The native American., 1838-12-01
CANADIAN REVOLUTIONISTS DECLARA-
TION OF INDEPENDENCE

WHEREAS the solemn covenant made with the people
Of Lower and Upper Canada and recorded the Statute
Book of the United Kingdom Of Grea, Britain and Ire
land as the 3lst Chapter Of the act passed in the 3st
year OF the Reign OF King George ILL.,, hath been con.
tinually violated by the British Government and
rights usurped; and whereas our humble petitions. ai-
dresses protests, and remosrances against this nlmi
GUS and unconstitutional interference. have been made
in 'aln and the British Government hath disposed Of
revenue without the constitutional consent Of the Local
Legislature plaged Treasury, arrested great
bers OF our citizens, and committed them to prison; dis
trbued through the country .nercenary army, whose
presence IS accompanied by CONSERVATION and alarm,
whose track is red with blood of our people, who have
lad our villages in ashes, proianed temples, and
spread terror and waste throughout the land. And
whereas we longer suffer The repeated violations
Of our dearest rights, and patiently support the multiplied
outrases and crees OF the Government Of Lower Ca
NADIA, WE, in the name of the PEOPLE OF LOWER
CANADA, acknowledge the decree OF a divine provi
dence which permits US TO put down Government
which hath abused The obrct and intention for which it
was created, and to make choice Of that form of Govern
ment which shall reesahsh the empire Of Justice as
sure domestic tranquility, provide for defence
promote general good and TO rs and postey
the advantage Of civil and religious liberty,
soLEMNLY DEcLARE:
l That from this day forward the PEOPLE OF
LOWER CANADA are absolved IRON all allegiance to
Great Britain, and that the political connection between
that power and Lower Canada Is now dissolved.
2. That REPUBLICAN, form of Government is best
suited TO Lower Canada which is this day declared to be
a REPUBLIC. s. ... ....
3. That under the Free Government Of Lower Canada
all persons shall enjoy the rights, the Inian. shall
no longer be under any civil disqualification, but shall
enjoy the rights all other citizens Of Lower Ca
NADIA. ,...". "a.
That all union between Church and State is hereby
declared to be DISSOLVED and every person shall be at
liberty freely to exercise such religion belief shall
De dictated to him by his conscience. ...
s. That the Feudalor Seignioria tenure land Is here
~ abolished completely if such had never
existed in Canada.
That each and every person who shall bear arms.
Otherwise furnish assistance 10 the people Of Canada
this contest for patton shall b., and is, dschar
ged from all debts due, Obligations real supposed
Tor aearages i'll virtue of Segnioral rights heretofore
existing
Z. That the Donaire Couumier is for the future abe.
llshed aud prohibited.
8. That imprisonment for D. b shall TO lnger exist
excepting in such of fraud shall b- specified in
an act to be passed hereafter by the Legislature Of Low
er Canada for this purpose.
g. That the sentence death shall longer be pass I'd
or executed, except in case of murder.
10. That mortgages Oh landed estate shall be special
and 10 he valid shall be unregistered in Offices 10 be
ted for this purpose by act Of the Legislature Of Low
Canada.
H. That the liberty and freedom of the press shall
ist in all public matters and affairs.
IL That TRIAL JURY is guaranteed to the People
oil Lower Canada in its most extended and liberal sense,
in all criminal suits and in civil suits above to be
fixed by the Legislature Of the State Of LOWER CANA.
ry, and due by the Government to the People, act 10
provide for the shall be passed as the cir.
Of the country will permit.
IA. That to the elective franchise all elections
shall be had by BALLOT. .,..
Is That with the least possible delay the people shall
choose Delegates according 10 the present division Of the
country, into Countries Towns, and Boroughs, Who shall
constitute Convention Legislative Body, 10 establish
Constitution according to the wants OF the country, and
in conformity with the disposi Of this Declaration,
subject TO be modified according the will Of the people
49, That every male person Of the age Of 81 years and
upwards, shall have the right Of voting herein prov
aed and Tor the election oi the aforesaid delegates
II. That all Crown Lands, also snch called Cler
gy Reserves, such nominaliy in possession Of
certain company Of Landhodes in England, called the
British North American Laud Company" are Of right
the property Of the State Of Lower Canada except such
portions Of the aforesaid Lands as may be in possession
persons who hold the good faith. and 10 whom
titles shall be secured and granted by virtue of law
which shall be enacted to egaze The possession Of and
title for such untitled lots Of land in the townships
under cultivation or improvement.
IS. That the French and English languages shall be
used in all public affairs
And FOR the uhlment of this Declaration. and for the
support OF the Patriotic in which now
ged, with firm reliance the protection of the Amigh
ty, and the Justice of onr conduct We. by these presents
solemny pledge to each other lives fortunes and
our most sacred honor.
BY order Of the Provisional Government.
ROBERT NEL~ON, President.
A Row.-On Wednesday evening last, row