Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-02-14
LEGISLATURE OF MASSACHUSETTS
SEN ATE.

LEGISLATURE OF MASSACHUSETTS
SENATE.
Thursday, Feb Q.
IMPORTANT REPORT.
The committee on the several Memoir.
ais from the people of number of towns in
THIS state, praying the interpolation of the
Legislature in their behalf, IN the present
situation of our public affairs, made a re-
port in part.
After an able and highly interesting
Preamble, the committee recommended
the passing of the following Resolves and
Act.
RESOLVES.
Resolved, That the Act of Congress of
the U. States, passed on the 9th day of ia
nuary, IN the present year, for enforcing the
act laying an Embargo, and the several
acts supplementary thereto, is, in the OPT.
mon OF the legislature. in many respects
unjust, oppressive and unconstitutional, and
not legally binding on the citizens of this
state. But Notwithstanding this opinion,
In order finally to secure certain and
permanent relief, il is earnestly recommen-
ded to ali parties aggrieyed by the operate
on OF this act, to abstain from forcible re-
sistance, and to apply for their remedy in 4
peaceabls manner, to the laws of the com.
monweaith.
Resolved, That suitable remembrance
De prepared, and Immediately forwarded to
the Congress of the u s. from. this Lee
gisiature, expressing their opinions SC fee
inss, on the several subjects of complaint,
contained in the said Petitions and parties a.
Lsriy urging the repeal of the said Act of
Cangress, passed on the 9th day of January
last.
Resolved, That the Legislature of this
ComSonwe slth. will ze lously cooperate
with any ofthe other states, in all legal and
constitutional measures for procuring such
amendments To the Constitution Of the u
.. as snail be Judged necessary to obtain
protection and defence for Commerce, and
~ give to the Co nmercial s ates their fair
and JUST consideration in the Government
OF the Union; AMI fo' efErdng permanent
security as well as present relief from the
oppressive zee sures under which thcv now
suffer.
Resolved, That the Hon. the President of
the Senate. AMI the Hon. the Speaker ofthe
House OF Representatives, be requested to
transmit a copy OF this Report, and the Re
solutions thereon, to the Leg 81 lures Of
such OF our SIS er States, as m nifest dis.
position TO concur with US in measures to
rescue our common country from impending
run, and to preseryeinviolate the Union of
the States.
THE ACT.
CoMNMo WYE Attn OF NAssAcuusErrs
AN ACT to secure the People o. TN Com
m0nwealth against unre asonable, arbitra-
ry and unconstitutional searches in their
dwelling houses.
Whereas it is declared 6 provided in s.
by the fourteenth ar icle of the Declaration
of Rights of the inhabitants Of Massachu..
sets, that "every subject has right to be
secure from all unreasonable searches and
seizures OF his person, his hosse his papers
and possessions, and that all warrants are
contrary to this right, il the cause or foun-
datIon OF them IS NOT previously supported
by oath or affirmation. -
And whereas, 1t is also provided in and
by the fourth article OF the amendments to
the Constitution Of The u S ates, that "the
rights ut the people to BE- secure in their
persons, houses, papers and effects against
unreasonable searches and seizures shall
not be violated, and no warrants shall issue
but upon probable cause, supported by oath
OF affIrms ton, and par icuariy describing
the place TO be searched and the persons
OF things 70 b seized And it being the
duty of the Legislature to protect the citi-
zens OF this state against the infringement
OF their essential rights and TO provide eff
fectually for the punishment OF those who
violate them: Therefore,
Sec. 1. B. 1t enacted by the Senate and
House of Representatives, anu by the au-
thority of the same, That if any person or
persons, alter the passing OF this act, in
contempt & violation of the said provisions
in the Declaration of rights aad Constitute
OH aforesaid, shall enter any dwelling house
OF any citizen of this Common wealth, stu
ate the same, in the day time to search
the same house for any specie or any arti-
Giles ct domestic growth, produce or manu-