. Tyler Peter,
a teacher of contemporary challenge. Mr.
Peter is the son of the former state Sena-
tor, Mr. Robert Peter, who was from Mont-
gomery County.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. We are
delighted to have them with us.
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