68 CONSTITUTION OF THE [ART. 9.

article IX.

MILITIA AND MILITARY AFFAIRS.

Age from 18 to 45

SECTION 1. The Militia shall be composed of all able-

years.

bodied male citizens, residents of this State, being eighteen

years of age, and under the age of forty-five years, who

shall be enrolled in the militia, and perform military duty

in such manner, not incompatible with the Constitution and

laws of the United States, as may be prescribed by the

Religious scruples
respected.

General Assembly of Maryland, but persons whose re-

ligious opinions and conscientious scruples forbid them to

bear arms, shall be relieved from doing so on producing to

the proper authorities satisfactory proof that they are thus

conscientious

Militia Laws to be
adopted by the

SEC. 2. The General Assembly shall provide at its first

Legislature
1853, ch 343.

session after the adoption of this Constitution, and from

time to time thereafter, as the exigency may require, for

organizing, equipping and disciplining the militia in such

manner, not incompatible with the laws of the United

States as shall be most effective to repel invasion and

suppress insurrection, and shall pass such laws as shall

promote the formation of Volunteer Militia Associations

in the city of Baltimore and in every county, and to secure

them such privileges or assistance as may afford them

effectual encouragement.

Adjutant General

SEC. 3. There shall be an Adjutant General, who shall

appointed by Gov-

ernor

be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and

2 Md 341.

consent of the Senate. He shall hold his office at the

pleasure of the Governor; shall perform such duties, and

shall receive such compensation or emoluments as are now

or may be hereafter fixed by law.