The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-03-09
Unanimously adopted June 18th, l

Of Wv Lh-N EN-
Unanimously adopted June 18th. l776.)
l. That all men are by nature equally free and
independent, and have certain inherent rights, of
which, when they enter into state OF seeiiety,
their posterty. namely: the enjoyment OF life
and liberty, with the means of acquiring and pos
happiness aud safety
. That all power is vested in, and consequent
ly derived from, the people: that magistrates are
their trustees and servants. and at all times
anenable to them.
g. That government is, or ought to be- insti
tuted for the common benefit, pEotection, and Sc
curity of the people, nation. or community; Of
all the various modes and forms Of government,
greatest degree of happiness and safety. and
is most efectualiy secured against the danger OF
ment shall be found inadequate or contrary to
these purposes. the majority OF the community
hath an indubiiable, lnalienable and ndefeasi,
BILE right to reform, alter or abolish II, IN such
manner as shall be judged most conducive to the
public veal.
exclusive or separate emoluments or privileges
from the community, but IN consideration of pub
lie services which, not being descendlbie,
neither ought the offices of magistrate legislator,
or judge TO be hereditary.
the state should be separate and distinct from the
judiciary; and that the meRlbers of the two hrst
parcpating in the bur3Ress Of the people they
should, at fixed periods, be reduced te a private
were originally taken, aud the vsca ncies be sup
piled by frequent. cerai and regular elections,
in which all, or any part Of the former members,
| shall direct.
i. That elections OF members to serve repre-
| .entaiives of the people, in sembly, ought 20 be
| free and that all men having sufficient evidence
! of permanent common interest with; and attach
| ment to, the community, have the right of suf-
| frage, and cannot be taxed or deprived Of their
property, for public uses, without theifown con-
| semi, or that Of their representatives so elected
nor bound by any law to which they have not, in
| like manner, asseuted for the public good
| I. That all power OF srspendlng laws, or the
| tiou nf la v ANT C n
sent Of the represents Of the people, Is inJu
| rous to their rights, and ought not to be exer-
5. That In all capital or criminal prosecutions,
| man hath right to demand the cause and na
aocusers and Witnesses to call for evidence his
favor, and to speedy trial by an impartial jury
| sent he cannot be found guilty nor can he be
compelled to give evidence against himself that
law Of the land, or the judgment Of his peers
! . That excessive bail Dug hit not to be require
nor excessive tines imposed, nor cruel and I'M
| H.. Tnal 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, or
whose offence IS not particuiariy described and
| siys and ough not to be granted.
IL. That, in controversies respecting property,
and in suits between man aud man, the ancient
trial by jury is preferable to any other and ought
to be held sacred.
l.. That the freedom of the press is of the
great bulwarks Of liberty, and can never be re.
strained but by despotis governments
Is. That we'll regulated militia, composed OF
the body of the people, trained to arms, is the
proper, natural, nd safe defence Of free state
that standing armies, In time OF peace should be
avoided, rs dangerous To liberty; and that in all
cases the military should be under strict subordi-
nation to, and governed by. the evil power
IA That the people have q right TO uniform
government; aud, therefore, that no government
separate from, or independent OF, the government
Of IirStsia, ought to be erected or established
within the limits thereof.
Is That no free government or the blessing o.
liberty, can be preserved 10 any people but by
firm adherancs to justice moderate u, temperance
frugaiity, and virtue. and by frequent recurrence
To fundamental principles.
Is. TnaI religion, or the duty which we owe e
our Creator, and the manner Of discharging II
can be directed only by reason and conviction, no
by force or violence and, therefore, all men ara
equally entitled to the free exercise OF religiot
according To the dictates Of conscience; aud tina
1t Is the mutual duty of all TO practice Christian
forbs.rance, love, aud charity towards each other
1 NH e-l