The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-12-23
The Sunday Times-Dispatchs

advance guard of infinite argosy plying between
OF the Old World and of the New.
The story Of the London Company is one of significance
and thrilling interest purely mercenary beginning,
however accompanied with other motives steady
evolution and Towering a high unseish
patriotic motive and carrying great schemes
came TO be OF the potent agencies Of modern
times in widening and establishing human liberty. It's his
tory IS therefore, the story Of long struggle larger
rights and liberty. The growth in membership, of interest
on the Of the English people OF influence both at home
and abroad slow be sure but very and substan-
taL It's membership represented all phases OF English life
Prominent in professions well in
camille and industrial life became leaders
Three different charters granted the company by the
In the enlargement of powers and increase OF lib
erty each in advance OF the other.
The first charter granted in 1906 gave small liberty to
the coonsts The affairs Of the company be
aged by of thirteen residents England and APP
pointed by the King The council in England appoint
from the settlers council in Virginia. The settlers
granted certain rights such the privilege OF holding lands
and trial by jury Five offenes and other, mas
punishable with death murder manslaughter, incest, rape
and adultery, and plea OF benefit OF clergy allowable
except Of manslaughter. The right the benefit II
clergy for this particular crime existed in America down To
the Revolution and the person pleading it punished by
being burned hand 1t also decrecd that ole
fender should be tried in the colony where he committed IA
ocns the violation OF which principle Of the
OF the American Revolution. All excesses drunkenness or
otherwise be punished also deoreed that for
five years the adventures should hold all land
ducts and from trade mines, and forth in
stock and that there should be cape
chant handle the goods and property OF the adventurer
In matters OF religion the Church OF England furnis
all the soul comforts that the colonss might require This
provision probably wise there been representa-
tves OF other phases of Christianity, strife and contention
would have been inevitable
n second charter, drafted by other than Sir Edwin
Sandys, granted in 1909 The company made intS
great corporation, composed OF six hundred fifty
Of the distinguished mobiles knights gentlemen aud
merchants OF England, and fys city companies Il
London The prerogaves OF the company the liberties
Of the oolonists somewhat enlarged Thomas Smythe
appointed treasurer and the Earl OF Southampton and
fiityone others appointed council resident in England
In this council fourteen members Of House
and thirty members Of the House OF Commons council
had the right make all regulations
form Of government for the colony.
A third charter granted in 1912 extending
naries OF Virginia and fixing weekly be BY
the council in England and four general year
company One interesting clause this charter was tho
privilege to establish lotteries for the promotion colony
All former privileges rcaffncd charter ex.
1rcssy stated that all laws be made by the COMPANY
and that in OF any question OF the Interpretation Of the
charter, the General Court should it literally in
favor OF the company. 1t the operation of ths
charter that erule obtained colonists BY the
privileges of this charter the London Company finally esta