422 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA. 



The undersigned, delegates to a convention autho- 

 rized 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 pro- 

 posed 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 retain- 

 ing not only the great conservative power of free 

 choice and election of all officers, agents, and repre- 

 sentatives, but the unalienable right to alter or reform 

 their government, whenever the public good may 

 require. 



Although born in different climes, cOmingfrom differ- 

 ent States, imbued with local feelings, and educated, 

 perhaps, with predilections for peculiar institutions, 

 laws, and customs, the delegates assembled in conven- 

 tion as Californians, and carried on their deliberations 

 in a spirit of amity, compromise, and mutual conces- 

 sion for the public weal. 



It cannot be denied that a difference of opinion was 

 entertained in the convention, as to the policy and 



