Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1838-09-25
a--,-Tr I. DEoIAnATioN OF RroHrs.


rrh.t me General, great and essential princi- /
bies Of liberty and free Government may I
berecognized ard established, we declare:
Src. 1. That al fTeemen, when they form
. social compact, are equal in rights; and that |
no man, or set Of men, are entitled TO excln- |
sive, separate public emoluments or privileges |
from the community, but IN consideration Of
public services.
SEc. 2. That all political power is inher-
ent in the people, and all free governments are |
founded on Their authority and established for
their benefit; and therefore, they have at all
times an unaiienable and indeieasible right TO
alter or abolish their form Of government n
such manner as they may think expedient.
SEC. 8. The exercise and enjoyment OF
religious profession and worship, without dis
elimination, shall forever be free to all per-
sons in this State: Prorided, That the right
hereby declared and established shall not be SO
construed as to excuse acts Of RIGHTEOUSNESS,
or Justify practices inconsistent with the peace
and safety Of the State.
SEC. 4. No preference shall ever be CIV
en- by law to any religious sect or mode of
worship.
SEC. 5. TBatno person shall be molested
foT his opinion on any subject whatever, nor
suffer any civil or political incapacity, or ac-
quire any civil or politicaladvantage in conse-
quence Of such opinions, exeeptin cases pro-
vided for in this Constitution.
Sec. g. Every citizen may freely speak,
write, and publish his sentiments on all SUBJ
iects, being responsible for the abuse Of that
liberty.
SEC. 2. No law shah ever be passed to
curtail or restrain the liberty of speech or Of
the press.
SEC. B. In all prosecutions or indictments
for libel, the truth may be given in evidence
and if it shall appear to the jury, that the mat
ter charged as lbellous is true, and was pub
hshed with good motives and for Unsuitable
ends, the party shall be acquitted; and the
jury shall have the right to determine the law
and the facts.
SEC. o. That the people shall be secure
IN their persons, houses, papers, and posses
siohs, from unreasonable seizures and search
es; and that no warrant to search any place,
or to seize any person or things, shall issue
without describing the place to be searched,
and the person or thing to be SEIZED as near
" as may be, nor without probable cause,
supported by oath or affirmation.
Sec. TO- That all criminal prosecutions,
the accused hath right to be heard, by him
self or counsel, or both TO demand the ma
ture ard cause Of the accusation; TO be con-
fronted by the witnesses against him to have
compulsory process for obtaining witnesses
in his favor; and in all prosecutions by indict-
ment or infOrmations, a speedy and public trial
by an impartial jury Of the county where the
offence was committed that he cannot be
compelled to give evidence against himself
nor can he be deprived Of his life; liberty, or
property, but by due course of law.
SEC. ii. No person shall be accused, ar
rested or detained, except in cases .ascertained
by law, and according to the form which the
same has prescribed; and no person shall fe
punished, but in virtue of law establshe and
promulgated prior to the offence, and legally
applied.
SIC. ID. That no person shall, for any in
dlctable offence, be proceeded against GRIMM
ally by information, except in cases arising in
the land or naval forces, or the militia, when
IN actualservice, or by leave of the court, for
misdemeanor in office.
SEC. ID. No person shall, for the same Of
fence be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb,
nor shall any persons property be taken or
applied to public use without the consent of
the Legislature, and without Just compensation
being first made therefor
Sec Ia. That all courts shall be open, and
every person for an injury done him in his
lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have
remedy by due course of law, and right and
justice administered without sale, denial or de-
lay.
SEC. Is. That no power of suspending
laws shall be exercised, except by the Legis-
lature, or Its authority.
SEC l6. That excessive bail shall not be
required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cru
ell pmlshments inflicted
SEC. IL. That all prisoners shall before
conviction, be baIabe by sufficient securities,
except for capital offences, where the proof is
evident, or the presumption great; and the
privilege of the writ of hdbe1s corpus shall not
be suspended, unless when in case of rebel
hon or invasion, the public safety may require
il.
SEC. 15. That the person of a debtor
when there is not strong presumption offraud
shall not be detained IN prison, after delivering
up his estate for the benefit of his creditors
IN such manner as shall be prescribed b
law.
SEC. 10. No conviction for any offence
-shallwork corruption of blood or forfeiture {
estate: the Legislature shall pass no bill. (
attander, er post fdcto law, nor lawimpairin
the obligation Of contracts.
SIC. 20. No property qualification for ell
g0dlty to Office or for the right Of sufrag
shall ever be required by law in this State.
SEC. % Thatthe citizens havea right
peaoeable manner, to assemble together f
tnelr common good, and to apply TO those yes
ca with the powers of government, for T
qIess o. grievances or other proper purpose
Dypenuon, address, or remonstrance.
SEC. -. Every citizen has a right to be
arms IN defence of himself and of the Sta
SEC "a NO standing army shall be Ike
Up .Wilaout the consent of the Legislatur
ana the military shall, in all cases, and at
times, be IN. strict subordination to the ci
SIC, IS. That no soldier shall, in time
Peacesbe CHARTERED in any h-use, without
consent OF the owner, or IN time Of war,
~ manner to be prescribed by law.
SIC, %. Thatno hereditary emolumer
privileges or hOnors shall ever be granted
conferred inthis State
SEC, H. Emigration. from this State 81
notbe prohibited, nor shall any free white c
zenqf tins State ever be exiled, under any ?
tence whatever.
SIC ~ The right Of trial by jury 81
remain inviolate.
SEC. %. No person shall be debar
rom prosecuting or defending any civil ca
for or against him Or herself. before any tri
nal IN this State, BY him or herself, or co
eel, or both.
SEc. 80. No person shall ever be appo
Cd or elected % any ofiicein this State for
Or during good behaviour; but the tenure
al oihces shall be for some limited period
.ine z the person. appointed on elected the
% snail so long behave WELL
CoNcLUsIoN,---To guard arainst transoI
SONS OF the powers hefem delegated, aos