The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-08-21
5paat8b Amerlta.
NATcHEI. July l;
WESTFLORIDA

The following Constitution has been circu
lated in West Florida, and is said to have
been well received in the neighborhood
OF Baton Rouge. In New Felicana, much
the most populous. wealthy and important
district IN the province, we are inform
ed there is diversity of opinion-some
OF the inhabitants favor the idea OF ar in
dependent government a strong party
isyet in favor OF Ferdinand the With.
whilst the mass ofthe inhabitants are de
sirous OF coming under the protection of
the U. States From St Helena, Tanchi-
paho and Christianne, we have not yet
heard, but presume they would prefer the
projection of the United States.
When the Sovereignty and independence
OF nation have been destroyed by treache
ry or violence, the political ties which unit
ed its different members are dissolved.
Distant provinces, no longer cherished or
projected by the mother Country, have
right to institute for themselves such forms
OF government as they may think conducive
to their safety and happiness.
The lawful sovereign of Spain, together
with his hereditary Kingdom in Europe, ha
wing fallen under the dominion of foreign
tyrant, by means of treachery and lawless
power, the right naturally devolves upon
the people OF the different provinces of tina;
hAb6NDHi P'oSSu Wy OeyOnQ the CRASH
OF the usurper, to provide for their own Sc
curity: the allegiance which they owed and
preserved with so much fidelity to their
lawful sovereign, can never be transferred
to the destroyer of thsir country's indepen
dence.
We, therefore, the people of Yves. Flo
rida exercising the right y hich incontest,.
by devolves upon us, declare, that we owe
no allegiance TO the present ruler of the
French nation, CT to any king, prince or
sovereign who may be placed by him ON
the throne of Spain, and that we will al
ways, and by all the means in our power.
resist any tyrannical usurpation over us of
whatever kind, or by whomsoever ne same
nayb attempted 10 be exercised forthis our
pcse, and in order more effectually to pro-
vide against uSurpatlOns of our rights. To
preserve domestic tranquility and secure to
ourselves the blessings of peace, liberty and
the Impartial administration of Justice. we
do drdain and establish the following:
Article 1st. The laws, usages and cus
toms heretofore observed in the adninis,ra
ton of justice, and in determining the right
OF property, shall remain in full force, as
far as the situation of the country will allow
until altered or abolished in the manner
hereafter provided.
Article ID. All lawful contracts hereto
fore made and entered into, shall be bind
ing on the parties according to the true in
tent and meaning thereof
Article Sd. The officers of the militia shall
retain their commissions, and Alcades and
Syndlcs OF the several divisions, shall Con
tin1e to hold and exercise the duties of their
respective Offices, having the same jurisdic
tion as heretofore, until otherwise provided
by lawful authority.
Article 4tb. One governor, one secretary
and three councillors of stale, shall be i'm
medlately chosen by the people, who shall
enter upon the duties of their respective of
noes OH ths day of
OF this present year. 1910, after
having. in the presence Of each other, taken
an oath faithfully to discharge the duties of
their respective Offices, and exc rcise the
powers here,d granted TO them to the hes;
Of their judgment for the good of the peo-
pie
Article 5th. The supreme executive DOW
ers shall be vested in the governor, who
shall also be the commander in chief of all