The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1832-10-02

ment, is the best evidence ofthe Repub-
iican virtue. and political intelligence of
The first settlers Of Rhode-Island. A,
this meeting committee was appointed
to correspond with Mr.. yane and others
in England, about obtaining patent for
the Island from the King.
18th ofthe lst month l64O. Itwas vo-
ted that tho chief Magistrate should be
called Governor, and the next deputy
Governor, and four gentlemen chosen
out Of the two Towns assistants. Their
names were VIM. Coddington Governor,
Wm. Brenton Deputy Governor. N. Eas-
ton, J. Coggeshall, w. Hutchinson, and
J. Porter assistants the Elections was
made for one whole year, or ill others
were chosen in their places. 1t appears
that the Magistrates would hold their
Offices one year at least, aud as much
longer as the people should neglect to
elect others in their stead. Courts
were established 10 be held alternately
in each Town, to he composed of Mag
istratcs g. Jurors. The militia Laws
had been the constant care Of the Gov
ernmont, and went through various
change, one of which Immediately after
the constitution Of 1910. In March I6-
fl in the General Assembly Of the free
men it was determined unanimously,
that their Government was Democracy,
saving only the rights Of the King.
At the same meeting it was further or
dercd, that none he accounted delin-
quent for Doctrine, provided it be not
directly repugnant to the Government or
laws established, which was again con-
firmcd at the next General Court as fol-
lows. at is ordered that, that law Of
the last court made concerning liberty of
conscience in point Of doctrirc be per-
petunted." This appears to be the first
net declaring every man FREQ 10 advocate
what religious opinions lie chose. The
people having just transferred the Jaaic-
ial power from their own control to the
Court and Juries, they enacted those
laws protecting liberty of conscience.
not choosing to trust the Judiciary with
the keeping Of that sacred principle for
which they had transported themselves,
first from England and then from the
Massachusetts. 1t was the foundation
of tho future Statutes and Bills of Rights,
which distinguished the early laws and
character Of the Suite and people of
Rhode Island, from the other English
Colonies if in America.
On the 18th September l64l. II was
ordered, /" that if any person or persons
on the Island whether freeman or iuIiab-
liant, shall by any means, open or covert
endeayour to bring in any power than
what is now here established (except it
be from our PRINCE by lawful COM
mission) shall be accounted delinquent
under she head Of purjurie."
On tho 10Th September 1912. A
Committee was appointed to consult n
bout obtaining patent for the Island
and lands adjacent, who were ordered to
apply to their friends in England if an
opportunity presented before the next
G. Court, otherways to make report Of
their doing to the next Court. The ex-
penses to be borne by the Body. 1t was
also ordered that no men should be dis
franchised but when major part Of the
entire body Of freemen were present.
II was further ordered "that all the priv
ileges perogatives and liberties Of the
Government, State, Towns, Person, or
Persons, be confirmed"
On the 18th Of the lat month 1644,
The General Court ordered " that the
Island commonly called Aque,hncck
should be from thenceforth called the
ISLE of RnopEs or RHoDE-IsLAND."
1t is proper here TO notice tha, during
all the time the Island was under its own
distinct Government, no laws were made
TO restrain the liberty Of conscience, or
in any way abridging religious ,olcra.ion.
No prosecution for the violation Of the