J. Aram, C. T. Botts, E. Brown, J. A. Carillo, J. M. Covarrubias, E. O. Crosby, P. De La Guerra, L. Dent, M. Dominguez, K. H. Dimmick, A. J. Ellis, S. C. Foster, E. Gilbert, W. M. Gwinn, H. W. Halleck, Julian Hanks, L. W. Hastings, Henry Hill, J. Hobson, J. McH. Hollingsworth, J. D. Hoppe, J. M. Jones, T. O. Larkin, Francis J. Lippitt, B. S. Lippincott, M. M. McCarver, John McDougal, B. F. Moore, Myron Norton, P. Ord, Miguel Pedrorena, A. M. Pico, R. M. Price, Hugo Reed, Jacinto Rodriguez, Pedro Sansevaine, W. E. Shannon, W. S. Sherwood, J. R. Snyder, A. Stearns, W. M. Steuart, J. A. Sutter, Henry A. Tefft, S. L. Vermule, M. G. Vallejo, J. Walker, O. M. Wozencraft.
The undersigned, delegates to a convention authorized to form a Constitution for the State of California, having, to the best of their ability, discharged the high trust committed to them, respectfully submit the accompanying plan of government for your approval. Acknowledging the great fundamental principles, that all political power is inherent in the people, and that government is instituted for the protection, security and benefit of the people, the Constitution presented for your consideration is intended only to give such organic powers to the several departments of the proposed government, as shall be necessary for its efficient administration: and while it is believed no power has been given, which is not thus essentially necessary, the convention deem individual rights, as well as public liberty, are amply secured, by the people still retaining not only the great conservative power of free choice and election of all officers, agents, and representatives, but the unalienable right to alter or reform their government, whenever the public good may require.
Although born in different climes, coming from different States, imbued with local feelings, and educated, perhaps, with predilections for peculiar institutions, laws, and customs, the delegates assembled in convention as Californians, and carried on their deliberations in a spirit of amity, compromise, and mutual concession for the public weal.
It cannot be denied that a difference of opinion was entertained in the convention, as to the policy and expediency of several measures embodied in the Constitution; but looking to the great interests of the State of California, the peace, happiness, and prosperity of the whole people,--individual opinions were freely surrendered to the will of the majority, and, with one voice, we respectfully but earnestly recommend to our fellow citizens the adoption of the Constitution which we have the honor to submit.