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ward position and I think a short explana-
tory statement is probably in order.
On the one hand, as Chairman of the
Committee, I feel a sense or degree of loy-
alty to the Committee; on the other hand,
as an elected delegate to the Convention
as well as a representative of my con-
stituents back home, I have some mixed
emotions on it. I think that one thing that
can be said though, is that one thing that
the majority and the minority report both
firmly agree upon is our concern for edu-
cation and the sincere desire to perpetuate
and guarantee the best educational pro-
gram that we can for our children and for
the State of Maryland.
The only difference as I see it between
the majority and minority reports is the
approach to it. Because I basically agree
with the simplicity of the Minority Report
on a philosophical basis only, and feel that
education in the future can better be served
by continuing with flexible implementation
as needs may occur, I found that I had to
join in the Minority Report.
To give the Majority Report under these
circumstances I think would be hypocritical
on my own part. Therefore Delegate
Wheatley will very eloquently give the
Majority Report.
Because of my conflict as Chairman of
the Committee, I feel that it would be
equally as bad to give the Minority Report
and therefore Delegate Lord, not in paren-
thesis, will give the Minority Report. As for
myself, I intend to vote and probably re-
main discretly silent on this, but may I
just leave this one thought.
I certainly can predict no blood bath
nor am I bitterly opposed to anything or
anyone, I gave that up years ago and I am
sure that this educational process will be
hammered out in a democratic and amiable
manner.
Thank you very much, sir.
THE CHAIRMAN: Under the circum-
stances, the Chair recognizes Delegate
Wheatley, Vice Chairman of the Committee,
to make a presentation on behalf of the
Committee. I request that he come forward
to the Clerk's desk.
DELEGATE WHEATLEY: Mr. Chair-
man, and fellow delegates, this is perhaps
one of the most heralded moments of the
Convention. As our Chairman has indi-
cated, the Committee on General Provi-
sions will finally report on education. While
I have not solicited the opportunity to
make this report, nonetheless I feel it is of
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service to the Convention to present the
views of the majority of the Committee. I
might add as is traditional with most of
the issues of the General Provisions Com-
mittee there was a very close majority,
eight to seven, so that the remarks that I
am making while limited to the majority
will, of course, not be including those who
will be reported on as indicated by Dele-
gate Lord for the minority.
The meaning of the General Provisions
Committee's Majority Report has been in-
terpreted to you by many sources: the mi-
nority itself, the governor, the news col-
umns, editorials as well as individuals and
delegates and groups opposed to its provi-
sions. Let me reaffirm the statements made
by the Chairman. I can assure you there
will be no anticipated blood bath nor do we
plan as some members have suggested that
a choir of school children shall sing carols
from the balcony. In place of both of
these suggestions I would like to take this
opportunity from the General Provisions
Committee to be the first Committee in its
report to extend to you season's greetings.
We do not, of course, in any way antici-
pate long debate and for that reason would
hope that the Committee may be quite suc-
cinct in its presentation. In further ampli-
fying our earlier statements, quite to the
contrary, there is no power grab implied
by the Majority Report except for that
which would be a power grab that might
be interpreted to protect the educational
rights of the residents of the states. The
Majority Report hopes to discuss point by
point what it believes to be the basic pur-
poses of good constitutions, namely that of
providing the basic structure and allocat-
ing powers. From the start I wish to make
it abundantly clear, that all members of the
Committee, both the majority and minority,
worked diligently to ascertain the necessary
background to make these vital decisions.
The Committee spent twenty-one hearing
days getting testimony from eighty-three
witnesses, seven of whom were delegates to
this Convention. Included in the list were
representatives of the following national
organizations: United States Office of Edu-
cation, the National Association of State
Universities and of Land Grant Colleges,
the American Association of Jnnior Col-
leges, the Research Division of the Educa-
tion Association, representatives of the
AFL-CIO and the Association of State Col-
leges and Universities. Representatives at
all levels of education, private and public
were heard from, including local boards of
education, the State Board of Education,
the University of Maryland, state colleges,
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