Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-08-06

hcAOrH convention Oh ASSV en-
TO BE ACTED UPON BY THE PEOPLE,
On the 18th Thursday in october, 1861.
Virginia Bill of Rights.
PASSED JUNE IL, l77o1
Adopted without alteration by The Convention Of
lS29-'3O, and re- adopted with amendments
by the Convention of lS5UC>Sl.
A Declaration of Rights made By the Representa-
tires Of the good people Of Virginia, assembled
inJull and free Convention, 'ch'eh rights a.
pertain TO them and their poste'1ty as the basl
and foundation Of government
l. That all men are by nature equally free and
independent, and have certain inherent rights,
which, when they enter into state OF socley, they
cannot, by any compact, deprive or dlvest thel
pOsterily namely the enjoyment of life and liberty
with the means of acquiring and possessing prop
erty; and pursuing and obtaining happiness and
safety.
2. That all power is vested in, and consequently
derived from the people; that magistrates are lhei
trustees and servants and at all times amenable tt
them.
8. That government, is or ought to be instituted
for the common benefit, protection and security o
the people, nation or community: OF all The varl'
Gus modes and forms Of government that IS bes
which is capable of producing the greatest degree
of happiness and safety and is most eifeciually Sc
cured against the danger of administration
and that when any government shall be found IN
adequate or contrary 10 these purposes, majority
of the community hath an indubable, unallenable
ard ndefeasible right 10 reform, alter or abolish it,
in such manner as shall be judged most conductive
to the public wea'.
a. That no man, or set of men are entitled to eX-
elusive or separate emuluments or privileges from
the community, but in consideration of public ser
vices, which, not being descendible, neither ought
the offices of magistrate, Legislature or Judge to be
hereditary.
S. That the legislative, executive and judicial
powers should be separate and distinct and that
the members thereof may be restrained from OPP
preston, by feeling and participating The burthens
of the people, they should at fixed periods, be re-
duced 10 a private station, return into that body
from which they were originally taken, and the
vacancies supplied by frequent certain and regular
elections, in which all, or any part Of the former
members to be again eligible or ineligible, as the
laws shall direct
6. That all elections ought TO De free, and that
all men having sufficient evidence of permanent
common interest with, and attachment TO, The COM
munily, have the right of suffrage, and cannot be
taxed or deprived Of their property for public uses,
without their consent, or that OF their representa-
tives so elected, nor bound by any law to which
they have not, in like manner, assented, for the
public good.
7. That all power of susrendng laws, or the
execution of laws, by any authority, without con-
sent of the representatives Of the people, sinjur
GUS to their rights, and ought not 10 be exercised.
g. That in all capital or criminal prosecutions,
man hath right to demand the cause and nature
Of his accusation, 10 be confronted with The accu
sers and witnesses, 10 call for evidence in his favor,
and to speedy trial by an impartial jury oftwelve
men Of his ycinage, without whose unanimous
consent he cannot be found guilty; nor can he be
compelled 10 give evidence against himself that
no man be deprived Of his liberty, except by the
law of The land or the judgment OF his peers.
g. That excessive bail ought moi 10 be required,
nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual
punshments inflicted.
10. That general warrants, whereby an officer
or messenger may be commanded to search suspect
ed places without evidence of fact committed or
to seize any person or persons not named, whose
offence is not particularly described and supported
by evidence, are grievous and oppressive, and ought
not TO be granted.
III. That, in controversies respecting property,
and in suits between man and man, the ancient
trial by jury of twelve men preferable to any 9th
or, and ought to be held sacred.
IL. That the freedom of the press is one of the
greast bulwarks of liberty, and can never be re-
strained but by despotic governments.
Is. That well regulated militia, composed of
the body of the people, trained to arms is the prop
or, natural and safe defence Of a free state that
standing armies, in time Of peace, should be avoid
ed as dangerous to liberty and that in all cases the
military should be under strict subordination 10 and
governed by The civil power
Ia. That the people have right 10 a uniform
government and therefore, that no government
separate from, or Independent of, the government
of Virginia, ought TO be erected or established
within the limits thereof.
Is. That no free government, or the blessing of
liberty, can be preserved to any people, but by
firm adherence 10 justice, moderation, temperance,
frugaiiy and virtue, and by frequent recurrence
to fundamental principles. ~
l6. That religion, or the duty which we owe to
our Creator, and the manner OF discharging it, eau
be directed only by reason and conviction, not by
force or violence; and therefore all men are equally
entitled 10 the free exercise of religion, according to
the dictates of conscience and that it is the mutual
duty of all to practice christian forbearaDce, love
and charity towards each other