The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1821-09-19
@isreIIanv.
FoR THB RHODE ISLAND REPUBLICAN.
PROJECT
CONSTI1 UTION,
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
roar
.Siatr Of Rhode. Island.
PR r A NJ B L T..

do otdaiD and eslabish the anne xe d Copslilu.
non, 10 secure their own rights, aud the
'ights OF their pos,erily against inl.iog cement [;
% provide Tor free suffrage, an equal ,epre-
seniatoD, aud 40 equitable mode OF making
laws To- The government Of all; as well as
ter an iras~siial Interpretation, and faithful
eSeeo Zen 9flhems that every individual, may
at all times find security the,ein. And that
the Rights and Duties OF the People, and the
Fundamental Principles Of free govern.
ment, may be defined, and established, we do
hereby explicitly publish and DECLARE -
i. That all men are born free aud equal,
and have certain natural, inherent and una
lieoable i%hl--among which arc The chi "
menr and defending ot life and liberty, &C.
quning' posssssiop, and protecting properly
and reputation, and pursuing their own hap.
piness
2. That sh power is inherent in, and ema-
natos from the people /; and all free govern.
ments are founded on their authority, and in.
si'u'ed Tor their peace, safety, and happiness.
For the advancement OF these ends they have
at all times an unques,ionable igbt to alter,
amend, reform, Or totally change the govern
men in such manner as they may think
proper.
j. That all magistrates, and officers OF the
government vested with authority, whether
Legislative, executive or judicial, ase the sub
s'nutcs end agents Of the people, and are at
oil! times accountable 10 them.
| A. That the right Of the people TO partici-
pate in the Legislature, is the foundation Of
liberty and OF all free governments, and TO
this end, all elections ought TO be free and
i;equent, and that every citizen duly quail.
t. x,f k,
Ipvernment by taxes or personal services,
ecdgh, W exercise the right Of suffrage, unre
stEoined and anbiostd
s. ahat the people have a right to assemble
tsss.her IN a peacable manner, to consult Tor
he conSson good 10 give INSTRUCTIONS TO
their rep esentaiives, and TO address the leg.
Isiatu'e, cy petition, or roponstrance, for tho
.cdrcss Of wrongs done them, and Of grievsn-
ces suffered
6. Thai ~ redress OF grievances, and a.
mending, cor'eenng, and confirming the
laws, and making new laws---tbo Legislature
aueht ttequen'ly to assemble.
z That no man ought, or can OF right he
compelled TO frequent or support any relig.
lous worship, place or ministry whatever
nor be restrained, mo.ested or bur,heued in
his body or goods, nor Other wise suffer on
account OF his religious opinions, nor be
questioned as to his faith, whether he believe
10 one God, or many Gods, bu, every one
may worship freely in his own mode, proyid-
ed in so doing the peace be not broken, aud
that all men shall be free TO profess, and by
argument to maintain their opinions in mat
,ers Of religion, aud the same shall in no
wise diminish, enla, &c or effect their civil ca.
pacities.
g. That every member OF society he's q
right to be projected in the enjoyment Of life,
liberty and property; and therefore, every
one is bound 10 contribute his proportion 10.
wards The expense Of that protection, and
yield his personal services when necessary,
ar an equivalent thereto; but no man that is
conscienuously scrupulous Of bearing arms,
cao 10 any case be Justly compelled thereto
provided he pay such equivalent.
9. That every person ought 10 find Ger.
tain remedy by having recourse 10 the laws,
for sll injuries or wrongs he may rcceiye,in in
his petso6, properly or character, and ought
to have justice done him freely without pur.
chase faly without denial; and promp ly,
wi,hou, delay conformsbly 10 law
10. That the people ought TO be secure in
their persons, houses, papers. and posses
sions, sgaiDst unreasonable searches and seiz
ures, aud no warrants ought to issue but on
comyisint In wrliog, upon probable cause,
Supported by oath or sfi'ms,ioo, and de-
scribng as near as may be, the place to be
searched, and the person or thing TO be selz'
ed.
IL That % person ought 10 be holden to
sn.wer Q capitol or other infamous crime, un.
less on presentmenr, or indictment by Grand
Jury except in cases arising in the army or
navy, or in the militia, when in actual ser
vice in time of war or public danger, and no
person ought, for the same offence, to be
vice put in jeopardy Of life or limb.
u. Ths, excessive bail ought oot to be
-eayired, nor excessive fines imposed, nor
cruel and unusual puoishments inflicted ano
al punishmeoa ought to be ProPor''oos'e to
The offence.
10 That ell persons ought TO be bailablo
by sufficient sureties, unless for capitol offso-
ce.. yheu The proof 10 evident, or the pre-