Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1830-02-06


consider. discuss aud propose Constitution or al
tcratons and amendments the existing of
this Commonwealth, have adjourned sine die after hav
Ing agreed upon amended Constitution form of Gov
ernmen 10 be submitted the people am, TO be by them
ratified Or rejected. William b. Giles Governor have
thought proper by and with the ad,cc of the Council
oil State, TO make PROCLAMATION, and do hereby pro-
claim, that the said Convention did, the 18th day of
January, in this present year, 1880 adjourn sine de
and do direct thai the said amended Constitution or form
oil Government for this Commonw shall be publishe
once week for three successive months together with
this proclamation, in such newspapers by advice of
Council directed TO publish the Act OF the General
Assembly OF Virginia. concerning Convention passed
3lst Jan. ISIS.
Given under my hand as Governor and
SEAL under the seal of the Commonwealth at
Richmond. this 18th day of January, 1850.
Eau. 81. sS-w3m VIM. Is. GILES
ELL OF RIGHTS.
Il Declaration Of Right, made by the Representa-
t'res # the good People Of VIRGINIA, assembled
in FIJI and free C0npention; tchich rights do per-
tam to Them and their Pssterity, as the basis and
Foundation Of Government.
Unanimously adopted, June l2tl 1851
L. mat all men are by nature equally tree and in
dependsn ut, and have certain inherent rights of which
when they enter into state OF society, they canno,
by any compact, deprive divest their postety
ly the enjoyment ot life and liberty, with the means
OF acquiring aud possessing property AMI pursuing and
obtaining happiness and safety.
z. That all power IL vested in and consequently de-
rived from, the peoples that Magistrates are their trus
tees aud servants, and at all times amenabe to them
Instituted
The common benefit, protection and security OF tho PEG
pe nation or community: of all the various modes and
forms OF government, that s best, which i, capable of
producing the greatest degree of haprncss and safety
and is most efiectnaly secured against the danger OF
NAL administration; and that, when any government
shall be found inadequate contrary these purposes
majority OF the community hath indubitable una
lienabe, and indefeasbie right, to reform, alters a
boi.h it, in such manner shall be judged most
duciye TO the prblic veal
I. That no man, set uf men, are entitled to clu
fran thac
munty, but in consideration OF public services, which
not being descendibe, neither ought the offices of Ma
gistrate, Legislator, or Judge, TO be hereditary.
b. That the Legislative and Executive powers OF the
State should he separate aud Distinct from the Judicial
~; and that the members OF the two first may be re-
strained from oppression by feeling and participating
The burihens Of the people, they should fxed pc
RODS, be reduced 10 private station, return u,o that
BODY rom which they were originally TAKEN and the
vacancies he supplied by frequent, certain and regu-
lar elections, in which all, any part of the former
member. to be again eligible ineligible, the laws
shall direct.
6. That election, Of members TO serve az renr.ser,a
tives OF the people in Assembly, ought to be free and
that all men, having sufficient evidence of permanent
common interest with, aud attachment to- the cem,ru
ny have the right OF 'niIrage, and cannot be taxed
deprived OF their property for public uses without their
own consen or that OF their representatives. cleo ed
nor bound by any law to which they have not in like
manner, assentcl, for the public good.
Z. That all power OF suspenIing laws, the exe
ton oiaws, by any authority, without Of the
representatives OF the people, is injurious TO their
rights, anu ouRht not 10 DE exercised.
8 That, in all capital criminal prosecutions, man
hath right TO demand the and nature of his &C.
cusatioa, TO he confronted with the and
nesses TO call Tor evidence in his favor, and speedy
rial, by an impartial jury of his vicinage, without
whose unanimous consent, he be found guilty;
nor can he be compelled TO give evidence against him
SELF that no man hc deprived of his liberty except by
the law OF the land, or the judgment of his peers.
9. That excessive bail ought not to be required,
excessive fines imposed cruel and unusual punish
ment inflicted.
10. That general warrants, whereby officer or
messenger, may be- commanded TO search suspected plA
ces without evidence OF fact committed 10 seize
any Iorson or persons not named whose offence IL
not particularly described and supported by evidence
are g'ievous and oppressive aud be granted
H. That, in controversies respecting property, and in
suits between man and man. the ancient trial by jury
Is preferable TO any ether, and ought 10 be held sacred
H. That Il freedom Of the press j. of The great
huwarks OF liberty, aud never be restrained but
10y despoic governments.
49, That well -resul'ed militia, composed of the
bedy OF the people, trained to is the proper,
raj and safe defence OF free Staie that standing
ie in time Of peace sh aid be avoided, dang
TO liberty; and that in all cases, the military should
he under strict subordnation TO, and governed by the
civil power.
IL That the people have a right to uniform govern.
meni; and, therefore, that government separate from,
or independent OF, the government of Virginia, ought
10 be erected or established within the Limits thereof
10. That no Tree government, the blessing of lib
erty, can be preserved TO any proie hist by firm adj
hefence TO justice, melcratOn temperance frugaty,
and virtue, and by frequent occurrence to fundamental
principles.
10. That religion or the duty which we owe to our
Creator and the manner of d-chargjng it, he dire
ed only by and conviction, by force v:o
ence; and therefore all men equally entitled 10 the
free exercise of religion, according 10 the dictates Of
conscience and that il is the mutual duty of all TO
practise Christian orbearance, love, and charity to-
wards each other
n ~ N m