The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1861-05-24
THE RIGHTS OF FREEMEN
Citizens of Pennsylvania Read!

CItl2elS oil pennsylvania kead
| A large standing army having been called
into service, and The commencement OF long
and bloody war being, perhaps, near at hand, 1t
IS well that the people should know their rights
under, as well as their duty to, the General
| Government. Whilst we are sending forth
our troops TO fight for the Union, let Us watch
ty, without which the Union were worthless
thing, indeed, be wrested from US and tram
pied under foot by the very men 10 whom we
trust that holy birthrght of our citizenship
Keep it before the people, therefore, that the
Constitution of the United States guarantees
the following:
/. Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, prohibiting the free
exercise thereof, or abr.dg1ng the freedom of
speech, OF Of the press or the right of the peo-
pie peaceably to assemble, and TO petition the
government for a redress OF grievances
2. No soldier shall in time Of peace be quar-
tered IN any house, without the consent OF the
owner, nor in time of war, but in manner pre-
scrbed by law.
8. The right Of the people to be secure in
their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against
unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be
violated and no warrants shall issue, but upon
probable cause supported by oath or affirmation,
and particularly describing the place 10 be
searched, and the person or things TO be seiz-
ed.
4. In all criminal prosecutions, The accused
shall ENJOY the right to speedy trial by an i'm
partial jury OF the State and district wherein
the crime shah nave been committed, which dis
lrlct shall have been previously ascertained by
law and 10 be informed OF the nature and cause
OF he accusation: to be confronted with the
witnesses against him TO have compulsory pro-
cess Tor obtaining witnesses in his favor and to
have the assistance Of counsel for his defence.
The Constitution OF Pennsylvania also sets
forth in lis Bill Of Rights that,
/. All power is Inherent in The people, and
all free governments are founded on their au-
thority, and instituted for their peace, safety
and happiness for The advancement of these
ends they have, at all times, an unalienable and
indeieaslble right TO alter, reform, or abolish
their government, in such manner as they NAV
think proper.
2. The pranfing-presses shall be free TO eve
INASCh "AiO huuri SdhSS I'D tAdifltlP the DEO-
ceedings OF the Legislature, or any branch of
Government, and no taw shall euer be made 10
restrain the right thereof. The free commu-
nlcation OF thoughts and opinions is one of the
invaluable rights of man and every citizen
may freely speak, write, and print OF any sub
ject, being responsible Tor the abuse OF that Iib-
eFty. In prosecutions for the publication OF
papers investigating the official conduct Of Off
GERS, or men in public capacity, or where the
matter published is proper for public informa-
ton the truth thereof may be given IN evidence;
and IN all indictments for libes the jury shall
have right TO determine the law and the facts
under the direction of the court, as in other
cases.
+. The right OF citizens to bear arms in de-
trnce OF themselves and the state. shall not he
questioned.
8. No standing army shall, in time of peace,
be kept up without the consent of the legisa-
ture ana the military shall ut all times be tn
strict subOTdiaation to the ciUiI pO1oer