The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1879-05-17
CONSTITUTION
OF the STATE Of LOUISIANA


God Tor oar civil political ant
religious liberty and the right 0
self-government and invoking Hi
favor and guidance, in order to e.
tablish justice; to insure tranquil
ty; to promote the general welfare
t. define, secure aud perpetnatt
liberties. rights and privileges; t.
prevent the abuse Of Official an
thority; to prevent oppression b.
'pajorities; to guard against per.
nlclous legislation; to limit ths
power of taxation; to establish q
government and distribute and de.
tine its powers, and to transmit to
our posterity the principles of Just
government, do ordain. establish
and ratify this constitution.
-, Bull OF RIGHTS.
All government of right origi-
mates with the people, is founded
on their will only, and is instituted
solely for the good Of the whole.
Government is the agency Of the
sovereign power, aud may not
rightfully exceed its prescribed
functions. Public officers are the
agents, trustees and the servants
OF the people, and ut all times
amenable to them.
We declare that Louisiana is a
free and independent State, SUBJ
Ject only to the constitution of the
United States; that the preseva
ton Of the States and the main
tenance Of their governmsnts are
necessary to an understandable
Union. and are intended to co-exist
with it; that the right of local self
government belongs to the people
Of this State, and that no amend.
lnent or change of the consultation
Of the United States impairing that
right can ever be assented to by
the people of this State or shall
ever be adopted by their repre-
senfatives in General Assembly
convened.
The people OF the State Of Lou
siana have the sole and exclusive
night of governing themselves as
rec, sovereign and independent
State, aud do. and forever hereaf-
er, shall exercise and enjoy every
power. jurisdiction and right per-
aiming thereto. which il not, ar
nay not hereafter be, by them ex
,ressly delegated to the govern;
aent If the United States. ~
We declare that the doctrine of
resistance to arbitrary power
nd oppressive is absurd, slavish |
nd destructive Of the good and
'appiness of mankind.
All men have the priceless right |
nd privilege to worship Almighty |
tod, each according to the die |
ate of his own conscience; this |
ight is absolute. and no human |
uthority should. in any case, at
ny time. control or interfere with
nch right Of Coincidence; but this
eclaration of religious liberty shall
OF be construed as permitting and
Anctioning sacrilegious license
nd blaspbemy, or ss exercising
cts Of licentiousnees, or a. justify
lg practices inconsistent with the
race or safety Of the State.
NJ inhsbitant Of this State shall
E molested in person or property,
: prohibited from holding any
nblic Office or trust, on account
hls religious opinions; hut acts
licentiousness and practices in
'nsistent with the peace and safe
of the State shall not be toler-
ed under this declaration.
No money shall ever be taken
ON The public treasury. directly Il
Indirectly, in aid Of any church,
et. or denomination Ut religion
Is. or of any sectarisn institution !;
,r shall any grants Of lands or
heI property or valuable rights
franchises be made to the same;l I
" shall the General Assembly | 1
lease from tax any property be-
nUlno IN any aush cj,ur<sh ~ns.k |