Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1846-12-02
o. The aBill of Rights" was finally

O. The .Bill of Rights" was finally
passed by the Convention on the 23d.-
Sec. L, IS as follows: .sAll men are born
equally free and independent: all power is
Inherent in, and all government of tight
originates with the people, is founded in
their Authority, and instituted for their
peace, safety and happiness" What ar
rant knarery ard hypocrisy to adopt sent;-
mems, such as are embodied in this article,
and al the same time, exclude by Cons,i'u-
tionaI provision portion of the people, for
no earthly reason, other than the color OF
their skin, from the enjoyment fall pollii.
cal rights.] Sec. re.enacis the ordinance
provision on The subject of slavery. Sec.
3, secures the freedom Of speech and of
the press-and declares that in all prosecu-
tons or indictments for libels the truth may
be given in evidence to the jury: but the
truth is no. 10 avail unless j. shall appear
that the matter charged as libcllous was
published with good motives and for justi-
fable ends Sec. 4, secures the right Of
the people peaceably 10 assemble together
at all times to consult for their common
good. Sec. 5 declares that no member of
The Legislature shall be personally held re-
spons:ble for any words spoken in debate
Ssc. 6 secures The right of trial by jury in
all suits a, law. Sec. 7 declares, that no
law shall be passed granting any divorce,
otherwise than by due judicial proceedings
Sec. prohibits excessive bail, excessive
fines, and cruel and unjust punishments.
Sections 9 and 10 contain the usual pro-
visions in reference 10 the legal rights Of
persons charged with indictable offences.
Sec. IL defines what shalt constitute the
crime Of treason against the State. Sec.
IL secures from violation against unreal
sonable searches and seizures, the persons.
houses papers and effects of the people,
Sec Ii prohibits the passage Of any bill of
attalnder or er post facto law, or any laws
impairlng The obligation of contracts; and
declares that no conviction shall work cor
ruption Of blood or forfeiture Of estate
Sec IA secures private property from being
taken for public use, without just compen-
sation therefor. Sec Is secures TO for
eighers the same rights in respect 10 the
possession, enjoyment, and descent of
property us native born citizens Sec l6
prohibits Imprisonment for debt. Sec. II
declares that no rel; gious test or opinion shall
be required as a qualification for Office, or
any public trust, or shall interfere in any
way whatever with mans public or pri.
vatc rights, or render him incompetent to
give evidence in any Court Of Justice -
Perfect religious freedom is to be forever
"allowed in this State TO all mankind y
Sec. Is declares that the military shall be
kept in st,ict subofd;nation 10 the civil
power. Sec. 10 prohibits the Legislature
from making any law respecting the esab.
lishment ofreligion. Sec. 20 declares that
writs of error shall never be prohibited by
law; and the 2lst and last section Of the
article, that no money snail ever be drawn
from the public treasury for the benefit Of
religious societies or theological or religious
seminaries.