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431] The Convention, 53
ished, it must be done by the free consent, or acquiescence
of the counties, that it was under this agreement of equal
representation that the counties entered into the compact
of government in 1776.44
The style of the preamble as finally adopted was intro-
duced by Mr. Randall, of Anne Arundel county.45 The
important change made substituted " people" for " dele-
gates." The whole clause reading: "We the people of
the State of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our
civil and religious liberty, and taking into our serious con-
sideration the best means of establishing a good constitu-
tion in this State, for the sure foundation, and more per-
manent security, thereof, declare," etc. This preamble was
copied verbatim in the constitution of 1867.
The first article of the Declaration of Rights, as re-
ported by the committee read as follows: " That all gov-
ernment of right originates from the people, is founded
in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the
whole." Mr. Presstman, of Baltimore City, moved an
amendment to the above article by adding, " and they
have at all times the inalienable right to alter, reform,
or abolish their form, of government in such manner as
they may think expedient." 46 The object of the amend-
ment was to vindicate the revolutionary character of the
convention, and to insert in the constitution the right of
revolution.
This doctrine that the majority of the voters of the State
had the right to alter or change the constitution whenever
and in whatever manner the majority deemed best, irre-
spective of legal authority, or constitutional means re-
ceived a large support during the reform agitation.
Although Mr. Gwinn, of Baltimore City, said in support
of the amendment that its object was not to assert the
right of revolution, but to compel the recognition by the
44 See Mr. Dashiell's speech, Debates, vol. i, pp. 437-441.
45 Debates, vol. ii, p. 785. 46 Debates, vol. i, p. 143.
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