Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1830-02-20
BILL OF RIGHTS.

mond, this 18th day of January, 1880.
VIM. d GILES.
BILL OF RIGHTS.
a Declaration of Rights made by the Representatives.
erMe good People Of Pirginia, assembled in full
and free Correction; tciich rights do pertain TO
them and their poserity, as he basis and fouada-
ton Of Government
UNANIMOUSLY adopted, June 18th, l77G.l
I. That all men by nature equally free and
Independent, and have certain inherent rights, of
which. when they enter into state of society, they
cannot. by any compact, deprive dvest their pos
tertv namely, the enjoyment OF life and liberty,
with the of acquiring aud possessing property,
and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
. That ali power is vested in, and consequently
derived from, the peoples; that Magistrates their
trustees and servants, and at all times anenable to
them.
). That government is, or ought to be, instituted
for the common benefit, protection and security OF
the people, nation or community: OF all The various
modes and forms OF government that is best, which
is capable of producing the greatest degree of hap
pincss and safety, and is most efectuallY secured
against the danger of mal-admnistration; and that
when any government shall be found inadequate
contrary to these purposes majority OF the commu
nifty hath ndubtable, unaenabe, and indefeas ibe
right to reform, alter, or abolish 1t, IN such manner
shall be Judged most conducive to the public veal.
A. That 10 man, or set of men, are entitled TO
elusive separate emoluments privileges from
the community, but in consideration of public scrvi
ces; which mo- being descendable neither ought the
Offices of Magistrate, Legislator, or Judge, to be
hereditary.
s. That the Legislative and Executive powers of
the State should he separate and distinct from the
Judiciary; and that the mGmbers of the two first
he restrained from oppression, by feeling and partci-
pating the burthens of the people, they should at
fixed periods. be reduced private station return
into that body from winch they originally TAKEN
and the vacancies be supplied by frequent, certain
and regular elections, in which all any part of the
former members, TO be again eligible. ineligible
as the laws shall direct
6. That elections of members to serve as rcpresen-
tatives of the people, IN Assembly ought to be free;
and that all having sufficient evidence Of per-
manent common interest with, and attachment to,
the community, have the right of suffrage, and
not be taxed deprived Of their property for public
uses without their consent that of their re-
personalities elected, bound by any law to
which they have not, III Ike manner, asscEted. fo1
the public good
T. That all power of suspendng laws, OF the ex-
ecuion OF laws by any authority without consent of
the representatives of the people, is injurious their
rights, and ought not TO be exercised.
8. That. in all capital criminal prosecutions, a
man hath right to demand the cause and nature of
his accusation TO be confronted with the accusers
and witnesses, call for evidence his favor, and
TO speedy trial by impartial Jury of his vcinage,
without whose unanimous consent, he cannot be
found guilty; can he be compelled to give evil
dence against HIMSELF that man be deprived of
his liberty except by the law of the land the udg
ment of his peers
8. That excessive bail ought not to be required,
nor excessive fines imposed, cruel and unusual
punishment inflicted
10. That general warrants, whereby an officer or
messenger may be commanded to search suspected
places without evidence of fact committed, or TO
seize any person persons not named whose of
fence is not particularly described ard supported by
evidence, are gTevous and oppressive, and ought not
to be granted
H. That, III controversies respecting property,
and in suits between and man, the ancient trial
by jury is preferable to any other, and ought to be
held sacred.
~. That the freedom of the press is one of the
great buwarks oflberty, and can never be restrain
ed but by despotic governments.
13. That well regulated militia, composed Of
the body Of the people, trained to arms, is the pro-
per, ma ura and safe defence Of free State; that
standing armies, in time of peace shou { be avoided
Us dangerous 10 liberty; and that ir all cases. tho
military should be under strict subordination to, and
governed by, the civil power.
II. That the people have a right to uniform gov
ernmen'; and therefore, that government separate
from, or independent Of The government of Pirgin.
la ought TO be erected established within the lin
lis thereof
10. That no free government or the blessing of
firm adherence to justice. moderation temperance,
itugeity, and virtue, and by frequent recurrence 10
fundamental principles
10. That religion or the duty which we owe 10
our Creator, aud the manner Of dscharging it, can
be due tied only by and conviction not by
i0rce o. violence; and therefore oil men are equally
ehted To the Tree exercise Of religion, according to
the cicatos OF conscience and that il is the mutual
duty OF all 10 prdcc Christian fJrbeasance, love g.
charity towards each .theT.
AN AMFNEED Observation-Disclosures