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Constitutions of the World from the late 18th Century to the Middle of the 19th Century: Part III Kentucky – Maryland 9783598440649, 9783598357534

Table of contents :
Frontmatter
Contents
Acknowledgments
Constitution of Kentucky (1792)
Constitution of Kentucky (1799)
Constitution of Kentucky (1850)
Constitution de la Louisiane (1812) / Constitution of Louisianae (1812)
Constitution de la Louisiane (1845) / Constitution of Louisianae (1845)
Constitution de la Louisiane (1852) / Constitution of Louisianae (1852)
Constitution of Maine (1819)
Declaration of Rights of Maryland (1776)
Constitution of Maryland (1776)
Failed Constitution of Maryland (1792)
Constitution of Maryland (1851)
Backmatter

Citation preview

Constitutions of the World from the late 18th Century to the Middle of the 19th Century Verfassungen der Welt vom späten 18. Jahrhundert bis Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts

Constitutions of the World from the late 18th Century to the Middle of the 19th Century Sources on the Rise of Modern Constitutionalism Editor in Chief Horst Dippel America: Volume 1

Verfassungen der Welt vom späten 18. Jahrhundert bis Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts Quellen zur Herausbildung des modernen Konstitutionalismus Herausgegeben von Horst Dippel Amerika: Band 1

K·G ·Saur 2007

Constitutional Documents of the United States of America 1776–1860 Part III: Kentucky – Maryland Edited by Horst Dippel

Verfassungsdokumente der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika 1776–1860 Teil III: Kentucky – Maryland Herausgegeben von Horst Dippel

K·G ·Saur 2007

Bibliographic information published by the Deutsche Nationalibliothek The Deutsche Nationalibliothek lists this publication in the Deutsche Nationalbibliografie; detailed bibliographic data are available in the internet at http://dnb.d-nb.de.

Bibliografische Information der Deutschen Nationalbibliothek Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek verzeichnet diese Publikation in der Deutschen Nationalbibliografie; detaillierte bibliografische Daten sind im Internet über http://dnb.d-nb.de abrufbar.

U Printed on acid-free paper / Gedruckt auf alterungsbeständigem Papier

© 2007 by K . G. Saur Verlag, München Ein Imprint der Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG Printed in Germany All Rights Strictly Reserved / Alle Rechte vorbehalten. Technical Partner / Technischer Partner: Mathias Wündisch, Leipzig Printed and Bound / Druck und Bindung: Strauss GmbH, Mörlenbach ISBN-13: 978-3-598-35753-4

Contents Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Constitution of Kentucky (1792) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Constitution of Kentucky (1799) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Constitution of Kentucky (1850) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11 27 45

Constitution de la Louisiane (1812) / Constitution of Louisiana (1812) Constitution of Louisiana (1845) / Constitution de la Louisiane (1845) Failed Amendments of 1852 / Projet d’amendements de 1852 . . Constitution of Louisiana (1852) / Constitution de la Louisiane (1852) Failed Amendment of 1860 / Projet d’amendement de 1860 . . .

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73 107 151 155 200

Constitution of Maine (1819) . . . Amendment of 1834 . . . . Amendment of 1837 . . . . Amendment of 1839 . . . . Failed Amendment of 1841 . Amendment of 1841 . . . . Amendment of 1844 . . . . First Amendment of 1847 . . Second Amendment of 1847 Failed Amendment of 1849 . Amendment of 1850 . . . . Amendment of 1855 . . . .

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203 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236

Declaration of Rights of Maryland (1776) Constitution of Maryland (1776) . . . . . First Failed Amendment of 1781 . . Second Failed Amendment of 1781 Third Failed Amendment of 1781 . Amendment of 1789 . . . . . . . . Failed Amendment of 1789 . . . . . Amendment of 1792 . . . . . . . . Failed Amendment of 1794 . . . . . Amendment of 1795 . . . . . . . . Failed Amendment of 1797 . . . . . First Amendment of 1798 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1798 . . . . Failed Amendment of 1798 . . . . . Amendment of 1799 . . . . . . . . Amendment of 1802 . . . . . . . . Failed Amendment of 1802 . . . . . Amendment of 1803 . . . . . . . .

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239 245 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 268 269 270 272 274 275 277

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C ONTENTS Amendment of 1805 . . . . . . . . Amendment of 1807 . . . . . . . . Amendment of 1809 . . . . . . . . First Amendment of 1810 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1810 . . . . Third Amendment of 1810 . . . . . Fourth Amendment of 1810 . . . . . Fifth Amendment of 1810 . . . . . Amendment of 1812 . . . . . . . . First Failed Amendment of 1812 . . Second Failed Amendment of 1812 Failed Amendment of 1816 . . . . . First Amendment of 1817 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1817 . . . . Third Amendment of 1817 . . . . . Fourth Amendment of 1817 . . . . . Fifth Amendment of 1817 . . . . . First Amendment of 1818 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1818 . . . . Third Amendment of 1818 . . . . . First Failed Amendment of 1819 . . Second Failed Amendment of 1819 First Amendment of 1821 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1821 . . . . First Amendment of 1822 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1822 . . . . Third Amendment of 1822 . . . . . Fourth Amendment of 1822 . . . . . Failed Amendment of 1822 . . . . . First Amendment of 1823 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1823 . . . . Third Amendment of 1823 . . . . . Amendment of 1824 . . . . . . . . First Failed Amendment of 1824 . . Second Failed Amendment of 1824 First Amendment of 1825 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1825 . . . . Third Amendment of 1825 . . . . . Fourth Amendment of 1825 . . . . . Failed Amendment of 1825 . . . . . Amendment of 1826 . . . . . . . . First Failed Amendment of 1826 . . Second Failed Amendment of 1826 Third Failed Amendment of 1826 . First Amendment of 1827 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1827 . . . .

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278 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 308 309 310 311 312 314 316 317 319 320 322 323 326 327 330 332 334 336 337 338

C ONTENTS Amendment of 1828 . . . . . . . . Amendment of 1829 . . . . . . . . First Failed Amendment of 1829 . . Second Failed Amendment of 1829 Amendment of 1830 . . . . . . . . First Failed Amendment of 1830 . . Second Failed Amendment of 1830 First Amendment of 1832 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1832 . . . . Third Amendment of 1832 . . . . . Fourth Amendment of 1832 . . . . . Failed Amendment of 1832 . . . . . First Amendment of 1833 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1833 . . . . Amendment of 1834 . . . . . . . . Failed Amendment of 1834 . . . . . First Amendment of 1835 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1835 . . . . First Failed Amendment of 1835 . . Second Failed Amendment of 1835 First Amendment of 1836 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1836 . . . . Third Amendment of 1836 . . . . . Fourth Amendment of 1836 . . . . . Fifth Amendment of 1836 . . . . . Failed Amendment of 1836 . . . . . First Amendment of 1837 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1837 . . . . Failed Amendment of 1838 . . . . . Amendment of 1839 . . . . . . . . First Amendment of 1841 . . . . . . Second Amendment of 1841 . . . . Failed Amendment of 1842 . . . . . Amendment of 1843 . . . . . . . . Amendment of 1844 . . . . . . . . Amendment of 1846 . . . . . . . . Failed Amendment of 1846 . . . . . Amendment of 1847 . . . . . . . . Failed Amendment of 1849 . . . . . Failed Constitution of Maryland (1792) . Constitution of Maryland (1851) . . . . .

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339 341 342 343 345 347 348 349 351 353 355 357 358 360 362 364 366 367 368 369 371 373 374 376 378 380 381 383 390 392 393 395 396 397 398 399 401 402 404 407 419

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449

7

Acknowledgments

In preparing the editions for this volume I once again enjoyed the privilege of the unfailing help and assistance of Brandon Haynes of the Administrative Office of the Courts of the State of Kentucky, not only for the constitutions of his native state but far beyond. Siva Blake at the Historic New Orleans Collection in New Orleans and John Fowler at the Louisiana State Archives at Baton Rouge, LA provided indispensable material. Further crucial support was given by other institutions, such as the Louisiana State University Libraries, the Louisiana State Library, and the New Orleans Public Library. On the other side of the country, invaluable assistance came from the Maine State Archives and the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, both in Augusta, ME. From the earliest days of this whole editorial project’s humble be-

ginnings Ed Papenfuse of the Maryland State Archives has been a constant friend and adviser in matters print and digital. Together with Dan Friedman and Emily Oland Squires he was always gladly willing to help with Maryland’s constitutions and its excessively long list of amendments. To all of them, and to the numerous additional helping hands and minds within and outside the respective states I want to extend my most sincere thanks. Any mistakes and errors I may have made remain within my exclusive responsibility. Horst Dippel Note on electronic sources: all documents located on the Internet, which were used in the process of editing this volume, were accessed during September 2006.

9

Constitution of Kentucky (1792) A Constitution or Form of Government for the State of Kentucky1

W E THE R EPRESENTATIVES of the people of the State of Kentucky in Convention assembled do ordain and establish this Constitution for its Government.

ARTICLE I S ECT. 1. The powers of Government shall be divided into three distinct departments, each of them to be confided to a separate body of magistracy, to-wit; those which are legislative to one, those which are executive to another and those which are Judiciary to another. S ECT. 2. No person or collection of persons being of one of these departments shall exercise any power properly belonging to either of the others except in the instances herein after expressly permitted. S ECT. 3. The legislative power of this Commonwealth shall be vested in a General Assembly which shall consist of a Senate and house of Representatives. S ECT. 4. The representatives shall be chosen annually, by the qualified electors of each County respectively on the first tuesday in May; but the several elections may be continued for three days, if, in the opinion of the presiding officer or officers, it shall be necessary and no longer. S ECT. 5. No Person shall be a representative who shall not have attained the age

of Twenty four years, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of the state two years next preceeding his election and the last six months thereof an inhabitant of the County in which he may be chosen; unless he shall have been absent on the public business of the United State or of this State. S ECT. 6. Within two years after the first meeting of the General Assembly and within every subsequent term of four years an enumeration of the free male inhabitants above twentyone years of age shall be made in such manner as may be directed by law. The number of representatives shall at the several periods of making such enumeration be fixed by the legislature, and apportioned among the several counties according to the number of free male inhabitants above the age of twentyone years in each, and shall never be less than forty nor greater than One hundred; But no county hereafter erected shall be entitled to a separate representation2 untill a sufficient number of free male inhabitants above the age of Twentyone years shall be contained within it, to entitle them to one representative agreeable to the ratio which shall then be established. S ECT. 7. The Senators shall be chosen for four years. S ECT. 8. Untill the first enumeration be made the senate shall consist of eleven members and thereafter for every four members added to the house of representatives one member shall be added to the senate.

11

K ENTUCKY S ECT. 9. In chusing the Senate, one member at least shall be elected from each county, untill the number of counties is equal to the number of senators, after which, when a new county is made it shall as to the choice of Senators, be considered as being a part of the county or counties from which it shall have been taken. S ECT. 10. The senate shall be chosen in the following manner. All persons qualified to vote for representatives shall on the first tuesday in May in the present year and on the same day in every fourth year forever thereafter, at the place appointed by law for chusing representatives, elect by bollot [sic!], by a majority of votes as many persons as they are entitled to have for representatives for their respective counties, to be electors of the Senate. S ECT. 11. No person shall be chosen an elector who shall not have resided in the state three years next before his election and who shall not have attained the age of twentyseven years. S ECT. 12. The Electors of the Senate shall meet at such place as shall be appointed for convening the legislature; on the third tuesday in May in the present year and on the same day in every fourth year forever3 thereafter, and they or a majority of them so met shall proceed to elect by ballot as senators men of the most wisdom, experience and virtue above twentyseven years of age who shall have been residents of the state above two whole years next preceding the election. If on the ballot two or more persons shall have an equal number of ballots in their favour, by which the choice shall not be determined by the first ballot, then the Electors shall again ballot before they separate, in which they shall be confined to the persons, who on the first ballot shall have had4 an equal number, and they who shall have the greatest number

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in their favour on the5 second ballot, shall be accordingly declared and returned duly elected, and if on the second ballot an equal number shall still be in favour of two or more persons, then the election shall be determined by lott, between those who have equal numbers; which proceedings of the electors shall be certified under their hands, and returned to the Secretary for the time being; to whom shall also be made by the proper Officers, returns of the persons chosen as electors in the respective counties. S ECT. 13. The electors of senators shall Judge of the qualifications and elections of members of their own6 body, and on a contested election shall admit to a seat as an elector such qualified person as shall appear to them to have the greatest number of legal votes in his favour. S ECT. 14. The electors immediately on their meeting and before they proceed to the election of senators shall take an Oath or make affirmation of fidelity to this state and also an oath or7 affirmation to elect without favour, affection, partiality or prejudice such person for Governor and such persons for senators as they in their Judgment and conscience believe best qualified for the respective Offices. S ECT. 15. That in case of refusal, death, resignation, disqualification or removal out of this state of any senator, the senate shall immediately thereupon or at their next meeting thereafter elect by ballot in the same manner as the electors are herein directed to chuse senators another Person in his place for the residue of the said term of four years. S ECT. 16. The General Assembly shall meet on the first monday in November in every year, ’till the time of their meeting shall be altered by the legislature unless sooner convened by the Governor.

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1792) S ECT. 17. Each house shall chuse its speaker and other Officers and the senate shall also chuse a speaker pro tempore when their speaker shall exercise the office of Governor. S ECT. 18. Each house shall Judge of the qualifications of its members; contested elections shall be determined by a committee to be selected formed and regulated in such manner as shall be directed by law. A majority of each house shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and may be authorized by law to compell the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as may be provided. S ECT. 19. Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behaviour and with the concurrence of two thirds expell a member; but not a second time for the same cause. S ECT. 20. Each house shall keep a Journal of its proceedings and publish them weekly, except such parts of them as may require secrecy and the Yea’s and Nay’s of the members on any question shall at the desire of any two of them be entered on the Journals. S ECT. 21. The doors of each house and of committee’s of the whole shall be open unless when the business shall be such as ought to be kept secret. S ECT. 22. Neither house shall without the consent of the other adjourn for more than three days; nor to any other place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting. S ECT. 23. The members of the general assembly and the electors of the senate shall receive from the public Treasury a compensation for their services which for the present shall be six shillings a day during

their attendance on, going to and returning from the legislature and the place for chusing the Senators; but the same may be encreased or diminished by Law, if circumstances shall require it, but no alteration shall be made to take effect during the existence of the legislature which shall make such alteration: They shall in all cases except, treason, felony breach or surety of the Peace be privileged from arrest, during their attendance at the session of the respective houses and at the place for chusing senators and in going to and returning from the same; And for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be questioned in any other place. S ECT. 24. No senator or representative shall during the time for which he shall have been elected or for one year afterwards be appointed to any civil office under this state, which shall have been created or the emoluments of which shall have been increased during the time such senator or representative was in office; Provided that no member of the first legislature which shall be assembled under this constitution shall be precluded from being appointed to any office which may have been created during his time of service in the said legislature; And no minister of religious societies, member of congress or other person holding any office of profit under the United States or this commonwealth except Attornies at law, Justices of the Peace, Militia Officers and Coroners, shall be a member of either house, during his continuance to act, as a minister, in congress or in office. S ECT. 25. When vacancies happen in the house of representatives the Speaker shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies. S ECT. 26. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the house of representatives but the senate may propose amendments as in other bills.

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K ENTUCKY S ECT. 27. Each Senator, representative and Sheriff shall before he be permitted to act as such take an oath or make affirmation that he hath not directly or indirectly given or promised any bribe or treat to procure his election to the said Office; and every person shall be disqualified from serving as a senator, representative or sheriff for the term for which he shall have been elected who shall be convicted of having given or offered any bribe or treat or canvassed for the said office. S ECT. 28. Every bill which shall have passed both houses shall be presented to the Governor, if he approve he shall sign it; but if he shall not approve he shall return it with his objections to the house in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large upon their Journals and proceed to reconsider it if after such reconsideration, two thirds of that house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent with the objections to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered8 and if approved by two thirds of that house it shall be a law but in such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by yea’s and nay’s and the names of the persons voting for or against the bill shall be entered on the Journals9 of each house respectively; if any bill shall not be returned by the Governor within ten days, (sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, it shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it; unless the general Assembly by their adjournment prevent its return in which case it shall be a law unless sent back within three days after their next meeting. S ECT. 29. Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of both houses may be necessary, except on a question of adjournment shall be presented to the Governor, and before it shall take effect be approved by him or being disapproved shall be repassed by two thirds of

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both houses according to the rules and limitations prescribed in case of a bill.

ARTICLE II S ECT. 1. The supreme executive power of this commonwealth shall be vested in a Governor. S ECT. 2. The Governor shall be chosen by the electors of the Senate at the same time, at the same place, and in the same manner that they are herein directed10 to elect senators, and the said electors shall make return of their proceedings in the choice of a Governor to the secretary for the time being. S ECT. 3. The Governor shall hold his office during four years from the first day of June next ensuing his election. S ECT. 4. He shall be at least thirty years of age, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of this state at least two years next before his election unless he shall have been absent on the public business of the United States or of this state. S ECT. 5. No member of congress or person holding any office under the United States or this state shall exercise the office of Governor. S ECT. 6. The Governor shall at stated times receive for his services, a compensation which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected. S ECT. 7. He shall be commander in chief of the army and navy of this commonwealth, and of the militia except when they shall be called into the service of the United States. S ECT. 8. He shall nominate and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1792) appoint all officers whose offices are established by {this constitution, or shall be established by law:}11 and whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for; but no person shall be appointed to an office within any county, who shall not have been a citizen and inhabitant therein one year next before his appointment, if the County shall have been so long erected, but if it shall not have been so long erected, then within the limits of the County or Counties out of which it shall have been taken. S ECT. 9. The Governor shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session. S ECT. 10. He shall have power to remit fines and forfeitures, and grant reprieves and pardons except in cases of impeachment in cases of Treason he shall have power to grant reprieves untill the end of the next session of the general assembly in whom the power of pardoning shall be vested. S ECT. 11. He may require information in writing from the officers in the executive department upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices. S ECT. 12. He shall from time to time give to the general assembly information of the state of the commonwealth, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall Judge expedient. S ECT. 13. He may on extraordinary occasions convene the general assembly and in case of disagreement between the two houses with respect to the time of adjournment, adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper not exceeding four months. S ECT. 14. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

S ECT. 15. In case of the death or resignation of the Governor, or of his removal from office, the speaker of the senate shall exercise the office of Governor untill another shall be duly qualified. S ECT. 16. An Attorney General shall be appointed and commissioned during good behaviour, he12 shall appear for the commonwealth in all criminal prosecutions and in all civil cases in which the commonwealth shall be interested in any of the Superior courts, shall give his opinion when called upon for that purpose by either branch of the legislature or by the executive and shall perform such other duties as shall be enjoined him by law. S ECT. 17. A secretary shall be appointed and commissioned during the Governors continuance in office if he shall so long behave himself well, he shall keep a fair register of and attest all the official acts & proceedings of the Governor and shall when required lay the same and all papers, minutes and vouchers relative thereto before either branch of the legislature and shall perform such other duties as shall be enjoined him by13 law.

ARTICLE III S ECT. 1. In elections by the citizens, all free male Citizens of the age of twentyone years, having resided in the State two years or the County in which they offer to vote one year next before the election shall enjoy the rights of an elector, but no person shall be intitled to vote except in the County in which he shall actually reside at the time of the election. S ECT. 2. All elections shall be by ballot. S ECT. 3. Electors shall in all cases except treason, felony and breach or14 surety of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their

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K ENTUCKY attendance at elections and in going to and returning from them.

ARTICLE IV S ECT. 1. The house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeaching. S ECT. 2. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate; when setting for that purpose the Senators shall be upon oath or affirmation: No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of the members present. S ECT. 3. The Governor and all other civil officers shall be liable to impeachment for any misdeamenor [sic!] in office; but Judgment in such cases shall not extend further than to removal from office and disqualification to hold any office of honor, trust or profit under this commonwealth; but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject, to indictment, trial and punishment15 according to law.

ARTICLE V S ECT. 1. The Judicial power of this commonwealth both as to matters of law and equity shall be vested in one supreme court which shall be stiled the court of Appeals and in such inferior courts as the legislature may from time to time ordain and establish. S ECT. 2. The Judges both of the supreme and inferior courts shall hold their Offices during good behaviour; but for any reasonable cause which shall not be sufficient ground of impeachment, the Governor may remove any of them on the address of two thirds of each branch of the legislature. They shall at stated times receive for their services an adequate compensation to be fixed by law which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.

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S ECT. 3. The supreme court shall have original and final Jurisdiction in all cases respecting the titles to land under the present land laws of Virginia including those which may be depending in the present supreme court for the District of Kentucky at the time of establishing the16 said supreme Court and in all cases concerning contracts for17 land prior to the establishing of those titles. And the said court shall have power to hear and determine the same in a summary way and to direct the mode of bringing the same to a hearing so as to enable them to do right and justice to the parties with as little delay and at as small an expence as the nature of the business will allow; but the said Court shall in all such cases oblige the parties to state the material parts of their complaint and defence in writing: and shall on the conclusion of every cause state on the records the whole merits of the case, the questions arising therefrom, the opinions of the Court thereupon, and a summary of the reasons in support of those opinions. S ECT. 4. And it shall be the duty of each Judge of the supreme Court present at the hearing of any18 such cause, and differing from a majority of the court to deliver his opinion in writing to be entered as aforesaid; and each Judge shall deliver his opinion in open Court. And the said court shall have power on the determination of any such case to award the legal costs against either party or to divide the same among the different parties as to them shall seem Just & right. And the said Court shall have full power to take such steps as they may Judge proper to perpetuate testimony in all cases concerning such Titles. Provided that a Jury shall always be impannelled for the finding of such facts as19 are not agreed by the Parties; unless the parties or their attornies shall waive20 their right of trial by Jury and refer the matter of fact to the decision of the Court. Provided also that the

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1792) legislature may whenever they may Judge it expedient pass an act or acts to regulate the mode of proceedings in21 such cases or to take away entirely the original Jurisdiction hereby given to the said Court in such cases. S ECT. 5. In all other cases the supreme court shall have appellate Jurisdiction only, with such exceptions and under such regulations as the legislature shall make; and the legislature may from time to time vest in the supreme and inferior courts or either of them such powers both in law and equity as they shall Judge proper and necessary for the due administration of Justice. S ECT. 6. A competent number of Justices of the peace shall be appointed in each County, they shall be commissioned during good behaviour but may be removed on conviction of misbehaviour in office or of any infamous crime, or on the address of both houses of the legislature. S ECT. 7. The Judges shall by virtue of their office be conservators of the peace throughout the state. The style of all process shall be “The Commonwealth of Kentucky” all prosecutions shall be carried on in the name & by the authority of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and conclude against the peace and dignity of the same.

ARTICLE VI S ECT. 1. Sheriffs, and Coroners, shall at the times and places of elections of representatives be chosen by the citizens of each county, qualified to vote for representatives. They shall hold their offices for three years, if they shall so long behave themselves well, and untill a successor be duly qualified; but no person shall be twice chosen or appointed Sheriff in any term of six years. Vacancies in either of the said offices

shall be filled by a new appointment to be made by the Governor, to continue untill the next general election and untill a successor shall be chosen & qualified as aforesaid. S ECT. 2. The freemen of this commonwealth shall be armed and disciplined for its defence. Those who conscientiously scruple to bear arms shall not be compelled to do so; but shall pay an equivalent for personal service. S ECT. 3. The field and staff officers of the militia shall be appointed by the Governor, except the battalion staff officers who shall be appointed by the field officers of each battalion respectively. S ECT. 4. The officers of companies shall be chosen by the persons enrolled in the list of each company and the whole shall be commissioned during good behaviour and during their residence in the bounds of the battalion or company to which they shall be appointed. S ECT. 5. Each Court shall appoint its own clerk who shall hold his office during good behaviour; but no person shall be appointed Clerk only pro tempore, who shall not produce to the court appointing him a certificate from a majority of the Judges of the Court of Appeals, that he hath been examined by their clerk in their presence, and under their direction and that they Judge him to be well qualified to execute the office of Clerk to any court of the same dignity with that for which he offers himself. They shall be removable for breach of good behaviour by the court of appeals only who shall be Judges of the fact as well as of the law. Two thirds of the members present must concur in the sentence. S ECT. 6. All commissions shall be in the name and by the authority of the state of Kentucky & be sealed with the state seal and signed by the Governor.

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K ENTUCKY S ECT. 7. The state Treasurer shall be appointed annually by the Joint ballot of both houses.

ARTICLE VII

of the receipts & expenditures of all public money shall be published annually. S ECT. 4. The legislature shall direct by law in what manner and in23 what Courts, suits may be brought against the Commonwealth.

S ECT. 1. Members of the general assembly and all officers, executive and judicial, before they enter upon the execution of their respective offices, shall take the following oath or affirmation “I do solemnly swear (or affirm as the case may be) that I will be faithful and true to the commonwealth of Kentucky so long as I continue a citizen thereof and that I will faithfully execute to the best of my abilities the office of –––– according to law.[”]

S ECT. 5. The manner of administering an oath or affirmation shall be such as is most consistent with the conscience of the deponant, and shall be esteemed by the legislature the most solemn appeal to god.

ARTICLE VIII

S ECT. 7. The compact with the state of Virginia, subject to such alterations as may be made therein agreeably24 to the mode prescribed by the said compact, shall be considered as a part of this constitution.25

S ECT. 1. Treason against the Commonwealth shall consist only in levying war against it; or in adhering to its enemies giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the Testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on his own confession in open Court. S ECT. 2. Laws shall be made to exclude from office and from suffrage those who shall thereafter be convicted of bribery, perjury, forgery, or other high crimes or misdimenors [sic!]. The Privilege of free suffrage shall be supported by laws regulating elections and prohibiting under adequate penalties all undue influence thereon from power, bribery, tumult or other improper practices.22 S ECT. 3. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law; nor shall any appropriations of money for the support of an army, be made for a longer term than one year and a regular statement and account

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S ECT. 6. All laws now in force in the state of Virginia, not inconsistent with this constitution, which are of a general nature and not local to the eastern part of that state, shall be in force in this State untill they shall be altered or repealed by the legislature.

ARTICLE IX S ECT. 1.26 The legislature shall have no power to pass laws for the emancipation of slaves without the consent of their owners, or without paying their owners previous to such emancipation a full equivalent in money for the slaves so emancipated. They shall have no power to prevent emigrants to this state, from bringing with them such persons as are deemed slaves by the laws of any one of the United States, so long as any person of the same age or description shall be continued in Slavery by the laws of this state. That they shall pass laws to permit the owners of slaves to emancipate them, saving the rights of creditors and preventing them from becoming a charge to the County in which they reside. They shall have full power to prevent slaves being brought into

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1792) this state as merchandize. They shall have full power to prevent any slaves27 being brought into this state from a foreign country & to prevent those from being brought into this state, who have been since the first day of January One thousand, seven hundred and eightynine, or may hereafter be imported into any of the United States from a foreign country. And they shall have full power to pass such laws as may be necessary to oblige the owners of slaves to treat them with humanity to provide for them necessary cloathing and provision28 , to abstain from all injuries to them extending to life or limb, and in case of their neglect or refusal to comply with the directions of such laws, to have such slave or slaves sold for the benefit of their owner or owners.

ARTICLE X S ECT. 1. The place for the seat of Government shall be fixed in the following manner. The house of representatives shall during their Session29 which shall be held in the year One thousand seven hundred and ninetytwo, chuse by ballot twentyone persons, from whom the representation from Mercer and Fayette counties then present shall alternately strike out one, until the number shall be reduced to five, who or any three of them concurring in opinion shall have power to fix on the place for the seat of government, to receive grants from individuals therefor; and to make such conditions with the proprietor or proprietors of the land so pitched on by them, as to them shall seem right and shall be agreed to by the said proprietor or proprietors; and lay off a town thereon, in such manner as they shall Judge most proper. S ECT. 2. The General Assembly and the supreme Courts shall within five years hold their Sessions at the place so pitched upon

by the said Commissioners; and the seat of government so fixed shall continue untill it shall be changed by two thirds of both branches of the legislature. The commissioners, before they proceed to act shall take an oath or make affirmation that they will discharge the trust reposed in them in such manner, as in their Judgment, will be most beneficial to the state at large.

ARTICLE XI S ECT. 1. That the citizens of this state may have an opportunity to amend or change this constitution in a peaceable30 manner if to them it shall seem expedient, the persons qualified to vote for representatives shall, at the general election to be held in the year, one thousand seven hundred and ninetyseven, vote also by ballot for or against a convention, as they shall severally chuse to do and if thereupon it shall appear that a majority of all the citizens in the state voting for representatives, have voted for a convention, the General Assembly shall direct that a similar ballot shall be taken the next year, and if thereupon, it shall also appear that a majority of all the citizens of the state voting for representatives have voted for a convention, the General Assembly shall at their next session, call a convention to consist of as many members as there31 shall be in the house of representatives to be chosen in the same manner, at the same places and at the same time that representatives are, by the citizens entitled to vote for representatives and to meet within three months after the said election for the purpose of readopting, amending or changing this constitution. If it shall appear upon the ballot of either year that a majority of the citizens voting for representatives is not in favour of a Convention being called, it shall not be done untill two

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K ENTUCKY thirds of both branches of the legislature shall deem it expedient.

S ECT. 6. That trial by Jury shall be as heretofore and the right thereof remain inviolate.

ARTICLE XII

S ECT. 7. That printing presses shall be free to every person who undertakes to examine the proceedings of the legislature or any branch of Government; and no law shall ever be made to restrain the right thereof. The free communication of thoughts and opinions is one of the invaluable rights of man and every citizen may freely speak, write and print on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty.

That the general, great and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established32 ; WE DECLARE, S ECT. 1. That all men when they form a social compact are equal and that no man or set of men, are entitled to exclusive separate33 public emoluments or privileges from the community, but in consideration of public Services. S ECT. 2. That all power is inherent in the people and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety & happiness. For the advancement of these ends, they have at all times an unalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper. S ECT. 3. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship almighty god according to the dictates of their own consciences; that no man can of right be compelled to attend, erect or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry against his consent, that no human authority can in any case whatever control or interfere with the rights of conscience, and that no preference shall ever be given by law to any religious societies or modes of worship. S ECT. 4. That the civil rights, privileges or capacities of any citizen shall in no wise be diminished or enlarged on account of his religion. S ECT. 5. That all elections shall be free and equal.

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S ECT. 8. In prosecutions for the publication of papers, investigating the official conduct of officers or men in a34 public capacity or where the matter published is proper for public information, the truth thereof may be given in evidence. And in all indictments for libels, the Jury shall have a right to determine the law and the facts, under the direction of the Court as in other cases. S ECT. 9. That the people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers & possessions, from unreasonable seizures and searches. And that no warrant to search any place or to seize any person or things, shall issue without discribing them as nearly as may be, nor without probable cause supported by oath or affirmation. S ECT. 10. That in all criminal prosecutions, the accused hath a right to be heard by himself and his counsel: to demand the nature & cause of the accusation against him, to meet the witnesses face to face, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favour: And in prosecutions by indictment or information, a speedy public trial by an impartial Jury of the vicinage; that he cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself, nor can he be deprived of his life, liberty, or property unless by the Judgment of his peers or the law of the land.

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1792) S ECT. 11. That no person shall for any indictable offence be proceeded against criminally by information; except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service, in time of war or public danger, or by leave of the Court for oppression or misdemenor [sic!] in Office.

S ECT. 19. That no person shall be attainted of treason or felony by the legislature.

S ECT. 12. No person shall for the same offence be twice put in Jeopardy of his life or limb, nor shall any man’s property be taken or applied to public use without the consent of his representatives and without Just compensation being previously made to him.

S ECT. 21. That36 estates of such persons37 as shall destroy their own lives shall descend or vest as in case of natural death & if any person shall be killed by casualty, there shall be no forfeiture by reason thereof.

S ECT. 13. That all Courts shall be open and every person for an injury done him, in his lands, goods, person or reputation shall have remedy by the due course of law; and right and Justice administered without sale, denial or delay. S ECT. 14. That no power of suspending laws shall be exercised, unless by the legislature or its authority. S ECT. 15. That excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed nor cruel punishments35 inflicted. S ECT. 16. That all prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, when the proof is evident or presumption great and the privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus, shall not be suspended unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. S ECT. 17. That the person of a debtor where there is not strong presumption of fraud, shall not be continued in prison after delivering up his estate for the benefit of his creditors in such manner as shall be prescribed by law. S ECT. 18. That no ex post facto law, nor any law impairing contracts shall be made.

S ECT. 20. That no attainder shall work corruption of blood, nor except during the life of the offender, forfeiture of estate to the commonwealth.

S ECT. 22. That the citizens have a right in a peaceable manner to assemble together for their common good and to apply to those invested with the powers of government for redress of grievances or other proper purposes by petition, address or remonstrance. S ECT. 23. That38 the rights of the citizens to bear arms in defence of themselves and the state shall not be questioned. S ECT. 24. That no standing army shall in time of peace be kept up without the consent of the legislature, and the military shall in all cases & at all times be in strict subordination to the civil power. S ECT. 25. That no soldier shall in time of peace be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war but in a manner to be prescribed by law. S ECT. 26. That the legislature shall not grant any title of nobility or hereditary distinction, nor create any office the appointment to39 which shall be for a longer term40 than during good behaviour. S ECT. 27. That emigration from the state shall not be prohibited. S ECT. 28. To guard against transgressions of the high powers which we have delegated, WE DECLARE that everything

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K ENTUCKY in this article is excepted out of the general powers of government, and shall forever remain inviolate; and that all laws contrary thereto or contrary to this constitution shall be void.

SCHEDULE That no inconvenience may arise from the establishing the Government of this state, and in order to carry the same into complete operation, It is hereby declared and ordained, S ECT. 1. That all rights, actions, prosecutions, claims & contracts as well of individuals as of bodies corporate, shall continue as if the said government had not been established. S ECT. 2. That all officers civil and military now in commission under the state of Virginia, shall continue to hold and exercise their Offices untill the tenth day of August next and no longer. S ECT. 3. That untill the first enumeration shall be made as directed by the sixth section of the first article of this constitution the County of Jefferson shall be entitled to elect three representatives; the County of Lincoln four representatives; the Country of Fayette nine representatives; the County of Nelson six representatives; the County of Mercer four representatives; the County of Madison three representatives; the County of Bourbon five representatives; the County of Woodford four representatives and the County of Mason two representatives. S ECT. 4. The General Assembly shall meet at Lexington on the fourth day of June next. S ECT. 5. All returns herein directed to be made to the Secretary shall previous41 to

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his appointment be made to the Clerk of the Supreme Court for the District of Kentucky. S ECT. 6. Untill a Seal shall be procured42 for the State, the Governor shall be at43 liberty to use his private Seal. S ECT. 7. The oaths of office herein directed to be taken may be administered by any Justice of the peace untill the legislature shall otherwise direct. S ECT. 8. All bonds given by any officer within the District of Kentucky payable to the Governor of Virginia may be prosecuted in the name of the Governor of Kentucky. S ECT. 9. All offences against the laws of Virginia which have been committed within the present District of Kentucky or which may be committed within the same before the first day of June next shall be cognizable in the Courts of this state in the same manner that they would be if they were committed within this state after the said first day of June. S ECT. 10. At the elections44 herein directed to be held in May next, the Sheriff of each county or in case of his absence one of his deputies shall preside and if they neglect or refuse to act, the said elections45 shall be held by any one of the Justices of the peace for the County where such refusal or neglect shall happen; each officer holding such election having first taken an oath before a Justice of the peace to conduct the said election with impartiality, shall have power to administer to any person offering to vote at such election the following oath or affirmation “I do swear (or affirm) that I am qualified to vote for representatives in the county of –––– agreeably to the constitution formed for the state of Kentucky,” and such officer shall have a right to refuse to receive the vote of any person who shall refuse to take the said oath or make affirmation when tendered to him. And the said

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1792) elections shall be held at the several places appointed for holding Courts in the different Counties. S ECT. 11. The Government of The Commonwealth of Kentucky shall commence on the first day of June next. Done in Convention at Danville the Nineteenth46 day of April One Thousand, seven hundred & ninetytwo and of the Independence of the United States of America the Sixteenth. By order of the Convention,47 SAMUEL McDOWELL, P[resident of the] C[onvention]. Attest. THOMAS TODD, Cl[er]k [of the] Con[vention].48

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Verified by A Constitution or Form of Government for the State of Kentucky, Lexington: Printed by John Bradford, M.DCC.XCII [1792], 32 p., and corrected according to the handwritten original, located in the Historical Society of Kentucky, Frankfort KY. The Convention Journal was never published in its time, but only 150 years later. It contains the text as of April 18 with several minor deviations, and its paragraphing still not completely in correspondence with the sections as finally adopted on April 19: Journal of the First Constitutional Convention of Kentucky, Held in Danville, Kentucky, April 2 to 19, 1792, published in Commemoration of Kentucky’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary, June 1, 1942, by the State Bar Association of Kentucky, Lexington KY 1942, 11–22. Additionally checked against the versions as published in Text of Kentucky Constitutions of 1792, 1799 and 1850. Informational Bulletin No. 41, Legislative Research Commission, Frankfort, Kentucky, June, 1965, 1–11; Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, Annotated Certified Version. Containing Statute Laws of the Commonwealth of a General and Permanent Nature in Effect through the 2001 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Certified and Published under the Authority and Supervision of the Legislative Research Commission, I, Charlottesville, VA: LexisNexis, 2002, 777–788; and Constitution of Kentucky of 1792 (Baldwin’s Kentucky Revised Statutes Annotated Currentness, WESTLAW through 2005 regular

session). Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the handwritten original. Italics are used when emphasis is given in the manuscript or non-English legal terms are used. Parentheses are used as in the original manuscript. The constitution went into effect with Kentucky’s statehood on 1 June 1792 as the fifteenth state of the United States. It was replaced in 1799 by the second constitution of Kentucky (q.v.). 2 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 11, “representative”. 3 Ibid., 12, word missing. 4 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 2, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 778, and in WESTLAW edition, 2, word missing. 5 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 2, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 778, and in WESTLAW edition, 2, “a”. 6 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 12, word missing. 7 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 2, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 778, “of”. 8 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 13, “by which likewise it shall be reconsidered”. 9 Ibid., “journal”. 10 In Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 780, “here indirected”. 11 In the original manuscript in square brackets. 12 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 15, “who”. 13 In the original manuscript word missing. 14 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 5, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 781, and in WESTLAW edition, 5, “of”. 15 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 15, “indictment trial judgment and punishment”. 16 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 5, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 781, and in WESTLAW edition, 5, “of the”. 17 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 5, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 781, “of”. 18 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 5, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 782, and in WESTLAW edition, 5, word missing. 19 In the original manuscript word missing. 20 In Bradford print, 18, “wave”. 21 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 16, “on”. 22 In Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 783, section printed twice. 23 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 17, word missing. 24 Ibid., 18, “agreeable”. 25 This refers to the Fourth Enabling Act of Virginia (“An Act Concerning the Erection of the District of

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K ENTUCKY Kentuckey into an Independent State”), December 18, 1789: S ECT. 1. WHEREAS it is represented to this present General Assembly, that the act of last session intitled “An act concerning the erection of the district of Kentuckey into an independent state,” which contains terms materially different from those of the act of October session, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five, are found incompatible with the real views of this Commonwealth, as well as injurious to the good people of the said district: Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That in the month of May next, on the respective court days of the counties within the said district, and at the respective places of holding courts therein, Representatives to continue in appointment for one year, and to compose a convention with the powers, and for the purposes herein after mentioned, shall be elected by the free male inhabitants of each county above the age of twenty-one years, in like manner as delegates to the General Assembly have been elected within said district in the proportions following: In the county of Jefferson shall be elected five representatives; in the county of Nelson five representatives; in the county of Mercer five representatives; in the county of Lincoln five representatives; in the county of Madison five representatives; in the county of Fayette five representatives; in the county of Woodford five representatives; in the county of Bourbon five representatives, and in the county of Mason, five representatives: Provided, that no free male inhabitant above the age of twentyone years shall vote in any other county except that in which he resides, and that no person shall be capable of being elected unless he has been a resident within the said district at least one year. S ECT. 2. That full opportunity may be given to the good people of exercising their right of suffrage on an occasion so interesting to them, each of the officers holding such elections, shall continue the same from day to day, passing over Sunday, for five days, including the first day, and shall cause this act to be read on each day immediately preceding the opening of the election, at the door of the court-house or other convenient place; each of the said officers shall deliver to each person duly elected a representative, a certificate of his election, and shall transmit a general return to the clerk of the supreme court, to be by him laid before the convention. S ECT. 3. For every neglect of any of the duties hereby enjoined on such officer, he shall forfeit one hundred pounds, to be recovered by action of debt by any person suing for the same. S ECT. 4. The said convention shall be held at Danville on the twenty-sixth day of July next, and shall and may proceed, after choosing a president and other proper officers, and settling the proper rules of proceeding, to consider and determine whether it be ex-

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pedient for, and the will of the good people of the said district that the same be erected into an independent state, on the terms and conditions following: S ECT. 5. First, that the boundary between the proposed state and Virginia, shall remain the same as at present separates the district from the residue of this Commonwealth. S ECT. 6. Second, that the proposed state shall take upon itself a just proportion of the debt of the United States, and the payment of all the certificates granted on account of the several expeditions carried on from the Kentuckey district against the Indians, since the first day of January one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five. S ECT. 7. Third, that all private rights and interests of lands within the said district, derived from the laws of Virginia prior to such separation, shall remain valid and secure under the laws of the proposed state, and shall be determined by the laws now existing in this state. S ECT. 8. Fourth, that the lands within the proposed state of non resident proprietors, shall not in any case be taxed higher than the lands of residents, at any time prior to the admission of the proposed state to a vote by its delegates in Congress, where such non residents reside out of the United States; nor at any time either before or after such admission, where such non residents reside within this Commonwealth, within which this stipulation shall be reciprocal; or where such non residents reside within any other of the United States, which shall declare the same to be reciprocal within its limits; nor shall a neglect of cultivation or improvement of any land within either the proposed state or this Commonwealth, belonging to non residents, citizens of the other, subject such non residents to forfeiture or other penalty within the term of six years, after the admission of the said state into the Fœderal Union. S ECT. 9. Fifth, that no grant of land or land warrant to be issued by the proposed state, shall interfere with any warrant heretofore issued from the land office of Virginia, which shall be located on land within said district now liable thereto, on or before the first day of September one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one. S ECT. 10. Sixth, that the unlocated lands within the said district, which stand appropriated to individuals or description of individuals, by the laws of this Commonwealth, for military or other services, shall be exempt from the disposition of the proposed state, and shall remain subject to be disposed of by the Commonwealth of Virginia, according to such appropriation, until the first day of May one thousand seven hundred and ninety two and no longer: thereafter the residue of all lands remaining within the limits of the said district, shall be subject to the disposition of the proposed state. S ECT. 11. Seventh, that the use and navigation of the river Ohio, so far as the territory of the proposed

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1792) state, or the territory which shall remain within the limits of this Commonwealth lies thereon, shall be free and common to the citizens of the United States, and the respective jurisdictions of this Commonwealth and of the proposed state on the river as aforesaid, shall be concurrent only with the states which may possess the opposite shores of the said river. S ECT. 12. Eighth, that in case any complaint or dispute, shall at any time arise between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the said district, after it shall be an independent state, concerning the meaning or execution of the foregoing articles, the same shall be determined by six commissioners, of whom two shall be chosen by each of the parties, and the remainder by the commissioners so first appointed. S ECT. 13. Provided however, That five members assembled, shall be a sufficient number to adjourn from day to day, and to issue writs for supplying vacancies which may happen from deaths, resignations or refusals to act; a majority of the whole shall be a sufficient number to chuse a President, settle the proper rules of proceeding, authorise any number to summon a convention during a recess, and to act in all other instances where a greater number is not expressly required. Two thirds of the whole shall be a sufficient number to determine on the expediency of forming the said district into an independent state on the aforesaid terms and conditions, Provided that a majority of the whole number to be elected concur therein. S ECT. 14. And be it further enacted, That if the said convention shall approve of the erection of the said district into an independent state on the foregoing terms and conditions, they shall and may proceed to fix a day posterior to the first day of November, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, on which the authority of this Commonwealth, and of its laws under the exceptions aforesaid, shall cease and determine forever over the proposed state, and the said articles become a solemn compact mutually binding on the parties, and unalterable by either without the consent of the other. S ECT. 15. Provided however, That prior to the first day of November, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, the general government of the United States shall assent to the erection of the said district into an independent state, shall release this Commonwealth from all its fœderal obligations arising from the said district as being part thereof, and shall agree that the proposed state shall immediately after the day to be fixed as aforesaid posterior to the first day of November one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, or at some convenient time future thereto, be admitted into the Fœderal Union. S ECT. 16. And to the end that no period of anarchy may happen to the good people of the proposed state, it is to be understood that the said convention shall have authority to take the necessary provisional measures

for the election and meeting of a convention, at some time prior to the day fixed for the determination of the authority of this Commonwealth, and of its laws over said district, and posterior to the first day of November one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one aforesaid, with full power and authority to frame and establish a fundamental constitution of government for the proposed state, and to declare what laws shall be in force therein, until the same shall be abrogated or altered by the legislative authority acting under the constitution so to be framed and established. S ECT. 17. And be it further enacted, That the electors in going to, continuing at, and returning from an election of members to the said convention, shall be entitled to the same privileges from arrest, as are by law allowed at an election of members to the General Assembly, and each person returned to serve as a member in said convention, shall be entitled to the same privileges from arrest in going to, during his attendance on, and returning from said convention, as are by law allowed to the members of the General Assembly. S ECT. 18. This act shall be transmitted by the Executive, to the Representatives of this Commonwealth in Congress, who are hereby instructed to use their endeavours to obtain from Congress a speedy act to the effect above specified (Acts Passed at a General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Richmond, On Monday, the Nineteenth of October, In the Year of Our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-Nine, Richmond: Printed by John Dixon, Printer to This Commonwealth, s.a., 9–11 ch. XIV). Cf. Lowell H. Harrison, Kentucky’s Road to Statehood, Lexington, KY: The University Press of Kentucky, 1992, esp. 73– 92. 26 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 7, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 784, and in WESTLAW edition, 7, “§ 1.” missing. 27 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 7, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 784, and in WESTLAW edition, 7, “slave”. 28 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 7, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 784, and in WESTLAW edition, 7, “provisions”. 29 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 18, “sessions”. 30 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 8, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 784, and in WESTLAW edition, 7, “peaceful”. 31 In the original manuscript, “their”. 32 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 19, “unalterably established”. 33 Ibid., “exclusive or separate”. 34 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 9, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 785, and in WESTLAW edition, 8, word missing.

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K ENTUCKY 35

In Bradford print, 28, “cru-punishments”. In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 9, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 786, and in WESTLAW edition, 9, “The”. 37 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 9, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 786, and in WESTLAW edition, 9, “person”. 38 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 9, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 786, and in WESTLAW edition, 9, word missing. 39 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 10, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 786, and in WESTLAW edition, 9, “of”. 40 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 21, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 10, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 786, and in WESTLAW edition, 9, “time”. 41 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 10, in Michie’s 36

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Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 787, and in WESTLAW edition, 10, “previously”. 42 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 21, “provided”. 43 In Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 787, “beat”. 44 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 10, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 787, and in WESTLAW edition, 10, “election”. 45 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 21, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 10, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 787, and in WESTLAW edition, 10, “election”. 46 In Journal of the First Constitutional Convention, publ. by the State Bar Association, 22, day left open. 47 In WESTLAW edition, 10, rest missing. 48 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 11, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 788, “C. C.”.

Constitution of Kentucky (1799) The Constitution or Form of Government for the State of Kentucky1

We the Representatives of the People of the State of Kentucky, in Convention assembled, to secure to all the Citizens thereof the enjoyment of the right2 of life, liberty, and property, and of pursuing happiness, do ordain and Establish this Constitution for its Government:

ARTICLE I Concerning the distribution of the powers of the Government S ECT. 1. The powers of3 Government of the State of Kentucky, shall be divided into three Distinct departments, and each of them be confined4 to a Separate body of magistracy, to wit; Those which are Legislative to one; those which are executive to another; and those which are Judiciary to another. S ECT. 2. No person or collection of persons, being of one of those departments, shall exercise any power properly belonging to either of the others; except in the instances herein after expressly directed or permitted.

ARTICLE II Concerning the Legislative department S ECT. 1. The Legislative power of this

Commonwealth shall be vested in two Distinct branches; the one to be stiled the House of Representatives, the other the Senate, and both together, the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. S ECT. 2. The members of the House of Representatives shall Continue in Service for the term of one year from the day of the commencement of the general election, and no longer. S ECT. 3. Representatives shall be chosen on the first Monday in the month of August in every year; but the presiding officers of the Several elections shall continue the same for three days at the request of any one of the Candidates. S ECT. 4. No person shall be a representative who at the time of his Election is not a Citizen of the United States, and hath not attained to5 the age of twenty four years, and resided in this State two years next preceding his election, and the last year thereof in the County or Town for which he may be chosen. S ECT. 5. Elections for representatives for the several counties entitled to representation, shall be held at the places of holding their respective Courts, or in the Several election precincts, into which the Legislative6 may think proper from time to time, to divide any or all of those counties: Provided that when it shall appear to the Legislature that any Town hath a number of qualified Voters equal to the ratio, then fixed, such

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K ENTUCKY Town shall be invested with the Privilege of a separate representation, which shall be retained so long as such town shall contain a number of qualified Voters equal to the ratio, which may from time to time be fixed by Law; and thereafter elections for the County in which such Town is situated, shall not be held therein. S ECT. 6. Representation shall be equal and uniform in this Commonwealth; and shall be forever regulated, and ascertained by the number of qualified Electors therein. In the year eighteen hundred and three, and every fourth year thereafter, an enumeration of all the free male inhabitants of the state above twenty one years of age, shall be made in such manner as shall be directed by law. The number of representatives shall in the several years of making these enumerations, be so fixed, as not to be less than fifty eight, nor more than one hundred, and they shall be appointed7 for the four years next following, as near as may be, among the several Counties and Towns, in proportion to the number of qualified electors: But when a County may not have a sufficient number of qualified electors to entitle it to one representative, and when the adjacent County or Counties may not have a residuum or residuums, which when added to the small county would entitle it to a Separate representation, it shall then be in the power of the Legislature to join two or more together for the purpose of sending a representative: provided that when there are two or more Counties adjoining which have residuums over and above the ratio then fixed by law, if said residuums when added together will amount to such ratio, in that case,8 one representative shall be added to that County having the largest residuum. S ECT. 7. The House of representatives shall chuse its Speaker and other officers. S ECT. 8. In all elections for represen-

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tatives, every free male Citizen (negroes, mulatoes, and indians excepted,) who at the time being, hath attained to the age of twenty one years, and resided in the State two years, or the County or Town in which he offers to vote, one year next preceding the election, shall enjoy the right of an elector; but no person shall be entitled to vote, except in the County or Town in which he may actually reside at the time of the Election, except as is herein otherwise provided. Electors shall in all cases, except treason, felony, breach or surety of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at, going to, and returning from elections. S ECT. 9. The members of the Senate shall be chosen for the term of four years; and when assembled shall have the power to chuse its officers annually. S ECT. 10. At the first Session of the General Assembly after the9 Constitution takes effect, the Senators shall be divided by lot, as equally as may be, into four classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the first year; of the second class at the expiration of the second year; of the third class at the expiration of the third year; and of the fourth class, at the expiration of the fourth year: so that one fourth shall be chosen every year, and a rotation thereby kept up perpetually. S ECT. 11. The Senate shall consist of twenty four members at least, and for every three members above fifty eight, which shall be added to the house of representatives, one member shall be added to the Senate. S ECT. 12. The same number of Senatorial Districts shall from time to time, be established by the Legislature, as there may then be Senators allotted to the State; which shall be so formed, as to contain as near as

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1799) may be an equal number of free male inhabitants in each above the age of twenty one years, and so that no County shall be divided, or form more than one district; and where two or more counties compose a district, they shall be adjoining. S ECT. 13. When an additional Senator may be added to the Senate, he shall be annexed by lot to one of the four classes, so as to keep them as nearly equal in number10 as possible. S ECT. 14. One Senator for each district shall be elected by those qualified to vote for representatives therein, who shall give their votes at the several places in the counties or towns, where elections are by law directed to be held. S ECT. 15. No person shall be a Senator who, at the time of his election is not a citizen of the United States, and who hath not attained to the age of thirty five years, and resided in this state six years next preceding his election, and the last year thereof, in the district for11 which he may be chosen. S ECT. 16. The first election for Senators shall be general throughout the state, and at the same time that the general election for representatives is held; and thereafter, there shall, in like manner, be an annual election for senators to fill the places of those whose time of service may have expired. S ECT. 17. The General Assembly shall convene on the first Monday in the month of November in every year, unless a different day be appointed by law; and their Sessions shall be held at the seat of Government. S ECT. 18. Not less than a majority of the members of each house of the General Assembly shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and shall be authorized by law to compell the attendance of absent

members, in such manner, and under such penalties, as may be prescribed thereby. S ECT. 19. Each house of the General Assembly shall judge of the qualifications, elections, and returns, of its members; but a contested election shall be determined in such manner as shall be directed by law. S ECT. 20. Each house of the General Assembly may determine the rules of its proceedings; punish a member for disorderly behaviour; and with the concurrence of two thirds, expell a member, but not a second time for the same cause. S ECT. 21. Each house of the General Assembly shall keep and publish weekly a journal of its proceedings; and the yeas and nays of the members on any question shall, at the desire of any two of them, be entered on their journal. S ECT. 22. Neither house, during the Session of the General Assembly, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that, in which they may be sitting. S ECT. 23. The members of the General Assembly shall severally receive from the Public treasury, a Compensation for their services, which shall be one dollar and a half a day, during their attendance on, going to, and returning from the Sessions of their respective houses: Provided that the same may be increased or diminished by law; but no alteration shall take effect during the Session, at which such alteration shall be made. S ECT. 24. The members of the General assembly shall in all cases except treason, felony, breach or surety of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the Sessions of their respective houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any speech or debate in

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K ENTUCKY either house they shall not be questioned in any other place. S ECT. 25. No senator or representative shall during the term for which he was elected, nor for one year thereafter, be appointed or elected to any civil Office of profit under this Commonwealth, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been encreased, during the time such Senator or representative was in Office; except to such offices or appointments as may be made or filled by the elections of the People. S ECT. 26. No person while he continues to exercise the functions of a Clergyman, priest or teacher of any religious persuasion, society or sect; nor whilst he holds or exercises any Office of profit under the12 Commonwealth, shall be elligible to the General Assembly; except Attornies at law, justices of the peace and Militia Officers: provided that justices of the courts of quarter Sessions shall be ineligible so long as any compensation may be allowed them for their services: provided also that Attornies for the Commonwealth who receive a fixed annual Salary from the public treasury shall be ineligible. S ECT. 27. No person, who at any time may have been, a collector of taxes for the state, or the assistant or deputy of such collector, shall be eligible to the General Assembly until he shall have obtained a quietus for the amount of such collection, and for all public monies for which he may be responsible. S ECT. 28. No bill shall have the force of a law, until on three several days, it be read over in each house of the general assembly, and free discussion allowed thereon; unless in cases of urgency four fifths of the house where the bill shall be depending, may deem it expedient to dispense with this rule.

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S ECT. 29. All bills for raising revenue, shall originate in the house of representatives; but the senate may propose amendments as in other bills: Provided that they shall not introduce any new matter under the colour of an amendment, which does not relate to raising a revenue. S ECT. 30. The General Assembly shall regulate by law, by whom, and in what manner, writs of election shall be issued to fill the vacancies which may happen in either branch thereof.

ARTICLE III Concerning the executive department S ECT. 1. The Supreme executive power of the Commonwealth shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate, who shall be stiled the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. S ECT. 2. The Governor shall be elected for the term of four years by the citizens entitled to suffrage, at the time and places where they shall respectively vote for representatives. The person having the highest number of votes shall be governor; but if two or more shall be equal, and highest in votes, the election shall be determined by lot, in such manner as the Legislature may direct. S ECT. 3. The governor shall be ineligible for the succeeding seven years, after the expiration of the time for which he shall have been elected. S ECT. 4. He shall be at least thirty five years of age, and a citizen of the united States, and have been an inhabitant of this State at least six years next preceding his election. S ECT. 5. He shall commence the execution of his office on the fourth Tuesday

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1799) succeeding the day of the Commencement of the general election on which he shall be chosen, and shall continue in the execution thereof until the end of four weeks next succeeding the election of his successor, and until his successor shall have taken the oaths or affirmations13 prescribed by this constitution. S ECT. 6. No member of Congress or person holding any office under the United States, nor minister of any religious society, shall be eligible to the Office of Governor. S ECT. 7. The Governor shall at stated times, receive for his Services a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished, during the term for which he shall have been elected. S ECT. 8. He shall be commander in chief of the Army and Navy of this Commonwealth, and of the Militia thereof, except when they shall be called into the Service of the United States; but he shall not command personally in the field, unless he shall14 be advised so to do, by a resolution of the General Assembly. S ECT. 9. He shall nominate and15 by and with the advice and consent of the senate appoint all Officers whose Offices are established by this Constitution, or shall be established by law, and whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for: Provided that no person shall be so appointed to an office within any County, who shall not have been a citizen and inhabitant therein, one year next before his appointment, if the County shall have been so long erected; but if it shall not have been so long erected, then within the limits of the County or counties from which it shall have been taken: Provided also that the County courts shall be authorized by law to appoint inspectors, collectors and their deputies, surveyors of the highways, constables, jailors,

and such other inferior officers, whose jurisdiction may be confined within the limits of a county. S ECT. 10. The Governor shall have power to fill up vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions, which shall expire at the end of their next session. S ECT. 11. He shall have power to remit fines and forfeitures, grant reprieves and pardons, except in cases of impeachment. In cases of treason, he shall have power to grant reprieves until the end of the next session of the General Assembly; in which the power of pardoning shall be vested. S ECT. 12. He may require information in writing from the officers in the executive department upon any subject, relating to the duties of their respective offices. S ECT. 13. He shall from time to time give to the General Assembly information of the state of the Commonwealth, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall deem expedient. S ECT. 14. He may on extraordinary occasions convene the General Assembly at the seat of government, or at a different place, if that should have become, since their last adjournment, dangerous from an enemy, or from contagious disorders; and in case of disagreement between the two houses, with respect to the time of adjournment, adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper, not exceeding four months. S ECT. 15. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed. S ECT. 16. A Lieutenant Governor shall be chosen at every election for a Governor, in the same manner, continue in office for the same time, and16 possess the same qualifications. In voting for17 governor, and

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K ENTUCKY lieutenant governor, the electors shall distinguish whom they vote for as governor; and whom as lieutenant governor. S ECT. 17. He shall by virtue of his office be speaker of the Senate, have a right, when in committee of the whole, to debate and vote on all subjects; and when the Senate are equally divided, to give the casting vote. S ECT. 18. In case of the impeachment of the Governor, his removal from office, death, refusal to qualify, resignation or absence from the State, the lieutenant governor shall exercise all the power and authority appurtaining [sic!] to the office of governor, until another be duly qualified, or the Governor absent, or impeached; shall return, or be acquitted. S ECT. 19. Whenever the government shall be administered by the Lieutenant Governor, or he shall be unable to attend as Speaker of the Senate, the senators shall elect one of their own members as Speaker, for that occasion. And if during the vacancy of the office of Governor, the Lieutenant Governor shall be impeached, removed from office, refuse to qualify, resign, die, or be absent from the State, the Speaker of the Senate shall, in like manner, administer the Government. S ECT. 20. The Lieutenant Governor while he acts as speaker to the senate, shall receive for his Services the same compensation, which shall for the same period, be allowed to the Speaker of the house of representatives, and no more; and during the time he administers the Government, as Governor, shall receive the same compensation, which the Governor would have received and been intitled to, had he been employed in the duties of his Office. S ECT. 21. The Speaker pro tempore of the Senate during the time he administers

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the Government, shall receive in like manner the same Compensation, which the Governor would have received, had he been employed in the duties of his Office. S ECT. 22. If the Lieutenant Governor shall be called upon to administer the government, and shall while in such administration resign, die, or be absent from the state during the recess of the General Assembly, it shall be the duty of the Secretary, for the time being, to convence [sic!] the Senate for the purpose of chusing a Speaker. S ECT. 23. An attorney general and such other attornies for the Commonwealth as may be necessary, shall be appointed, whose duty18 shall be regulated by law. Attornies for the Commonwealth for the several counties shall be appointed by the respective courts having jurisdiction therein. S ECT. 24. A Secretary shall be appointed and Commissioned during the term for which the Governor shall have been elected, if he shall so long behave himself well. He shall keep a fair register, and attest all the Official acts and proceedings of the Governor, and shall when required lay the same and all papers, minutes and voucheres [sic!] relative thereto, before either house of the General Assembly, and shall perform such other duties as may be19 enjoined him by law. S ECT. 25. Every bill which shall have passed both houses shall be presented to the Governor, if he approve he shall sign it, but if not, he shall return it with his objections to the house in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large upon their journal, and proceed to reconsider it; if after such reconsideration a majority of all the members elected to that House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent with the objections to the other house, by which it shall likewise be considered, and if approved by a majority of

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1799) all the members elected to that house, it shall be a law; but in such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for, and against the bill, shall be entered on the Journal of each house respectively; if any bill shall not be returned by the Governor within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, it shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it; unless the General Assembly by their adjournment prevent its return; in which case it shall be a law, unless sent back within three days after their next meeting. S ECT. 26. Every order, resolution or vote, to which the concurrence of both houses may be necessary, except on a question of adjournment, shall be presented to the Governor, and before it shall take effect, be approved by him; or, being disapproved, shall be repassed by a majority of all the members elected to both houses, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in case of a bill. S ECT. 27. Contested elections for a Governor and Lieutenant Governor, shall be determined by a committee to be selected from both houses of the General Assembly, and formed and regulated in such manner as shall be directed by law. S ECT. 28. The freemen of this Commonwealth, (Negroes, Mulattoes & Indians excepted) shall be armed and disciplined for its defence. Those who conscienciously scruple to bear arms, shall not be compelled to do so, but shall pay an equivalent for personal service. S ECT. 29. The commanding officers of the respective regiments shall appoint the regimental staff; brigadier Generals their brigade majors; major generals, their aids; and captains the non commissioned officers of companies.

S ECT. 30. A majority of the field officers and captains in each regiment, shall nominate the commissioned officers in each company, who shall be commissioned by the Governor: Provided that no nomination shall be made, unless two at least of the field officers are present; and when two or more persons have an equal, and the highest number of votes, the field officer present, who may be highest in commission, shall decide the nomination. S ECT. 31. Sheriffs shall be hereafter20 appointed in the following manner: When the time of a Sheriff for any county may be about to expire, the county court for the same (a majority of all its justices being present) shall in the months of September, October, or November next preceeding thereto, recommend to the Governor two proper persons to fill the office, who are then Justices of the County Court; and who shall in such recommendation pay a just regard to seniority in office, and a regular rotation. One of the persons so recommended shall be commissioned by the Governor, and shall hold his office for two years if he so long behave well, and until a successor be duly qualified. If the county court shall omit in the months aforesaid to make such21 recommendation, the Governor shall then nominate and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint a fit person to fill such office.

ARTICLE IV Concerning the judicial department S ECT. 1. The Judicial Power of this Commonwealth, both as to matters of law and equity, shall be vested in one Supreme Court, which shall be stiled the Court of Appeals, and in such inferior Courts as the General Assembly may from time to time erect and establish.

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K ENTUCKY S ECT. 2. The Court of Appeals, except in cases otherwise directed by this Constitution, shall have appellate jurisdiction only; which shall be coextensive with the State, under such restrictions and regulations, not repugnant to this Constitution, as may from time to time be prescribed by law. S ECT. 3. The Judges both of the Supreme and Inferior Courts shall hold their offices during good behaviour; but for any reasonable cause which shall not be sufficient ground of impeachment, the Governor shall remove any of them on the address of two thirds of each house of the General Assembly: Provided however, that the cause or causes for which such22 removal may be required, shall be stated at length in such address, and on the journal of each house. They shall at stated times receive for their services, an adequate compensation, to be fixed by law. S ECT. 4. The Judges shall, by virtue of their office, be conservators of the Peace throughout the State. The stile of all process shall be “The Commonwealth of Kentucky.” All prosecutions shall be carried on in the name, and by the authority of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and conclude against the peace and dignity of the same. S ECT. 5. There shall be established in each County now, or which may hereafter, be erected within this Commonwealth, a County Court. S ECT. 6. A competent number of Justices of the peace shall be appointed in each county; they shall be commissioned during good behaviour, but may be removed on conviction of misbehaviour in office, or of any infamous crime, or on the address of two thirds of each house of the General Assembly: Provided however, that the cause or causes for which such removal may be required, shall be stated at length in such address and on the Journal of each house.

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S ECT. 7. The number of the Justices of the Peace, to which the several counties in this Commonwealth now established, or which may hereafter be established, ought to be entitled23 , shall from time to time be regulated by law. S ECT. 8. When a Surveyor, a24 Coroner, or a Justice of the peace, shall be needed in any county, the County Court for the same, a majority of all its Justices concurring therein, shall recommend to the Governor two proper persons to fill the office, one of whom he shall appoint thereto: Provided however, that if the County Court shall for twelve months omit to make such recommendation, after being requested by the Governor to recommend25 proper persons, he shall then nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint a fit person to fill such office. S ECT. 9. When a new county shall be erected, a competent number of Justices of the peace, a Sheriff and Coroner therefor, shall be recommended to the Governor by a majority of all the members of the House of Representatives from the senatorial district or districts in which the county is situated; and if either of the persons thus recommended shall be rejected by the Governor or the Senate, another person shall immediately be recommended as aforesaid. S ECT. 10. Each Court shall appoint its own Clerk, who shall hold his office during good behaviour; but no person shall be appointed Clerk, only pro tempore, who shall not produce to the Court appointing him a certificate from a majority of the Judges of the Court of Appeals, that he hath26 been examined by their Clerk in their presence, and under their direction, and that they judge him to be well qualified to execute the office of Clerk to any court of the same dignity, with that for which he offers himself. They shall be removable for breach of good

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1799) behaviour by the Court of Appeals only, who shall be judges of the fact as well as of the law. Two thirds of the members present must concur in the sentence. S ECT. 11. All commissions shall be in the name, and by the authority of the State of Kentucky, and sealed with the State Seal, and signed by the Governor. S ECT. 12. The State Treasurer and Printer or Printers for the Commonwealth, shall be appointed annually by the joint vote of both houses of the General Assembly: Provided that during the recess of the same, the Governor shall have power to fill vacancies which may happen in either of the said offices.

ARTICLE V Concerning Impeachments S ECT. 1. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeaching. S ECT. 2. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate; when sitting for that purpose, the Senators shall be upon oath or affirmation: No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of the members present. S ECT. 3. The Governor, and all civil officers shall be liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office; but judgement in such cases, shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office of honour, trust, or profit under this Commonwealth; but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, and punishment according to law.

ARTICLE VI General Provisions S ECT. 1. Members of the General Assem-

bly, and all officers, executive and judicial, before they enter upon the execution of their respective offices, shall take the following oath or affirmation: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm as the case may be) that I will be faithful and true to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, so long as I continue a citizen thereof, and that I will faithfully execute, to the best of my abilities, the office of –––– according to law.” S ECT. 2. Treason against the Commonwealth, shall consist only in levying war against it, or in adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of Treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or his own confession in open Court. S ECT. 3. Every person shall be disqualified from serving as a27 Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Senator, or Representative, for the term for which he shall have been elected, who shall be convicted of having given, or offered any bribe or treat to procure his election. S ECT. 4. Laws shall be made to exclude from office and from suffrage, those who shall thereafter be convicted of bribery, perjury, forgery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors. The privilege of free suffrage shall be supported by laws regulating elections, and prohibiting under adequate penalties, all undue influence thereon, from power, bribery, tumult, or other improper practices. S ECT. 5. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in pursuance of appropriations made by law, nor shall any appropriations of money for the support of an Army be made for a longer time than one year; and a regular statement & account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money, shall be published annually. S ECT. 6. The General Assembly shall direct by law in what manner, and in what

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K ENTUCKY Courts, suits may be brought against the Commonwealth. S ECT. 7. The manner of administering an oath or affirmation shall be such, as is most consistent with the conscience of the deponent; and shall be esteemed by the General Assembly the most solemn appeal to God. S ECT. 8. All laws which on the first day of June one thousand seven hundred and ninety two were in force in the State of Virginia, and which are of a general nature, and not local to that state, and not repugnant to this Constitution, nor to the laws which have been enacted by the Legislature of this Commonwealth, shall be in force within this State, until they shall be altered or repealed by the General Assembly. S ECT. 9. The compact with the State of Virginia, subject to such alterations as may be made therein agreeably to the mode prescribed by the said compact, shall be considered as part of this Constitution.28 S ECT. 10. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly to pass such laws as shall be necessary and proper to decide differences by arbitrators, to be appointed by the parties who may chuse that summary mode of adjustment. S ECT. 11. All civil officers for the Commonwealth at large shall reside within the State, and all District, County, or Town officers, within their respective Districts, Counties, or Towns (trustees of towns excepted) and shall keep their respective offices at such places therein, as may be required by law: and all militia officers, shall reside in the bounds of the division, brigade, regiment, battallion, or company to which they may severally belong. S ECT. 12. The attorney general and other attornies for this Commonwealth who receive29 a fixed annual Salary from the public treasury, Judges and Clerks of Courts,

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Justices of the peace, Surveyors of lands, and all Commissioned militia Officers, shall hold their respective offices during good behaviour, and the continuance of their respective courts, under the exceptions30 contained in this Constitution. S ECT. 13. Absence on the business of this State, or the United States, shall not forfeit a residence once obtained, so as to deprive any one of the right of suffrage, or of being elected or appointed to any office under this Commonwealth, under the exceptions contained in this Constitution. S ECT. 14. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly to regulate by law, in what cases, and what deduction31 from the Salaries of public Officers, shall be made for neglect of duty in their Official capacity. S ECT. 15. Returns of all elections for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and members of the General Assembly, shall be made to the Secretary for the time being. S ECT. 16. In all elections by the people, and also by the Senate and house of representatives, jointly or separately, the votes shall be personally and publicly given, viva voce. S ECT. 17. No member of Congress nor person holding or exercising any office of trust or profit under the united States, or either of them, or under any foreign power, shall be eligible as a member of the general assembly of this Commonwealth, or hold or exercise any office of trust or profit under the same. S ECT. 18. The General Assembly shall direct by law how persons, who now are or may hereafter become securities for public Officers, may be relieved or discharged on account of such Securityship.

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1799)

ARTICLE VII Concerning Slaves S ECT. 1. The General Assembly shall have no power to pass laws for the emancipation of Slaves without the consent of their owners, or without paying their owners, previous to such emancipation, a full equivalent in money, for the Slaves, so emancipated. They shall have no power to prevent emigrants to this state from bringing with them such persons as are deemed32 Slaves by the laws of any one of the United States; so long as any person of the same age or description shall be continued in Slavery by the laws of this State. They shall pass laws to permit the owners of Slaves to emancipate them, saving the rights of Creditors, and preventing them from becoming a charge to any county in this Commonwealth. They shall have full power to prevent Slaves being brought into this state as merchandize. They shall have full power to prevent any Slaves being brought into33 this state from a foreign country, and to prevent those from being brought into this State, who have been since the first day of January, one thousand seven hundred and34 eighty nine, or may hereafter be imported into any of the United States from a foreign country. And they shall have full power to pass such laws as may be necessary, to oblige the owners of Slaves to treat them with humanity, to provide for them necessary cloathing and provision, to abstain from all injuries to them extending to life or limb, and in case of their neglect or refusal to comply with the directions of such laws, to have such Slave or Slaves sold for the benefit of their owner or owners. S ECT. 2. In the prosecution of Slaves for felony, no Inquest by a Grand Jury shall be necessary, but the proceedings in such prosecutions shall be regulated by law; except

that the General Assembly shall have no power to deprive them of the privilege of an impartial trial by a petit Jury.

ARTICLE VIII The35 seat of Government shall continue in the Town of Frankfort, until it shall be removed by Law; provided however that two thirds of all the members elected to each house of the General Assembly, shall concur in the passage of such law.

ARTICLE IX Mode of revising the Constitution When36 experience shall point out the necessity of amending this Constitution, and when a majority of all the members elected to each house of the General Assembly, shall within the first twenty days of their stated annual Session, concur in passing a law for taking the sense of the good people of this Commonwealth as to the necessity and expediency of calling a Convention, it shall be the duty of the several Sheriffs and other returning Officers at the next general election which shall be held for representatives, after the passage of such law to open a poll for, and make a return to the secretary for the time being, of the names of all those entitled to vote for representatives who have voted for calling a Convention: And,37 if thereupon it shall appear that a majority of all the citizens of this State entitled to vote for representatives, have voted for a Convention, the General Assembly shall direct that a similar poll shall be opened, and taken for the next year; and if thereupon it shall appear, that a majority of all the citizens of this State entitled to vote for representatives, have voted for a Convention, the General Assembly shall at their next session call a

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K ENTUCKY Convention, to consist of as many members as there shall be in the House of Representatives, and no more; to be chosen in the same manner and proportion, at the same places, and at38 the same39 time, that representatives are, by citizens entitled to vote for representatives; and to meet within three months after the said election, for the purpose of readopting, amending, or changing this Constitution. But if it shall appear by the vote of either year as aforesaid, that a majority of all the citizens entitled to vote for representatives, did not vote for a Convention, a Convention shall not be called.

ARTICLE X That the general, great, and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established: We declare S ECT. 1. That all free men, when they form a social compact, are equal, and that no man or set of men, are entitled to exclusive, separate, public emoluments or privileges from the community, but in consideration of public services. S ECT. 2. That all power is inherent in40 the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness: For the advancement of these ends, they have at all times an unalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform, or abolish their government, in such manner as they may think proper. S ECT. 3. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; that no man shall be compelled to attend, erect, or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry against his consent; that no human authority ought, in any case whatever, to controul or interfere

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with the rights of conscience; and that no preference shall ever be given by law, to any religious societies or modes of worship. S ECT. 4. That the civil rights, privileges, or capacities of any citizen shall in no wise be diminished or enlarged on account of his religion. S ECT. 5. That all elections shall be free and equal. S ECT. 6. That the ancient mode of trial by jury shall be held sacred, and the right thereof remain inviolate. S ECT. 7. That41 printing presses shall be free to every person who undertakes to examine the proceedings of the Legislature or any branch of government; and no law shall ever be made to restrain the right thereof. The free communication of thoughts and opinions is one of the invaluable rights of man, and every citizen may freely speak, write, and print on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty. S ECT. 8. In prosecutions for the publication of papers investigating the official conduct of officers, or men in a public capacity, or where the matter published is proper for public information, the truth thereof may be given in evidence. And in all indictments for libels, the Jury shall have a right to determine the law and the facts, under the direction of the Court, as in other cases. S ECT. 9. That the people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and possessions from unreasonable seizures and searches; and that no warrant to search any place or to seize any person or things, shall issue without describing them as nearly as may be, nor without probable cause supported by oath or affirmation. S ECT. 10. That in all criminal prosecutions, the accused hath a right to be heard

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1799) by himself and council42 ; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to meet the witnesses face to face, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favour: and in prosecutions by indictment or information, a speedy public trial, by an impartial Jury of the vicinage; that he cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself, nor can he be deprived of his life, liberty, or property, unless by the judgement of his Peers, or the law of the land.

writ of Habeas Corpus, shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.

S ECT. 11. That no person43 shall for any indictable offence be proceeded against criminally by information, except in cases arising in the land or44 naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service, in time of war or public danger, or45 by leave of the Court for oppression or misdemeanor in office.

S ECT. 19. That no person shall be attainted of treason or felony by the Legislature.

S ECT. 12. No person shall for the same offence be twice put in jeopardy of46 his life or limb, nor shall any man’s property be taken or applied to public use without the consent of his representatives, and without just compensation being previously made to him.

S ECT. 21. That the estates of such persons as shall destroy their own lives shall descend or vest as in case of natural death, and if any person shall be killed by casualty, there shall be no forfeiture by reason thereof.

S ECT. 17. That the person of a Debtor, where there is not strong presumption of fraud, shall not be continued in prison after delivering up his estate for the benefit of his creditors, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law. S ECT. 18. That no expost facto law, nor any law impairing contracts shall be made.

S ECT. 20. That no attainder shall work corruption of blood, nor, except during the life of the offender, forfeiture of estate to the Commonwealth.

S ECT. 13. That all Courts shall be open, and every person for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person, or reputation, shall have remedy by the due course of law; and right and justice administered without sale, denial, or delay.

S ECT. 22. That the citizens have a right in a peaceable manner to assemble together for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the powers of government for redress of grievances, or other proper purposes by petition, address, or remonstrance.

S ECT. 14. That no power of suspending laws shall be exercised, unless by the Legislature or its authority.

S ECT. 23. That the rights of the citizens to bear arms in defence of themselves and the state, shall be not questioned.

S ECT. 15. That excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel punishments inflicted.

S ECT. 24. That no standing army shall in time of peace, be kept up without the consent of the Legislature; and the military shall in all cases, and at all times, be in strict subordination to the civil power.

S ECT. 16. That all prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient securities, unless for capital offences, when the proof is evident, or presumption great; and the privilege of the

S ECT. 25. That no Soldier shall in time of peace be quartered in any house without

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K ENTUCKY the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. S ECT. 26. That the Legislature shall not grant any title of nobility or hereditary distinction, nor create any office, the appointment to which shall be for a longer term than during good behaviour. S ECT. 27. That emigration from the state shall not be prohibited. S ECT. 28. To guard against transgressions of the high powers which we have delegated, We declare, that every thing in this article is excepted out of the general powers of government, and shall forever remain inviolate; and that all laws contrary thereto, or contrary to this Constitution, shall be void.

SCHEDULE That no inconvenience may arise from the alterations and amendments made in the Constitutions47 of this Commonwealth, and in order to carry the same into complete operation it is hereby declared and ordained. S ECT. 1. That all laws of this Commonwealth in force at the time of making the said alterations and amendments, and not inconsistent therewith, and all rights, actions, prosecutions, claims, and contracts, as well of individuals, as of bodies corporate, shall continue as if the said alterations and amendments had not been made. S ECT. 2. That all officers now filling any office or appointment, shall continue in the exercise of the duties of their respective offices or appointments for the terms therein expressed, unless by this Constitution it is otherwise directed. S ECT. 3. The oaths of office herein directed to be taken, may be administered by any Justice of the peace, until the Legislature shall otherwise direct.

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S ECT. 4. The General Assembly to be held in November next, shall apportion the representatives and senators, and lay off the state into senatorial districts conformable to the regulations prescribed by this Constitution. In fixing those apportionments, and in establishing those districts, they shall take for their guide the enumeration directed by law to be made in the present year, by the commissioners of the tax; and the apportionments thus made, shall remain unaltered until the end of the stated annual Session48 of the General Assembly, in the year eighteen hundred and three. S ECT. 5. In order that no inconvenience may arise from the change made by this Constitution, in the time of holding the general election, it is hereby ordained, that the first election for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and members of the General Assembly, shall commence on the first Monday in May in the year eighteen hundred. The persons then elected shall continue in office during their several terms of service prescribed by this Constitution, and until the next general election, which shall be held after their said terms shall have respectively expired. The returns49 for the said first election of Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall be made to the Secretary within fifteen days from the day of election, who shall as soon as may be examine and count the same in the presence of at least two Judges of the Court of Appeals, or District Courts, and shall declare who are the persons thereby duly elected, and give them official notice of their election; and if any persons50 shall be equal and highest on the poll, the said Judges and Secretary shall determine the election by lot. S ECT. 6. This Constitution, except so much thereof as is therein otherwise directed, shall not be in force, until the first day of June in the year 180051 ; on which day the whole thereof shall take full and

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1799) complete effect. Done in Convention at Frankfort the Seventeenth day of August One Thousand, Seven hundred and Ninetynine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twentyfourth.52 ALEX[ANDE]R S. BULLITT, P. C.53 member from Jefferson John Allen Cha[rle]s Smith Rob[er]t Willmot54 James Duncan W[illia]m Griffith Nath[anie]l Rogers

              

Brackin55

Philip Buckner Thomas Sanford56 Rob[er]t Clarke R. Hickman William Sudduth

Bourbon

Campell  

Clarke57



Young Ewing

Christian

John Breckinridge John McDowell John Bell H. Harrison B. Thruston Walter Carr

       

Harry Innes58 John Logan



Fayette

Members from Franklin

Geo[rge] Stockton

Fleming59

William M. Bledsoe

Garrard

Henry Coleman William Elliot Boswell

Green  Harrison

Rich[ar]d Taylor

Jefferson

John Price

Jessamine

William Logan N. Huston



John Bailey Reuben Ewing



           

Mason

Mercer

Madison

 Montgomery  

Members from  Nelson  Shelby  Scott  Woodford  Washington Warren

1

      

Will[iam] Casey

Phillemon60 Thomas Tho[ma]s Marshall, jr. Joshua Baker Peter Brunner John Adair Tho[mas] Allin61 Sam[uel] Taylor Green Clay Tho[ma]s Clay Will[iam] Irvine Jilson Payne John Rowan R[ichar]d Prather Nicholas Minor Benjamim Logan Abraham Owen William Henry Rob[er]t Johnson62 Caleb Wallace W[illia]m Steele63 Felix Grundy Rob[er]t Abell Alexander Davidson

Lincoln Logan

Verified by The Constitution or Form of Government for the State of Kentucky. Published by Order of the Convention, Frankfort: Printed by Hunter and Beaumont, Printers to the Commonwealth, 1799, 30 p. (quoted as H&B print A), and corrected according to the handwritten original, located in the Historical Society of Kentucky, Frankfort KY. The Convention Journal, also published by Hunter and Beaumont, did not contain the final text of the constitution. Also checked against the corrected version Hunter and Beaumont published shortly afterwards with an identical title page, but on 48 pages (quoted as H&B print B), and against the versions published in 1799 by John Bradford, the printer of the first constitution of 1792 (q.v.), and by James H. Stewart, each published in Lexington in 1799 with identical title. Additionally checked against the versions as published in Text of Kentucky Constitutions of 1792, 1799 and 1850. Informational Bulletin No. 41, Legislative Research Commission, Frankfort, Kentucky, June, 1965, 12–23; Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, Annotated Certified Version. Containing Statute Laws of the Commonwealth of a General and Permanent Nature in Effect through the 2001 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Certified and Published under the Authority and Su-

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K ENTUCKY pervision of the Legislative Research Commission, I, Charlottesville, VA: LexisNexis, 2002, 789–802; and Constitution of Kentucky of 1799 (Baldwin’s Kentucky Revised Statutes Annotated Currentness, WESTLAW through 2005 regular session). Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the handwritten original. Italics were used when emphasis was given in the manuscript, while obvious typographical errors in the printed versions are ignored. The constitution replaced the first constitution of Kentucky of 1792 (q.v.). It was not amended and in effect until being replaced by the third constitution of Kentucky of 1850 (q.v.). 2 In H&B print B, 3, “rights”. 3 In H&B print A, 3, in H&B print B, 3, in Bradford print, 1, and in Stewart print, 3, “of the”. 4 In H&B print A, 3, in H&B print B, 4, in Bradford print, 1, and in Stewart print, 3, “confided”. 5 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 12, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 789, and in WESTLAW edition, 1, word missing. 6 In H&B print A, 4, in H&B print B, 5, in Bradford print, 2, in Stewart print, 4, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 12, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 789, and in WESTLAW edition, 1, “legislature”. 7 In H&B print A, 5, in H&B print B, 6, in Bradford print, 2, and in Stewart print, 4, “apportioned”. 8 In Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 790, word missing. 9 In H&B print A, 6, in H&B print B, 8, in Bradford print, 3, and in Stewart print, 5, “this”. 10 In H&B print A, 7, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 13, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 790, and in WESTLAW edition, 2, “numbers”. 11 In Bradford print, 3, “from”. 12 In H&B print A, 9, in H&B print B, 12, in Bradford print, 5, in Stewart print, 8, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 14, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 791, and in WESTLAW edition, 3, “this”. 13 In Stewart print, 9, “affirmation”. 14 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 15, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 792, and in WESTLAW edition, 4, word missing. 15 In Stewart print, 10, word missing. 16 In H&B print A, 13, in H&B print B, 18, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 16, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 793, and in WESTLAW edition, 4, word missing. 17 In H&B print A, 13, and in H&B print B, 18, “for a”. 18 In Stewart print, 12, “duties”. 19 In Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 794, “been”. 20 In H&B print A, 16, “hereafter be”. 21 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 17, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 794, and in WESTLAW edition, 6, “such a”. 22 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 17, in Michie’s

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Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 795, and in WESTLAW edition, 6, “such a”. 23 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 18, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 795, and in WESTLAW edition, 6, “entitled to”. 24 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 18, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 795, and in WESTLAW edition, 7, “or”. 25 In H&B print A, 18, “recommended”. 26 Ibid., 19, in H&B print B, 27, in Bradford print, 11, and in Stewart print, 16, “had”. 27 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 19, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 796, and in WESTLAW edition, 7, word missing. 28 This refers to the Fourth Enabling Act of Virginia (“An Act Concerning the Erection of the District of Kentuckey into an Independent State”), December 18, 1789, reprinted in note 25 to the Constitution of Kentucky of 1792 (q.v.). 29 In H&B print B, 32, “receives”. 30 In Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 797, “executions”. 31 In H&B print A, 22, “deducation”. 32 In Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 798, “a redeemed”. 33 In H&B print A, 24, “in”. 34 Ibid., and in Bradford print, 14, word missing. 35 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 20, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 798, and in WESTLAW edition, 9, “§ 1. The”. 36 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 20, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 798, and in WESTLAW edition, 9, “§ 1. When”. 37 In H&B print A, 25, word missing. 38 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 21, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 798, and in WESTLAW edition, 9, word missing. 39 In H&B print A, 25, word missing. 40 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 21, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 799, and in WESTLAW edition, 10, “of”. 41 In H&B print A, 26, and in Stewart print, 23, “That the”. 42 In Bradford print, 16, in Stewart print, 23, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 21, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 799, and in WESTLAW edition, 10, “counsel”. 43 In Stewart print, 23, “persons”. 44 In H&B print A, 27, “and”. 45 Ibid., in H&B print B, 41, in Bradford print, 16, in Stewart print, 24, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 22, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 799, and in WESTLAW edition, 10, word missing. 46 In Stewart print, 24, “for”. 47 In H&B print A, 28, in H&B print B, 44, in Bradford print, 18, in Stewart print, 25, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 22, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1799) Statutes, I, 800, and in WESTLAW edition, 11, “constitution”. 48 In H&B print A, 29, in H&B print B, 45, in Bradford print, 18, and in Stewart print, 26, “sessions”. 49 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 23, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 801, “return”. 50 In H&B print A, 29, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 23, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 801, and in WESTLAW edition, 12, “person”. 51 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 23, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 801, and in WESTLAW edition, 12, “one thousand eight hundred”. 52 In WESTLAW edition, 12, rest missing. 53 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 23, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 801, “President of Convention and”. 54 In H&B print A, 29, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 23, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 801, “Wilmot”; in Stewart print, 27, “Wilmott”.

55 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 23, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 801, “Bracken”. 56 In H&B print A, 29, in H&B print B, 47, and in Bradford print, 19, “Sandford”; in Stewart print, 27, “Standford”. 57 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 23, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 801, “Clark”. 58 In H&B print B, 47, in Bradford print, 19, in Stewart print, 27, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 23, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 801, “Innis”. 59 In Bradford print, 19, “Flemming”. 60 In H&B print A, 30, in H&B print B, 48, in Bradford print, 19, in Stewart print, 27, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 23, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 801, “Philemon”. 61 In Bradford print, 19, “Allen”. 62 In H&B print A, 30, “Johnston”. 63 In Bradford print, 19, “Steel”.

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Constitution of Kentucky (1850) Constitution of Kentucky1

PREAMBLE We, the representatives of the people of the State of Kentucky, in Convention assembled, to secure to all the citizens thereof the enjoyment of the rights of life, liberty, and property, and of pursuing happiness, do ordain and establish this Constitution for its government.

ARTICLE I Concerning the distribution of the powers of the2 Government S ECT. 1. The powers of the Government of the State of Kentucky shall be divided into three distinct departments, and each of them be confided to a separate body of magistracy, to-wit: those which are Legislative to one; those which are Executive to another, and those which are Judiciary to another. S ECT. 2. No person, or collection of persons, being of one of those departments, shall exercise any power properly belonging to either of the others, except in the instances hereinafter expressly directed or permitted.

ARTICLE II Concerning the Legislative Department S ECT. 1. The Legislative power shall be

vested in a House of Representatives and Senate, which together shall be styled the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. S ECT. 2. The members of the House of Representatives shall continue in service for the term of two years from the day of the general election, and no longer. S ECT. 3. Representatives shall be chosen on the first Monday in August, in every second year; and the mode of holding the elections shall be regulated by law. S ECT. 4. No person shall be a Representative, who, at the time of his election, is not a citizen of the United States, has not attained the age of twenty-four years, and who has not resided in this State two years next preceding his election, and the last year thereof in the county, town, or city, for which he may be chosen. S ECT. 5. The General Assembly shall divide each county of this Commonwealth into convenient election precincts, or may delegate power to do so to such county authorities as may be designated by law; and elections for Representatives for the several counties shall be held at the places of holding their respective courts, and in the several election precincts into which the counties may be divided: Provided, that when it shall appear to the General Assembly that any city or town hath a number of qualified voters equal to the ratio then fixed, such city or town shall be invested with the privilege of a separate representation, in either

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K ENTUCKY or both houses of the General Assembly, which shall be retained so long as such city or town shall contain a number of qualified voters equal to the ratio which may, from time to time, be fixed by law; and, thereafter, elections for the county in which such city or town is situated, shall not be held therein; but such city or town shall not be entitled to a separate representation, unless such county, after the separation, shall also be entitled to one or more Representatives. That whenever a city or town shall be entitled to a separate representation in either house of the General Assembly, and by its numbers shall be entitled to more than one Representative, such city or town shall be divided, by squares which are contiguous3 , so as to make the most compact form, into Representative Districts, as nearly equal as may be, equal to the number of Representatives to which such city or town may be entitled; and one Representative shall be elected from each district. In like manner shall said city or town be divided into Senatorial Districts, when, by the apportionment, more than one Senator shall be allotted to such city or town; and a Senator shall be elected from each Senatorial District; but no ward or municipal division shall be divided by such division of Senatorial or Representative Districts, unless it be necessary to equalize the Elective, Senatorial, or Representative Districts. S ECT. 6. Representation shall be equal and uniform in this Commonwealth, and shall be forever regulated and ascertained by the number of qualified voters therein. In the year 1850, again in the year 1857, and every eighth year thereafter, an enumeration of all the qualified voters of the State shall be made; and to secure uniformity and equality of representation, the State is hereby laid off into ten districts. The first district shall be composed of the counties of Fulton, Hickman, Ballard, Mc-

46

Cracken, Graves, Calloway, Marshall, Livingston, Crittenden, Union, Hopkins, Caldwell, and Trigg. The second district shall be composed of the counties of Christian, Muhlenburg, Henderson, Daviess, Hancock, Ohio, Breckinridge, Meade, Grayson, Butler, and Edmonson. The third district shall be composed of the counties of Todd, Logan, Simpson, Warren, Allen, Monroe, Barren, and Hart. The fourth district shall be composed of the counties of Cumberland, Adair, Green, Taylor, Clinton, Russell, Wayne, Pulaski, Casey, Boyle, and Lincoln. The fifth district shall be composed of the counties of Hardin, Larue, Bullitt, Spencer, Nelson, Washington, Marion, Mercer, and Anderson. The sixth district shall be composed of the counties of Garrard, Madison, Estill, Owsley, Rockcastle, Laurel, Clay, Whitley, Knox, Harlan, Perry, Letcher, Pike, Floyd, and Johnson. The seventh district shall be composed of the counties of Jefferson, Oldham, Trimble, Carroll, Henry, and Shelby, and the city of Louisville. The eighth district shall be composed of the counties of Bourbon, Fayette, Scott, Owen, Franklin, Woodford, and Jessamine. The ninth district shall be composed of the counties of Clarke4 , Bath, Montgomery, Fleming, Lewis, Greenup, Carter, Lawrence, Morgan, and Breathitt. The tenth district shall be composed of the counties of Mason, Bracken, Nicholas, Harrison, Pendleton, Campbell, Grant, Kenton, Boone, and Gallatin. The number of representatives shall, at the several sessions of the General Assembly, next after the making of the enumerations, be apportioned among the ten several districts, according to the number of qualified voters in each; and the Representatives shall be apportioned, as near as may be, among the counties, towns and cities in each district; and in making such apportionment the following rules shall govern, to-wit: Every county, town or city having the ratio shall have one Rep-

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850) resentative; if double the ratio, two Representatives, and so on. Next, the counties, towns or cities having one or more Representatives, and the largest number of qualified voters above the ratio, and counties having the largest number under the ratio shall have a Representative, regard being always had to the greatest number of qualified voters: Provided, that when a county may not have a sufficient number of qualified voters to entitle it to one Representative, then such county may be joined to some adjacent county or counties, which counties shall send one Representative. When a new county shall be formed of territory belonging to more than one district, it shall form a part of that district having the least number of qualified voters. S ECT. 7. The House of Representatives shall choose its Speaker and other officers. S ECT. 8. Every free white male citizen, of the age of twenty one years, who has resided in the State two years, or in the county, town, or city, in which he offers to vote, one year next preceeding the election, shall be a voter; but such voter shall have been, for sixty days next preceding the election, a resident of the precinct in which he offers to vote, and he shall vote in said precinct, and not elsewhere. S ECT. 9. Voters, in all cases except treason, felony, breach or surety of the peace, shall be privileged from arrest during their attendance at, going to, and5 returning from elections. S ECT. 10. Senators shall be chosen for the term of four years, and the Senate shall have power to choose its officers biennially. S ECT. 11. Senators and Representatives shall be elected, under the first apportionment after the adoption of this Constitution, in the year 1851.

S ECT. 12. At the session of the General Assembly next after the first apportionment under this Constitution, the Senators shall be divided by lot, as equally as may be, into two classes; the seats of the first class shall be vacated at the end of two years from the day of the election, and those of the second class at the end of four years, so that one half shall be chosen every two years. S ECT. 13. The number of Representatives shall be one hundred, and the number of Senators thirty eight. S ECT. 14. At every apportionment of representation, the State shall be laid off into thirty eight Senatorial Districts, which shall be so formed as to contain, as near as may be, an equal number of qualified voters, and so that no county shall be divided in the formation of a Senatorial District, except such county shall be entitled, under the enumeration, to two or more Senators; and where two or more counties compose a district they shall be adjoining. S ECT. 15. One Senator for each district shall be elected by the qualified voters therein, who shall vote in the precincts where they reside, at the places where elections are by law directed to be held. S ECT. 16. No person shall be a Senator who, at the time of his election, is not a citizen of the United States; has not attained the age of thirty years, and who has not resided in this State six years next preceding his election, and the last year thereof in the district for which he may be chosen. S ECT. 17. The election for Senators, next after the first apportionment under this Constitution, shall be general throughout the State, and at the same time that the election for Representatives is held, and thereafter there shall be a biennial election for Senators to fill the places of those whose term of service may have expired.

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K ENTUCKY S ECT. 18. The General Assembly shall convene on the first Monday in November, after the adoption of this Constitution, and again on the first Monday in November, 1851, and on the same day of every second year thereafter, unless a different day be appointed by law, and their sessions6 shall be held at the seat of Government. S ECT. 19. Not less than a majority of the members of each house of the General Assembly shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and shall be authorized by law to compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as may be prescribed thereby. S ECT. 20. Each house of the General Assembly shall judge of the7 qualifications, elections, and returns of its members; but a contested election shall be determined in such manner as shall be directed by law. S ECT. 21. Each house of the General Assembly may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish a member for disorderly behavior, and with the concurrence of two thirds expel a member; but not a second time for the same cause. S ECT. 22. Each house of the General Assembly shall keep and publish, weekly, a journal of its proceedings, and the yeas and nays of the members on any question shall, at the desire of any two of them, be entered on their journal. S ECT. 23. Neither house, during the session of the General Assembly, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which they may be sitting. S ECT. 24. The members of the General Assembly shall severally receive from the public treasury a compensation for their services, which shall be three dollars a day during their attendance on, and twelve and

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a half cents per mile for the necessary travel in going to, and returning from, the sessions of their respective houses: Provided, that the same may be increased or diminished by law; but no alteration shall take effect during the session at which such alteration shall be made; nor shall a session of the General Assembly continue beyond sixty days, except by a vote of two thirds of all the members elected to each house, but this shall not apply to the first session held under this Constitution. S ECT. 25. The members of the General Assembly shall, in all cases except treason, felony, breach or surety of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the sessions of their respective houses, and in going to, and returning from, the same; and for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be questioned in any other place. S ECT. 26. No Senator or Representative shall, during the term for which he was elected, nor for one year thereafter, be appointed or elected to any civil office of profit under this Commonwealth, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been increased, during the said term, except to such offices or appointments as may be filled by the election of the people. S ECT. 27. No person, while he continues to exercise the functions of a clergyman, priest, or teacher of any religious persuasion, society, or sect, nor while he holds or exercises any office of profit under this Commonwealth, or under the government of the United States, shall be eligible to the General Assembly, except attorneys at law, justices of the peace, and militia officers: Provided, that attorneys for the Commonwealth, who receive a fixed annual salary, shall be ineligible.

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850) S ECT. 28. No person who, at any time, may have been a collector of taxes or public moneys for the State, or the assistant or deputy of such collector, shall be eligible to the General Assembly, unless he shall have obtained a quietus, six months before the election, for the amount of such collection, and for all public moneys for which he may have been responsible.

resources of the Sinking Fund, as now established by law, until the debt of the State be paid, but may pass laws to increase them; and the whole resources of said fund, from year to year, shall be sacredly set apart and applied to the payment of the interest and principal of the State debt, and to no other use or purpose, until the whole debt of the State is fully paid and satisfied.

S ECT. 29. No bill shall have the force of a law, until, on three several days, it be read over in each house of the General Assembly, and free discussion allowed thereon, unless, in cases of urgency, four fifths of the house, where the bill shall be depending, may deem it expedient to dispense with this rule.

S ECT. 35. The General Assembly may contract debts to meet casual deficits or failures in the revenue, but such debts, direct or contingent, singly or in the aggregate, shall not at any time exceed five hundred thousand dollars; and the moneys arising from loans creating such debts, shall be applied to the purposes for which they were obtained, or to repay such debts: Provided, that the State may contract debts to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, or, if hostilities are threatened, provide for the public defence.

S ECT. 30. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose amendments, as in other bills: Provided, that they shall not introduce any new matter, under color of amendment, which does not relate to raising revenue.

S ECT. 33. The credit of this Commonwealth shall never be given or loaned in aid of any person, association, municipality, or corporation.

S ECT. 36. No act of the General Assembly shall authorize any debt to be contracted on behalf of the Commonwealth, except for the purposes mentioned in the thirty-fifth section of this article, unless provision be made therein to lay and collect an annual tax sufficient to pay the interest stipulated, and to discharge the debt within thirty years; nor shall such act take effect until it shall have been submitted to the people at a general election, and shall have received a majority of all the votes cast for and against it: Provided, that the General Assembly may contract debts, by borrowing money to pay any part of the debt of the State, without submission to the people, and without making provision in the act authorising the same for a tax to discharge the debt so contracted, or the interest thereon.

S ECT. 34. The General Assembly shall have no power to pass laws to diminish the

S ECT. 37. No law, enacted by the General Assembly, shall relate to more than one

S ECT. 31. The General Assembly shall regulate, by law, by whom and in what manner writs of election shall be issued to fill the vacancies which may happen in either branch thereof. S ECT. 32. The General Assembly shall have no power to grant divorces, to change the names of individuals, or direct the sales of estates belonging to infants, or other persons laboring under legal disabilities, by special legislation; but by general laws shall confer such powers on the courts of justice.

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K ENTUCKY subject, and that shall be expressed in the title.

expiration of the term for which he shall have been elected.

S ECT. 38. The General Assembly shall not change the venue in any criminal or penal prosecution, but shall provide for the same by general laws.

S ECT. 4. He shall be at least thirty five years of age, and a citizen of the United States, and have been an inhabitant of this State at least six years next preceding his election.

S ECT. 39. The General Assembly may pass laws authorising writs of error in criminal or penal cases, and regulating the right of challenge of jurors therein. S ECT. 40. The General Assembly shall have no power to pass any act, or resolution, for the appropriation of any money, or the creation of any debt, exceeding the sum of one hundred dollars, at any one time, unless the same, on its final passage, shall be voted for by a majority of all the members then elected to each branch of the General Assembly; and the yeas and nays thereon entered on the journal.

ARTICLE III Concerning the Executive Department S ECT. 1. The Supreme Executive power of the Commonwealth shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate, who shall be styled the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. S ECT. 2. The Governor shall be elected for the term of four years, by the qualified voters of the State, at the time when, and places where, they shall respectively vote for Representatives. The person having the highest number of votes shall be Governor; but if two or more shall be equal and highest in votes, the election shall be determined by lot, in such manner as the General Assembly may direct. S ECT. 3. The Governor shall be ineligible for the succeeding four years after the

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S ECT. 5. He shall commence the execution of the duties of his office on the fifth Tuesday succeeding the day of the general election on which he shall have been chosen, and shall continue in the execution thereof until his successor shall have taken the oaths, or affirmations, prescribed by this Constitution. S ECT. 6. No member of Congress, or person holding any office under the United States, or minister of any religious society, shall be eligible to the office of Governor. S ECT. 7. The Governor shall, at stated times, receive for his services a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the term for which he was elected. S ECT. 8. He shall be Commander-inChief of the army and navy of this Commonwealth, and of the militia thereof, except when they shall be called into the service of the United States; but he shall not command personally in the field, unless advised so to do by a resolution of the General Assembly. S ECT. 9. He shall have power to fill vacancies that may occur, by granting commissions, which shall expire when such vacancies shall have been filled according to the provisions of this Constitution. S ECT. 10. He shall have power to remit fines and forfeitures, grant reprieves and pardons, except in cases of impeachment. In cases of treason, he shall have power to

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850) grant reprieves until the end of the next session of the General Assembly, in which the power of pardoning shall be vested; but he shall have no power to remit the fees of the Clerk, Sheriff, or Commonwealth’s Attorney, in penal or criminal cases. S ECT. 11. He may require information, in writing, from the officers in the executive department, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices. S ECT. 12. He shall, from time to time, give to the General Assembly information of the state of the Commonwealth, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he may deem expedient. S ECT. 13. He may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the General Assembly at the seat of government, or at a different place if that should have become, since their last adjournment, dangerous from an enemy, or from contagious disorders; and in case of disagreement between the two houses, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper, not exceeding four months.

S ECT. 17. Should the Governor be impeached, removed from office, die, refuse to qualify, resign, or be absent from the State, the Lieutenant Governor shall exercise all the power and authority appertaining to the office of Governor, until another be duly elected and qualified, or the Governor absent or impeached, shall return or be acquitted. S ECT. 18. Whenever the government shall be administered by the Lieutenant Governor, or he shall fail to attend as Speaker of the Senate, the Senators shall elect one of their own members as Speaker for that occasion. And if, during the vacancy of the office of Governor, the Lieutenant Governor shall be impeached, removed from office, refuse to qualify, resign, die, or be absent from the State, the Speaker of the Senate shall, in like manner, administer the government: Provided, that whenever a vacancy shall occur in the office of Governor, before the first two years of the term shall have expired, a new election for Governor shall take place, to fill such vacancy.

S ECT. 15. A Lieutenant Governor shall be chosen at every regular election for Governor, in the same manner, to continue in office for the same time, and possess the same qualifications as the Governor. In voting for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, the electors shall state for whom they vote as Governor, and for whom as Lieutenant Governor.

S ECT. 19. The Lieutenant Governor, or Speaker pro tempore of the Senate, while he acts as Speaker of the Senate, shall receive for his services the same compensation which shall, for the same period, be allowed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and no more; and during the time he administers the government, as Governor, shall receive the same compensation which the Governor would have received, had he been employed in the duties of his office.

S ECT. 16. He shall, by virtue of his office, be Speaker of the Senate, have a right, when in committee of the whole, to debate and vote on all subjects, and when the Senate are equally divided, to give the casting vote.

S ECT. 20. If the Lieutenant Governor shall be called upon to administer the government, and shall, while in such administration, resign, die, or be absent from the State during the recess of the General Assembly, it shall be the duty of the Secre-

S ECT. 14. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

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K ENTUCKY tary of State, for the time being, to convene the Senate for the purpose of choosing a Speaker. S ECT. 21. The Governor shall nominate, and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint a Secretary of State, who shall be commissioned during the term for which the Governor was elected, if he shall so long behave himself well. He shall keep a fair register, and attest all the official acts of the Governor, and shall, when required, lay the same, and all papers, minutes, and vouchers, relative thereto, before either house of the General Assembly; and shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by law. S ECT. 22. Every bill which shall have passed both houses, shall be presented to the Governor. If he approve8 , he shall sign it; but if not, he shall return it with his objections, to the house in which it originated, who shall enter the objections at large upon their journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, a majority of all the members elected to that house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be considered, and if approved by a majority of all the members elected to that house, it shall be a law; but in such cases, the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the members voting for and against the bill, shall be entered upon the journals of each house, respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the Governor, within ten days, (Sundays excepted,) after it shall have been presented to him, it shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the General Assembly, by their adjournment, prevent its return; in which case it shall be a law, unless sent back within three days after their next meeting. S ECT. 23. Every order, resolution, or

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vote, in which the concurrence of both houses may be necessary, except on a question of adjournment, shall be presented to the Governor, and before it shall take effect, be approved by him; or being disapproved, shall be re-passed by a majority of all the members elected to both houses, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in case of a bill. S ECT. 24. Contested elections for Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall be determined by both houses of the General Assembly, according to such regulations as may be established by law. S ECT. 25. A Treasurer shall be elected by the qualified voters of the State, for the term of two years; and an Auditor of Public Accounts, Register of the Land Office, and Attorney General, for the term of four years. The duties and responsibilities of these officers shall be prescribed by law: Provided, that inferior State officers, not specially provided for in this Constitution, may be appointed, or elected, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law, for a term not exceeding four years. S ECT. 26. The first election, under this Constitution, for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Auditor of Public Accounts, Register of the land office, and Attorney General, shall be held on the first Monday in August in the year 1851.

ARTICLE IV Concerning the Judicial Department S ECT. 1. The judicial power of this Commonwealth, both as to matters of law and equity, shall be vested in one Supreme Court, (to be styled the Court of Appeals,) the Courts established by this Constitution, and such Courts, inferior to the Supreme Court,

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850) as the General Assembly may, from time to time, erect and establish. Concerning the Court of Appeals S ECT. 2. The Court of Appeals shall have appellate jurisdiction only, which shall be co-extensive with the State, under such restrictions and regulations, not repugnant to this Constitution, as may, from time to time, be prescribed by law. S ECT. 3. The Judges of the Court of Appeals shall, after their first term, hold their offices for eight years, from and after their election, and until their successors shall be duly qualified, subject to the conditions hereinafter prescribed; but for any reasonable cause, the Governor shall remove any of them on the address of two thirds of each house of the General Assembly: Provided, however, that the cause or causes for which such removal may be required, shall be stated at length in such address, and on the journal of each house. They shall, at stated times, receive for their services an adequate compensation, to be fixed by law, which shall not be diminished during the time for which they shall have been elected. S ECT. 4. The Court of Appeals shall consist of four Judges, any three of whom may constitute a Court for the transaction of business. The General Assembly, at its first session after the adoption of this Constitution, shall divide the State, by counties, into9 four districts, as nearly equal in voting population, and with as convenient limits as may be, in each of which the qualified voters shall elect one Judge of the Court of Appeals: Provided, that whenever a vacancy shall occur in said Court, from any cause, the General Assembly shall have the power to reduce the number of Judges and districts; but in no event shall there be less than three Judges and districts. Should a change in the number of the Judges of the Court

of Appeals be made, the term of office and number of districts shall be so changed as to preserve the principle of electing one Judge every two years. S ECT. 5. The Judges shall, by virtue of their offices, be conservators of the peace throughout the State. The style of all process shall be, “The Commonwealth of Kentucky.” All prosecutions shall be carried on10 in the name and by the authority of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and conclude “against the peace and dignity of the same.” S ECT. 6. The Judges first elected shall serve as follows, to-wit: one shall serve until the first Monday in August, 1852; one until the first Monday in August, 1854; one until the first Monday in August, 1856, and one until the first Monday in August, 1858. The Judges, at the first term of the Court succeeding their election, shall determine, by lot, the length of time which each one shall serve; and at the expiration of the service of each, an election in the proper district shall take place to fill the vacancy. The Judge having the shortest time to serve shall be styled the Chief Justice of Kentucky. S ECT. 7. If a vacancy shall occur in said Court from any cause, the Governor shall issue a writ of election to the proper district to fill such vacancy for the residue of the term: Provided, that if the unexpired term be less than one year, the Governor shall appoint a Judge to fill such vacancy. S ECT. 8. No person shall be eligible to the office of Judge of the Court of Appeals, who is not a citizen of the United States, a resident of the district for which he may be a candidate two years next preceding his election, at least thirty years of age, and who has not been a practicing lawyer eight years, or whose service upon the bench of any Court of record, when added to the time he may have practiced law, shall not be equal to eight years.

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K ENTUCKY S ECT. 9. The Court of Appeals shall hold its sessions at the seat of government, unless otherwise directed by law; but the General Assembly may, from time to time, direct that said Court shall hold sessions11 in any one or more of said districts. S ECT. 10. The first election of the Judges and Clerk or Clerks of the Court of Appeals shall take place on the second Monday in May, 1851, and thereafter, in each district as a vacancy may occur, by the expiration of the term of office; and the Judges of the said Court shall be commissioned by the Governor. S ECT. 11. There shall be elected, by the qualified voters of this State, a Clerk of the Court of Appeals, who shall hold his office, from the first election, until the first Monday in August, 1858, and thereafter for the term of eight years from and after his election; and should the General Assembly provide for holding the Court of Appeals in any one or more of said districts, they shall also provide for the election of a Clerk by the qualified voters of such district, who shall hold his office for eight years, possess the same qualifications, and be subject to removal in the same manner as the Clerk of the Court of Appeals; but if the General Assembly shall, at its first or any other session, direct the Court of Appeals to hold its sessions12 in more than one district, a Clerk shall be elected by the qualified voters of such district. And the Clerk, first provided for in this section, shall be elected by the qualified voters of the other district or districts. The same principle shall be observed whenever the Court shall be directed to hold its sessions in either of the other districts. Should the number of Judges be reduced, the term of the office of Clerk shall be six years. S ECT. 12. No person shall be eligible to the office of Clerk of the Court of Appeals,

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unless he be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the State two years next preceding his election, of the age of twenty one years, and have a certificate from a Judge of the Court of Appeals, or a Judge of the Circuit Court, that he has been examined by the Clerk of his Court, under his supervision, and that he is qualified for the office for which he is a candidate. S ECT. 13. Should a vacancy occur in the office of Clerk of the Court of Appeals, the Governor shall issue a writ of election, and the qualified voters of the State, or of the district in which the vacancy may occur, shall elect a Clerk of the Court of Appeals, to serve until the end of the term for which such Clerk was elected: Provided, that when a vacancy shall occur from any cause, or the Clerk be under charges upon information, the Judges of the Court of Appeals shall have power to appoint a Clerk pro tem., to perform the duties of Clerk until such vacancy shall be filled, or the Clerk acquitted: And, provided further, that no writ of election shall issue to fill a vacancy unless the unexpired term exceed one year. S ECT. 14. The General Assembly shall direct, by law, the mode and manner of conducting and making due returns to the Secretary of State, of all elections of the Judges and Clerk or Clerks of the Court of Appeals, and of determining contested elections of any of these officers. S ECT. 15. The General Assembly shall provide for an additional Judge or Judges, to constitute, with the remaining Judge or Judges, a special Court for the trial of such cause or causes as may, at any time, be pending in the Court of Appeals, on the trial of which a majority of the Judges cannot sit, on account of interest in the event of the cause; or on account of their relationship to either party; or when a Judge may have

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850) been employed in or decided the cause in the inferior Court. Concerning the Circuit Courts S ECT. 16. A Circuit Court shall be established in each county now existing, or which may hereafter be erected in this Commonwealth.

the district for which he may be a candidate two years next preceding his election, at least thirty years of age, and who has not been a practicing lawyer eight years, or whose service upon the bench of any Court of record, when added to the time he may have practiced law, shall not be equal to eight years.

S ECT. 18. The right to appeal or sue out a writ of error to the Court of Appeals shall remain as it now exists, until altered by law, hereby giving to the General Assembly the power to change, alter, or modify said right.

S ECT. 23. The Judges of the Circuit Court shall, after their first term, hold their office for the term of six years from the day of their election. They shall be commissioned by the Governor, and continue in office until their successors be qualified, but shall be removable from office in the same manner as the Judges of the Court of Appeals; and the removal of a Judge from his district shall vacate his office.

S ECT. 19. At the first session after the adoption13 of this Constitution, the General Assembly shall divide the State into twelve judicial districts, having due regard to business, territory, and population: Provided, that no county shall be divided.

S ECT. 24. The General Assembly, if they deem it necessary, may establish one additional district every four years, but the judicial districts shall not exceed sixteen, until the population of this State shall exceed one million five hundred thousand.

S ECT. 20. They shall, at the same time that the judicial districts are laid off, direct elections to be held in each district, to elect a Judge for said district, and shall prescribe in what manner the elections shall be conducted. The first election of Judges of the Circuit Court shall take place on the second Monday in May, 1851; and afterwards on the first Monday in August, 1856, and on the first Monday in August in every sixth year thereafter.

S ECT. 25. The Judges of the Circuit Courts shall, at stated times, receive for their services an adequate compensation, to be fixed by law, which shall be equal and uniform throughout the State, and which shall not be diminished during the time for which they were elected.

S ECT. 17. The jurisdiction of said Court shall be, and remain as now established, hereby giving to the General Assembly the power to change or alter it.

S ECT. 21. All persons qualified to vote for members of the General Assembly, in each district, shall have the right to vote for Judges. S ECT. 22. No person shall be eligible as Judge of the Circuit Court who is not a citizen of the United States, a resident of

S ECT. 26. If a vacancy shall occur in the office of Judge of the Circuit Court, the Governor shall issue a writ of election to fill such vacancy, for the residue of the term: Provided, that if the unexpired term be less than one year, the Governor shall appoint a Judge to fill such vacancy. S ECT. 27. The Judicial Districts of this State shall not be changed, except at the first session after an enumeration, unless when a new District may be established.

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K ENTUCKY S ECT. 28. The General Assembly shall provide by law for holding Circuit Courts, when, from any cause, the Judge shall fail to attend, or, if in attendance, cannot properly preside.

the county in which he shall be chosen, one year next preceding the election.

Concerning County Courts

S ECT. 33. The jurisdiction of the County Court shall be regulated by law; and, until changed, shall be the same now vested in the County Courts of this State.

S ECT. 29. A County Court shall be established in each county now existing, or which may hereafter be erected within this Commonwealth, to consist of a Presiding Judge, and two Associate Judges, any two of whom shall constitute a court for the transaction of business: Provided, the General Assembly may at any time abolish the office of the Associate Judges, whenever it shall be deemed expedient; in which event they may associate with said court any or all of the Justices of the Peace for the transaction of business.

S ECT. 34. Each county in this State shall be laid off into districts of convenient size, as the General Assembly may, from time to time, direct. Two Justices of the Peace shall be elected in each district, by the qualified voters therein, at such time and place as may be prescribed by law, for the term of four years, whose jurisdiction shall be coextensive with the county; no person shall be eligible as a Justice of the Peace, unless he be a citizen of the United States, twenty one years of age, and a resident of the district in which he may be a candidate.

S ECT. 30. The Judges of the County Court14 shall be elected by the qualified voters in each county, for the term of four years, and shall continue in office until their successors be duly qualified, and shall receive such compensation for their services as may be provided by law.

S ECT. 35. Judges of the County Court, and Justices of the Peace, shall be conservators of the peace. They shall be commissioned by the Governor. County and district officers shall vacate their offices by removal from the district or county in which they shall be appointed. The General Assembly shall provide, by law, the manner of conducting and making due return of all elections of Judges of the County Court and Justices of the Peace, and for determining contested elections, and provide the mode of filling vacancies in these offices.

S ECT. 31. The first election of County Court Judges shall take place at the same time of the election of Judges of the Circuit Court. The Presiding Judge, first elected, shall hold his office until the first Monday in August, 1854. The Associate Judges shall hold their offices until the first Monday in August, 1852, and until their successors be qualified; and afterwards elections shall be held on the first Mondays in August, in the years in which vacancies regularly occur. S ECT. 32. No person shall be eligible to the office of Presiding or Associate Judge of the County Court, unless he be a citizen of the United States, over twenty one years of age, and shall have been a resident of

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S ECT. 36. Judges of the County Court and Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, Coroners, Surveyors, Jailers, County Assessor, Attorney for the County, and Constables, shall be subject to indictment or presentment for malfeasance or misfeasance in office, or willful neglect in the discharge of their official duties, in such mode as may be prescribed by law, subject to appeal to the Court of Appeals; and, upon conviction, their offices shall become vacant.

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850) S ECT. 37. The General Assembly may provide, by law, that the Justices of the Peace in each county shall sit at the Court of Claims and assist in laying the county levy and making appropriations only. S ECT. 38. When any city or town shall have a separate representation, such city or town, and the county in which it is located, may have such separate Municipal Courts, and executive and ministerial officers as the General Assembly may, from time to time, provide. S ECT. 39. The Clerks of the Court of Appeals, Circuit, and County Courts, shall be removable from office by the Court of Appeals, upon information and good cause shown. The Court shall be judges of the fact as well as the law. Two-thirds of the members present must concur in the sentence. S ECT. 40. The Louisville Chancery Court shall exist under this Constitution, subject to repeal, and its jurisdiction to enlargement and modification by the General Assembly. The Chancellor shall have the same qualifications as a Circuit Court Judge, and the Clerk of said Court as a Clerk of a Circuit Court, and the Marshal of said Court as a Sheriff; and the General Assembly shall provide for the election, by the qualified voters within its jurisdiction, of the Chancellor, Clerk, and Marshal of said Court, at the same time that the Judge and Clerk of the Circuit Court are elected for the county of Jefferson, and they shall hold their offices for the same time, and shall be removable in the same manner: Provided, that the Marshal of said Court shall he ineligible for the succeeding term. S ECT. 41. The City Court of Louisville, the Lexington City Court, and all other Police Courts established in any city or town, shall remain until otherwise directed by law, with their present powers and jurisdictions; and the Judges, Clerks, and Marshals of

such Courts shall have the same qualifications, and shall be elected by the qualified voters of such cities or towns, at the same time, and in the same manner, and hold their offices for the same term as County Judges, Clerks, and Sheriffs, respectively, and shall be liable to removal in the same manner. The General Assembly may vest judicial powers, for police purposes, in Mayors of cities, Police Judges, and Trustees of towns.

ARTICLE V Concerning Impeachments S ECT. 1. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment. S ECT. 2. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate. When sitting for that purpose, the Senators shall be upon oath or affirmation. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. S ECT. 3. The Governor and all civil officers, shall be liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office; but judgment in such cases shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office of honor, trust, or profit, under this Commonwealth; but the party convicted shall, nevertheless, be subject and liable to indictment, trial, and punishment by law.

ARTICLE VI Concerning Executive and Ministerial Officers for Counties and Districts S ECT. 1. A Commonwealth’s Attorney for each judicial district, and a Circuit Court Clerk for each county, shall be elected, whose term of office shall be the same as

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K ENTUCKY that of the Circuit Judges; also, a County Court Clerk, an Attorney, Surveyor, Coroner, and Jailer, for each county, whose term of office shall be the same as that of the Presiding Judge of the County Court. S ECT. 2. No person shall be eligible to the offices mentioned in this article, who is not at the time twenty four years old, (except Clerks of County and Circuit Courts, Sheriffs, Constables, and County Attorneys, who shall be eligible at the age of twenty one years,) a citizen of the United States, and who has not resided two years next preceding the election, in the State, and one year in the county or district for which he is a candidate. No person shall be eligible to the office of Commonwealth’s or County Attorney, unless he shall have been a licensed practicing attorney for two years. No person shall be eligible to the office of Clerk unless he shall have procured from a Judge of the Court of Appeals, or a Judge of the Circuit Court, a certificate that he has been examined by the Clerk of his Court, under his supervision, and that he is qualified for the office for which he is a candidate. S ECT. 3. The Commonwealth’s Attorney and Circuit Court Clerk shall be elected at the same time as the Circuit Judge – the Commonwealth’s Attorney by the qualified voters of the district, the Circuit Court Clerk by the qualified voters of the county. The County Attorney, Clerk, Surveyor, Coroner, and Jailer, shall be elected at the same time, and in the same manner, as the Presiding Judge of the County Court. S ECT. 4. A Sheriff shall be elected in each county, by the qualified voters thereof, whose term of office shall, after the first term, be two years, and until his successor be qualified; and he shall be re-eligible for a second term; but no Sheriff shall, after the expiration of the second term, be reeligible, or act as deputy, for the succeeding

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term. The first election of Sheriffs shall be on the second Monday in May, 1851; and the Sheriffs, then elected, shall hold their offices until the first Monday in January, 1853, and until their successors be qualified; and on the first Monday in August, 1852, and on the first Monday of August in every second year thereafter, elections for Sheriffs15 shall be held: Provided, that the Sheriffs, first elected, shall enter upon the duties of their respective offices on the first Monday in June, 1851, and after the first election on the first Monday in January next succeeding their election. S ECT. 5. A Constable shall be elected in every Justice’s District, who shall be chosen for two years, at such time and place as may be provided by law, whose jurisdiction shall be co-extensive with the county in which he may reside. S ECT. 6. Officers for towns and cities shall be elected for such terms, and in such manner, and with such qualifications, as may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 7. Vacancies in offices under this article shall be filled, until the next regular election, in such manner as the General Assembly may provide. S ECT. 8. When a new county shall be erected, officers for the same, to serve until the next stated election, shall be elected or appointed in such way and at such times as the General Assembly may prescribe. S ECT. 9. Clerks, Sheriffs, Surveyors, Coroners, Constables, and Jailers, and such other officers as the General Assembly may, from time to time, require, shall, before they enter upon the duties of their respective offices, and as often thereafter as may be deemed proper, give such bond and security as shall be prescribed by law. S ECT. 10. The General Assembly may provide for the election or appointment, for

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850) a term not exceeding four years, of such other county or district ministerial and executive officers as shall, from time to time, be necessary and proper.

ARTICLE VIII General Provisions

S ECT. 1. The Militia of this Commonwealth shall consist of all free, able-bodied male persons (negroes, mulattoes, and Indians excepted,) resident in the same, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years; except such persons as now are, or hereafter may be, exempted by the laws of the United States or of this State; but those who belong to religious societies, whose tenets forbid them to carry arms, shall not be compelled to do so, but shall pay an equivalent for personal services.

S ECT. 1. Members of the General Assembly, and all officers, before they enter upon the execution of the duties of their respective offices, and all members of the bar, before they enter upon the practice of their profession, shall take the following oath or affirmation: I do solemnly swear, (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of this State, and be faithful and true to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, so long as I continue a citizen thereof, and that I will faithfully execute, to the best of my abilities, the office of –––– according to law; and I do further solemnly swear, (or affirm,) that since the adoption of the present Constitution, I, being a citizen of this State, have not fought a duel, with deadly weapons, within this State nor out of it, with a citizen of this State, nor have I sent or accepted a challenge to fight a duel with deadly weapons, with a citizen of this State; nor have I acted as second in carrying a challenge, or aided, or assisted any person thus offending – so help me God.

S ECT. 2. The Governor shall appoint the Adjutant General, and his other staff officers; the Major Generals, Brigadier Generals, and Commandants of Regiments16 shall, respectively, appoint their staff officers; and Commandants of Companies shall appoint their non-commissioned officers.

S ECT. 2. Treason against the Commonwealth shall consist only in levying war against it, or in adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or his own confession in open court.

S ECT. 3. All militia officers, whose appointment is not herein otherwise provided for, shall be elected by persons subject to military duty, within their respective companies, battalions, regiments, brigades, and divisions, under such rules and regulations, and for such terms, not exceeding six years, as the General Assembly may, from time to time, direct and establish.

S ECT. 3. Every person shall be disqualified from holding any office of trust or profit for the term for which he shall have been elected, who shall be convicted of having given or offered any bribe or treat to procure his election.

S ECT. 11. A County Assessor shall be elected in each county at the same time and for the same term that the Presiding Judge of the County Court is elected, until otherwise provided for by law. He shall have power to appoint such assistants as may be necessary and proper.

ARTICLE VII Concerning the Militia

S ECT. 4. Laws shall be made to exclude from office and from suffrage, those who

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K ENTUCKY shall thereafter be convicted of bribery, perjury, forgery, or other crimes or high misdemeanors. The privilege of free suffrage shall be supported by laws regulating elections, and prohibiting, under adequate penalties, all undue influence thereon from power, bribery, tumult, or other improper practices. S ECT. 5. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in pursuance of appropriations made by law, nor shall any appropriations of money for the support of an army be made for a longer time than two years, and a regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published annually. S ECT. 6. The General Assembly may direct, by law, in what manner, and in what Courts, suits may be brought against the Commonwealth. S ECT. 7. The manner of administering an oath or affirmation shall be such as is most consistent with the conscience of the deponent, and shall be esteemed by the General Assembly the most solemn appeal to God. S ECT. 8. All laws which, on the first day of June, one thousand seven hundred and ninety two, were in force in the State of Virginia, and which are of a general nature, and not local to that State, and not repugnant to this Constitution, nor to the laws which have been enacted by the General Assembly of this Commonwealth, shall be in force within this State, until they shall be altered or repealed by the General Assembly. S ECT. 9. The compact with the State of Virginia, subject to such alterations as may be made therein agreeably to the mode prescribed by the said compact, shall be considered as part of this Constitution.17 S ECT. 10. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly to pass such laws as shall be

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necessary and proper to decide differences by arbitrators, to be appointed by the parties who may choose that summary mode of adjustment. S ECT. 11. All civil officers for the Commonwealth, at large, shall reside within the State, and all district, county, or town officers, within their respective districts, counties, or towns, (trustees of towns excepted,) and shall keep their offices at such places therein as may be required by law; and all militia officers shall reside in the bounds of the division, brigade, regiment, battalion, or company, to which they may severally belong. S ECT. 12. Absence on the business of this State, or the United States, shall not forfeit a residence once obtained, so as to deprive any one of the right of suffrage, or of being elected or appointed to any office under this Commonwealth, under the exceptions contained in this Constitution. S ECT. 13. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly to regulate, by law, in what cases, and what deductions from the salaries of public officers shall be made, for neglect of duty in their official capacity. S ECT. 14. Returns of all elections by the people, shall be made to the Secretary of State, for the time being, except in those cases otherwise provided for in this Constitution, or which shall be otherwise directed by law. S ECT. 15. In all elections by the people, and also by the Senate and House of Representatives, jointly or separately, the votes shall be personally and publicly given, viva voce: Provided, that dumb persons, entitled to suffrage, may vote by ballot. S ECT. 16. All elections by the people shall be held between the hours of six o’clock in the morning and seven o’clock in the evening.

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850) S ECT. 17. The General Assembly shall, by law, prescribe the time when the several officers authorized or directed by this Constitution to be elected or appointed, shall enter upon the duties of their respective offices, except where the time is fixed by this Constitution. S ECT. 18. No member of Congress, nor person holding or exercising any office of trust or profit under the United States, or either of them, or under any foreign power, shall be eligible as a member of the General Assembly of this Commonwealth, or hold or exercise any office of trust or profit under the same. S ECT. 19. The General Assembly shall direct, by law, how persons who now are, or who may hereafter become securities for public officers, may be relieved or discharged on account of such securityship. S ECT. 20. Any person who shall, after the adoption of this Constitution, either directly or indirectly, give, accept, or knowingly carry a challenge to any person or persons, to fight in single combat, with a citizen of this State, with any deadly weapon, either in or out of the State, shall be deprived of the right to hold any office of honor or profit in this Commonwealth, and shall be punished otherwise in such manner as the General Assembly may prescribe by law. S ECT. 21. The Governor shall have power, after five years from the time of the offence, to pardon all persons who shall have in any wise participated in a duel, either as principals, seconds, or otherwise, and to restore him or them to all the rights, privileges and immunities to which he or they were entitled before such participation. And upon the presentation of such pardon, the oath prescribed in the first section of this article shall be varied to suit the case.

S ECT. 22. At its first session after the adoption of this Constitution, the General Assembly shall appoint not more than three persons, learned in the law, whose duty it shall be to revise and arrange the statute laws of this Commonwealth, both civil and criminal, so as to have but one law on any one subject; and also, three other persons, learned in the law, whose duty it shall be to prepare a code of practice for the Courts, both civil and criminal, in this Commonwealth, by abridging and simplifying the rules of practice and laws in relation thereto; all of whom shall, at as early a day as practicable, report the result of their labors to the General Assembly, for their adoption or modification. S ECT. 23. So long as the Board of Internal Improvement shall be continued, the President thereof shall be elected by the qualified voters of this Commonwealth, and hold the office for the term of four years, and until another be duly elected and qualified. The election shall be held at the same time, and be conducted in the same manner, as the election of Governor of this Commonwealth under this Constitution; but nothing herein contained shall prevent the General Assembly from abolishing said Board of Internal Improvement, or the office of President thereof. S ECT. 24. The General Assembly shall provide, by law, for the trial of any contested election of Auditor, Register, Treasurer, Attorney General, Judges of Circuit Courts, and all other officers not otherwise herein specified. S ECT. 25. The General Assembly shall provide by law for the making of the returns by the proper officers, of the election of all officers to be elected under this Constitution; and the Governor shall issue commissions to the Auditor, Register, Treasurer,

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K ENTUCKY President of the Board of Internal Improvement, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and such other officers as he may be directed, by law, to commission, as soon as he has ascertained the result of the election of those officers respectively. S ECT. 26. When a vacancy shall happen in the office of Attorney General, Auditor of Public Accounts, Treasurer, Register of the Land Office, President of the Board of Internal Improvement, or Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Governor, in the recess of the Senate, shall have power to fill the vacancy by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of the next session, and shall fill the vacancy for the balance of the time by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

ARTICLE IX Concerning the Seat of Government The18 seat of government shall continue in the city of Frankfort, until it shall be removed by law: Provided, however, that two thirds of all the members elected to each house of the General Assembly shall concur in the passage of such law.

and providing for their removal from the State. They shall have no power to prevent immigrants to this State from bringing with them such persons as are deemed slaves by the laws of any of the United States, so long as any person of the same age or description shall be continued in slavery by the laws of this State. They shall pass laws to permit owners of slaves to emancipate them, saving the rights of creditors, and to prevent them from remaining in this State after they are emancipated. They shall have full power to prevent slaves being brought into this State as merchandise. They shall have full power to prevent slaves being brought into this State, who have been, since the first day of January, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine, or may hereafter be imported into any of the United States from a foreign country. And they shall have full power to pass such laws as may be necessary to oblige the owners of slaves to treat them with humanity; to provide for them necessary clothing and provision; to abstain from all injuries to them, extending to life or limb; and in case of their neglect or refusal to comply with the directions of such laws, to have such slave or slaves sold for the benefit of their owner or owners.

Concerning Slaves

S ECT. 2. The General Assembly shall pass laws providing that any free negro or mulatto hereafter immigrating to, and any slave hereafter emancipated in, and refusing to leave this State, or having left, shall return and settle within this State, shall be deemed guilty of felony, and punished by confinement in the Penitentiary thereof.

S ECT. 1. The General Assembly shall have no power to pass laws for the emancipation of slaves without the consent of their owners, or without paying their owners, previous to such emancipation, a full equivalent in money for the slaves so emancipated,

S ECT. 3. In the prosecution of slaves for felony, no inquest by a grand jury shall be necessary; but the proceedings19 in such prosecutions20 shall be regulated by law, except that the General Assembly shall have no power to deprive them of the privilege of an impartial trial by a petit jury.

ARTICLE X

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C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850)

ARTICLE XI Concerning Education S ECT. 1. The capital of the fund called and known as the “Common School Fund,” consisting of one million two hundred and twenty five thousand seven hundred and sixty eight dollars and forty two cents, for which bonds have been executed by the State to the Board of Education, and seventy three thousand five hundred dollars of stock in the Bank of Kentucky; also, the sum of fifty one thousand two hundred and twenty three dollars and twenty nine cents, balance of interest on the School Fund for the year 1848, unexpended, together with any sum which may be hereafter raised in the State by taxation, or otherwise, for purposes of education, shall be held inviolate, for the purpose of sustaining a system of Common Schools. The interest and dividends of said funds, together with any sum which may be produced for that purpose by taxation or otherwise, may be appropriated in aid of Common Schools, but for no other purpose. The General Assembly shall invest said fifty one thousand two hundred and twenty three dollars and twenty nine cents in some safe and profitable manner; and any portion of the interest and dividends of said School Fund, or other money or property raised for school purposes, which may not be needed in sustaining Common Schools, shall be invested in like manner. The General Assembly shall make provision, by law, for the payment of the interest of said School Fund: Provided, that each county shall be entitled to its proportion of the income of said fund, and if not called for, for common school purposes, it shall be re-invested from time to time for the benefit of such county. S ECT. 2. A Superintendent of Public Instruction shall be elected by the qualified voters of this Commonwealth, at the same

time the Governor is elected, who shall hold his office for four years, and his duties and salary shall be prescribed and fixed by law.

ARTICLE XII Mode of revising the Constitution S ECT. 1. When experience shall point out the necessity of amending this Constitution, and when a majority of all the members elected to each house of the General Assembly shall, within the first twenty days of any regular session, concur in passing a law for taking the sense of the good people of this Commonwealth as to the necessity and expediency of calling a Convention, it shall be the duty of the several Sheriffs, and other officers of elections, at the next general election which shall be held for representatives to the General Assembly, after the passage of such law, to open a poll for, and make return to the Secretary of State, for the time being, of the names of all those entitled to vote for representatives, who have voted for calling a Convention; and if, thereupon, it shall appear that a majority of all the citizens of this State, entitled to vote for representatives, have voted for calling a Convention, the General Assembly shall, at their next regular session, direct that a similar poll shall be opened, and return made for the next election for representatives; and if, thereupon, it shall appear that a majority of all the citizens of this State, entitled to vote for representatives, have voted for calling a Convention, the General Assembly shall, at their next session, pass a law calling a Convention, to consist of as many members as there shall be in the House of Representatives, and no more; to be chosen on the first Monday in August thereafter, in the same manner and proportion, and at the same places, and possessed of the same qualifications of a quali-

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K ENTUCKY fied elector, by citizens entitled to vote for representatives; and to meet within three months after their election, for the purpose of re-adopting, amending, or changing this Constitution; but if it shall appear by the vote of either year, as aforesaid, that a majority of all the citizens entitled to vote for representatives did not vote for calling a Convention, a Convention shall not then be called. And for the purpose of ascertaining whether a majority of the citizens, entitled to vote for representatives, did or did not vote for calling a Convention, as above, the General Assembly passing the law authorizing such vote shall provide for ascertaining the number of citizens entitled to vote for representatives within the State. S ECT. 2. The Convention, when assembled, shall judge of the election of its members and decide contested elections, but the General Assembly shall, in calling a Convention, provide for taking testimony in such cases and for issuing a writ of election in case of a tie.

ARTICLE XIII Bill of Rights That the general, great, and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established; WE DECLARE, S ECT. 1. That all freemen, when they form a social compact, are equal, and that no man, or set of men, are entitled to exclusive, separate public emoluments or privileges from the community, but in consideration of public services. S ECT. 2. That absolute, arbitrary power over the lives, liberty, and property of freemen, exists no where in a republic – not even in the largest majority.

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S ECT. 3. The right of property is before and higher than any constitutional sanction; and the right of the owner of a slave to such slave, and its increase, is the same, and as inviolable as the right of the owner of any property whatever. S ECT. 4. That all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, happiness, security, and the protection of property. For the advancement of these ends, they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform, or abolish their government, in such manner as they may think proper. S ECT. 5. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; that no man shall be compelled to attend, erect, or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry against his consent; that no human authority ought, in any case whatever, to control or interfere with the rights of conscience; and that no preference shall ever be given, by law, to any religious societies or modes of worship. S ECT. 6. That the civil rights, privileges, or capacities, of any citizen shall in no wise be diminished or enlarged on account of his religion. S ECT. 7. That all elections shall be free and equal. S ECT. 8. That the ancient mode of trial by jury shall be held sacred, and the right thereof remain inviolate, subject to such modifications as may be authorized by this Constitution. S ECT. 9. That printing presses shall be free to every person who undertakes to examine the proceedings of the General Assembly, or any branch of government, and no law shall ever be made to restrain the right thereof. The free communication of

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850) thoughts and opinions is one of the invaluable rights of man, and every citizen may freely speak, write, and print, on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty. S ECT. 10. In prosecutions for the publication of papers investigating the official conduct of officers or men in a public capacity, or where the matter published is proper for public information, the truth thereof may be given in evidence; and in all indictments for libels, the jury shall have a right to determine the law and the facts, under the direction of the Court, as in other cases. S ECT. 11. That the people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and possessions, from unreasonable seizures and searches, and that no warrant to search any place, or to seize any person, or thing, shall issue, without describing them as nearly as may be, nor without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation. S ECT. 12. That in all criminal prosecutions, the accused hath a right to be heard by himself and counsel; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against him; to meet the witnesses face to face; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; and in prosecutions by indictment or information, a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of the vicinage; that he cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself; nor can he be deprived of his life, liberty, or property, unless by the judgment of his peers, or the law of the land. S ECT. 13. That no person shall, for any indictable offence, be proceeded against criminally, by information, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service, in time of war or public danger, or by leave of the Court, for oppression or misdemeanor in office.

S ECT. 14. No person shall, for the same offence, be twice put in jeopardy of his life or limb; nor shall any man’s property be taken or applied to public use, without the consent of his representatives, and without just compensation being previously made to him. S ECT. 15. That all Courts shall be open, and every person, for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person, or reputation, shall have remedy by the due course of law, and right and justice administered, without sale, denial, or delay. S ECT. 16. That no power of suspending laws shall be exercised, unless by the General Assembly, or its authority. S ECT. 17. That excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel punishments inflicted. S ECT. 18. That all prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient securities, unless for capital offences, when the proof is evident or presumption great; and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. S ECT. 19. That the person of a debtor, where there is not strong presumption of fraud, shall not be continued in prison after delivering up his estate for the benefit of his creditors, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law. S ECT. 20. That no ex post facto law, nor any law impairing contracts, shall be made. S ECT. 21. That no person shall be attainted of treason or felony by the General Assembly. S ECT. 22. That no attainder shall work corruption of blood, nor, except during the life of the offender, forfeiture of estate to the Commonwealth.

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K ENTUCKY S ECT. 23. That the estates of such persons as shall destroy their own lives, shall descend or vest as in case of natural death; and if any person shall be killed by casualty, there shall be no forfeiture by reason thereof. S ECT. 24. That the citizens have a right, in a peaceable manner, to assemble together for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the powers of government, for redress of grievances, or other proper purposes, by petition, address, or remonstrance. S ECT. 25. That the rights of the citizens to bear arms in defence of themselves and the State shall not be questioned; but the General Assembly may pass laws to prevent persons from carrying concealed arms. S ECT. 26. That no standing army shall, in time of peace, be kept up, without the consent of the General Assembly; and the military shall, in all cases, and at all times, be in strict subordination to the civil power. S ECT. 27. That no soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner; nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. S ECT. 28. That the General Assembly shall not grant any title of nobility, or hereditary distinction, nor create any office, the appointment to which shall be for a longer time than for a term of years. S ECT. 29. That emigration from the State shall not be prohibited. S ECT. 30. To guard against transgressions of the high powers which we have delegated, WE DECLARE, that everything in this article is excepted out of the general powers of government, and shall forever remain inviolate; and that all laws contrary thereto, or contrary to this Constitution, shall be void.

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SCHEDULE That no inconvenience may arise from the alterations and amendments made in the Constitution of this Commonwealth, and in order to carry the same into complete operation, it is hereby declared and ordained: S ECT. 1. That all the laws of this Commonwealth, in force at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, and not inconsistent therewith, and all rights, actions, prosecutions, claims, and contracts, as well of individuals as of bodies corporate, shall continue as if this Constitution had not been adopted. S ECT. 2. The oaths of office herein directed to be taken may be administered by any Judge or Justice of the Peace, until the General Assembly shall otherwise direct. S ECT. 3. No office shall be superseded by the adoption of this Constitution, but the laws of the State relative to the duties of the several officers, Legislative, Executive, Judicial, and Military, shall remain in full force, though the same be contrary to this Constitution, and the several duties shall be performed by the respective officers of the State, according to the existing laws, until the organization of the Government, as provided for under this Constitution, and the entering into office of the officers to be elected or appointed under said Government, and no longer. S ECT. 4. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly which shall convene in the year 1850, to make an apportionment of the representation of this State, upon the principle set forth in this Constitution; and until the first apportionment shall be made as herein directed, the apportionment of Senators and Representatives among the several districts and counties in this State, shall remain as at present fixed by law: Provided,

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850) that on the first Monday in August, 1850, all Senators shall go out of office, and on that day an election for Senators and Representatives shall be held throughout the State, and those then elected shall hold their offices for one year, and no longer: Provided further, that at the elections to be held in the year 1850, that provision in this Constitution which requires voters to vote in the precinct within which they reside, shall not apply. S ECT. 5. All recognizances heretofore taken, or which may be taken before the organization of the judicial department under this Constitution, shall remain as valid as though this Constitution had not been adopted, and may be prosecuted in the name of the Commonwealth. All criminal prosecutions and penal actions which have arisen, or may arise before the re-organization of the judicial department under this Constitution, may be prosecuted to judgment and execution, in the name of the Commonwealth. “We, the Representatives of the freemen of Kentucky, in Convention assembled, in their name, and by the authority of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and in virtue of the powers vested in us, as Delegates from the counties respectively affixed to our names, do ordain and proclaim the foregoing to be the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky from and after this day. “Done at Frankfort this eleventh day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty, and in the fifty ninth year of the Commonwealth.”21 JAMES GUTHRIE, President of the Convention, and member from the22 city of Louisville. ATTEST: THO. J. HELM, Secretary of the Convention.

THO. D. TILFORD, Assistant Secretary. From the county of Adair, Nathan Gaither. From the county of Allen, George W. Mansfield. From the county of Anderson, George W. Kavanaugh. From the counties of Ballard and McCracken, Richard D. Gholson. From the county of Barren, John T. Rogers, Robert D. Maupin. From the county of Bath, James M. Nesbitt. From the county of Boone, Charles Chambers. From the county of Bourbon, George W. Williams, Richard H. Hanson. From the county of Boyle, Albert G. Talbott. From the county of Bracken, William C. Marshall. From the counties of Breathitt and Morgan, John Hargis. From the county of Breckinridge, Daniel J. Stephens. From the county of Bullitt, William R. Thompson. From the counties of Butler and Edmonson, Vincent S. Hay. From the county of Caldwell, Willis B. Machen. From the counties of Calloway and Marshall, Edward Curd.

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K ENTUCKY From the county of Campbell, Ira23 Root.

From the county of Grant, William Hendrix.

From the counties of Carroll and Gallatin, John T. Robinson.

From the county of Graves, Richard L. Mayes.

From the counties of Carter and Lawrence, Thomas J. Hood.

From the county of Grayson, John J. Thurman.

From the county of Casey, Jesse Coffey.

From the county of Green, Thomas W. Lisle.

From the county of Christian, John D. Morris, Ninian E. Gray.

From the county of Greenup, Henry B. Pollard.

From the county of Clarke24 , Andrew Hood.

From the county of Hardin, Thomas D. Brown, James W. Stone.

From the counties of Clay, Letcher and Perry, James H. Garrard.

From the county of Harrison, Hugh Newell, Lucius Desha.

From the counties of Cumberland and Clinton, Michael L. Stoner,

From the county of Hart, Benjamin Copelin.

From the county of Crittenden, Henry R. D. Coleman. From the county of Daviess, Philip Triplett, From the counties of Estill and Owsley, Luther Brawner, From the county of Fayette, James Dudley, Robert N. Wickliffe. From the county of Fleming, Will. W. Blair. –––––––––.25 From the counties of Floyd, Pike, and Johnson, James M. Lackey.

From the county of Henderson, Archibald Dixon. From the county of Henry, Elijah F. Nuttall. From the counties of Hickman and Fulton, Thomas James. From the county of Hopkins, William Bradley. From the county of Jefferson, David Meriwether, William C. Bullitt. From the county of Jessamine, Alex. K. Marshall. From the county of Kenton, John W. Stevenson.

From the county of Franklin, Thomas N. Lindsey.

From the counties of Knox and Harlan, Silas Woodson.

From the county of Garrard,26 –––––––––.

From the county of Larue, James P. Hamilton.

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C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850) From the counties of Laurel and Rockcastle, Jonathan Newcum. From the county of Lewis, Larkin J. Proctor. From the county of Lincoln, John L. Ballinger. From the county of Livingston, William Cowper. From the county of Logan, William K. Bowling, James W. Irwin. From the city of Louisville, James Rudd, William Preston. From the county of Madison, Squire Turner, William Chenault. From the county of Marion, Green Forrest. From the county of Mason, Peter Lashbrooke, John D. Taylor. From the county of Meade, Thomas J. Gough. From the county of Mercer. Thomas P. Moore. From the county of Monroe John S. Barlow. From the county of Montgomery, Richard Apperson. From the county of Muhlenburg, Alfred M. Jackson. From the county of Nelson, Ben. Hardin, Charles A. Wickliffe. From the county of Nicholas, Benjamin F. Edwards.

From the county of Oldham,27 –––––––––. From the county of Owen, Howard Todd. From the counties of Ohio and Hancock, John H. McHenry. From the county of Pendleton, John Wheeler. From the county of Pulaski, James D. Allcorn. From the county of Russell, Nathan McClure. From the county of Scott, William Johnson. From the county of Simpson, Beverly L. Clarke. From the county of Shelby, Andrew S. White, George W. Johnston. From the county of Spencer, Mark E. Huston. From the county of Taylor, William N. Marshall. From the county of Todd, Francis M. Bristow. From the county of Trigg, Alfred Boyd. From the county of Trimble. Wesley J. Wright. From the county of Union, Ignatius A. Spalding. From the county of Warren, Chasteen T. Dunavan. From the county of Wayne, James S. Chrisman. From the county of Whitley, Thomas Rockhold.

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K ENTUCKY From the county of Woodford, John L. Waller. From the county of Washington, Charles Cooper Kelly.

1

Verified by Constitution of Kentucky, [caption title] [Frankfort, KY: Printed by A. G. Hodges & Co., 1850], 32 p. As to the whereabouts of the convention document, the Kentucky Constitutional Convention of 1890 had already taken it that “the enrolled Constitution of 1849 has not been seen for years” (Official Report of the Proceedings and Debates in the Convention Assembled at Frankfort, On the Eighth Day of September, 1890, to Adopt, Amend or Change the Constitution of the State of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY: E. Polk Johnson, Printer to the Convention, 1890, IV, 5912). Checked against the versions as published in Journal and Proceedings of the Convention of the State of Kentucky. William Tanner & John W. Finnell, Printers to the Convention, Frankfort, Kentucky: Printed by A. G. Hodges & Co. at the Commonwealth Office, 1849, 476–508 (in identical setting with the separate print), Report of the Debates and Proceedings of the Convention for the Revision of the Constitution of the State of Kentucky, 1849. R. Sutton, Official Reporter to the Convention, Wm. Tanner & J. W. Finnell, Printers to the Convention, Frankfort, Kentucky: Printed at the Office of A. G. Hodges & Co., Frankfort Commonwealth, 1849, 1130–1144, and Acts of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: Passed at November Session, 1850, Published by Authority, Frankfort, KY: A. G. Hodges & Co. – State Printers, 1851, I, 1–36. Additionally checked against the versions as published in Text of Kentucky Constitutions of 1792, 1799 and 1850. Informational Bulletin No. 41, Legislative Research Commission, Frankfort, Kentucky, June, 1965, 24–44; Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, Annotated Certified Version. Containing Statute Laws of the Commonwealth of a General and Permanent Nature in Effect through the 2001 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Certified and Published under the Authority and Supervision of the Legislative Research Commission, I, Charlottesville, VA: LexisNexis, 2002, 803–824; and Constitution of Kentucky of 1850 (Baldwin’s Kentucky Revised Statutes Annotated Currentness, WESTLAW through 2005 regular session). Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the 1850 print with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The constitution was adopted by 71,563 votes against 20,302 in May 1850 and replaced the second constitution of Kentucky of 1799 (q.v.). It was several times amended, starting from 1861, until being replaced by the fourth constitution of Kentucky of 1890.

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2

In Session Law print, 1, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 24, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 803, and in WESTLAW edition, 1, word missing. 3 In Constitution of Kentucky, 2, in Convention Journal, 477, and in Report of the Debates and Proceedings of the Convention, 1130, “continguous”. 4 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 25, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 804, and in WESTLAW edition, 2, “Clark”. 5 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 26, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 805, and in WESTLAW edition, 2, “or”. 6 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 26, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 805, “session”. 7 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 26, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 805, word missing. 8 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 29, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 809, and in WESTLAW edition, 6, “approves”. 9 In Session Law print, 13, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 30, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 810, and in WESTLAW edition, 7, “in”. 10 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 31, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 810, and in WESTLAW edition, 7, word missing. 11 In Session Law print, 14, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 31, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 811, and in WESTLAW edition, 8, “its sessions”. 12 In Report of the Debates and Proceedings of the Convention, 1135, in Session Law print, 15, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 31, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 811, and in WESTLAW edition, 8, “session”. 13 In Report of the Debates and Proceedings of the Convention, 1135, “adop-[tion]”. 14 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 33, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 813, and in WESTLAW edition, 9, “Courts”. 15 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 35, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 815, and in WESTLAW edition, 11, “Sheriff”. 16 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 35, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 815, “regiment”. 17 This refers to the Fourth Enabling Act of Virginia (“An Act Concerning the Erection of the District of Kentuckey into an Independent State”), December 18, 1789, reprinted in note 25 to the Constitution of Kentucky of 1792 (q.v.). 18 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 38, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 818, and in WESTLAW edition, 14, “§ 1. The”. 19 In Session Law print, 28, “proceeding”. 20 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 38, in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 819, and in WESTLAW edition, 15, “prosecution”. 21 In WESTLAW edition, 18, rest missing.

C ONSTITUTION OF K ENTUCKY (1850) 22 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 42, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 823, word missing. 23 In Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 823, “I. A.”. 24 In Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 43, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 823, “Clark”. 25 In Session Law print, 35, in Text of Kentucky Consti-

tutions, 43, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 823, not left open. 26 In Session Law print, 35, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 43, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 823, no entry for county of Garrard. 27 In Session Law print, 36, in Text of Kentucky Constitutions, 43, and in Michie’s Kentucky Revised Statutes, I, 824, no entry for county of Oldham.

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Constitution de la Louisiane (1812)

Constitution of Louisiana (1812)

Constitution ou forme de gouvernement de l’Etat de la Louisiane1

Constitution or Form of Government of the State of Louisiana1

NOUS les Représentans du Peuple de toute cette partie du Territoire ou pays cédé sous le nom de Louisiane par le Traité fait à Paris le 30 Avril 1803 entre les Etats-Unis et la France, contenue dans les limites suivantes : c’est à dire à partir de l’embouchure de la Sabine, delà au moyen d’une ligne supposée au milieu de la Rivière, tout le pays qui se trouve renfermé par la dite ligne jusqu’au 32me degré de latitude ; delà dans une direction Nord, jusqu’à la partie la plus septentrionale du 33e degré de Latitude Nord ; delà, le long du même parallèle de latitude, jusqu’au Fleuve du Mississipi ; delà en descendant le dit Fleuve, jusqu’à la rivière d’Iberville, et delà, le long du milieu de ladite Rivière et des Lacs Maurepas et Pontchartrain jusqu’au Golphe du Méxique ; et delà en prenant le Golphe pour limite, jusqu’au premier point de Départ en y comprenant toutes les Iles qui se trouvent à trois lieues de la Côte,2 Nous étant assemblés en Convention, en vertu d’un Acte du Congrès, intitulé “Acte pour rendre le Peuple du Territoire d’Orléans habile à former une Constitution et un Gouvernement d’Etat, ainsi que pour l’admission dudit Etat dans l’Union, sur le même pied que les Etats primitifs et pour d’autres objets,”3 afin d’assurer à tous

WE, the Representatives of the People of all that part of the Territory or country ceded under the name of Louisiana, by the treaty made at Paris, on the 30th day of April 1803, between the United States and France2 , contained in the following limits, to wit; beginning at the mouth of the river Sabine, thence by a line to be drawn along the middle of said river, including all its islands,3 to the thirty second degree of latitude – thence due north to the Northernmost part of the thirty third degree of north latitude – thence along the said parallel of latitude to the river Mississipi – thence down the said river to the river Iberville, and from thence along the middle of the said river and lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain to the Gulf of Mexico4 – thence bounded by the said Gulf to the place of beginning, including all Islands within three leagues of the coast – in Convention Assembled by virtue of an act of Congress, entitled “an act to enable the people of the Territory of Orleans to form a constitution and State government and for the admission of said State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, and for other purposes;”5 In order to secure to all the citizens thereof6 the enjoyment of the right of life,7 liberty and property, do ordain and es-

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L OUISIANA les Citoyens qui habitent ce Territoire la jouissance des droits attachés à l’existence, à la liberté et aux propriétés, Ordonnons et Etablissons la Constitution ou Forme de Gouvernement suivante et convenons mutuellement de nous ériger en Etat libre et indépendant sous le nom de l’Etat de la Louisiane.

tablish the following constitution or form of government, and do mutually agree with each other to form ourselves into a free and independent State, by the name of the State of Louisiana.

ARTICLE I

ARTICLE I

De la distribution des Pouvoirs du Gouvernement

Concerning8 the distribution of the Powers of Government

S ECT. 1re . Les pouvoirs du Gouvernement de l’Etat de la Louisiane seront divisés en trois départements distincts, chacun desquels sera confié à un corps particulier de Magistrature, savoir : le Pouvoir Législatif à un corps, le Pouvoir Exécutif à un autre corps, et le pouvoir Judiciaire à un autre Corps.

S ECT. 1. The powers of the government of the State of Louisiana shall be divided into three distinct departments, and each of them be confided to a separate body of Magistracy viz. – those which are Legislative to one, those which are executive to another, and those which are judiciary to another.9

S ECT. 2me . Aucune personne ou corps de personnes faisant partie d’un de ces départements n’exercera des pouvoirs assignés à un des deux autres, hors les cas ci-après expressément prévus et déterminés.

S ECT. 2. No person or Collection of persons, being one of those10 departments, shall exercise any power properly belonging to either of the others; except in the instances hereinafter expressly directed or permitted11 .

ARTICLE II

ARTICLE II

Du Pouvoir Législatif

Concerning the Legislative Department12

S ECT. 1re . Le Pouvoir Législatif de cet Etat se partagera en deux Branches distinctes, dont l’une s’appellera la Chambre des Représentans et l’autre le Sénat ; réunies, elles s’appelleront Assemblée Générale de l’Etat de la Louisiane.

S ECT. 1. The Legislative power of this State shall be vested in two distinct branches, the one to be styled the House of Representatives, the other the senate, and both together, the General Assembly of the State of Louisiana.

S ECT. 2me . Les Membres de la Chambre

S ECT. 2. The Members of the House of

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1812) des Représentans serviront pendant l’espace de deux années à partir du jour où l’élection générale aura commencé.

Representatives shall continue in service for the term of two years from the day of the commencement of the general election.

S ECT. 3me . L’Election des Représentans aura lieu tous les deux ans le premier Lundi de Juillet ; et l’Assemblée Générale commencera chaque année ses séances le premier Lundi de Janvier de chaque année, à moins que la loi ne désigne un autre jour : le lieu de ses séances sera toujours celui du Siège du Gouvernement.

S ECT. 3. Representatives shall be chosen on the first Monday in July every two years, and the General Assembly shall convene on the first Monday in January in every year, unless a different day be appointed by law, and their sessions shall be13 held at the Seat of Government.

S ECT. 4me . Nul ne pourra être Représentant, s’il n’a atteint l’âge de Vingt un ans, s’il n’est citoyen libre et blanc des Etats Unis, si pendant les deux années qui ont précédé son élection, il n’a été Habitant de cet Etat et pendant la dernière de ces deux années, habitant du Comté, ou si le dit Comté est divisé en districts, habitant du District pour lequel il aura été choisi et enfin s’il ne possède depuis un an dans le dit Comté on District en propriété foncière au moins Cinq cents Dollars conformément à la liste des propriétés taxables.

S ECT. 4. No person shall be a Representative who, at the time of his election is not a free white male citizen14 of the United States, and hath not attained to the age of twenty one years, and resided in the state two years next preceding his election, and the last year thereof in the county for which he may be chosen or in the district for which he is elected in case the said counties may be divided into separate districts of election, and has not held for one year in the said county or district landed property to the value of five hundred dollars agreeably to the last list15 .

S ECT. 5me . L’Election des Représentans des Comtés ayant le droit de se faire représenter, se fera dans le lieu des séances de leurs Cours respectives ou dans les différents Districts d’élection que la Législature pourra de tems en tems désigner, si elle juge à propos de diviser ainsi un ou chacun de ces Comtés.

S ECT. 5. Elections for Representatives for the several counties entitled to representation, shall be held at the places of holding their respecting courts16 , or in the several election districts, into which the Legislature may think proper, from time to time, to divide any or all of those counties.

S ECT. 6me . La Représentation sera également et uniformément répartie dans cet Etat ; elle sera toujours réglée et déterminée par le nombre des Electeurs duement qualifiés : En l’année Mil huit cent treize et chaque quatrième année après, on fera dans la forme prescrite par la loi, un recensement de tous les Electeurs : le nombre des Représentans sera d’après ces différents recense-

S ECT. 6. Representation shall be equal and uniform in this state, and shall be forever regulated and ascertained by the number of qualified electors therein. In the year one thousand eight hundred and thirteen and every fourth year thereafter, an enumeration of all the electors shall be made in such manner as shall be directed by law. The number of Representatives shall, in the several years

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L OUISIANA ments fixé de manière à ne jamais s’élever au dessus de Cinquante, ni être au-dessous de Vingt cinq.

of making these enumerations17 be so fixed as not to be less than twenty five nor more than fifty18 .

S ECT. 7me . La chambre des Représentans nommera son Orateur et ses autres officiers.

S ECT. 7. The House of Representatives shall choose its speaker and other officers.

S ECT. 8me . Dans toute élection de Représentans, chaque citoyen des Etats-Unis, mâle et blanc qui aura alors atteint sa Vingt et unième année et résidé une année avant le jour de l’élection dans le Comté où il se présente pour voter et qui dans les derniers six mois avant la dite élection aura payé une taxe d’Etat, jouira des droits d’électeur ; bien entendu néanmoins que tout citoyen mâle et blanc des Etats Unis qui aura acquis des terres du Congrès, aura le droit de voter, lorsqu’il aura d’ailleurs les qualifications de l’âge et de la résidence ci-dessus prescrites. Dans tous les cas, excepté ceux de trahison, de félonie ou de violation de la paix publique, les électeurs ne pourront être arrêtés pendant qu’ils seront ou qu’ils iront au lieu de l’élection ou lorsqu’ils en reviendront.

S ECT. 8. In all elections for Representatives every free19 white male citizen of the United States, who at the time being, hath attained to the age of twenty one years and resided in the county in which he offers to vote one year next20 preceding the election, and who in the last six months prior to the said election, shall have paid a state tax, shall enjoy the right of an elector: provided however that every free21 white male citizen of the United States who shall have purchased land from the United States,22 shall have the right of voting whenever he shall have the other qualifications of age and residence above prescribed – Electors shall in all cases, except treason, felony, breach or23 surety of peace,24 be privileged from arrest during their attendance at, going to or returning from elections.

S ECT. 9me . Les Membres du Sénat seront nommés pour quatre ans, et quand ils seront assemblés, ils auront le droit de nommer chaque année leurs officiers.

S ECT. 9. The members of the Senate shall be chosen for the term of four years, and when assembled shall have the power to choose its officers annually.

S ECT. 10me . L’Etat sera partagé en Quatorze Districts Sénatoriaux qui resteront à jamais indivisibles de la manière suivante : la paroisse de Saint Bernard et la Paroisse de Plaquemine y compris le pays jusqu’au canal des Pêcheurs, sur la rive Est du Mississipi et sur la rive Ouest du Mississipi jusqu’au canal Bernoudy formeront un district ; la ville de la Nouvelle-Orléans commençant à l’Habitation des Religieuses en haut et s’étendant en bas jusqu’au canal des Pécheurs, y compris les Habitans4 du Bayou Saint Jean, formera le second district ; et le

S ECT. 10. The State shall be divided in fourteen senatorial districts, which shall forever remain indivisible, as follows; the Parish of St. Bernard and Plaquemine25 including the country above as far as the land (Des Pécheurs)26 on the east of the Mississippi and on the west as far as Bernoudy’s canal shall form one district. The city of New-Orleans beginning at the Nuns’ Plantation above and extending below as far as the above mentioned canal (Des Pécheurs)”27 including the inhabitants of the Bayou St. John, shall form the second district, the re-

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1812) reste du comté d’Orléans formera le troisième district. Les comtés de la Côte des Allemands, d’Acadie, de la Fourche, de la Pointe coupée, d’Iberville, de Concordia, des Attakapas, des Opéloussas, des Rapides, des Natchitoches et du Ouachita formeront chacun un district, et chaque district nommera un Sénateur.

mainder of the county of Orleans shall form the third district. The counties of German Coast, Acadia, Lafourche, Iberville, PointCoupée, Concordia, Attakapas, Opelousas, Rapides, Natchitoches and Ouachitta, shall each form one district, and each district shall elect a Senator.

S ECT. 11me . A la première session de l’Assemblée Générale après l’adoption de cette constitution, les Sénateurs seront divisés aussi également que possible, et au sort en deux classes ; les places des Sénateurs de la première classe seront vacantes à l’expiration de la deuxième année ; celle des Sénateurs de la seconde classe à l’expiration de la quatrième année, de manière que la moitié d’entr’eux puisse être renouvellée chaque deuxième année et qu’il y ait une rotation perpétuelle.

S ECT. 11. At the session28 of the General Assembly after this constitution takes effect, the Senators shall be divided by lot, as equally as may be, into two classes; the seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year; so that one half shall be chosen every two years, and a rotation thereby kept up perpetually.

S ECT. 12me . Nul ne pourra être Sénateur, s’il n’est citoyen des Etats Unis, s’il n’a atteint l’âge de Vingt sept ans, s’il n’a été Habitant de cet Etat pendant les quatre années qui ont immédiatement précédé son élection, et pendant une année, du District pour lequel il aura été choisi, et s’il ne possède dans le dit District un Bien fonds de la valeur de Mille Dollars, conformément à la liste des Propriétés taxables.

S ECT. 12. No person shall be a Senator who, at the time of his election,29 is not a citizen of the United States, and who hath not attained to the age of twenty seven years; resided in this state four years next preceding his election, and one year in the district, in which he may be chosen: and unless he holds within the same a landed property to the value of one thousand dollars agreeably to the tax list30 .

S ECT. 13me . La première élection des Sénateurs sera générale dans cet Etat et se fera en même tems que l’élection générale des Représentans et dans la suite il y aura de la même manière une élection biennale de Sénateurs destinés à remplacer ceux dont le tems de service sera expiré.

S ECT. 13. The first election for Senators shall be general throughout the state, and at the same time that the general election for Representatives is held; and thereafter, there shall be a biennial election of Senators to fill the places of those whose time of service may have expired.

S ECT. 14me . Il faudra au moins la majorité des Membres de chaque chambre de l’Assemblée générale pour former un Quorum ou nombre compétent pour agir ; mais un moindre nombre pourra s’ajourner de

S ECT. 14. Not less than a majority of the members of each house of the general assembly, shall form a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and shall be authorized by law to

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L OUISIANA jour en jour et sera autorisé par la loi à forcer de la manière et sous telles peines qu’elle aura fixées, les membres absents à se rendre à leurs fonctions.

compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties as may be prescribed thereby.

S ECT. 15me . Chaque Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale sera juge de l’élection, des rapports sur la nomination, et des qualifications de ses membres ; mais une élection contestée sera déterminée de la manière voulue par la loi.

S ECT. 15. Each house of the general assembly shall judge of the qualifications, elections and returns31 of its members, but a contested election shall be determined in such manner as shall be directed by law.

S ECT. 16me . Chaque Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale pourra faire des réglements relatifs à sa forme de procéder, punir ses membres pour conduite contraire au bon ordre et expulser l’un d’eux du consentement des deux tiers de ceux qui la composent, bien entendu que le même Membre ne pourra être expulsé deux fois pour la même offense.

S ECT. 16. Each house of the general assembly may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish a member32 for disorderly behaviour, and with the concurrence of two thirds33 , expel a member, but not a second time for the same offence.

S ECT. 17me . Chaque Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale tiendra un régistre de ses Actes et le fera publier une fois par semaine et l’appel nominal des membres sur quelque question que ce soit sera porté sur ledit Régistre sur la demande de deux d’entr’eux.

S ECT. 17. Each house of the general assembly shall keep and publish weekly a Journal of its proceedings, and the yeas and nays of the members on any question, shall, at the desire of any two of them, be entered on their Journal.

S ECT. 18me . Ni l’une ni l’autre des Chambres pendant les séances de l’Assemblée Générale ne s’ajournera sans le consentement de l’autre pour plus de trois jours, ni à aucun autre lieu que celui dans lequel les deux chambres tiendront leurs séances.

S ECT. 18. Neither house, during the session of the general assembly, shall without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which they may be sitting.

S ECT. 19me . Les Membres de l’Assemblée Générale recevront chacun du Trésor Public en compensation de leurs services la somme de Quatre Dollars par jour, pendant qu’ils assisteront aux séances de leurs Chambres respectives, qu’ils s’y rendront où qu’ils s’en retourneront : bien entendu que cette compensation pourra être augmentée ou diminuée par la loi ; mais aucun changement de ce genre ne pourra avoir lieu pen-

S ECT. 19. The members of the general assembly shall severally receive from the Public Treasury a compensation for their services, which shall be four dollars per day, during their attendance on, going to and returning from the sessions of their respective houses; Provided that the same may be increased or diminished by law; but no alteration shall take effect during the period of service of the members of the house of

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1812) dant tout le tems pour lequel les Membres de la Chambre des Représentants, qui auront fait ce changement auront été élus.

Representatives34 , by whom such alteration shall have been made.

S ECT. 20me . Les Membres de l’Assemblée Générale seront dans tous les cas, exceptés ceux de Trahison, crime capital, et violation de la paix publique, privilégiés contre toute arrestation tandis qu’ils assisteront aux séances de leurs Chambres respectives ou en s’y rendant ou en s’en retournant et ils ne pourront être recherchés ailleurs pour aucuns discours ou débats tenus dans l’une ou l’autre chambre.

S ECT. 20. The members of the general assembly shall in all cases except treason, felony, breach or surety of the peace35 , be privileged from arrest, during their attendance at the sessions of their respective houses, and in going to or returning from the same, and for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be questioned in any other place.

S ECT. 21me . Nul Sénateur ou Représentant ne sera choisi ou nommé pendant le tems pour lequel il aura été élu ni pendant l’année qui suivra l’expiration de ce tems à aucun emploi civil et lucratif sous l’autorité de cet Etat, si cet emploi a été créé ou son salaire augmenté pendant que le dit Sénateur ou Représentant étoit en exercice : seront exceptés les emplois ou nominations remplis par les suffrages du Peuple.

S ECT. 21. No Senator or Representative shall, during the term for which he was elected, nor for one year thereafter, be appointed or elected36 to any civil office of profit under this State, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been encreased during the time such Senator or Representative was in office, except to such offices or appointments as may be filled by the elections of the people.

S ECT. 22me . Nul ne pourra être élu membre de l’Assemblée Générale ou posséder aucun emploi lucratif ou de confiance tant qu’il continuera à remplir les fonctions de prêtre, ecclésiastique ou ministre de quelque secte ou société religieuse que ce soit.5

S ECT. 22. No person while he continues to exercise the functions of a Clergyman, Priest or Teacher of any religious persuasion, society or sect37 , shall be eligible to the general assembly, or to any office38 of profit or trust under this State39 .

S ECT. 23me . Nul ayant été à quelque époque que ce soit, collecteur des Taxes pour l’Etat ou député d’un collecteur ne pourra être élu membre de l’Assemblée Générale avant d’avoir obtenu un quietus (quittance) pour le montant de tous les deniers publics dont il a eu à rendre compte.

S ECT. 23. No person who at any time may have been a collector of taxes for the State, or the assistant or40 deputy of such collector shall be eligible to the general assembly, until he shall have obtained a quietus for the amount of such collection, and for all public moneys for which he may be41 responsible.

S ECT. 24me . Aucun Bill n’aura force de loi avant d’avoir été lu et librement discuté

S ECT. 24. No bill shall have the force of a law until, on three several days, it be read

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L OUISIANA dans les deux Chambres trois jours différents, excepté dans les cas urgents lorsque les quatre cinquièmes de la chambre où le Bill est pendant, jugeront à-propos de l’exempter de la régle.

over in each house of the general assembly, and free discussion allowed thereon42 , unless in case of urgency, four-fifths of the house where the Bill shall be depending, may deem it expedient to dispense with this rule.

S ECT. 25me . Tous les Bills pour la levée des deniers publics prendront origine dans la Chambre des Représentans, mais le Sénat pourra proposer des Amendements comme dans les autres Bills ; bien entendu que sous prétexte d’Amendement, il ne pourra introduire dans le Bill des clauses étrangères à la levée des deniers.

S ECT. 25. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose amendments as in other bills; Provided that they shall not introduce any new matter under the colour of an amendment which does not relate to raising a revenue.

S ECT. 26me . L’Assemblée Générale déterminera par la loi de quelle manière et par qui devront être émis les Writs d’élection à l’effet de remplir les places qui pourront devenir vacantes dans l’une ou l’autre chambre.

S ECT. 26. The general assembly shall regulate, by law, by whom and in what manner writs of election shall be issued to fill the vacancies which may happen in either branch thereof.

ARTICLE III

ARTICLE III

du Pouvoir Exécutif

Concerning the Executive Department 43

S ECT. 1re . La Suprême Puissance Exécutive de cet Etat sera confiée à un premier Magistrat, qui sera revêtu du Titre de Gouverneur de l’Etat de la Louisiane.

S ECT. 1. The supreme executive power of the State shall be vested in a chief magistrate, who shall be styled the Governor of the State of Louisiana.

S ECT. 2me . Le Gouverneur sera élu pour un terme de quatre années de la manière suivante6 : Les Citoyens ayant droit de suffrage voteront pour un Gouverneur, au lieu et à l’époque où chacun d’eux vote pour l’élection des Représentans et des Sénateurs. Ces votes seront envoyés par les officiers qui présideront aux élections au Siège du Gouvernement à l’adresse du Président du Sénat et le deuxième jour de la session de l’Assemblée Générale, ils seront lus dans l’As-

S ECT. 2. The Governor shall be elected for the term of four years in the following manner, the citizens entitled to vote for representatives44 shall vote for a Governor at the time and place of voting for Representatives and Senators. Their votes shall be returned by the persons45 presiding over the elections to the seat of government addressed to the president of the Senate, and on the second day46 of the general assembly, the members of the two houses shall meet in

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1812) semblée des deux Chambres réunies à cet effet et immédiatement après les deux candidats qui auront obtenu le plus de voix seront ballottés par les deux Chambres réunies : celui qui réunira la majorité sera duement élu Gouverneur ; bien entendu cependant que si plus de deux Candidats réunissent le plus grand nombre de voix, l’Assemblée Générale devra les ballotter de là manière ci-dessus prescrite et que dans le cas où plusieurs Candidats réuniroient aussi un égal nombre de voix après celui qui en auroit obtenu le plus, l’Assemblée devra commencer par choisir de la même manière celui qui devra être mis en concurrence avec celui qui auroit obtenu le plus grand nombre de voix.

the House of Representatives47 , and immediately after the two candidates who shall have obtained the greatest number of votes, shall be ballotted for48 and the one having a majority of votes shall be49 governor. – Provided however that if more than two candidates have obtained the highest number of votes, it shall be the duty of the general assembly to ballot for them in the manner above prescribed, and in case several candidates should obtain an equal number of votes next to the candidate who has obtained the highest number, it shall be the duty of the general assembly to select in the same manner the candidate who is to be balloted for with him who has obtained the highest number of votes.

S ECT. 3me . Le Gouverneur ne pourra être réélu pendant les quatre années qui suivront les quatre pendant lesquelles il aura gouverné.

S ECT. 3. The governor shall be ineligible for the succeeding four years after the expiration of the time for which he shall have been elected50 .

S ECT. 4me . Le Gouverneur devra être âgé au moins de Trente cinq ans, être Citoyen des Etats-Unis, et avoir résidé dans cet Etat pendant les six années qui auront précédé son élection ; il devra de plus posséder en son nom un bien fonds de la valeur de Cinq mille Dollars conformément à la liste des propriétés taxables.

S ECT. 4. He51 shall be at least thirty five years of age, and a citizen of the United States, and have been an inhabitant of this state at least six years preceding his election, and shall hold in his own right a landed estate of five thousand dollars value, agreeably to the tax list52 .

S ECT. 5me . Le Gouverneur commencera à remplir les fonctions de sa charge le quatrième lundi qui suivra le jour de son élection et continuera à remplir les dites fonctions pendant les quatre semaines qui suivront la nomination de son successeur, et jusqu’à ce que celui-ci ait prêté le serment ou affirmation exigé par la Constitution.

S ECT. 5. He53 shall commence the execution of his office on the fourth Monday succeeding the day of his election, and shall continue in the execution thereof, until the end of54 four weeks next succeeding the election55 of his successor, and until his successor shall have taken the oaths or affirmations56 prescribed by this Constitution.

S ECT. 6me . Nul membre du Congrès ou personne revêtue d’un emploi sous l’autorité des Etats-Unis, Nul ministre d’aucune société religieuse ne pourra être élu Gouverneur.

S ECT. 6. No member of Congress, or person holding any office under the United States, or minister of any religious society, shall be eligible to the office of Governor.

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L OUISIANA S ECT. 7me . Le Gouverneur recevra à des époques fixes, une compensation pour ses services ; compensation qui ne pourra être augmentée ni diminuée pendant le tems pour lequel il aura été élu.

S ECT. 7. The governor shall at stated times, receive for his services a compensation which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the term for which he shall he have been elected.

S ECT. 8me . Le Gouverneur commandera en chef l’armée de terre, celle de mer et la milice de cet Etat à moins que ces différents corps ne soient appellés au service des Etats-Unis, mais il ne pourra lui-même les commander en campagne, sans l’avis de l’Assemblée Générale.

S ECT. 8. He57 shall be commander in chief of the army and navy of this State, and of the militia thereof except when they58 shall be called into the service of the United States, but he shall not command personally in the field, unless he shall be advised so to do by a resolution59 of the general assembly.

S ECT. 9me . Le Gouverneur choisira et nommera de l’avis et du consentement du Sénat les Juges, les Shérifs et tous les officiers dont les charges sont établies par la Constitution et à la nomination desquels il n’a pas été autrement pourvu : bien entendu cependant que la Législature aura le droit de prescrire la manière dont il sera pourvu à la nomination de toutes les autres charges qui seront établies par la loi.

S ECT. 9. He60 shall nominate and appoint with the advice and consent of the Senate, Judges, Sheriffs and all other Officers whose offices are established by this Constitution, and whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for. – Provided however that the Legislature shall have a right to prescribe the mode, of appointment of all other offices to be established by law.

S ECT. 10me . Le Gouverneur aura le droit de pourvoir aux places qui peuvent venir à vaquer pendant la vacance de l’Assemblée Générale en accordant un brevet qui expirera à la fin de la session suivante.

S ECT. 10. The governor shall have power to fill up vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Legislature61 , by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of the next session.

S ECT. 11me . Le Gouverneur aura le droit de remettre les amendes et les confiscations hors les cas d’Impeachment, celui d’accorder un sursis et de pardonner avec l’approbation du Sénat : dans les cas de Trahison, il pourra accorder un sursis jusqu’à la fin de la session suivante de l’Assemblée Générale qui seule aura le droit de pardonner.

S ECT. 11. He62 shall have power to remit fines and forfeitures, and, except in cases of impeachment, to grant reprieves & pardons, with the approbation of the Senate. In cases of treason he shall have power to grant reprieves until the end of the next session of the general assembly in which the power of pardoning shall be vested63 .

S ECT. 12me . Le Gouverneur pourra exiger des différens employés dans le pouvoir exécutif des renseignements écrits sur tout objet ayant rapport aux devoirs desdits officiers.

S ECT. 12. He64 may require information in writing from the officers in the executive department, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices.

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1812) S ECT. 13me . Le Gouverneur présentera de tems à autre à l’Assemblée Générale un exposé de la situation de cet Etat et lui recommandera les mesures qui lui paroîtront les plus convenables.

S ECT. 13. He65 shall from time to time give to the general assembly information respecting the situation of the state, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he may deem expedient66 .

S ECT. 14me . Dans les occasions extraordinaires le Gouverneur pourra convoquer l’Assemblée Générale au siège du Gouvernement ou dans un autre lieu, si la proximité d’un ennemi ou une maladie contagieuse le rendoit nécessaire7 ; et si les deux Chambres ne s’accordent pas sur la durée de leur ajournement, il aura le droit de les ajourner, pour tel tems qu’il jugera convenable, pourvu que ce terme n’excède pas celui de quatre mois.

S ECT. 14. He67 may on extraordinary occasions convene the general assembly at the seat of government, or at a different place if that should have become dangerous from an enemy or from contagious disorders68 , and in case of desagreement between the two houses with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he may think proper, not exceeding four months.

S ECT. 15me . Le Gouverneur veillera à ce que les Loix soient fidèlement exécutées.

S ECT. 15. He69 shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

S ECT. 16me . Le Gouverneur devra visiter les différens Comtés au moins une fois tous les deux ans pour examiner par lui-même l’état de la Milice et la Situation générale de l’Etat.

S ECT. 16. It shall be his duty70 to visit the different counties at least once in every two years, to inform himself of the state of the militia and the general condition of the country.

S ECT. 17me . Dans les cas d’Impeachment, de déplacement du Gouverneur, de mort, démission, refus d’accepter ou absence de cet Etat le pouvoir et l’autorité appartenant à la place de Gouverneur, seront dévolus au Président du Sénat, jusqu’à ce qu’un autre Gouverneur soit duement qualifié, ou que le Gouverneur absent ou accusé revienne ou soit absous.

S ECT. 17. In case of the impeachment of the governor, his removal from office, death, refusal to qualify, resignation71 , or absence from the state, the president of the senate shall exercise all the power and authority appertaining to the office of governor, until another72 be duly qualified, or the governor absent or impeached shall return or be acquitted.

S ECT. 18me . Le Président du Sénat, quand il administrera le Gouvernement recevra la compensation qu’auroit obtenue le Gouverneur s’il avoit lui-même rempli les devoirs de sa place.

S ECT. 18. The president of the Senate, during the time he administers the government shall receive the same compensation which the governor would have received had he been employed in the duties of his office.

S ECT. 19me . Il sera nommé un Secrétaire d’Etat qui restera en place, s’il se conduit bien pendant un tems égal à celui pour lequel le Gouverneur aura été élu. Il tiendra

S ECT. 19. A secretary of state shall be appointed and commissioned during that term for which the governor shall have been elected, if he shall so long behave himself

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L OUISIANA un journal et signera tous les actes officiels émanés du Gouverneur ; et quand il en sera requis, il soumettra aux deux Chambres de l’Assemblée Générale le dit journal ainsi que tous les papiers, minutes et documents y ayant raport ; enfin il remplira tous les autres devoirs qui lui seront assignés par la loi.

well, he shall keep a fair register73 , and attest all official acts and proceedings of the governor, and shall when required, lay the same and all papers, minutes and vouchers74 relative thereto, before either house of the general assembly, and shall perform such other duties as may be enjoined him by law.

S ECT. 20me . Tout Bill qui aura passé dans les deux Chambres sera présenté au Gouverneur ; s’il l’approuve, il le signera ; mais s’il ne l’approuve pas, il le renverra, avec ses objections à la Chambre dans laquelle il aura pris naissance ; laquelle Chambre fera porter ces objections tout au long sur son journal, et procèdera à un nouvel examen du Bill ; si après ce nouvel examen, les deux tiers de tous les membres élus à cette Chambre sont d’accord de passer le dit Bill, il sera envoyé avec les objections à l’autre chambre par laquelle il sera de nouveau examiné et s’il est approuvé par les deux tiers de tous les membres élus à la dite chambre, il acquerrera force de loi ; mais dans ce cas, l’opinion de chaque Chambre sera prise par Oui et par Non, et les noms des personnes votant pour ou contre le Bill seront portés sur le registre de chaque chambre respectivement. Si quelque Bill n’est pas renvoyé par le Gouverneur dix jours après qu’il lui aura été présenté (les dimanches exceptés) ce Bill passera en force de loi, de la même manière que s’il l’avoit signé, à moins que l’Assemblée Générale par son ajournement n’ait prévenu son renvoi, auquel cas il passera en loi, s’il n’est renvoyé dans les trois premiers jours de la session suivante.

S ECT. 20. Every bill which shall have passed both houses shall be presented to the governor, if he approve, he shall sign it, if not he shall return it with his objection to the house in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large upon their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it – if after such reconsideration, two thirds of all the members elected to that house, shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered and if approved by two thirds of all the members elected to that house, it shall be a law; but in such cases, the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the members voting for and against the bill, shall be entered on the Journal of each house respectively; if any bill shall not be returned by the governor within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, it shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the general assembly by their adjournment prevent its return, in which case it shall be a law, unless sent back within three days after their next meeting75 .

S ECT. 21me . Tout ordre, résolution ou délibération auxquels le concours des deux Chambres sera nécessaire (excepté sur une question d’ajournement) seront présentés au Gouverneur, et avant qu’ils puissent avoir aucun effet, ils seront par lui approuvés et en

S ECT. 21. Every order, resolution or vote, to which the concurrence of both houses may be necessary, except on a question of adjournment, shall be presented to the governor, and before it shall take effect be approved by him; or being disapproved

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1812) cas qu’il les désapprouve, ils seront passés de nouveau par les deux tiers de tous les membres des deux Chambres.

shall be repassed by two thirds76 of both houses.

S ECT. 22me . Les Citoyens libres et blancs de cet Etat, seront armés et disciplinés pour sa défense ; mais ceux qui appartiennent à des sectes religieuses dont les principes les empêchent de porter les armes n’y seront point contraints ; mais ils payeront l’équivalent du service personnel.

S ECT. 22. The free white men77 of this State, shall be armed and disciplined for its defence; but those who belong to religious societies, whose tenets forbid them to carry arms78 , shall not be compelled so to do, but shall pay an equivalent for personal service.

S ECT. 23me . La Milice de cet Etat sera organisée de la manière qui semblera la plus avantageuse à la Législature.

S ECT. 23. The militia of this state shall be organized in such manner as may be hereafter deemed most expedient by the legislature.

ARTICLE IV

ARTICLE IV

du Pouvoir Judiciaire

Concerning the Judiciary Department 79

S ECT. 1re . Le Pouvoir Judiciaire sera confié à une Cour Suprême et à des Cours inferieures.

S ECT. 1. The judiciary power shall be vested in a supreme court and inferior courts.

S ECT. 2me . La Cour Suprême aura une jurisdiction d’appel seulement, laquelle jurisdiction s’étendra à tous les cas civils dont l’objet en discussion s’élèvera à une somme au dessus de Trois cents Dollars.

S ECT. 2. The supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction only, which jurisdiction shall extend to all civil cases when the matter in dispute shall exceed the sum of three hundred dollars.

S ECT. 3me . La Cour Suprême sera composée de trois Juges au moins et de pas plus de cinq dont la majorité sera compétente pour administrer la justice : chacun de ces juges recevra un salaire annuel de Cinq mille Dollars : ladite Cour tiendra toujours ses séances dans les lieux ci-après déterminés et à cet effet l’Etat est et sera divisé en deux districts de jurisdiction d’appel, dans chacun desquels la Cour Suprême administrera la justice de la manière ci-après prescrite : le District de l’Est comprendra les Comtés d’Orléans, de la Côte des Al-

S ECT. 3. The supreme court shall consist of not less than three judges, nor more than five; the majority of whom shall form a quorum80 ; each of the said judges shall receive a salary of five thousand dollars annually. The supreme81 court shall hold82 its sessions at the places hereinafter mentioned; and for that purpose the state is hereby83 divided into two districts of appellate jurisdiction, in each of which the supreme court shall administer justice in the manner hereafter prescribed. The Eastern district to consist of the counties of New-Orleans, German

85

L OUISIANA lemands, d’Acadie, de la Fourche, d’Iberville, et de la Pointe Coupée : Le District de l’Ouest comprendra les Comtés des Attakapas, des Opélousas, des Rapides, des Natchitoches, de Concordia et du Ouachita, et la Cour Suprême siègera chaque année, pour le District de l’Est, pendant les mois de Novembre, Décembre, Janvier, Février, Mars, Avril, Mai, Juin, et Juillet à la Nouvelle Orléans, et pour le District de l’Ouest pendant les mois d’Août, Septembre et Octobre aux Opélousas pendant l’espace de Cinq années ; bien entendu que tous les cinq ans la Législature aura le droit de changer le Siège de la Cour d’Appel pour le District de l’Ouest, et la dite Cour nommera ses Greffiers.

Coast, Acadia, Lafourche, Iberville, and Point Coupée; the Western district to consist of the counties of Attakapas, Opelousas, Rapides, Natchitoches, Concordia, and Ouachita. The supreme court shall hold its sessions in each year, for the Eastern district in New-Orleans during the months of November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June, and July; and for the western district, at the84 Opelousas during the months of August, September and October for85 five years: Provided however86 , That every five years the legislature may change the place of holding said court87 in the western district. The said court shall appoint its own clerks.

S ECT. 4me . La Législature pourra établir telles Cours inférieures qui lui paroitront les plus convenables à l’administration de la Justice.

S ECT. 4. The legislature is authorised to establish such inferior courts as may be convenient88 to the administration of justice.

S ECT. 5me . Les Juges des Cours Suprême et Inférieures garderont leurs places tant qu’ils se conduiront convenablement ; mais pour des causes raisonnables, quoique pas assez fortes pour nécessiter une accusation (Impeachment) le Gouverneur devra déplacer aucun d’eux sur la demande des trois quarts des Membres des deux Chambres de l’Assemblée Générale, bien entendu cependant que les causes pour lesquelles cette destitution aura été demandée seront expliquées au long dans la demande et portées sur le journal de chaque chambre.

S ECT. 5. The judges both of the supreme and inferior courts shall hold their offices during good behaviour; but for any reasonable cause which shall not be sufficient ground for impeachment, the Governor shall remove any of them, on the address of three fourths of each house89 of the general assembly; Provided however, That the cause or causes90 for which such removal may be required, shall be stated at length in the address, and inserted on the journal of each house.

S ECT. 6me . Les Juges seront en vertu de leurs places conservateurs du bon ordre dans tout l’Etat : le protocole de toutes les procédures sera “l’Etat de la Louisiane,” toutes les poursuites se feront au nom et par l’autorité de l’Etat de la Louisiane, et les Actes d’accusation (Indictments) se termineront par les mots suivants “Contre la paix et la dignité dudit Etat.”

S ECT. 6. The judges, by virtue of their office, shall be conservators of the peace throughout the state; the style of all process shall be “The State of Louisiana.” All prosecutions shall be carried on in the name and by the authority of the state of Louisiana, and conclude91 “against the peace and dignity of the same.”

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1812) S ECT. 7me . Le Gouverneur avec le consentement du Sénat nommera un Procureur Général pour l’Etat et autant de Procureurs d’Etat qui pourront être fixés par la Législature : leurs fonctions seront déterminées par la loi.

S ECT. 7. There shall be an attorney general for the state, and as many other prosecuting attorneys for the state as may be hereafter found necessary. The said attorneys shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and approbation of the Senate92 . Their duties shall be determined by law.

S ECT. 8me . Tous les Brevets seront délivrés au nom et sous l’autorité de l’Etat de la Louisiane ; ils seront scellés du Sceau de l’Etat et signés par le Gouverneur.

S ECT. 8. All commissions shall be in the name, and by the authority of, the state of Louisiana, and sealed with the state seal, and signed by the Governor.

S ECT. 9me . Le Trésorier de l’Etat et l’Imprimeur ou les Imprimeurs de l’Etat seront annuellement choisis par les suffrages réunis des deux Chambres de l’Assemblée Générale ; bien entendu que pendant la vacance de la dite Assemblée Générale, le Gouverneur aura le droit de faire remplir celle de ces places qui viendroit à vaquer.

S ECT. 9. The state treasurer, and printer or printers of the state, shall be appointed, annually, by the joint vote of both houses of the general assembly: Provided, That during the recess of the same93 , the Governor shall have power to fill vacancies which may happen in either of the said offices.

S ECT. 10me . Les Greffiers des différentes cours pourront être destitués pour cause d’inconduite ; mais ils ne pourront l’être que par la Cour d’Appel qui jugera à la fois du fait et de la loi.

S ECT. 10. The clerks of the several courts shall be removable for breach of good behaviour, by the court of appeals only, who shall be judge of the fact, as well as of the law.

S ECT. 11me . Les loix existantes dans ce Territoire au moment où cette constitution sera mise en activité, continueront à être en force, jusqu’à ce qu’elles soient modifiées ou abrogées par la Législature et il est bien entendu que la Législature ne pourra adopter aucun système ou code de loi en y renvoyant d’une manière générale et que dans tous les cas elle devra décréter spécialement toutes les dispositions de lois qu’elle pourra faire.

S ECT. 11. The existing laws in this Territory, when this constitution goes into effect, shall continue to be in force until altered or abolished by the Legislature; Provided however, that the Legislature shall never adopt any system or code of laws, by a general reference to the said system or code, but94 in all cases, shall specify the several provisions95 of the laws it may enact.

S ECT. 12me . Les Juges de toutes les Cours de cet Etat devront, dans les jugements définitifs qu’ils pourront rendre, se référer, toutes les fois qu’il sera possible, à la loi particulière en vertu de laquelle de tels jugements seront rendus et ils devront dans tous les cas les motiver.

S ECT. 12. The judges of all courts within this state, shall, as often as it may be possible so to do, in every definitive judgment, refer to the particular law, in virtue of which such judgment may have been rendered, and in all cases adduce the reasons on which their judgment is founded.

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ARTICLE V

ARTICLE V

de l’Accusation appellée Impeachment

Concerning Impeachment96

S ECT. 1re . La Chambre des Représentans aura seule le droit d’intenter l’accusation appellée Impeachment.

S ECT. 1. The power of impeachment shall be vested in the House of Representatives alone.

S ECT. 2me . Toutes les accusations de ce genre seront portées devant le Sénat. Quand il se réunira à cet effet, les Sénateurs prêteront serment ou affirmation. Nul ne pourra être condamné sans l’aveu des deux tiers des Membres présents.

S ECT. 2. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate when sitting for that purpose, the senators shall be upon oath or affirmation, and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of the members present.

S ECT. 3me . Le Gouverneur et tous les officiers civils pourront être accusés de prévarication dans leurs charges ; mais les jugements rendus dans ce cas ne s’étendront pas au delà de la destitution d’office et de l’incapacité de remplir aucune place d’honneur, de confiance ou de profit dépendante de cet Etat : Toutefois la partie convaincue sera sujette à être mise en accusation, à voir faire son procès et à être jugée et punie conformément à la Loi.

S ECT. 3. The governor and all the civil officers, shall be liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office, but judgment, in such cases, shall not extend further than to removal from office and disqualification to hold any office of honor trust or profit under this State; but the parties97 convicted shall nevertheless, be liable and subject to indictment, trial and punishment according to law.

ARTICLE VI

ARTICLE VI

Dispositions générales

General Provisions

S ECT. 1re . Les Membres de l’Assemblée Générale et tous les officiers des Départements exécutifs et judiciaires avant de commencer à exercer les fonctions de leurs charges prêteront le Serment ou l’affirmation suivante “Je A. B. Jure solennellement (ou affirme) que je remplirai de mon mieux tous les devoirs qui me seront imposés en qualité de –––– conformément aux réglements et aux dispositions de la Constitution

S ECT. 1. Members of the general assembly and all officers executive and judicial, before they enter upon the execution of their respective offices, shall take the following oath or affirmation: “I (A. B.) do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform98 all the duties incumbent on me as –––– according to the best of my abilities and understanding99 , agreeably to the rules and regulations

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1812) et aux loix de cet Etat : ainsi Dieu me soit en aide.[”]

of the Constitution, and the laws of this State; so help me God!”

S ECT. 2me . Le Crime de Trahison contre l’Etat n’aura lieu que lorsqu’on lui aura fait la guerre, ou qu’on se sera joint à ses ennemis en leur donnant aide et soutien : personne ne sera convaincu de crime de trahison que sur la déposition de deux témoins d’un même fait manifesté ou sur l’aveu de l’accusé fait en pleine audience.

S ECT. 2. Treason against the State, shall consist only in levying war against it or in adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or his own confession in open court.

S ECT. 3me . Nul ne sera habile à remplir la place de Gouverneur, de Sénateur, ou de Représentant, pendant le tems pour lequel il aura été élu, s’il a été convaincu d’avoir donné ou offert des présents, dans la vue d’assurer son élection.

S ECT. 3. Every person shall be disqualified from serving as governor, Senator or Representative for the term for which he shall have been elected, who shall have been convicted of having given or offered any bribe to procure his election.

S ECT. 4me . Des Loix seront rendues à l’effet d’exclure des charges et de priver du droit de suffrage toute personne qui aura été convaincue de corruption, de parjure, de faux ou d’autres crimes et délits graves. Le privilége de suffrage sera assûré par des loix réglant les élections et défendant sous peine d’une punition proportionnée au délit, de les influencer par l’autorité, la corruption, la violence, ou par aucune autre voie illicite.

S ECT. 4. Laws shall be made to exclude from office and from suffrage100 those who shall thereafter be101 convicted of bribery, perjury, forgery or other high crimes or misdemeanors, the privilege of free102 suffrage shall be supported by laws regulating elections and prohibiting under adequate penalties, all undue influence thereon, from power, bribery, tumult, or other improper practices.

S ECT. 5me . Aucune somme d’argent ne sera tirée du Trésor public, à moins d’avoir été appropriée par la loi à un usage quelconque ; mais des deniers publics ne pourront être appropriés à l’entretien d’une armée pour un terme excédant une année. Un compte exact et précis du revenu et de la dépense de l’Etat sera publié tous les ans.

S ECT. 5. No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in pursuance of appropriations made by law103 ; nor shall any appropriation of money for the support of an army be made for a longer term than one year; and a regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public moneys, shall be published annually.

S ECT. 6me . L’Assemblée Générale devra passer les loix qui pourront être nécessaires ou tendre à faire décider par arbitres choisis par les parties toutes contestations élevées entre elles, lorsque celles-ci voudront terminer sommairement tous leurs différens.8

S ECT. 6. It shall be the duty of the general assembly to pass such laws as may be necessary and proper to decide differences104 by arbitrators, to be appointed by the parties, who may choose that summary mode of adjustment105 .

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L OUISIANA S ECT. 7me . Tous les employés civils de l’Etat en général résideront dans les limites du dit Etat : tous les officiers de District ou de Comté dans les limites de leur Comté ou District respectif et y tiendront leurs bureaux aux endroits fixés par la loi.

S ECT. 7. All civil officers for the state at large shall reside within the State, and all district or county officers within their respective districts or counties, and shall keep their respective offices at such places therein as may be required by law.

S ECT. 8me . La Législature déterminera la durée des divers emplois publics qui n’est pas fixée par la Constitution. Tous les officiers civils excepté le Gouverneur et les Juges des Cours suprême et inférieures seront déplacés sur la demande des deux tiers des membres des deux chambres, à l’exception de ceux au déplacement desquels il a été autrement pourvu dans cette Constitution.

S ECT. 8. The Legislature shall determine the time of duration of the several public offices when such time shall not have been fixed by this Constitution, and all civil officers except the governor and judges of the superior and inferior courts shall be removable by an address of two thirds of the members of both houses, except those, the removal of whom has been otherwise provided for by this Constitution.

S ECT. 9me . L’absence par cause des affaires de cet Etat ou de celles des Etats-Unis ne fera point perdre le droit de résidence à celui qui l’auroit déjà acquis, de manière à le priver du droit de suffrage ou à l’empêcher d’être élu ou nommé à aucune place dépendante de cet Etat, hors les cas déterminés par la Constitution.

S ECT. 9. Absence on the business of this State or of the United States, shall not forfeit a residence106 once obtained, so as to deprive any one of the rights107 of suffrage, or of being elected or appointed to any office under this State, under the exceptions contained in this Constitution.

S ECT. 10e . Il sera du devoir de l’Assemblée Générale de déterminer par une loi les cas où la négligence des officiers publics donnera lieu à une déduction de leurs salaires et la proportion dans laquelle cette déduction devra être faite.

S ECT. 10. It shall be the duty of the general assembly to regulate by law in what cases, and what deduction from the salaries of public officers shall be made for neglect of duty in their official capacity.

S ECT. 11e . Les Certificats d’Election des Membres de l’Assemblée Générale seront addressés au Secrétaire d’Etat en fonction.

S ECT. 11. Returns of all108 elections for the members of the general assembly, shall be made to the secretary of state for the time being.

S ECT. 12e . La Législature prescrira les formes que devra suivre en arrivant dans cet Etat, celui qui veut y acquérir le droit de résidence.

S ECT. 12. The Legislature shall point out the manner in which a man coming into the country shall declare his residence109 .

S ECT. 13e . Toute élection, soit par le Peuple, soit par le Sénat où la Chambre des

S ECT. 13. In all elections by the people, and also by the Senate and House of Rep-

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1812) Représentans ensemble ou séparément se fera au scrutin.

resentatives jointly or separately, the vote shall be given by ballot.

S ECT. 14e . Aucun membre du Congrès, ni aucune personne remplissant une place de confiance ou de profit sous l’autorité des Etats-Unis ou d’un des Etats formant l’Union ou d’une Puissance étrangère ne pourra être choisi Membre de l’Assemblée Générale de cet Etat ou nommée à une place de confiance ou de profit sous l’autorité de cet Etat.

S ECT. 14. No members of Congress, nor person holding or exercising any office of trust or profit under the United States, or either of them, or under any foreign powers shall be eligible as a member of the general assembly of this State, or hold or exercise110 any office of trust or profit under the same.

S ECT. 15e . Toutes les Lois qui pourront être passées par la Législature devront être promulguées dans la langue dans laquelle la Constitution des Etats-Unis est écrite, et les archives de cet Etat, les journaux de la Législature et les procédures judiciaires devront être rédigées et conservées dans la même langue.9

S ECT. 15. All laws that may be passed by the Legislature, and the public records of this State, and the judicial and legislative written proceedings of the same, shall be promulgated, preserved and conducted in the language in which the constitution of the United States is written.111

S ECT. 16e . L’Assemblée Générale réglera par une loi rendue à cet effet la manière dont ceux qui ont cautionné ou par la suite cautionneront les Officiers Publics pourront se dégager dudit cautionnement.

S ECT. 16. The general assembly shall direct by law how persons who are now or may hereafter become securities for public officers, may be relieved or discharged on account of such securityship.

S ECT. 17e . Le pouvoir de suspendre les loix de cet Etat ne sera exercé que par la Législature ou par son autorité.

S ECT. 17. No power of suspending the laws of this State shall be exercised, unless by the Legislature, or its authority.

S ECT. 18e . Dans toutes les poursuites criminelles, l’accusé aura le droit de plaider lui-même sa cause ou de la faire plaider par son Conseil : il pourra demander la cause et la nature de l’accusation intentée contre lui, ainsi qu’une confrontation avec les témoins : il pourra forcer à comparoitre tous les témoins à sa décharge et obtiendra dans les poursuites par indictment ou information un jugement prompt et public, lequel jugement sera rendu par un jury impartial et composé d’Habitans du lieu : il ne pourra être contraint à déposer contre lui-même.

S ECT. 18. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused have the right of being heard by himself or counsel, of demanding the nature and cause of the accusation against him, of meeting the witnesses face to face, of having compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favour, and in112 prosecutions by indictment or information, a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of inhabitants of the vicinage113 , nor shall he be compelled to give evidence against himself.

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L OUISIANA S ECT. 19e . Tout prisonnier pourra être mis sous cautionnement (be bailable) en fournissant bonne et suffisante caution, à moins qu’étant accusé de crime capital, la preuve en soit évidente ou la présomption forte ; le privilège de l’Habeas Corpus ne pourra être suspendu, à moins que par suite d’une révolte ou d’une invasion le salut public ne le rende nécessaire.

S ECT. 19. All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient securities, unless for capital offences, where the proof is evident or presumption great, and the privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus114 shall not be suspended unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.

S ECT. 20e . Il ne sera passé aucune loi rétrospective (ex post facto) ni aucune loi altérant la validité des Contrats.

S ECT. 20. No expost facto law nor any law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.

S ECT. 21e . Tous ceux qui voudront examiner la conduite de la Législature ou de toute autre branche du Gouvernement, auront la faculté de se servir de la voie de l’impression. Aucune loi ne pourra être passée à l’effet de restreindre ce droit : la libre communication de ses pensées et de ses opinions est un des droits les plus précieux de l’homme et chaque Citoyen en répondant de l’abus qu’il pourroit en faire, jouira de la liberté de parler, d’écrire et de faire imprimer ce qu’il voudra.

S ECT. 21. Printing presses shall be free to every person who undertakes to examine the proceedings of the Legislature, or any branch of the government, and no law shall ever115 be made to restrain the right thereof. The free communication of thoughts and opinions is one of the invaluable116 rights of man, and every citizen may freely speak, write and print on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty.

S ECT. 22e . L’Emigration de cet Etat ne sera point défendue.10

S ECT. 22. Emigration from the State shall not be prohibited.117

S ECT. 23e . Les Citoyens de la NouvelleOrléans auront le droit de nommer les divers officiers publics nécessaires à l’Administration et à la police de la dite Ville, en se conformant au mode d’élection que la Législature devra prescrire, bien entendu que ni le Maire, ni le Recorder ne pourront être membres de l’Assemblée Générale.

S ECT. 23. The citizens of the town of New-Orleans shall have the right of appointing the several public officers necessary for the administration and the police of the said city, pursuant to the mode of election which shall be prescribed by the Legislature; Provided that the mayor and recorder be ineligible to a seat in the general assembly.

S ECT. 24e . La Nouvelle-Orléans continuera à être le siège du Gouvernement jusqu’à ce qu’il en soit autrement ordonné par la loi.

S ECT. 24. The seat of government shall continue at New Orleans until removed118 by law.

S ECT. 25e . Les Loix contraires à cette Constitution seront nulles.

S ECT. 25. All laws119 contrary to this Constitution shall be null and void.

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ARTICLE VII de la Révision de la Constitution S ECT. 1re . Quand l’expérience aura démontré la nécessité d’amender cette Constitution et quand une majorité de tous les membres élus aux deux Chambres de l’Assemblée Générale dans les vingt premiers jours après l’ouverture de la session annuelle sera d’avis de passer une loi spécifiant les changements qu’on se propose de faire, pour consulter l’opinion des habitans de cet Etat sur la nécessite et l’utilité d’assembler une convention, il sera du devoir des différens employés aux élections, après qu’une loi à cet effet aura été passée, de procéder, lors de la première élection générale des Représentans qui suivra la dite loi à un scrutin, et de faire passer au Secrétaire alors en fonction les noms de ceux qui auront voté pour qu’une Convention soit convoquée ; et s’il paroit que la majorité de tous les citoyens de cet Etat ayant droit de voter aux élections des Représentans demande la convocation d’une Convention, l’Assemblée Générale ordonnera qu’un semblable scrutin ait lieu l’année suivante et si alors la majorité de tous les citoyens de l’État, ayant droit de voter aux élections des Représentans demande encore une Convention, l’Assemblée Générale à sa session suivante, ordonnera la convocation d’une Convention qui ne sera composée que d’autant de membres qu’il y en aura à cette époque dans l’Assemblée Générale, lesquels seront choisis de la même manière, dans la même proportion, aux mêmes temps et lieux que les Représentans et par les citoyens ayant droit de voter aux élections de ceux-ci : les Membres de la Convention s’assembleront dans les trois mois qui suivront ladite élection à l’effet de changer et d’amender cette Constitution ; mais s’il pa-

ARTICLE VII Mode

of120

Revising the Constitution

S ECT. 1. When experience shall point out the necessity of amending this Constitution, and a majority of all the members elected to each house121 of the general assembly, shall, within the first twenty days of their stated annual session, concur in passing a law, specifying the alterations intended to be made, for taking the sense of the good people122 of this state, as to the necessity and expediency of calling a convention, it shall be the duty of the several returning officers, at the next general election which shall be held for Representatives after the passage of such law, to open a poll for123 , and make return to the secretary for the time being, of the names of all those entitled to vote for Representatives124 , who have voted for calling a convention; and if thereupon, it shall appear that a majority of all the citizens of this state, entitled to vote for Representatives, have voted for a convention, the general assembly, shall direct that a similar poll shall be opened, and taken for125 the next year; and if thereupon, it shall appear that a majority126 of all the citizens of this state entitled to vote for Representatives, have voted for127 a convention, the general assembly shall, at their next session, call a convention to consist of as many members as there shall be in the general assembly128 , and no more, to be chosen in same manner and proportion, at the same places and at the same time, that Representatives are, by citizens entitled to vote for Representatives; and to meet within three months after the said election, for the purpose of re-adopting, amending or changing129 this constitution. But if it shall appear by the vote of either year, as aforesaid130 , that a majority of all the citizens entitled to vote for Representa-

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L OUISIANA roit par l’un et l’autre de ces deux Scrutins, que la majorité de tous les citoyens ayant droit de suffrage aux élections des Représentans n’a pas voté pour la Convention, la Convention ne sera point convoquée.

tives, did not vote for a convention, a convention shall not be called.

CÉDULE

SCHEDULE

S ECT. 1re . Pour prévenir les inconvéniens que pourroit faire naître le changement du Gouvernement Territorial en Gouvernement d’Etat, cette Convention déclare que tous les droits, poursuites, actions, réclamations ou contrats, soit à l’égard des Individus, soit envers l’Etat, continueront à avoir leur effet en vertu des loix existantes, comme s’il n’étoit survenu aucun changement dans le Gouvernement.

S ECT. 1. That no inconveniencies may arise from the change of a territorial to permanent state government131 , it is declared by the Convention that all rights, suits, actions, prosecutions132 , claims and contracts, both as it respects individuals and bodies corporate133 , shall continue as if no change had taken place in this government in virtue of the laws now in force.

S ECT. 2e . Toutes amendes ou confiscations échues au Territoire d’Orléans seront appliquées à l’usage de cet Etat. Toutes obligations consenties en faveur du Gouvernement ou d’aucun autre Officier de ce Territoire en sa qualité d’officier public passeront au Gouverneur ou autres officiers de l’Etat et à leurs successeurs en charge pour par lui ou eux être appliqués à l’usage de l’Etat ou de ceux qui y ont intérêt suivant le cas.

S ECT. 2. All fines, penalties134 and forfeitures, due and owing135 to the territory of Orleans shall inure to the use of the state. All bonds executed to the governor or any other officer in his official capacity in the territory, shall pass over to the governor or to the officers of the State and their successors in office, for the use of the State, by him or by them to be respectively assigned over to the use of those concerned, as the case may be.

S ECT. 3e . Le Gouverneur, le Secrétaire, les Juges et tous ceux qui remplissent quelque charge sous le Gouvernement Territorial continueront à exercer les fonctions de leurs Départements respectifs, jusqu’à ce que les dites charges ayant été abolies en vertu de cette Constitution.

S ECT. 3. The governor, secretary and judges, and all other officers under the territorial government, shall continue in the exercise of their duties of their respective departments until the said officers are superceded under the authority of this constitution.

S ECT. 4e . Toute loi maintenant en vigueur dans ce Territoire et qui ne sera point incompatible avec cette Constitution, continuera à avoir son plein effet jusqu’à ce quelle ait été abrogée par la Législature.

S ECT. 4. All laws136 now in force in this territory, not inconsistent with this constitution, shall continue and remain in full effect until repealed by the legislature.

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1812) S ECT. 5e . Le Gouverneur de cet Etat pourra se servir de son Sceau particulier, jusqu’au moment où il y aura un sceau d’Etat.

S ECT. 5. The governor of this state shall make use of his private seal, until a state seal be procured.

S ECT. 6e . Les serments exigés par cette Constitution de ceux qui entrent en charge pourront être pretés devant un Juge de paix, en attendant que la Législature en ait autrement ordonné.

S ECT. 6. The oaths of office herein directed to be taken, may be administered by any justice of the peace, until the legislature shall otherwise direct.

S ECT. 7e . A l’expiration du terme assigné pour que la Constitution puisse avoir son effet, ou immédiatement après la réception de la nouvelle officielle que le Congrès l’a approuvée, le Président de la Convention addressera des Writs d’élection11 aux officiers qui en sont chargés dans les différens Comtés pour les requérir de procéder à l’élection d’un Gouverneur et des Membres de l’Assemblée Générale dans leurs districts respectifs. Ces élections devront commencer le quatrième Lundi qui suivra le jour où la proclamation du Président de la Convention aura été rendue ; et les dites élections auront lieu le même jour dans toute l’étendue de l’Etat et le mode et la durée en seront fixés d’après les Loix en vigueur pour les Elections : Bien entendu cependant qu’en cas d’absence ou d’impossibilité de la part du Président de la Convention de faire exécuter les mesures ci-dessus prescrites, le Secrétaire de la Convention sera chargé des mêmes fonctions que ledit président et qu’en cas d’absence du Secrétaire, un comité composé de Messieurs Blanque, Brown et Urquhart ou de la majorité d’entr’eux sera chargé de remplir les devoirs cidessus imposés au Secrétaire de la Convention. Les Membres de l’Assemblée Générale ainsi élus se réuniront le quatrième lundi qui suivra leur élection au Siège du Gouvernement : le Gouverneur et les Membres de l’Assemblée Générale pour cette fois seulement entreront en fonction immédiatement après leur élection et continueront à exercer les dites fonctions de la même manière et

S ECT. 7. At the expiration of the time after which this constitution is to go into operation, or immediately after official information shall have been received that Congress have approved of the same, the president of the Convention shall issue writs of election to the proper officers in the different counties, enjoining them to cause an election to be held for governor and members of the general assembly, in each of their respective districts. The election shall commence on the fourth Monday following the day of the date137 of the President’s proclamation, and shall take place on the same day throughout the state. The mode and duration of the said election shall be determined by the laws138 now in force: Provided however, that in case of absence or disability of the President of the Convention, to cause the said election139 to be carried into effect, the Secretary of the Convention shall discharge the duties hereby imposed on the President, and that in case of absence of the secretary a committee of Messrs Blanque, Brown, and Urquhart or a majority of them, shall discharge the duties herein imposed on the secretary of the convention – and the members of the general assembly thus elected shall assemble on the fourth Monday thereafter140 at the seat of government. The governor and members of the general assembly for this time only, shall enter upon the duties of their respective offices, immediately after their election, and shall continue in office in the same manner and during the same period they would have done had they been elected on he first

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L OUISIANA pendant le même tems qu’ils l’eussent fait, si leur Election eût en lieu le premier Lundi de juillet Mil huit cent douze.

Monday of July 1812.

S ECT. 8e . Jusqu’à ce que le premier dénombrement prescrit par la Sixième Section du Deuxième Article de cette Constitution ait été fait, le Comté d’Orléans aura droit à Six Représentans qui devront être élus de la manière suivante : le premier District sénatorial dans le dit Comté en élira un, le second district en élira quatre, et le troisième district, un : le Comté des Allemands aura droit à deux Représentans : le Comté d’Acadie aura droit à deux Représentans : le Comté d’Iberville aura droit à deux Représentans : le Comté de la Fourche aura droit à deux Représentans qui devront être élus de la manière suivante : la paroisse de l’Assomption en élira un ; et la paroisse de l’Intérieur en élira un : le Comté de la Pointe-Coupée aura droit à un Représentant : le Comté des Rapides aura droit à deux Représentans : le Comté des Natchitoches aura droit à un Représentant : le Comté de Concordia aura droit à un Représentant : le Comté du Ouachita aura droit à un Représentant : le Comté des Opélousas aura droit à deux Représentans et le Comté des Attakapas aura droit à trois Représentans qui devront être élus de la manière suivante : la paroisse de Saint Martin en élira deux et la paroisse de Sainte Marie, un : et les différens Districts Sénatoriaux créés par cette Constitution auront chacun le droit de nommer un Sénateur.

S ECT. 8. Until the first enumeration shall be made as directed in the sixth section of the second article of this Constitution, the county of Orleans shall be entitled to six Representatives to be elected as follows: one by the first senatorial district within the said county, four by the second district, and one by the third district – The county of German Coast, to two Representatives, the county of Acadia, to two Representatives; the county of Iberville, to two Representatives; the county of Lafourche, to two Representatives; to be elected as follows: one by the parish of the Assumption, and the other by the parish of the Interior;141 the county of Rapides, to two Representatives; the county of Natchitoches, to one Representative; the county of Concordia, to one Representative; the county of Ouachitta, to one Representative; the county of Opelloussas, to two Representatives; the county of Attakapas, to three Representatives to be elected as follows: two by the parish of St. Martin and the third142 by the parish of St. Mary, and the respective senatorial districts created by this Constitution, to one senator each.

Fait en Convention à la Nouvelle-Orléans le Vingt deuxième jour du Mois de Janvier de l’an de Notre Seigneur Mil huit cent douze et la trente sixième année de l’Indépendance des Etats-Unis d’Amérique.

DONE in Convention, at New-Orleans, the twenty second day of the month of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve, and of the independence of the United States of America, the thirty-sixth.

J. POYDRAS, Président de la Convention.

J. POYDRAS, President of the Convention.

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1812) J. D. Degoutin Bellechasse J. Blanque F. Jh. Le Breton D’orgenoy Mgre. Guichard S. Henderson P. Denis La Ronde F. Livaudais Bernard de Marigny Thos. Urquhart Jacques Villeré John Watkins Samuel Winter

                       

du Comté d’Orléans.                         James Brown  du Comté des Jean Noël Destréhan  Allemands. dre A Labranche  Michel Cantrelle  du Comté J. M. Reynaud  d’Acadie. Genezi Roussin  Amant Hebert du Comté William Wikoff Junr . d’Iberville.  William Goforth    Bela Hubbard Junr . du Comté de la St. Martin Fourche.    H. S. Thibodaux du Comté de12 Pointe Coupée.

S. Hiriart R. A. Hall Thomas F. Oliver Levi Wells P. Bossier13 J. Prud’homme James Dunlap David B. Morgan

 

du Comté des  Rapides.  du Comté des Natchitoches.  du Comté de Concordia. du Comté de Ouachita.

Henry Bry Allan B. Magruder D. J. Sutton John Thompson

 

du Comté des  Opélousas.

J. D. Degoutin Bellechasse, J. Blanque, F. Jh. Le Breton D’Orgenoy, Mgre. Guichard, S. Henderson, Denis Delaronde, F. Livaudais, B. Marigny, Thos. Urquhart, Jacques Villeré, John Watkins, Samuel Winter,

                       

of the County of Orleans.                         James Brown,  of the County of Jean Noel Destréhan,  German Coast. Adre. La Branche,  Michel Cantrelle,  of the County of J. M. Reynaud,  Acadia. Genezi Roussin,  Amant Hebert, of the County of William Wikoff, Jr., Iberville.  William Goforth,    Bela Hubbard, Jr., of the County of St. Martin, Lafourche.    H. S. Thibodaux, of the County of Pointe Coupée.

S. Hiriart, R. Hall, Thos. F. Oliver, Leviwells, P. Bossier143 , J. Prud’homme, James Dunlap, David B. Morgan,

 

of the County of  Rapides.  of the County of Natchitoches.  of the County of Concordia. of the County of Ouachitta.

Henry Bry, Allan B. Magruder, D. J. Sutton, John Thompson,

 

of the County of  Oppelousas.

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L OUISIANA Louis C. De Blanc Henry Johnson W. C. Maquillé Chs . Olivier Alex. Porter Jr.

     

du Comté des Attakapas.     

Louis De Blanc, Henry Johnson, W. C. Maquillé, Chas. Olivier, Alexander Porter,

     

of the County of Attakapas.     

ELIGIUS FROMENTIN, Secretary to the Convention14 .

Signed ELIGIUS FROMENTIN, Secretary of the Convention.144

1

1

Verified by Constitution ou Forme de Gouvernement de l’Etat de la Louisiane. Par Autorité, NouvelleOrleans: Imprimé par Thierry, Imprimeur de la Convention, 1812, 30 p., and corrected according to the handwritten French original, located in the Historic New Orleans Collection in New Orleans. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the handwritten original. The Constitution was drafted in French by a convention which first met on November 4, 1811, and approved and adopted by it on January 22, 1812, without having been submitted to the people. Only the authenticated English translation required by Congress was sent to Washington and accepted by Congress and statehood was conferred by act of Congress of April 8, 1812 (U. S. Statutes at Large, 12th Congress, Sess. I, Ch. 50), to take effect on April 30, 1812. The Constitution was not amended and remained in effect until being superseded by the Constitution of 1845 (q.v.). 2 The so-called Florida Parishes north of Lake Pontchartrain and east of the Mississippi, claimed by Spain until 1819, and which had constituted themselves in 1810 as the short-lived Republic of West Florida (q.v.), were made subject to incorporation into the State of Louisiana by act of Congress of April 14, 1812 (U. S. Statutes at Large, 12th Congress, Sess. I, Ch. 57) and made part of the State by a resolution of the Louisiana legislature of August 4, 1812. 3 Approved February 20, 1811, U. S. Statutes at Large, 11th Congress, Sess. III, Ch. 21. 4 In Thierry edition, 5, “habitations”. 5 In Europe, the editors of the standard collection of constitutions in use for the better part of the 19th century were unaware of the fact that the Louisiana constitution of 1812 had been originally published in French. They faithfully translated the English text in the Baird edition back into French so that sect. 22 read: “Personne, s’il est revêtu du caractère ecclésiastique, s’il est prêtre ou ministre d’un culte, d’une société, ou d’une secte religieuse, ne pourra être nommé à l’assemblée générale, ni à aucun emploi lucratif ou honoraire dans l’état” (Collection des constitutions, chartes et lois fondamentales des peuples de l’Europe et des deux Amériques, ed. by Pierre-Armand Dufau,

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Verified by Constitution or Form of Government of the State of Louisiana. By authority, New-Orleans: Printed by Jo. Bar. Baird, Printer to the Convention, 1812, 32 p., and checked against the original French wording in the Thierry edition and the handwritten French original. The unknown translator for the Baird print proceeded from the French original, as his translation did not contain the few minor errors of the Thierry edition, but whenever convenient, he took recourse to the text of the Kentucky constitution of 1799 (q.v.) or, if need be, to other American constitutional documents, such as the Ohio constitution of 1802 (q.v.). However, the Baird print adopted the list of signers from the Thierry edition together with its flaws. Also checked against the version published in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, 3 vols., St. Paul, Minn.: West Publishing Co., 1955, III, 511–523. The Constitution was drafted in French by a convention which first met on November 4, 1811, and approved and adopted by it on January 22, 1812, without having been submitted to the people. The authenticated English translation, required by Congress, was sent to Washington and accepted by Congress and statehood was conferred by act of Congress of April 8, 1812 (U. S. Statutes at Large, 12th Congress, Sess. I, Ch. 50), to take effect on April 30, 1812. The Constitution was not amended and remained in effect until being superseded by the Constitution of 1845 (q.v.). 2 Treaty Between the United States of America and the French Republic, April 30, 1803, in: Treaties Between the United States and Foreign Nations, ed. by Richard Peters (The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, ed. by Richard Peters, VIII), 2d ed., Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1867, 200– 207. 3 In French original, “tout le pays qui se trouve renfermé par la dite ligne [the whole country enclosed by the said line]”. 4 The so-called Florida Parishes north of Lake Pontchartrain and east of the Mississippi, claimed by Spain until 1819, and which had constituted themselves in 1810 as the short-lived Republic of West Florida (q.v.), were made subject to incorporation into the State

C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1812) Jean-Baptiste Duvergier and Joseph Guadet, 6 vols., Paris: J.-L. Chanson, 1821–1823, VI, 80). 6 In Thierry edition, 10, “et de la manière suivante”. 7 Cf. Collection des constitutions, ed. by Dufau et al., VI, 82: “Il pourra dans les occasions extraordinaires, convoquer l’assemblée générale au siège du gouvernement, ou dans un lieu différent, si le siège du gouvernement est menacé par l’ennemi ou troublé par des désordres”. 8 Cf. Collection des constitutions, ed. by Dufau et al., VI, 87: “L’assemblée générale sera chargée de porter des lois qu’elle jugera nécessaires sur la décision par arbitres des differens élevés entre parties qui choisiront cette manière de procéder sommairement.”. 9 Mandatory stipulation for attaining statehood according to sect. 3 of the Enabling act of 1811, cf. U. S. Statutes at Large, 11th Congress, Sess. III, Ch. 21. 10 In contrast to the general practice the Louisiana constitution did not contain a bill of rights proper. The sections 17 to 21 were the consequence of the provision of sect. 3 of the Enabling Act of 1811, “[t]he constitution to be formed [. . . ] shall contain the fundamental principles of civil and religious liberty [and] shall secure to the citizen the trial by jury in all criminal cases, and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, conformably to the provisions of the constitution of the United States” (U. S. Statutes at Large, 11th Congress, Sess. III, Ch. 21), though the mandated religious liberty was not included, which passed unnoticed in Congress. Henry Clay declared in the House of Representatives on March 19, 1812 that “[t]he Convention of Orleans had framed a constitution for the State in conformity to the law of Congress imposing certain conditions as preliminary” (The Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States [Annals of the Congress of the United States], Twelfth Congress, First Session, Washington: Gales and Seaton, 1853, 1225). 11 In Thierry edition, 27, “elections”. 12 Ibid., 30, “de la”. 13 Ibid., “Boissier”. 14 Ibid., “Secrétaire de la Convention”.

of Louisiana by act of Congress of April 14, 1812 (U. S. Statutes at Large, 12th Congress, Sess. I, Ch. 57) and made part of the State by a resolution of the Louisiana legislature of August 4, 1812. 5 Approved February 20, 1811, U. S. Statutes at Large, 11th Congress, Sess. III, Ch. 21. 6 In French original, “qui habitent ce Territoire [who inhabit this Territory]”. 7 In French original, “des droits attachés à l’existence [the rights attached to existence]”. 8 In French original, “De la [On]”. 9 In French original, “le Pouvoir Législatif à un corps, le Pouvoir Exécutif à un autre corps, et le pouvoir Judiciaire à un autre Corps [the legislative power to one body, the executive power to another body, and the judiciary power to another body]”. Here as in subsequent cases major deviations in the Baird edition from the exact phrasing of the French text are not the result of a liberal translation, but of substituting it by a faithful copy of the respective section of the Kentucky constitution of 1799 (in this case art. I, sect. 1). 10 In French original, “partie d’un de ces [part of one of these]”. 11 In French original, “prévus et déterminés [designated and determined]”. Instead, verbatim from art. I, sect. 2, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 12 In French original, “Du Pouvoir Législatif [On the Legislative Power]”. Instead, verbatim from art. II, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 13 In French original, “sera toujours [shall always be]”. 14 In French original, “citoyen libre et blanc [free white citizen]”. 15 In French original, “à la liste des propriétés taxables [to the list of taxable property]”. 16 In French original, “Cours respectives [respective courts]”. 17 In French original, “d’après ces différents recensements [according to these several censuses]”. Instead, verbatim from art. II, sect. 6, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 18 In French original, “ne jamais s’élever au dessus de Cinquante, ni être au-dessous de Vingt cinq [shall never raise above fifty nor be less than twenty five]”. Instead, verbatim, safe figures, from art. II, sect. 6, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 19 In Baird print, 6, word added. 20 In Baird print, 6, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 513, “not”. 21 In Baird print, 6, word added. 22 In French original, “du Congrès [from the Congress]”. 23 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 513, “of”. 24 In French original, “ou de violation de la paix publique [or violation of the public peace]”. Instead, verbatim from art. II, sect. 8, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799.

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L OUISIANA 25

In French original, “la paroisse de Saint Bernard et la Paroisse de Plaquemine [the parish of St. Bernard and the parish of Plaquemine]”. 26 In French original, “y compris le pays jusqu’au canal des Pêcheurs [including the land as far as the Des Pécheurs canal]”. 27 In French original, “jusqu’au canal des Pécheurs [as far as the Des Pécheurs canal]”. 28 In French original, “première session [first session]”. 29 In French original, insertion missing, however, instead, verbatim from art. II, sect. 15, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 30 In French original, “la liste des Propriétés taxables [the list of taxable property]”. 31 In French original, “de l’élection, des rapports sur la nomination, et des qualifications [of the election, the reports on the nomination, and the qualifications]”. Instead, verbatim from art. II, sect. 19, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 32 In French original, “ses membres [its members]”. Instead, verbatim from art. II, sect. 20, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 33 In Baird print, 9, “de ceux qui la composent [of those who compose it]” missing. Also in art. II, sect. 20, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799, missing. 34 In French original, “pendant tout le tems pour lequel les Membres de la Chambre des Représentants [. . . ] auront été élus [during the time of service for which the members of the house of Representatives shall have been elected]”. 35 In French original, “crime capital, et violation de la paix publique [capital crime, and violation of the public peace]”. Instead, verbatim from art. II, sect. 24, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 36 In French original, “choisi ou nommé [elected or appointed]”. Instead, verbatim from art. II, sect. 25, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 37 In French original, “prêtre, ecclésiastique ou ministre de quelque secte ou société religieuse que ce soit [priest, clergyman, or minister of any sect or religious society whatever]”. Instead, verbatim from art. II, sect. 26, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 38 In French original, “ou posséder aucun emploi [nor hold any office]”. 39 In Baird print, 10, last three words added. 40 Ibid., last two words added, thus corresponding to art. II, sect. 27, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 41 In French original, “il a eu [he may have been]”. Instead, entire section verbatim from art. II, sect. 27, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 42 In French original, “avoir été lu et librement discuté dans les deux Chambres [it has been read and freely discussed in both houses]”. Instead, entire section verbatim from art. II, sect. 28, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 43 In French original, “du Pouvoir Exécutif [On the

100

C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1812) Executive Power]”. Instead, verbatim from art. III, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 44 In French original, last two words missing. 45 In French original, “officiers [officers]”. 46 In French original, “le deuxième jour de la session de l’Assemblée Générale [the second day of the session of the general assembly]”. 47 In French original, “ils seront lus dans l’Assemblée des deux Chambres réunies à cet effet [they shall be read in the assembly of the two houses met together for this reason]”. 48 In Baird print, 12, “par les deux Chambres réunies [by joint ballot]” missing. 49 Ibid., “duement élu [duly elected]” missing. 50 In French original, “ne pourra être réélu pendant les quatre années qui suivront les quatre pendant lesquelles il aura gouverné [shall not be reelected during the four years that shall follow the four years in which he shall have governed]”. Instead, verbatim, except for the intervening length of time, from art. III, sect. 3, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 51 In French original, “Le Gouverneur [The governor]”. Instead, entire section verbatim, except property qualification, from art. III, sect. 4, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 52 In French original, “liste des propriétés taxables [list of taxable property]”. 53 In French original, “Le Gouverneur [The governor]”. 54 In French original, “pendant les [during the]”. 55 In French original, “suivront la nomination [succeeding the nomination]”. 56 In French original, “serment ou affirmation [oath or affirmation]”. The English translator borrowed the entire section from art. III, sect. 5, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 57 In French original, “Le Gouverneur [The governor]”. 58 In French original, “à moins que ces différents corps [except when these different corps]”. 59 In French original, “sans l’avis [without advice]”. Instead, entire section verbatim from art. III, sect. 8, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 60 In French original, “Le Gouverneur [The governor]”. 61 In French original, “Assemblée Générale [general assembly]”. 62 In French original, “Le Gouverneur [The governor]”. 63 In French original added, “seule [alone]”. Instead, entire section verbatim from art. III, sect. 11, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 64 In French original, “Le Gouverneur [The governor]”. 65 In French original, “Le Gouverneur [The governor]”. 66 In French original, “et lui recommandera les

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L OUISIANA mesures qui lui paroîtront les plus convenables [and shall recommend to them those measures which shall appear to him most convenient]”. Instead, entire section verbatim from art. III, sect. 13, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 67 In French original, “Le Gouverneur [The governor]”. 68 In French original, “si la proximité d’un ennemi ou une maladie contagieuse le rendoit nécessaire [if rendered necessary by the proximity of an enemy or a contagious disease]”. Instead, entire section with minor changes verbatim from art. III, sect. 14, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 69 In French original, “Le Gouverneur [The governor]”. 70 In French original, “Le Gouverneur devra [the duty of the governor]”. 71 In French original, “démission, refus d’accepter [resignation, refusal to qualify]”. Instead, verbatim from art. III, sect. 18, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 72 In French original, “un autre Gouverneur [another governor]”. 73 In French original, “un journal [a journal]”. 74 In French original, “documents [documents]”. Instead, entire section verbatim from art. III, sect. 24, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 75 In French original, “dans les trois premiers jours de la session suivante [within the first three days of the subsequent session]”. Instead, verbatim from art. III, sect. 25, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 76 In French original added, “de tous les membres [of all the members]”. 77 In French original, “Citoyens [citizens]”. Instead, in conformity with art. III, sect. 28, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 78 In French original, “les empêchent de porter les armes [prevent them from carrying arms]”. 79 In French original, “du Pouvoir Judiciaire [On the Judiciary Power]”. Instead, in conformity with art. IV, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 80 In French original, “sera compétente pour administrer la justice [shall be competent to administer justice]”. 81 In French original, “ladite [The said]”. 82 In French original, “tiendra toujours [shall always hold]”. 83 In French original, “est et sera [shall forever be]”. 84 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 518, word missing. 85 In French original, “pendant l’espace de [during the period of]”. 86 In French original, “bien entendu que [Provided]”. 87 In French original, “la Cour d’Appel [the appellate court]”. 88 In French original, “les plus convenables [most convenient]”.

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1812) 89

In French original, “des Membres des deux Chambres [of the members of both houses]”. 90 In French original, “les causes [the causes]”. Instead, with minor exceptions, verbatim from art. IV, sect. 3, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 91 In French original, “et les Actes d’accusation (Indictments) se termineront par les mots suivants [and the indictments shall conclude with the following words]”. Instead, except for the obvious variations, verbatim from art. IV, sect. 4, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 92 In French original, “Le Gouverneur avec le consentement du Sénat nommera un Procureur Général pour l’Etat et autant de Procureurs d’Etat qui pourront être fixés par la Législature [The governor with the approbation of the Senate shall appoint an attorney general for the state and as many prosecuting attorneys for the state as shall be fixed by the legislature]”. 93 In French original, “dite Assemblée Générale [said general assembly]”. Instead, entire section verbatim from art. IV, sect. 12, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 94 In French original, “en y renvoyant d’une manière générale et que [to refer to in a general way, and that]”. 95 In French original, “elle devra décréter spécialement toutes les dispositions [it shall have to specify all the provisions]”. 96 In French original, “de l’Accusation appellée Impeachment [On Accusation Called Impeachment]”. Instead, in conformity with art. V, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 97 In French original, “la partie [the party]”. 98 In French original, “je remplirai [I will perform]”. 99 In French original, “de mon mieux [to the best of my ability]”. 100 In French original, “du droit de suffrage [from the right of suffrage]”. 101 In French original, “qui aura été [who shall have been]”. 102 In Baird print, 21, word added. Instead, entire section verbatim from art. VI, sect. 4, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 103 Ibid., 22, “à un usage quelconque [for any use]” missing. Instead, entire section with one insignificant exception verbatim from art. VI, sect. 5, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 104 In French original, “ toutes contestations élevées entre elles [all disputing raised amongst them]”. 105 In French original, “lorsque celles-ci voudront terminer sommairement tous leurs différens [when they want to terminate all their differences summarily]”. Instead, entire section verbatim from art. VI, sect. 10, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 106 In French original, “le droit de résidence [the right of residence]”. Instead, verbatim from art. VI, sect. 13, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 107 In French original, “droit [right]”. 108 In Baird print, 23, word added. Instead, verbatim from art. VI, sect. 15, Constitution of Kentucky of

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L OUISIANA 1799. 109 In French original, “prescrira les formes que devra suivre en arrivant dans cet Etat, celui qui veut y acquérir le droit de résidence [shall prescribe the form which has to be observed by those who, on arriving in this State, wish here to acquire the right of residence]”. 110 In French original, “Aucun membre du Congrès, ni aucune personne remplissant une place de confiance ou de profit sous l’autorité des Etats-Unis ou d’un des Etats formant l’Union ou d’une Puissance étrangère ne pourra être choisi Membre de l’Assemblée Générale de cet Etat ou nommée à [No member of Congress, nor any person holding an office of trust or profit under the auhtority of the United States, or of one of the states forming the Union, or under a foreign power shall be eligible as a member of the general assembly of this State, or be appointed to]”. Instead, entire section, with one minor exception, verbatim from art. VI, sect. 17, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 111 Instead of scrupulously following the French original, the wording of the translation echoes the specific clause in sect. 3 of the Enabling Act of 1811 (U. S. Statutes at Large, 11th Congress, Sess. III, Ch. 21). 112 In Baird print, 24, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 521, word missing. 113 In French original, “et composé d’Habitans du lieu [and composed of inhabitants of the place]”. Instead, whole section largely adapted from art. X, sect. 10, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 114 In French original, “le privilège de l’Habeas Corpus [the privilege of Habeas Corpus]”. 115 In Baird print, 25, word added. 116 In French original, “les plus précieux [the most precious]”. Instead, entire section verbatim from art. X, sect. 7, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 117 Contrary to the general practice the Louisiana constitution did not contain a bill of rights proper. The sections 17 to 21 were the consequence of the provision of sect. 3 of the Enabling Act of 1811, “[t]he constitution to be formed [. . . ] shall contain the fundamental principles of civil and religious liberty [and] shall secure to the citizen the trial by jury in all criminal cases, and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, conformably to the provisions of the constitution of the United States” (U. S. Statutes at Large, 11th Congress, Sess. III, Ch. 21), though the mandated religious liberty was not included, which passed unnoticed in Congress. Henry Clay declared in the House of Representatives on March 19, 1812 that “[t]he Convention of Orleans had framed a constitution for the State in conformity to the law of Congress imposing certain conditions as preliminary” (The Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States [Annals of the Congress of the United States], Twelfth Congress, First Session, Washington: Gales and Seaton, 1853, 1225). Sect. 22 is a verbatim copy from the Constitution of Kentucky of 1799, art. X, sect. 27.

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1812) 118 In

French original, “jusqu’à ce qu’il en soit autrement ordonné [until otherwise prescribed]”. 119 In French original, “Les Loix [The laws]”. 120 In French original, “de la [On]”, instead, verbatim from art. IX, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 121 In French original, “aux deux Chambres [to both houses]”. 122 In French original, “habitans [inhabitants]”. 123 In French original, “de procéder [. . . ] à un scrutin [to proceed to vote]”. 124 In French original, “entitled to vote for Representatives” missing. 125 In French original, “scrutin ait lieu [polling shall be taken]”. 126 In French original, “la majorité [the majority]”. 127 In French original, “demande encore [still demand]”. 128 In Baird print, 26, “à cette époque [at present]” missing. 129 In French original, “de changer et d’amender [of changing and amending]”. 130 In French original, “par l’un et l’autre de ces deux Scrutins [by one or the other of the two votes]”. Instead, entire section, with minor exceptions, verbatim from art. IX, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 131 In French original, “en Gouvernement d’Etat [to state government]”. 132 In Baird print, 27, word added. 133 In French original, “soit à l’égard des Individus, soit envers l’Etat [both as it respects individuals and the state]”. Instead, entire section, with minor exceptions, verbatim from Schedule, sect. 1, Constitution of Kentucky of 1799. 134 In Baird print, 27, word added. 135 Ibid., last two words added. 136 In French original, “Toute loi [Every law]”. Instead, sect. 1–5 of the schedule, with obvious exceptions, verbatim from sect. 1–5 of the Schedule of the Constitution of Ohio of 1802. 137 In Baird print, 28, last three words added. 138 In French original, “les Loix [. . . ] pour les Elections [the election laws]”. 139 In French original, “les mesures ci-dessus prescrites [the measures above prescribed]”. 140 In French original, “qui suivra leur élection [following their election]”. 141 In Baird print, 29, “the county of Pointe-Coupée, to one Representative” missing. 142 In French original, “un [one]”. 143 In Baird print, 31, “Boissier”. 144 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 523, names of delegates missing.

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Constitution of Louisiana (1845)

Constitution de la Louisiane (1845)

Constitution of the State of Louisiana1

Constitution de l’Etat de la Louisiane1

PREAMBLE

PREAMBULE

We the people of the State of Louisiana do ordain and establish this Constitution.

Nous, le Peuple de la Louisiane, ordonnons et instituons cette Constitution.

TITLE I

TITRE I

Distribution of Powers

De la division des pouvoirs

A RT. 1. The powers of the government of the State of Louisiana shall be divided into three distinct departments, and each of them be confided to a separate body of magistracy, to wit: those which are legislative to one; those which are executive to another, and those which are judicial to another.

A RT. 1. Les pouvoirs du gouvernement de l’Etat de la Louisiane seront divisés en trois départements distincts et chacun d’eux sera confié à un corps séparé de magistrature, savoir : le pouvoir législatif à un corps, le pouvoir exécutif à un autre corps, et le pouvoir judiciaire à un troisième corps.

A RT. 2. No one of these departments, nor any person holding office in one of them, shall exercise power properly belonging to either of the others, except in the instances hereinafter expressly directed or permitted.

A RT. 2. Aucun de ces départements ni aucune personne occupant une place dépendant de l’un d’eux n’exercera de pouvoir appartenant en propre à l’un des deux autres excepté dans les cas ci-après expressément prévus ou déterminés2 .

TITLE II

TITRE II

Legislative Department

Du pouvoir Législatif

A RT. 3. The legislative power2 of the State shall be vested in two distinct branches, the one to be styled the “house

A RT. 3. Le pouvoir législatif de cet Etat sera confié a deux branches distinctes, l’une desquelles s’appellera “Chambre des Repré-

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L OUISIANA of representatives,” the other “the senate,” and both “the general assembly of the State of Louisiana.”

sentans” et l’autre “Sénat” : l’une et l’autre réunies s’appelleront “Assemblée générale de l’Etat de la Louisiane.”

A RT. 4. The members of the house of representatives shall continue in service for the term of two years from the day of the closing of the general elections.

A RT. 4. Les membres de la chambre des représentans resteront en fonctions pendant l’espace de deux années à partir du jour de la clôture des élections générales.

A RT. 5. Representatives shall be chosen on the first Monday in November, every two years; and the election shall be completed in one day. The general assembly shall meet every second year, on the third Monday in January next ensuing the election, unless a different day be appointed by law, and their sessions3 shall be held at the seat of government.

A RT. 5. L’élection des représentans aura lieu tous les deux ans, le premier lundi de novembre, et ne durera qu’un jour. L’assemblée générale se réunira tous les deux ans, le troisième lundi de janvier qui suivra l’élection, à moins qu’un autre jour ne soit fixé par la loi. Ses sessions se tiendront au siège du gouvernement.

A RT. 6. No person shall be a representative, who, at the time of his election, is not a free white male, and has not been for three years a citizen of the United States, and has not attained the age of twenty-one years, and resided in the State for the three years next preceding the election, and the last year thereof in the parish for which he may be chosen.

A RT. 6. Nul ne sera représentant si, lors de son élection, il n’est mâle, libre et blanc, et s’il n’a été pendant trois années citoyen des Etats-Unis, et s’il n’a atteint l’âge de vingt et un ans et résidé dans l’Etat pendant les trois années qui auront immédiatement précédé l’élection, et pendant la dernière de ces trois années dans la paroisse pour laquelle il pourra être élu.

A RT. 7. Elections for representatives for the several parishes or representative districts shall be held at the several election precincts established by law. The legislature may delegate the power of establishing election precincts to the parochial or municipal authorities.

A RT. 7. L’élection des représentants des diverses paroisses ou des divers districts représentatifs, aura lieu dans les divers arrondissemens électoraux établis par la loi,3 ou que la législature pourra établir. La législature pourra déléguer le pouvoir d’établir des arrondissemens électoraux aux autorités paroissiales ou municipales.

A RT. 8. Representation in the house of representatives, shall be equal and uniform, and shall be regulated and ascertained by the number of qualified electors. Each parish shall have at least one representative; no new parish shall be created with a territory less than six hundred and twenty-five square miles, nor with a number of electors less than the full number entitling it to a representative, nor when the creation of such new

A RT. 8. La représentation dans la chambre des représentans sera égale et uniforme, et sera réglée et déterminée par le nombre des électeurs ayant qualité pour voter. Chaque paroisse aura au moins un représentant ; il ne sera créé aucune nouvelle paroisse avec un territoire de moins de six cent vint-cinq milles carrés, ni avec un nombre d’électeurs moindre que le nombre entier donnant droit à un représentant, ni lorsque

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1845) parish would leave any other parish without the said extent of territory and number of electors. The first enumeration to be made by the State authorities under this constitution shall be made in the year 1847, the second in the year 1855; and the subsequent enumerations shall be made every tenth year thereafter, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law for the purpose of ascertaining the total population and the number of qualified electors in each parish and election district. At the first regular session of the legislature after the making of each enumeration, the legislature shall apportion the representation amongst the several parishes and election districts on the basis of qualified electors as aforesaid. A representative number shall be fixed, and each parish and election district shall have as many representatives as the aggregate number of its electors will entitle it to, and an additional representative for any fraction exceeding one half the representative number. The number of representatives shall not be more than one hundred nor less than seventy.

la création d’une telle nouvelle paroisse réduirait toute autre paroisse à une moindre étendue de territoire et à un nombre moindre d’électeurs. Le premier dénombrement à faire par les autorités de l’Etat en vertu de cette constitution, sera fait en l’année 1847 ; le second en l’année 1855 ; et les dénombremens subséquents seront faits tous les dix ans par la suite, en la manière qui sera prescrite par la loi à l’effet de déterminer la population totale et le nombre des électeurs ayant qualité pour voter dans chaque paroisse ou dans chaque district électoral. A la première session régulière de la législature, après que chaque dénombrement aura été fait, la législature repartira la représentation parmi les diverses paroisses et districts électoraux sur la base des électeurs ayant qualité pour voter, comme il est dit cidessus. Un nombre représentatif étant fixé, chaque paroisse ou district électoral aura le nombre de représentants auquel le nombre total des électeurs lui donnera droit, et un représentant additionnel pour toute fraction excédant la moitié du nombre représentatif. Le nombre des représentants ne sera jamais au-dessus de cent, ni au-dessous de soixanteet-dix.

That part of the parish of Orleans situated on the left bank of the Mississippi, shall be divided into nine representative districts, as follows, viz:

La portion de la paroisse d’Orléans située sur la rive gauche du Mississipi sera divisée en neuf districts représentatifs comme suit, savoir :

1st First district to extend from the line of the parish of Jefferson to the middle of Benjamin, Estelle and Thalia streets.

1o. Le premier district s’étendra de la ligne de la paroisse Jefferson au milieu des rues Benjamin, Estelle et Thalie.

2nd Second district to extend from the last mentioned limits to the middle of Julia street, until it strikes the New Orleans canal, thence down said canal to the lake.

2o. Le second district s’étendra des dernières limites mentionnées au milieu de la rue Julie jusqu’au canal de la NouvelleOrléans, de là suivant le dit canal jusqu’au lac.

3rd Third district to comprise the residue of the Second Municipality.

3o. Le troisième district comprendra le restant de la seconde municipalité.

4th Fourth district to extend from the mid-

4o. Le quatrième district s’étendra du mi-

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L OUISIANA dle of Canal street to the middle of St. Louis street, until it reaches the Metairie road, thence along said road to the New Orleans canal.

lieu de la rue du Canal au milieu de la rue St. Louis jusqu’au chemin de la Métairie, de là, en suivant ce chemin, il s’étendra jusqu’au canal de la Nouvelle-Orléans.

5th Fifth district to extend from the last mentioned limits to the middle of St. Philip street, thence down said street until its intersection with the bayou St. John, thence along the middle of said bayou until it intersects the Metairie road, thence along said road until it reaches St. Louis street.

5o. Le cinquième district s’étendra des dernières limites mentionnées au milieu de la rue Saint-Philippe, de là, suivant la dite rue jusqu’au bayou Saint-Jean ; de là, suivant le milieu du dit bayou jusqu’au chemin de la Métairie ; de là, suivant le dit chemin jusqu’à la rue Saint-Louis.

6th Sixth district to be composed of the residue of the First Municipality.

6o. Le sixième district comprendra le restant de la première municipalité.

7th Seventh district, from the middle of Esplanade street to the middle of Champs Elysées street.

7o. Le septième district s’étendra du milieu de la rue de l’Esplanade au milieu de la rue des Champs-Elysées.

8th Eighth district, from the middle of Champs Elysées street to the middle of Enghien street and Lafayette Avenue.

8o. Le huitième district s’étendra du milieu de la rue des Champs-Elysées au milieu de la rue d’Enghien et de l’Avenue de Lafayette.

9th Ninth district, from the middle of Enghien street and Lafayette Avenue to the lower limits of the parish.

9o. Le neuvième district s’étendra du milieu de la rue d’Enghien et de l’Avenue de Lafayette aux limites inférieures de la paroisse.

A RT. 9. The house of representatives shall choose its speaker and other officers.

A RT. 9. La chambre des représentans élira son orateur et ses autres officiers.

A RT. 10. In all elections by the people, every free white male who has been two years a citizen of the United States4 who has attained the age of twenty-one years, and resided in the State two consecutive years next preceding the election, and the last year thereof in the parish in which he offers to vote, shall have the right of voting. Provided, that no person shall be deprived of the right of voting who at the time of the adoption of this constitution was entitled to that right under the constitution of 1812. Electors shall, in all cases, except treason, felony, breach or surety of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at, going to, or returning from elections.

A RT. 10. Dans toutes les élections par le peuple, tout individu mâle, libre et blanc, qui sera depuis deux ans citoyen des EtatsUnis, aura atteint l’âge de vingt-et-un ans et aura résidé dans l’Etat pendant les deux années qui auront immédiatement précédé l’élection, et pendant la dernière de ces deux années dans la paroisse où il se présentera pour voter, exercera les droits d’électeur ; bien entendu que nul ne sera privé du droit de suffrage si, lors de l’adoption de cette constitution, il est investi de ce droit en vertu de la constitution de 1812. Dans tous les cas, excepté ceux de trahison, de félonie, de violation de la paix ou d’atteinte à la sûreté publique4 , les électeurs jouiront du privilège de ne pouvoir être arrêtés pendant

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1845) qu’ils seront aux lieux d’élection ou qu’ils s’y rendront ou qu’ils en reviendront. A RT. 11. Absence from the State for more than ninety consecutive days, shall interrupt the acquisition of the residence required in the preceding article5 , unless the person absenting himself shall be a housekeeper, or shall occupy a tenement for carrying on business, and his dwelling house or tenement for carrying on business shall be actually occupied during his absence, by his family or servants, or some portion thereof, or by some one employed by him.

A RT. 11. L’absence de l’Etat pendant plus de quatre-vingt-dix jours consécutifs interrompra l’acquisition de la résidence exigée dans l’article précédent, à moins que la personne absente ne tienne maison ou qu’elle n’occupe une propriété à l’usage des affaires, et que sa résidence ou la maison à l’usage de ses affaires ne soit effectivement occupée durant son absence par les membres de sa famille ou par ses domestiques ou partie d’entre eux, ou par quelque personne employée par elle.

A RT. 12. No soldier, seaman or marine in the army or navy of the United States, no pauper, no person under interdiction, nor under conviction of any crime punishable with hard labor, shall be entitled to vote at any election in this6 State.

A RT. 12. Aucun soldat, matelot ou marin appartenant à l’armée de terre ou à la marine des Etats-Unis, ni aucun mendiant, ni aucune personne interdite ou convaincue d’un crime punissable des travaux de force ne pourra voter à aucune élection dans cet Etat.

A RT. 13. No person shall be entitled to vote at any election held in this State, except in the parish of his residence, and in cities and towns divided into election precincts, in the election precinct in which he resides.

A RT. 13. Nul n’aura le droit de voter à aucune élection tenue dans cet Etat, si ce n’est dans la paroisse de sa résidence, et s’il réside dans une ville ou dans un bourg divisé en arrondissements électoraux, dans l’arrondissement électoral de sa résidence.

A RT. 14. The members of the senate shall be chosen for the term of four years. The senate when assembled, shall have the power to choose its officers every two years.

A RT. 14. Les membres du sénat seront élus pour le terme de quatre années. Le sénat assemblé aura le droit d’élire ses officiers tous les deux ans.

A RT. 15. The legislature in every year in which they shall apportion representation in the house of representatives shall divide the State into senatorial districts. No parish shall be divided in the formation of a senatorial district, the parish of Orleans excepted. And whenever a new parish shall be created, it shall be attached to the senatorial district from which most of its territory was taken, or to another contiguous district, at the discretion of the legislature; but shall not be attached to more than one district. The num-

A RT. 15. La législature, chaque année qu’elle répartira la représentation dans la chambre des représentans, divisera le sénat en districts sénatoriaux. Nulle paroisse ne sera divisée pour la formation d’un district sénatorial, la paroisse d’Orléans exceptée. Et toutes les fois qu’une nouvelle paroisse sera formée, elle sera annexée au district sénatorial dont le territoire aura le plus contribué à sa formation, ou à tout autre district contigu, à la discrétion de la législature ; mais elle ne sera point annexée a plus d’un

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L OUISIANA ber of senators shall be thirty-two, and they shall be apportioned among the senatorial districts according to the total population contained in the several districts: Provided, that no parish shall be entitled to more than one-eighth of the whole number of senators.

district. Les sénateurs seront au nombre de trente-deux, et ils seront répartis entre les districts sénatoriaux d’après la population totale contenue dans les divers districts, bien entendu que nulle paroisse n’aura droit à plus d’un huitième du nombre entier des sénateurs.

A RT. 16. In all apportionments of the senate, the population of the city of New Orleans shall be deducted from the population of the whole State, and the remainder of the population divided by the number twenty eight, and the result produced by this division shall be the senatorial ratio entitling a senatorial district to a senator. Single or contiguous parishes shall be formed into districts having a population the nearest possible to the number entitling a district to a senator; and if in the apportionment to be made, a parish or district fall short of or exceed the ratio, one-fifth, then a district may be formed having not more than two senators, but not otherwise. No new apportionment shall have the effect of abridging the term of service of any senator already elected at the time of making the apportionment. After an enumeration has been made as directed in the eighth7 article, the legislature shall not pass any law8 until an apportionment of9 representation in both houses of the general assembly be made.

A RT. 16. Dans toutes les répartitions du sénat, la population de la ville de la NlleOrléans sera déduite de la population de tout l’Etat ; le restant de la population sera divisé par le nombre vingt-huit, et le résultat produit par cette division sera le chiffre de proportion donnant à un district sénatorial droit à un sénateur. Les paroisses, soit seules, soit réunies, mais contigues, seront formées en districts ayant une population la plus rapprochée qu’il sera possible du nombre donnant à un district droit à un sénateur ; et si dans la répartition à faire il se trouve une paroisse ou un district dont la population soit plus forte ou plus faible d’un cinquième que le chiffre de proportion, alors il pourra être formé un district n’ayant pas plus de deux sénateurs et non autrement. – Aucune répartition nouvelle n’aura pour effet d’abréger la durée des fonctions d’un sénateur déjà élu à l’époque où la répartition sera faite. – Lorsque le dénombrement aura été fait conformément aux dispositions de l’article 85 et que l’assemblée générale se sera réunie, la législature ne pourra passer aucune loi tant qu’une répartition n’aura pas été faite pour les deux chambres de l’assemblée générale.

A RT. 17. At the first session of the general assembly, after this constitution takes effect, the senators shall be equally divided by lot into two classes; the seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year,10 of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year; so that one-half shall be chosen every two years, and a rotation thereby kept up perpetually. In case any district shall have

A RT. 17. A la première session de l’assemblée générale, sous l’autorité de cette constitution, les sénateurs seront divisés au sort aussi également que possible6 en deux classes ; les sièges des sénateurs de la première classe seront vacants à l’expiration de la seconde année ; ceux des sénateurs de la seconde classe le7 seront à l’expiration de la quatrième année, de telle sorte, que la moitié des sénateurs soit élue tous les deux ans et

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1845) elected two or more senators, said senators shall vacate their seats respectively at the end of two and four years, and the11 lots shall be drawn between them.

qu’il y ait ainsi rotation perpétuelle. Lorsque deux ou plus de deux sénateurs seront élus par un district, leurs sièges deviendront vacants respectivement à la fin de deux ans et de quatre ans, et le sort décidera de la durée des fonctions de chacun d’eux.

A RT. 18. No person shall be a senator, who at the time of his election, has not been a citizen of the United States ten years, and who has not attained the age of twenty-seven years, and resided in the State four years next preceding his election, and the last year thereof in the district in which he may be chosen.

A RT. 18. Nul ne sera sénateur si lors de son élection il n’a été pendant dix années citoyen des Etats-Unis, et s’il n’a atteint l’âge de vingt-sept ans et résidé dans l’Etat pendant les quatre années qui auront immédiatement précédé son élection et pendant la dernière de ces quatre années dans le district dans lequel il pourra être élu.

A RT. 19. The first election for senators shall be general throughout the State, and at the same time that the general election for representatives is held; and thereafter there shall be biennial elections to fill the place of those whose time of service may have expired.

A RT. 19. La première élection des sénateurs sera générale dans tout l’Etat, et aura lieu en même temps que l’élection générale des représentans et dans la suite il y aura une élection biennale de sénateurs8 pour remplacer ceux dont les fonctions viendront à expirer.

A RT. 20. Not less than a majority of the members of each house of the general assembly shall form a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and shall be authorised by law to compel the attendance of absent members.

A RT. 20. La majorité des membres de chaque chambre de l’assemblée générale sera nécessaire pour constituer un quorum habile à procéder, mais un nombre moindre pourra prononcer l’ajournement d’un jour à l’autre, et sera autorisé par la loi à contraindre les membres absents à assister aux séances.

A RT. 21. Each house of the general assembly shall judge of the qualification, election and returns of its members; but a contested election shall be determined in such manner as shall be directed by law.

A RT. 21. Chaque chambre de l’assemblée générale sera juge des qualités d’éligibilité de ses membres ainsi que des rapports relatifs à leur élection9 , mais toute élection contestée sera décidée de la manière prescrite par la loi.

A RT. 22. Each house of the general Assembly may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish a member for disorderly behavior, and with the concurrence of twothirds expel a member, but not a second time for the same offence.

A RT. 22. Chaque chambre de l’assemblée générale pourra faire un règlement d’ordre pour ses délibérations, elle pourra punir ses membres pour conduite répréhensible et les expulser avec le concours des deux tiers ; mais non pas une seconde fois pour la même offense.

A RT. 23. Each house of the general as-

A RT. 23. Chaque chambre de l’assem-

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L OUISIANA sembly shall keep and publish weekly a journal of its proceedings; and the yeas and nays of the12 members on any question shall, at the desire of any two of them, be entered on the journal.

blée générale tiendra et publiera chaque semaine, le journal de ses délibérations, et l’appel nominal des membres sur quelque question que ce soit, sera porté sur le journal à la demande de deux d’entre eux.

A RT. 24. Each house may punish by imprisonment any person not a member, for disrespectful and disorderly behavior, in its presence or for obstructing any of its proceedings. Such imprisonment shall not exceed ten days for any one offence.

A RT. 24. Chaque chambre pourra punir d’emprisonnement toute personne qui ne serait pas un de ses membres et qui tiendrait en sa présence, une conduite irrespectueuse, tendant à troubler l’ordre ou à mettre quelque entrave à ses délibérations, mais cet emprisonnement ne sera jamais10 de plus de dix jours pour chaque offense.

A RT. 25. Neither house, during the session of the general assembly, shall without the consent of the other, adjourn for more13 than three days, nor to any other place than that in which they may be sitting.

A RT. 25. Aucune des deux chambres ne pourra, pendant la session de l’assemblée générale, s’ajourner sans le consentement de l’autre chambre ni pour plus de trois jours ni à aucun autre lieu que celui des séances de l’assemblée générale.

A RT. 26. The members of the general assembly shall receive from the public treasury a compensation for their services, which shall be four dollars per day during their attendance, going to and returning from the session of their respective houses. The compensation may be increased or diminished by law; but no alteration shall take effect during the period of service of the members of the house of representatives by whom such alteration14 shall have been made. No session shall extend to a period beyond sixty days, to date from its commencement, and any legislative action had after the expiration of the said sixty days, shall be null and void. This provision shall not apply to the first legislature which is to convene after the adoption of this constitution.

A RT. 26. Les membres de l’assemblée générale recevront individuellement11 du trésor public, en rémunération de leurs services, la somme de quatre piastres par jour, pendant le temps qu’ils assisteront aux séances de leurs chambres respectives ou qu’ils s’y rendront ou qu’ils en reviendront. Cette somme pourra être augmentée ou diminuée par la loi, mais aucun changement de cette nature n’aura d’effet pendant la durée des fonctions des membres de la chambre des représentants qui l’auront effectué. Aucune session ne se prolongera audelà de 60 jours à dater de son ouverture ; et tout acte législatif passé après l’expiration de ces soixante jours sera nul et de nul effet ; cette disposition ne s’appliquera point à la session de la première législature qui se réunira après l’adoption de cette constitution.

A RT. 27. The members of the general assembly shall, in all cases except treason, felony, breach or surety of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the sessions of their respective houses; and

A RT. 27. Dans tous les cas, excepté ceux de trahison, de félonie, de violation de la paix ou d’atteinte à la sûreté publique, les membres de l’assemblée générale jouiront du privilège de ne pouvoir être arrêtés pen-

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1845) going to or returning from the same, and for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be questioned in any other place.

dant qu’ils assisteront aux séances de leurs chambres respectives ou qu’ils s’y rendront ou qu’ils en reviendront, et ils n’auront à répondre que devant la chambre dont ils feront partie12 , des discours qu’ils auraient prononcés ou des débats auxquels ils auraient pris part.

A RT. 28. No senator or representative shall, during the term for which he was elected, nor for one year thereafter, be appointed or elected to any civil office of profit under this State, which shall have been created or the emoluments of which shall have been increased during the time such senator or representative was in office, except to such offices or appointments as may be filled by the elections of the people.

A RT. 28. Aucun sénateur ni aucun représentant ne pourra, pendant le temps pour lequel il aura été élu, ni pendant l’année qui suivra, être nommé ou élu à aucune place civile ou salariée13 sous l’autorité de cet Etat, qui aurait été créée ou dont les émoluments auraient été augmentés pendant que ce sénateur ou ce représentant était en fonctions, à l’exception des places ou des14 nominations qui pourront être remplies par les suffrages du peuple.

A RT. 29. No person, while he continues to exercise the functions of a clergyman, priest or teacher of any religious persuasion, society or sect, shall be eligible to the general assembly.

A RT. 29. Nul ne pourra être élu membre de l’assemblée générale tant qu’il exercera les fonctions d’ecclésiastique, de prêtre ou de ministre d’une croyance, d’une société ou d’une secte religieuse.

A RT. 30. No person who at any time may have been a collector of taxes, or who may have been otherwise entrusted with public money, shall be eligible to the general assembly, or to any15 office of profit or trust under the State government, until he shall have obtained a discharge for the amount of such collections, and for all public moneys with which he may have been entrusted.

A RT. 30. Tout individu qui aura été à une époque quelconque percepteur des taxes ou aura été de toute autre manière dépositaire des15 déniers publics sera inéligible à l’Assemblée Générale, et ne pourra être nommé à aucune place salariée ou de confiance, sous l’autorité du gouvernement de cet Etat, tant qu’il n’aura pas obtenu quittance pour le montant de sa perception ou pour tous les déniers publics qui pourraient lui avoir été confiés.

A RT. 31. No bill shall have the force of a law until on three several days, it be read over in each house of the general assembly, and free discussion allowed thereon, unless in case of urgency, four-fifths of the house, where the bill shall be pending, may deem it expedient to dispense with this rule.

A RT. 31. Aucun bill n’aura force de loi s’il n’a été lu en entier16 trois jours différents dans chaque chambre de l’Assemblée Générale, et s’il n’a été l’objet d’une libre discussion ; toutefois les quatre cinquièmes des membres composant la chambre devant laquelle se trouvera le bill, pourront dans les cas d’urgence s’écarter de cette règle s’ils le jugent convenable.

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L OUISIANA A RT. 32. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the house of representatives, but the senate may propose amendments as in other bills; provided, they shall not introduce any new matter under color16 of an amendment which does not relate to raising revenue.

A RT. 32. Tous les bills ayant pour objet la levée des revenus prendront naissance dans la Chambre des Représentants, mais le Sénat pourra y faire des amendements comme aux autres bills ; bien entendu que le Sénat ne pourra, sous prétexte d’amendement, faire entrer dans ces bills aucune disposition étrangère à la levée des revenus.

A RT. 33. The general assembly shall regulate by law, by whom, and in what manner, writs of election shall be issued, to fill the vacancies which may happen in either branch thereof.

A RT. 33. L’Assemblée Générale déterminera par la loi de quelle manière et par qui seront émis les ordres d’élection aux places qui pourront devenir vacantes dans l’une ou l’autre chambre.

A RT. 34. A majority of all the members elected to the senate, shall be required for the confirmation or rejection of officers to be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate; and the senate in deciding thereon, shall vote by yeas and nays, and the names of the senators voting for and against the appointments respectively, shall be entered on a journal to be kept for that purpose, and made public at the end of each session, or before.

A RT. 34. Une majorité de tous les membres élus au Sénat sera nécessaire pour la confirmation ou le rejet des fonctionnaires qui devront être nommés par le Gouverneur, avec l’avis et le consentement du Sénat, et le Sénat, en décidant sur ces nominations, votera par oui et par non ; et les noms des Sénateurs qui voteront pour et contre les nominations respectivement, seront inscrits sur un journal tenu à cet effet et rendu public à la fin de chaque session ou avant.

A RT. 35. Returns of all elections for members of the general assembly shall be made to the secretary of state.

A RT. 35. Les rapports d’élection des membres de l’Assemblée Générale seront adressés au Secrétaire d’Etat.

A RT. 36. A treasurer of the State shall be elected biennially, by joint ballot of the two houses of the general assembly. The governor shall have the17 power to fill any vacancy that may happen in that office during the recess of the legislature.

A RT. 36. Un Trésorier de l’Etat sera élu tous les deux ans par le vote réuni des deux chambres de l’Assemblée Générale. Le Gouverneur aura le pouvoir de nommer à la place de Trésorier s’il arrive qu’elle devienne vacante pendant l’intervalle des sessions de la Législature.

A RT. 37. In the year in which a regular election of18 a senator of the United States is to take place, the members of the general assembly shall meet in the hall of the house of representatives, on the Monday following the meeting of the legislature, and proceed to the said election.

A RT. 37. L’année dans laquelle une élection régulière d’un Sénateur des Etats-Unis devra avoir lieu, les membres de l’Assemblée Générale se réuniront dans le lieu des séances de la Chambre des Représentants, le lundi qui suivra le jour d’ouverture de la session législative, et procéderont à cette élection.

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TITLE III

TITRE III

Executive Department

Du Pouvoir Exécutif

A RT. 38. The supreme executive power of the State shall be vested in a chief magistrate, who shall be styled the governor of the State of Louisiana. He shall hold his office during the term of four years; and together with the lieutenant governor chosen for the same term, be elected as follows: – The qualified electors for representatives, shall vote for a governor and lieutenant governor, at the time and place of voting for representatives; the returns of every election shall be sealed up and transmitted by the proper returning officer to the secretary of state; who shall deliver them to the speaker of the house of representatives on the second day of the session of the general assembly, then next to be holden. The members of the general assembly shall meet in the house of representatives, to examine and count the votes. The person having the greatest number of votes for governor shall be declared duly elected, but if two or more persons shall be equal and highest in the number of votes polled for governor, one of them shall immediately be chosen governor by joint vote of the members of the general assembly. The person having the greatest number of votes for lieutenant governor shall be lieutenant governor, but if two or more persons shall be equal and highest in the number of votes polled for lieutenant governor, one of them shall be immediately chosen lieutenant governor by joint vote of the members of the general assembly.

A RT. 38. Le Pouvoir Exécutif Suprême de cet Etat sera confié à un premier magistrat qui aura le titre de “Gouverneur de l’Etat de la Louisiane.” Il occupera sa place pendant le terme de quatre années et ainsi que le Lieutenant-Gouverneur dont l’élection se fera pour la même durée il sera élu de la manière suivante. Les citoyens ayant le droit de voter17 pour les Représentants éliront un gouverneur et un Lieutenant Gouverneur aux temps et lieux fixés pour l’élection des Représentants, les rapports de chaque élection seront scellés et transmis par le fonctionnaire ayant qualité légale pour faire ces rapports18 au Secrétaire d’Etat qui les remettra à l’Orateur de la Chambre des Représentans, et le second jour de la session de l’Assemblée Générale qui sera tenue le plus prochainement après, les membres de l’Assemblée Générale se réuniront dans le lieu des séances de la Chambre des Représentants19 et procèderont à l’examen et à l’énumération des votes. Le candidat qui aura reçu le plus grand nombre de votes pour la place de Gouverneur, sera déclaré dûment élu, mais si deux ou plus de deux candidats ont reçu en nombre égal une majorité relative des votes donnés pour la place de Gouverneur, l’un d’eux sera immédiatement élu Gouverneur par le vote réuni des membres de l’Assemblée Générale. Le candidat qui aura reçu le plus grand nombre de votes pour la place de Lieutenant-Gouverneur, sera LieutenantGouverneur, mais si deux ou plus de deux candidats ont reçu en nombre égal une majorité relative des votes donnés pour la place de Lieutenant-Gouverneur, l’un d’eux sera immédiatement élu Lieutenant-Gouverneur par le vote réuni des membres de l’Assemblée Générale.

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L OUISIANA A RT. 39. No person shall be eligible to the office of governor or lieutenant governor, who shall not have attained the age of thirty-five years, been fifteen years a citizen of the United States, and a resident within the19 State for the same space of time next preceding his election.

A RT. 39. Nul ne sera éligible à la place de Gouverneur ou de Lieutenant-Gouverneur s’il n’a atteint l’âge de trente-cinq ans et s’il n’a été quinze ans citoyen des Etats-Unis et résidé dans l’Etat durant le même laps de temps immédiatement avant son élection.

A RT. 40. The governor shall enter on the discharge of his duties on the fourth Monday of January next ensuing his election, and shall continue in office until the Monday next succeeding the day that his successor shall have been declared duly elected, and shall have taken the oath or affirmation prescribed by this Constitution.

A RT. 40. Le Gouverneur entrera dans l’exercice de ses fonctions le quatrième lundi du mois de janvier qui suivra son élection, et il restera en place jusqu’au lundi qui suivra le jour où son successeur aura été déclaré dûment élu et aura prêté serment ou affirmation ainsi que le prescrit cette constitution.

A RT. 41. The governor shall be ineligible for the succeeding four years after the expiration of the time for which he shall have been elected.

A RT. 41. Le Gouverneur sera inéligible pour les quatre années qui se succèderont après l’expiration du temps pour lequel il aura été élu.

A RT. 42. No member of congress or person holding any office under the United States, or minister of any religious society, shall be eligible to the office of governor or lieutenant governor.

A RT. 42. Aucun membre du Congrès, aucune personne occupant une place sous l’autorité des Etats-Unis, aucun ministre d’une société religieuse ne sera éligible à la place de Gouverneur ou de20 LieutenantGouverneur.

A RT. 43. In case of the impeachment of the governor, his removal from office, death, refusal or inability to qualify, resignation or absence from the State, the powers and duties of the office shall devolve upon the lieutenant governor for the residue of the term, or until the governor, absent or impeached, shall return or be acquitted. The legislature may provide by law for the case of removal, impeachment, death, resignation, disability, or refusal to qualify, of both the governor and lieutenant governor, declaring what officer shall act as governor, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed, or for the residue of the term.

A RT. 43. Dans le cas de poursuite par voie d’impeachment intenté contre le gouverneur ou s’il vient à être destitué, à mourir ou s’il arrive qu’il se refuse ou qu’il soit inhabile à prendre qualité qu’il donne sa démission ou qu’il s’absente de l’Etat, l’autorité et les devoirs de sa place seront dévolus au lieutenant-gouverneur pour le reste de la durée des fonctions de gouverneur ou jusqu’à ce que le gouverneur absent ou poursuivi par voie d’impeachment revienne ou soit acquitté. La législature pourra pourvoir par la loi au cas de destitution de poursuite par voie d’impeachment, de mort de démission d’incapacité ou de refus de prendre qualité de la part du gouverneur ou du lieutenant-gouverneur à la fois en déclarant quel fonctionnaire remplira les fonctions de gouverneur, et ce fonctionnaire

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1845) agira en conséquence jusqu’à ce que l’incapacité cesse, ou pour le reste de la durée des fonctions du21 gouverneur. A RT. 44. The lieutenant governor, or other officer discharging the duties of governor, shall, during his administration, receive the same compensation to which the governor would have been entitled, had he continued in office.

A RT. 44. Le lieutenant-gouverneur ou tel autre fonctionnaire qui remplira les fonctions de gouverneur recevra, durant son administration, le même traitement auquel le gouverneur aurait eu droit s’il eût conservé sa place.

A RT. 45. The lieutenant governor shall, by virtue of his office, be president of the senate, but shall have only a casting vote therein. Whenever he shall administer the government, or shall be unable to attend as president of the senate the senators shall elect one of their own members as president of the senate for the time being.

A RT. 45. Le lieutenant-gouverneur sera, en vertu de sa place, président du sénat, mais il n’aura le droit de voter dans cette assemblée qu’en cas de partage seulement22 . Toutes les fois qu’il aura l’administration du gouvernement ou qu’il sera dans l’impossibilité de présider le sénat : les sénateurs, le cas échéant éliront l’un d’entre eux président du sénat.

A RT. 46. While he acts as president of the senate, the lieutenant governor shall receive for his services the same compensation which shall for the same period be allowed to the speaker of the house of representatives, and no more.

A RT. 46. Le lieutenant-gouverneur recevra pour ses services tant qu’il siégera comme président du sénat le même traitement qui sera alloué pour le même laps de temps à l’orateur de la chambre des réprésentans et rien de plus.

A RT. 47. The governor shall have power to grant reprieves for all offences against the State, and except in cases of impeachment, shall, with the consent of the senate, have power to grant pardons and remit fines and forfeitures, after conviction. In cases of treason he may grant reprieves, until the end of the next session of the general assembly, in which the power of pardoning shall be vested.

A RT. 47. Le gouverneur aura le pouvoir d’accorder des sursis pour tous les délits publics, et, hors des cas d’impeachment, il aura le pouvoir, avec l’avis et le consentement du sénat23 , d’accorder des pardons et de faire remise des amendes et des confiscations après jugement. Dans les cas de trahison il pourra accorder des sursis jusqu’à la clôture de la session suivante de l’assemblée générale à laquelle appartiendra le droit de pardonner.

A RT. 48. The governor shall at stated times receive for his services a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor20 diminished during the term for which he shall have been elected.

A RT. 48. Le gouverneur recevra pour ses services, à des époques fixes, un traitement qui ne pourra être ni augmenté ni diminué pendant le temps pour lequel il aura été élu.

A RT. 49. He shall be commander-inchief of the army and navy of this State and of the militia thereof, except when they

A RT. 49. Le gouverneur sera commandant en chef de l’armée de terre et24 de la marine ainsi que de la milice de cet Etat, à

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moins que ces différentes forces militaires ne soient appelées au service des Etats-Unis.

A RT. 50. He shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the senate, appoint all officers whose offices are established by this constitution, and whose appointment is not therein otherwise provided for: Provided, however, that the legislature shall have a right to prescribe the mode of appointment to all other offices established by law.

A RT. 50. Le Gouverneur désignera, et avec l’avis et le consentement du Sénat, nommera tous les fonctionnaires dont les places sont établies par cette Constitution, et dont le mode de nomination n’est point par elle autrement déterminé. Bien entendu toutefois, que la Législature aura le droit de prescrire le mode de nomination à toutes les autres places qui seront établies par la loi.

A RT. 51. The governor shall have power to fill vacancies that may happen during the recess of the senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of the next session, unless otherwise provided for in this constitution; but no person who has been nominated for office, and rejected by the senate, shall be appointed to the same office during the recess of the senate.

A RT. 51. Le Gouverneur aura le pouvoir de nommer aux places qui pourront devenir vacantes dans l’intervalle des sessions du Sénat, en accordant des commissions qui expireront à la clôture de la session suivante, à moins qu’il n’y soit autrement pourvu par cette Constitution. Mais nulle personne qui aura été désignée pour une place, et dont la nomination aura été rejetée par le Sénat, ne pourra être nommée à la même place durant l’intervalle des sessions du Sénat.

A RT. 52. He may require information in writing from the officers in the executive department, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices.

A RT. 52. Le gouverneur pourra exiger des fonctionnaires faisant partie du département de l’Exécutif, des renseignemens par écrit sur tout objet relatif aux devoirs de leurs places respectives.

A RT. 53. He shall from time to time, give to the general assembly information respecting the situation of the State, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he may deem expedient.

A RT. 53. Le Gouverneur exposera de temps à autre à l’Assemblée générale, la situation de l’Etat, en recommandant à son attention telles mesures qu’il jugera convenables.

A RT. 54. He may on extraordinary occasions convene the general assembly at the seat of government, or at a different place if that should have21 become dangerous from an enemy or from epidemic22 ; and in case of disagreement between the two houses as to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he may think proper, not exceeding four months.

A RT. 54. Le Gouverneur pourra, dans des circonstances extraordinaires, convoquer l’Assemblée générale au siège du Gouvernement, ou partout ailleurs si la présence de l’ennemi ou le développement de quelque épidémie le rendrait25 nécessaire26 , et en cas de dissentiment entre les deux chambres, quant au temps de l’ajournement, il pourra les ajourner selon qu’il le jugera convenable, pourvu que ce ne soit pas pour un terme excédant quatre mois.

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1845) A RT. 55. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

A RT. 55. Le Gouverneur veillera à ce que les lois soient fidèlement exécutées.

A RT. 56. Every bill which shall have passed both houses shall be presented to the governor; if he approve he shall sign it, if not, he shall return it with his objections to the house in which it originated, which shall enter the objections at large upon its journal, and proceed to reconsider it; if after such reconsideration two-thirds of all the members elected to that house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent with the objections to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to that house, it shall be a law; but in such cases the vote of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the members voting for and against the bill, shall be entered on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the governor within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, it shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the general assembly by adjournment, prevent its return; in which case it shall be a law, unless sent back within three days after their next meeting.

A RT. 56. Tout bill qui aura été passé par les deux Chambres, sera présenté au Gouverneur ; s’il l’approuve il le signera, s’il ne l’approuve pas il le renverra avec ses objections à la Chambre dans laquelle il aura pris naissance, et cette Chambre fera inscrire les objections tout au long sur son journal, et procèdera à un nouvel examen du bill : si après cet examen, les 2 tiers de tous les membres élus à cette même chambre sont d’opinion de passer le bill, il sera envoyé avec les objections à l’autre chambre dans laquelle il subira, de la même manière, un nouvel examen ; et s’il est approuvé par les deux tiers de tous les membres élus à cette autre chambre, il aura force de loi ; mais dans ce cas les votes des deux Chambres seront pris par oui et par non, et les noms des membres votant pour ou contre le bill seront inscrits dans le journal de chaque Chambre respectivement. S’il arrive qu’un bill ne soit pas renvoyé par le Gouverneur dans les dix jours (non compris les dimanches), après qu’il lui aura été présenté, il aura force de loi de la même manière que s’il l’eût signé, à moins que l’ajournement de l’Assemblée générale n’en permette pas le renvoi, auquel cas il aura force de loi s’il n’est renvoyé dans les trois premiers jours de la session suivante.

A RT. 57. Every order, resolution or vote to which the concurrence of both houses may be necessary, except on a question of adjournment, shall be presented to the governor, and before it shall take effect, be approved by him, or being disapproved, shall be repassed by two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the general assembly.

A RT. 57. Tout ordre, toute résolution et tout vote requérant le concours des deux Chambres (les questions d’ajournement exceptées), seront présentées au Gouverneur, et avant qu’ils puissent avoir effet ils devront être approuvés par lui, ou, en cas qu’il les désapprouve, ils devront être passés de nouveau par les deux tiers des membres élus des deux Chambres.

A RT. 58. There shall be a secretary of state, who shall hold his office during the time for which the governor shall have been

A RT. 58. Il y aura un secrétaire d’Etat qui occupera sa place pendant le temps pour lequel le Gouverneur aura été élu. Les Ar-

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L OUISIANA elected. The records of the State shall be kept and preserved in the office of the secretary; he shall keep a fair register of the official acts and proceedings of the governor, and when necessary shall attest them. He shall, when required, lay the said register, and all papers, minutes and vouchers relative to his office, before either house of the general assembly, and shall perform such other duties as may be enjoined on him by law.

chives de l’Etat seront gardées et conservées dans le bureau du secrétaire. Il tiendra un registre fidèle des actes et des travaux officiels du Gouverneur et les certifiera quand besoin sera. Toutes les fois qu’il en sera requis il devra mettre à la disposition de chacune des Chambres de l’Assemblée générale, le dit registre et toutes les pièces justificatives27 , toutes les minutes et tous les papiers28 relatifs à sa place, et il remplira en outre tous les autres devoirs qui lui seront imposés par la loi.

A RT. 59. All commissions shall be in the name and by the authority of the State of Louisiana, and shall be sealed with the State seal and signed by the governor.

A RT. 59. Toutes les commissions seront exécutées au nom et par autorité de l’Etat de la Louisiane, et seront scellées du sceau de l’Etat et signées par le Gouverneur.

A RT. 60. The free white men of the State shall be armed and disciplined for its defence; but those who belong to religious societies whose tenets forbid them to carry arms, shall not be compelled so to do, but shall pay an equivalent for personal services.

A RT. 60. Les hommes libres et blancs de cet Etat seront armés et disciplinés pour sa défense, mais ceux qui appartiennent à des sociétés religieuses, dont les principes leur défendent de porter les armes, n’y seront pas contraints, et payeront l’équivalent de leur service personnel.

A RT. 61. The militia of the State shall be organized in such manner as may be hereafter deemed most expedient by the legislature.

A RT. 61. La milice de cet Etat sera organisée de la manière qui paraîtra par la suite la plus convenable à la Législature.

TITLE IV

TITRE IV

Judiciary Department

Du pouvoir judiciaire

A RT. 62. The judicial power shall be vested in a supreme court, in district courts and in justices of the peace.

A RT. 62. Le pouvoir judiciaire sera confié à une cour suprême, à des cours de district et à des justices de paix.

A RT. 63. The supreme court, except in cases hereinafter provided, shall have appellate jurisdiction only, which jurisdiction shall extend to all cases when23 the matter in dispute shall exceed three hundred dollars, to24 all cases in which the constitutionality or legality25 of any tax, toll26 , or impost of any kind or nature soever, shall

A RT. 63. La cour suprême sauf les cas ci-après spécifiés, exercera une juridiction d’appel seulement, laquelle juridiction embrassera toutes les affaires dans lesquelles la valeur de l’objet en litige excèdera la somme de trois cents piastres ; toutes les affaires dans lesquelles la constitutionnalité ou la légalité d’une taxe, d’un péage ou d’un impôt

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1845) be in contestation, whatever may be the amount thereof; and likewise to all fines, forfeitures and penalties imposed by municipal corporations; and in criminal cases on questions of law alone, whenever the punishment of death or hard labor may be inflicted, or when a fine exceeding three hundred dollars is actually imposed.

quelqu’en29 soit l’espèce ou la nature sera mise en question,30 cette juridiction embrassera également toutes les amendes, confiscations et peines infligées par les corporations municipales, et dans les affaires criminelles, elle s’étendra aux questions de droit seulement toutes les fois que la peine infligée sera la mort ou les travaux de force, ou lorsque l’amende imposée excèdera la somme de trois cents piastres.

A RT. 64. The supreme court shall be composed of one chief justice and of three associate justices27 , a majority of whom shall constitute a quorum. The chief justice shall receive a salary of six thousand dollars, and each of the associate judges a salary of five thousand five hundred dollars, annually. The court28 shall appoint its own clerks. The judges29 shall he appointed for the term of eight years.

A RT. 64. La cour suprême se composera d’un juge-président et de trois jugesassociés dont la majorité constituera un quorum. Le juge-président recevra un salaire de six mille piastres et chacun des jugesassociés un salaire de cinq mille cinq cents piastres par an. La cour suprême nommera ses greffiers31 . Les juges de la cour suprême seront nommés pour le terme de huit années.

A RT. 65. When the first appointments are made under this constitution, the chief justice shall be appointed for eight30 years, one of the associate judges for six years, one for four years and one for two years; and in the event of the death, resignation, or removal of any of said judges, before the expiration of the period for which he was appointed, his successor shall be appointed only for the remainder of this31 term: so that the term of service32 of no two of said judges shall expire at the same time.

A RT. 65. Lorsque les premières nominations seront faites sous l’autorité de cette constitution, le juge-président sera nommé pour huit années, l’un des juges-associés pour six années, un autre pour quatre années et un troisième pour deux années et en cas de mort, de démission ou de destitution de l’un des dits juges avant l’expiration du terme pour lequel il aura été nommé, son successeur sera nommé seulement pour le reste de ce terme, de telle sorte que le terme de service de deux des juges n’expire pas en même temps.

A RT. 66. The supreme court shall hold its sessions in New Orleans from the first Monday of the month of November to the end of the month of June, inclusive. The legislature shall have power to fix the sessions elsewhere during the rest of the year; until otherwise provided, the sessions shall be held as heretofore.

A RT. 66. La cour suprême tiendra ses sessions à la Nouvelle-Orléans depuis le premier lundi du mois de novembre jusqu’à la fin du mois de juin inclusivement. La législature aura le pouvoir de fixer les sessions de la cour suprême partout ailleurs pour le reste de l’année. Jusqu’à ce qu’il y soit autrement pourvu, ces sessions seront tenues comme par le passé.

A RT. 67. The supreme court, and each of the judges thereof, shall have power to issue

A RT. 67. La Cour Suprême et chacun des juges de cette cour, auront le pouvoir

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L OUISIANA writs of habeas corpus, at the instance of all persons in actual custody under process, in all cases in which they may have appellate jurisdiction.

d’émettre des mandats d’habeas corpus à la requête de toutes personnes en état d’arrestation par suite de procédures judiciaires dans tous les cas où la cour aura juridiction d’appel.

A RT. 68. In all cases in which the judges shall be equally divided33 in opinion, the judgment appealed from shall stand affirmed; in which case each of the judges shall give his separate opinion34 in writing.

A RT. 68. Dans toutes les affaires dans lesquelles les juges seront également divisés d’opinion, le jugement dont il aura été fait appel sera maintenu ; et dans ce cas chacun des juges donnera séparément son opinion par écrit.

A RT. 69. All judges, by virtue of their office, shall be conservators of the peace throughout the State. The style of all process shall be “the State of Louisiana.” All prosecutions shall be carried on “in the name and by the authority of the State of Louisiana,” and conclude “against the peace and dignity of the same.”

A RT. 69. Tout juge sera, en vertu de sa place, conservateur de la paix dans tout l’Etat. Tous les ordres ou mandats judiciaires32 auront pour titre : “l’Etat de la Louisiane.” Toutes les poursuites criminelles33 seront conduites “au nom et par l’autorité de l’Etat de la Louisiane,” et seront terminées par cette formule : “en violation de la paix et de la dignité de l’Etat.”

A RT. 70. The judges of all35 courts within this State shall, as often as it may be36 possible so to do, in every definitive judgment, refer to the particular law in virtue of which such judgment may be rendered, and in all cases adduce the reasons on which their37 judgment is founded.

A RT. 70. Les juges de34 toutes les cours de cet Etat, devront aussi souvent que faire se pourra, dans tout jugement définitif, se référer à la loi particulière en vertu de laquelle le jugement sera rendu ; et dans tous les cas ils devront déduire les motifs sur lesquels sera basé leur jugement.

A RT. 71. No court or judge shall make any allowance by way of fee or compensation in any suit or proceedings, except for the payment of such fees to38 ministerial officers as may be established by law.

A RT. 71. Aucune cour ni aucun juge ne pourra faire aucune allocation à titre d’honoraires ou de rémunération dans aucun procès ou procédure, excepté pour le paiement des honoraires qui pourront être établis par la loi en faveur d’officiers ministériels.

A RT. 72. No duties or functions shall ever be attached by law to the supreme or district courts, or to39 the several judges thereof, but such as are judicial; and the said judges are prohibited from receiving any fees of office, or other compension than their salaries for any civil duties performed by them.

A RT. 72. Il ne sera jamais dévolu par la loi à la Cour Suprême ou aux cours de district ou aux juges des dites cours aucune fonction ou attribution qui ne serait pas d’une nature judiciaire, et lesdits juges ne pourront recevoir ni honoraire d’office ni rémunération autre que le traitement qui leur sera alloué pour l’accomplissement des devoirs de leurs places35 .

A RT. 73. The judges of all courts shall

A RT. 73. Les juges de toutes les

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1845) be liable to impeachment; but for any reasonable cause, which shall not be sufficient ground for impeachment, the governor shall remove any of them, on the address of threefourths of the members present of each house of the general assembly. In every such case, the cause or causes for which such removal may be required, shall be stated at length in the address, and inserted in the journal of each house.

cours pourront être poursuivis par voie d’impeachment, mais pour toute cause raisonnable qui ne serait pas assez grave pour justifier ce mode de poursuite, ils pourront être destitués par le gouverneur à la demande des trois-quarts des membres présents de chaque branche de l’assemblé générale ; la cause36 pour laquelle la destitution pourra être demandée, sera mentionnée tout au long dans la demande et portée sur le journal de chaque chambre.

A RT. 74. There shall be an attorney general for the State, and as many district attorneys as may be hereafter found necessary. They shall hold their offices for two years; their duties shall be determined by law.

A RT. 74. Il y aura pour l’Etat, un avocatgénéral et autant d’avocats de district qu’il sera jugé nécessaire d’en nommer par la suite. Ils seront nommés pour deux ans et leurs devoirs seront déterminés par la loi.

A RT. 75. The first legislature assembled under this constitution, shall divide the State into judicial districts, which shall remain unchanged for six years, and be subject to reorganization every sixth year thereafter. The number of districts shall not be less than twelve, nor more than twenty. For each district one judge, learned in the law shall be appointed, except in the districts40 in which the cities of New Orleans and Lafayette are situated, in which the legislature many establish as many district courts as the public interest may require.

A RT. 75. La première législature qui se réunira sous l’autorité de cette constitution, divisera l’Etat en districts judiciaires qui ne pourront être changés pendant six années, mais pourront être soumis à une réorganisation à l’expiration de chaque sixième année ensuite. – Le nombre de districts ne sera ni au-dessous de douze ni au-dessus de vingt. – Il sera nommé pour chaque district un juge versé dans la loi, mais pour les districts dans lesquels se trouveront situées les villes de la Nouvelle Orléans et de Lafayette, la législature pourra établir autant de cours de district que l’intérêt public pourra en requérir.

A RT. 76. Each of the said judges shall receive a salary to be fixed by law, which shall not be increased or diminished during his term of office, and shall never be less than two thousand five hundred dollars annually. He must be a citizen of the United States, over the age of thirty years, and have resided in the State for six years next preceding his appointment, and have practiced law therein for the space of five years.

A RT. 76. Chaque juge de district recevra un traitement qui sera fixé par la loi et qui ne pourra être ni augmenté ni diminué pendant la durée de ses fonctions ; lequel traitement ne sera jamais au-dessous de la somme de deux mille cinq cents piastres par an. Il devra être citoyen des Etats-Unis, être âgé de plus de trente ans, avoir résidé dans l’Etat durant les six années qui auront précédé sa nomination, et avoir exercé la profession d’avocat37 pendant l’espace de cinq années.

A RT. 77. The judges of the district courts shall hold their offices for the term of six years. The judges first appointed shall be

A RT. 77. Les juges des cours de district resteront en fonctions pendant le terme de six années. A la première nomination qui

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L OUISIANA divided by lot41 into three classes, as nearly equal as can be; and the term of office of the judges of the first class shall expire at the end of two years, of the second class at the end of four years, and of the third class at the end of six years.

en sera faite ils seront divisés par le sort en trois classes, d’une manière aussi égale que possible, et la durée des fonctions des juges de la première classe expirera à la fin de la deuxième année, de la seconde classe à la fin de la quatrième année, de la troisième classe à la fin de la sixième année.

A RT. 78. The district courts shall have original jurisdiction in all civil cases when the amount in dispute exceeds fifty dollars, exclusive of interest. In all criminal cases, and in all matters connected with succession42 , their jurisdiction shall be unlimited.

A RT. 78. Les cours de district exerceront une juridiction de première instance dans toutes affaires civiles lorsque la valeur de l’objet en litige excèdera la somme de cinquante piastres, intérêts non compris ; dans toutes les affaires criminelles ou de succession38 leur juridiction sera sans limite.

A RT. 79. The legislature shall have power to vest in clerks of courts authority to grant such orders, and do such acts as may be deemed necessary for the furtherance of the administration of justice; and in all cases the powers thus granted shall be specified and determined.

A RT. 79. La législature aura le pouvoir d’autoriser les greffiers à émettre certains ordres et à faire certains actes selon qu’elle le jugera nécessaire pour la bonne39 administration de la justice, et dans tous les cas les pouvoirs ainsi accordés seront spécifiés et déterminés.

A RT. 80. The clerks of the several courts shall be removable, for breach of good behavior, by the judges thereof; subject in all cases to an appeal to the supreme court.

A RT. 80. Les greffiers des diverses cours pourront être destitués pour inconduite par les juges des dites cours, mais dans tous les cas ils pourront se pourvoir par appel devant la cour suprême.

A RT. 81. The jurisdiction of justices of the peace shall never exceed in civil cases the sum of one hundred dollars, exclusive of interest, subject to43 appeal to the district court in such cases as shall be provided for by law. They shall be elected by the qualified voters of each parish, for the term of two years, and shall have such criminal jurisdiction as shall be provided for by law.

A RT. 81. La juridiction des juges de paix n’excèdera jamais dans les affaires civiles la somme de cent piastres, intérêts non compris ; et appel pourra être fait de leurs décisions devant la cour de district dans les40 cas où il y sera pourvu par la loi. Ils seront élus par les électeurs ayant qualité pour voter dans chaque paroisse pour le terme de deux années et ils exerceront telle juridiction41 qui leur sera attribuée par la loi.

A RT. 82. Clerks of the district courts in this State shall be elected by the qualified electors in each parish for the term of four years, and should a vacancy occur subsequent to an election, it shall be filled by the judge of the court in which such vacancy exists, and the person so appointed shall hold

A RT. 82. Les greffiers des cours de district dans cet Etat seront élus pour le terme de quatre années par les électeurs ayant qualité pour voter dans chaque paroisse, et lorsqu’une place de greffier deviendra vacante subséquemment à une élection, elle sera remplie par une nomination faite par le juge

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1845) his office until the next general election.

de la cour dans laquelle la place sera vacante, et la personne ainsi nommée conservera sa place jusqu’à l’élection générale suivante.

A RT. 83. A sheriff and a coroner shall be elected in each parish, by the qualified voters thereof, who shall hold their offices for the term of two years, unless sooner removed. Should a vacancy occur in either of these offices subsequent to an election, it shall be filled by the governor; and the person so appointed shall continue in office until his successor shall be elected and qualified.

A RT. 83. Il sera élu dans chaque paroisse par les électeurs ayant le droit de voter dans la dite paroisse, un shérif et un coroner qui occuperont leurs places pendant le terme de deux années, à moins qu’ils ne soient destitués auparavant. Lorsqu’une place de shérif ou de coroner deviendra vacante subséquemment à une élection, elle sera remplie par une nomination faite par le gouverneur, et la personne ainsi nommée conservera sa place jusqu’à ce que son successeur soit élu et qu’il ait pris qualité.

TITLE V

TITRE V

Impeachment

De la poursuite par voie d’impeachment

A RT. 84. The power of impeachment shall be vested in the house of representatives.

A RT. 84. La Chambre des Représentans exercera le droit de poursuite par voie d’impeachment.

A RT. 85. Impeachments of the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of State, State treasurer, and of44 the judges of the district courts, shall be tried by the senate; the chief justice of the supreme court, or the senior judge thereof, shall preside during the trial of such impeachments45 . Impeachments of the judges of the supreme court shall be tried by the senate. When sitting as a court of impeachment, the senators shall be upon oath or affirmation, and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the senators present.

A RT. 85. Toute poursuite par voie d’impeachment intentée contre le gouverneur, le lieutenant-gouverneur, le secrétaire d’Etat, le trésorier d’Etat et les juges des cours de district sera jugée par le Sénat. Le juge-président ou le plus ancien juge de la cour suprême aura la présidence pendant le jugement des poursuites par voie d’impeachment. – Les poursuites par voie d’impeachment intentées contre les juges de la cour suprême seront jugées par le Sénat. – Lorsque les sénateurs siégeront comme cour d’impeachment, ils prêteront serment ou affirmation, et nul ne sera déclaré coupable sans le concours42 des deux tiers des sénateurs présents.

A RT. 86. Judgments in cases of impeachment shall extend only to removal from office and disqualification from holding any

A RT. 86. Dans les cas de poursuite par voie d’impeachment, les jugemens ne s’étendront qu’à la destitution d’office et à l’inha-

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L OUISIANA office of honor, trust or profit under this State; but the parties convicted shall, nevertheless, be subject to indictment, trial and punishment, according to law.

bileté à occuper une place honorifique, salariée ou de confiance, sous l’autorité de cet Etat ; mais les parties déclarées coupables n’en seront pas moins sujettes à être accusées, jugées et punies conformément à la loi.

A RT. 87. All officers against whom articles of impeachment may be preferred, shall be suspended from the exercise of their functions during the pendency of such impeachment. The appointing power may make a provisional appointment to replace any suspended officer until the decision on the impeachment.

A RT. 87. Tous les fonctionnaires contre lesquels il sera proféré des articles d’impeachment seront suspendus de l’exercice de leurs fonctions durant la litispendance de l’impeachment. Le pouvoir exerçant le droit de nomination pourra faire la nomination provisoire d’un fonctionnaire qui remplacera le fonctionnaire suspendu jusqu’à ce que la question d’impeachment soit décidée.

A RT. 88. The legislature shall provide by law for the trial, punishment and removal from office of all other officers of the State, by indictment or otherwise.46

A RT. 88. La législature devra pourvoir par la loi à la punition et à la destitution d’office43 de tous les autres officiers de l’Etat par acte d’accusation ou autrement.

TITLE VI

TITRE VI

General Provisions

Dispositions Générales

A RT. 89. Members of the general assembly, and all officers, before they enter upon the duties of their offices shall take the following oath or affirmation: [“]I (A. B.) do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as –––– , according to the best of my abilities and understanding, agreeably to the constitution and laws of the United States, and of this State; and I do further solemnly swear (or affirm) that since the adoption of the present constitution, I, being a citizen of this State, have not fought a duel with deadly weapons within this State, nor out of it, with a citizen of this47 State, nor have I sent or accepted a challenge to fight a duel with deadly weapons with a citizen of this48 State, nor have I49 acted as second in carrying a challenge, or aided, ad-

A RT. 89. Les membres de l’assemblée générale et tous les fonctionnaires publics prêteront, avant d’entrer dans l’exercice de leurs fonctions, le serment ou l’affirmation qui suit : – “Je (A. B.) jure ou affirme solennellement que je remplirai fidèlement, impartialement et de mon mieux, d’après mes facultés et mon jugement, les devoirs qui me seront imposés en qualité de –––– , conformément aux règles et aux dispositions de la constitution44 et des lois des Etats-Unis et de cet Etat ; et en outre, je jure (ou affirme) solennellement que depuis l’adoption de la présente constitution, moi, citoyen des EtatsUnis45 , je ne me suis point battu en duel dans cet Etat ni hors de cet Etat, avec un citoyen de cet Etat, et que je n’ai envoyé ni accepté aucun cartel pour me battre en duel avec un citoyen de cet Etat, ni agi comme second en portant un cartel, ni aidé, conseillé

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1845) vised, or assisted any person thus offending, so help me God.”

ou assisté qui que ce soit à l’occasion d’un duel46 . Ainsi, Dieu me soit en aide !”

A RT. 90. Treason against the State shall consist only in levying war against it50 , or in adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or his own confession in open court.

A RT. 90. Le crime de trahison envers l’Etat consistera seulement à lui faire la guerre, ou à se joindre à ses ennemis en leur donnant aide et secours. Nul ne sera convaincu du crime de trahison si ce n’est sur la déposition de deux témoins à l’égard d’un même fait manifeste, ou sur l’aveu de l’accusé lui-même en audience publique.

A RT. 91. Every person shall be disqualified from holding any office of trust or profit in this State, who shall have been convicted of having given, or offered a bribe to procure his election or appointment.

A RT. 91. Sera à jamais47 inhabile à remplir aucune place salariée ou de confiance dans cet Etat, quiconque aura été convaincu d’avoir donné ou offert quelque rémunération48 dans le but d’assurer son élection ou sa nomination.

A RT. 92. Laws shall be made to exclude from office and from the right of suffrage, those who shall hereafter be convicted of bribery, perjury, forgery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors. The privilege of free suffrage shall be supported by laws regulating elections, and prohibiting under adequate penalties all undue influence thereon from power, bribery, tumult or other improper practice.

A RT. 92. Des lois seront faites pour exclure des emplois et pour priver du droit de suffrage tous ceux qui seront à l’avenir convaincus de subornation, de parjure, de faux, ou de tout autre crime ou délit grave. Le privilège de libre suffrage sera maintenu par des lois réglant les élections et défendant, sous des peines proportionnelles, toute influence illicite exercée à l’aide du pouvoir, de la subornation, du désordre ou autres pratiques condamnables.

A RT. 93. No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in pursuance of specific appropriations made by law, nor shall any appropriation of money be made for a longer term than two years. A regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money51 shall be published annually, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law.

A RT. 93. Il ne sera pas tiré d’argent du trésor, si ce n’est en vertu d’allocations spéciales faites par la loi, et aucune allocation d’argent ne sera faite pour un terme de plus de deux années. Il sera publié chaque année, de la manière qui sera prescrite par la loi, des états et des comptes réguliers des recettes et des dépenses de tous les déniers publics.

A RT. 94. It shall be the duty of the general assembly to pass such laws as may be necessary and proper52 to decide differences by arbitration.

A RT. 94. Il sera du devoir de l’assemblée générale de passer les lois qui lui paraîtront nécessaires et convenables pour faire décider les différends par arbitrage.

A RT. 95. All civil officers for the State at large shall reside within the State, and all district or parish officers within their dis-

A RT. 95. Tous les officiers civils de l’Etat en général résideront dans les limites de l’Etat, et tous les officiers de district ou49

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L OUISIANA tricts or parishes, and shall keep their offices at such places therein as may be required by law. No53 person shall be elected or appointed to any parish office who shall not have resided in such parish long enough before such election or appointment, to have acquired the right of voting in such parish; and no person shall be elected or appointed to any district office, who shall not have resided in such district, or an adjoining district, long enough before such appointment, or election, to have acquired the right of voting in54 the same.

de paroisse dans leurs districts ou paroisses, et ils y tiendront leurs bureaux aux lieux qui pourront être fixés par la loi ; nul ne pourra être élu ou nommé à aucune place de paroisse, à moins qu’il n’ait résidé dans la paroisse assez long-temps avant cette élection ou cette nomination pour avoir acquis le droit de voter dans cette paroisse. Nul ne pourra être élu ou nommé à aucune place de district à moins qu’il n’ait50 résidé dans le district ou dans un district limitrophe assez long-temps avant cette élection ou cette nomination pour avoir acquis le droit de voter dans ce district.

A RT. 96. The duration of all offices not fixed by this constitution, shall never exceed four years.

A RT. 96. La durée des emplois, lorsqu’elle n’aura pas été fixée par cette constitution, n’excèdera jamais quatre années.

A RT. 97. All civil officers, except the governor and judges of the supreme and district courts, shall be removeable by an address of a majority of the members of both houses, except those the removal of whom has been otherwise provided for by this constitution.

A RT. 97. Tous officiers civils autres que le Gouverneur et les Juges de la Cour Suprême et des Cours de Districts51 , pourront être destitués à la demande de la majorité des membres des deux chambres, à l’exception de ceux à la destitution desquels il a été autrement pourvu par cette constitution.

A RT. 98. Absence on the55 business of this State or of the United States, shall not forfeit a residence once obtained, so as to deprive any one of the right of suffrage, or of being elected or appointed to any office under the exceptions contained in this constitution.

A RT. 98. L’absence ayant pour cause les intérêts de l’Etat ou des Etats-Unis, ne fera point perdre la résidence déjà acquise de manière à priver qui que52 ce soit du droit de suffrage ou du droit d’être élu ou nommé aux places, sauf les exceptions contenues dans cette Constitution.

A RT. 99. It shall be the duty of the legislature to provide by law for deductions from the salaries of public officers who may be guilty of a neglect of duty.

A RT. 99. Il sera du devoir de la Législature de pourvoir par la loi à la réduction du traitement des fonctionnaires publics qui se rendront coupables de négligence dans l’accomplissement de leurs devoirs.

A RT. 100. The legislature shall point out the manner in which a person coming into the State shall declare his residence.

A RT. 100. La Législature déterminera de quelle manière une personne venant dans l’Etat devra déclarer sa résidence.

A RT. 101. In all elections by the people the vote shall be by ballot, and in all elections by the senate and house of representatives, jointly or separately, the vote shall be

A RT. 101. Dans toutes les élections faites par le peuple on votera au scrutin secret53 , et dans toutes les élections faites par le Sénat et la Chambre des Représentans, collective-

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ment ou séparément, on votera viva voce.

A RT. 102. No member of congress, nor person holding or exercising any office of trust or profit under the United States, or either of them, or under any foreign power, shall be eligible as a member of the general assembly, or hold or exercise any office of trust or profit under the State.

A RT. 102. Aucun membre du Congrès ni aucun fonctionnaire occupant ou remplissant une place salariée ou de confiance, sous l’autorité des Etats Unis ou de l’un des Etats de l’Union ou d’aucune puissance étrangère, ne pourra être élu membre de l’Assemblée Générale de cet Etat ni occuper ou remplir aucune place salariée ou de confiance sous l’autorité du dit état.

A RT. 103. The laws, the56 public records and the judicial and legislative written proceedings of the State, shall be promulgated, preserved and conducted in the language in which the constitution of the United States is written.

A RT. 103. Les lois, les archives publiques de cet Etat, les procédures judiciaires et législatives du dit Etat seront promulguées, conservées et conduites dans la langue dans laquelle est écrite la Constitution des Etats-Unis.

A RT. 104. The secretary of the senate, and clerk of the house of representatives, shall be conversant with the French and English languages, and members may address either house in the French or English language.

A RT. 104. Le Secrétaire du Sénat et le Greffier de la Chambre des Représentants, devront être versés dans la langue française et dans la langue anglaise, et les membres de l’Assemblée Générale pourront prendre la parole dans l’une ou l’autre chambre, en français ou en anglais.

A RT. 105. The general assembly shall direct by law, how persons who are now, or may hereafter become sureties for public officers, may be discharged from such suretyship.

A RT. 105. L’assemblée générale déterminera par la loi, comment ceux qui sont maintenant ou qui pourront par la suite devenir cautions des fonctionnaires publics pourront être dégagés de leur cautionnement.

A RT. 106. No power of suspending the laws of this57 State shall be exercised, unless by the Legislature or58 its authority.

A RT. 106. Le pouvoir de suspendre les lois de cet Etat ne sera exercé que par la législature ou par son autorité.

A RT. 107. Prosecutions shall be by indictment, or information. The accused shall have a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of the vicinage: he shall not be compelled to give evidence against himself; he shall have the right of being heard by himself or counsel; he shall have the right, unless he shall have fled from justice, of meeting the witnesses face to face, and shall have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor.

A RT. 107. Les poursuites criminelles54 se feront par acte d’accusation ou sur information. L’accusé aura droit à un jugement prompt et public par un jury impartial, du voisinage, et il ne sera point contraint à s’incriminer lui-même, il aura le droit de se défendre en personne ou de se faire défendre par conseil ; il aura le droit, à moins qu’il n’ait fui la justice d’examiner les témoins face à face et d’obtenir par voie de contrainte la comparution des témoins en sa faveur.

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L OUISIANA A RT. 108. All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, where the proof is evident, or presumption great; and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in case of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.

A RT. 108. Tout prisonnier sera recevable à caution moyennant suffisantes suretés excepté dans les cas de crimes capitaux, s’il y a preuve évidente ou forte présomption, le privilège d’habeas corpus ne sera point suspendu à moins que dans le cas de rébellion ou d’invasion le salut public ne l’exige.

A RT. 109. No ex post facto law, nor any law impairing the obligation of contracts, shall be passed; nor vested rights be divested unless for purposes of public utility, and for adequate compensation previously made.

A RT. 109. Il ne sera passé aucune loi ex post facto ni aucune loi portant atteinte à la validité des contrats ; nul ne sera privé de ses droits acquis si ce n’est pour cause d’utilité publique et moyennant une juste et préalable indemnité.

A RT. 110. The press shall be free. Every citizen may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects; being responsible for an abuse of this liberty.

A RT. 110. La presse sera libre. Tout citoyen pourra librement manifester, écrire et publier son opinion sur toutes sortes de sujets, seulement il répondra de l’abus qu’il aura fait de cette liberté.

A RT. 111. Emigration from the State shall not be prohibited.

A RT. 111. L’émigration de cet Etat ne sera point défendue.

A RT. 112. The general assembly which shall meet after the first election of representatives under this Constitution, shall, within the first month after the commencement of the session, designate and fix the seat of government, at some place not less than sixty miles from the city of New Orleans, by the nearest travelling route; and if on the Mississippi river, by the meanders of the same: and when so fixed, it shall not be removed without the consent of four fifths of the members of both houses of the general assembly. The sessions shall be held in New Orleans until the end of the year 1848.

A RT. 112. L’assemblée générale qui se réunira après la première élection des représentans sous l’autorité de cette constitution devra dans le cours du premier mois après l’ouverture de la session désigner et fixer le siège du gouvernement à quelque lieu distant de la ville de la Nouvelle-Orléans d’au moins soixante milles par la route publique la plus courte, ou si ce lieu se trouve sur le Mississippi par les détours du fleuve, et le siège du gouvernement une fois ainsi fixé ne pourra plus être déplacé si ce n’est par le concours des quatre cinquièmes des deux chambres de l’assemblée générale. La législature tiendra ses sessions à la NouvelleOrléans jusqu’à la fin de l’année mil-huit cent-quarante huit.

A RT. 113. The legislature shall not pledge the faith of the State for the payment of any bonds, bills, or other contracts or obligations for the benefit or use of any person or persons, corporation or body politic whatever. But the State shall have the right

A RT. 113. La législature n’engagera pas la foi de l’Etat pour le paiement de bons, billets ou autres contrats ou obligations au profit ou à l’usage de qui que ce soit ni d’aucune corporation ou corps politique quelconque. Mais l’Etat aura le droit d’émettre

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1845) to issue now bonds in payment of its outstanding obligations or liabilities, whether due or not; the said new bonds, however, are not to be issued for a larger amount or at a higher rate of interest, than the original obligations they are intended to replace.

de nouveaux bons en paiement des obligations ou des engagements qu’il a déjà contractés qu’ils soient échus ou non : toutefois, les dits nouveaux bons ne pourront pas être émis pour un montant plus considérable ni à un taux d’intérêt plus élevé que les obligations originelles qu’ils seront destinés à remplacer.

A RT. 114. The aggregate amount of debts hereafter contracted by the legislature, shall never exceed the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, except in59 case of war, to repel invasions or suppress insurrections, unless the same be authorized by some law, for some single object or work, to be distinctly specified therein; which law shall provide ways and means, by taxation, for the payment of running interest during the whole time for which said debt shall be contracted, and for the full and punctual discharge at maturity, of the capital borrowed; and said law shall be irrepealable until principal and interest are fully paid and discharged, and shall not be put into execution until after its enactment by the first legislature returned by a general election after its passage.

A RT. 114. Le montant total des dettes qui seront contractées à l’avenir par la législature n’excèdera jamais la somme de cent mille piastres, excepté dans le cas d’une guerre à soutenir, d’une invasion à repousser ou d’une insurrection à étouffer, à moins que ces dettes ne soient autorisées par la loi pour quelque objet ou quelque ouvrage particulier formellement spécifié dans la loi, laquelle devra pourvoir par une taxe aux voies et moyens de paiement des intérêts courants pendant tout le temps pour lequel la dite dette aura été contractée et de remboursement entier et ponctuel à échéance du capital emprunté, et cette loi ne pourra pas être abrogée tant que le principal et l’intérêt n’auront pas été payés et entièrement remboursés, et elle ne sera pas mise à exécution à moins qu’elle ne soit décrétée de nouveau par la première législature qui sera constituée par l’élection générale après sa passation.

A RT. 115. The legislature shall provide by law for a change of venue in civil and criminal cases.

A RT. 115. La Législature devra pourvoir par la loi au transfert des affaires civiles et criminelles d’une juridiction à une autre.

A RT. 116. No lottery shall be authorized by this State, and the buying or selling of lottery tickets within the State is prohibited.

A RT. 116. Aucune Loterie ne sera autorisée par cet Etat, et la vente et l’achat de billets de loterie dans les limites de cet Etat sont interdits.

A RT. 117. No divorce shall be granted by the Legislature.

A RT. 117. Aucun divorce ne sera accordé par la Législature.

A RT. 118. Every law enacted by the legislature shall embrace but one object, and that shall be expressed in the title.

A RT. 118. Les lois décrétées par la législature ne pourront embrasser qu’un seul objet, lequel sera exprimé dans le titre.

A RT. 119. No law shall be revived60 or

A RT. 119. Aucune loi ne sera remise en

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L OUISIANA amended by reference to its title; but in such case, the act revived61 , or section amended, shall be re-enacted and published at length.

vigueur ou amendée par indication de son titre, mais en ce cas, la loi remise en vigueur ou la section amendée sera décrétée de nouveau et publiée tout au long.

A RT. 120. The legislature shall never adopt any system or code of laws by general reference to such system or code of laws; but in all cases shall specify the several provisions of the laws it may enact.

A RT. 120. La législature n’adoptera jamais aucun système ou code de lois en se référant en termes généraux aux dits système ou code de lois, mais elle spécifiera dans tous les cas les diverses dispositions de loi55 qu’elle pourra décréter.

A RT. 121. The State shall not become subscriber to the stock of any corporation or joint stock company.

A RT. 121. L’Etat ne pourra souscrire au fonds capital d’aucune corporation ou d’aucune compagnie d’actionnaires.

A RT. 122. No corporate body shall be hereafter created, renewed or extended, with banking or discounting privileges.

A RT. 122. Aucune corporation ayant le privilège de faire la banque ou l’escompte ne sera jamais créée, renouvelée ou prolongée.

A RT. 123. Corporations shall not be created in this State by special laws, except for political or municipal purposes; but the legislature shall provide by general laws, for the organization of all other corporations, except corporations with banking or discounting privileges, the creation of which is prohibited.

A RT. 123. Il ne sera point crée de corporations dans cet Etat par des lois spéciales, si ce n’est pour des objets politiques ou municipaux, mais la Législature pourvoira par des lois générales à l’organisation de toutes autres corporations, à l’exception des corporations ayant privilèges de banque et d’escompte dont la création est interdite.

A RT. 124. From and after the month of January, 1890, the legislature shall have the power to revoke the charters of all corporations whose charters shall not have expired previous to that time, and no corporations hereafter to be created shall ever endure for a longer term than twenty-five years, except those which are political or municipal.

A RT. 124. A dater du mois de janvier mil-huit-cent-quatre-vingt-dix, la Législature aura le pouvoir de révoquer les chartes de toutes les corporations dont le terme ne serait point expiré antérieurement à cette date, et les privilèges de corporation qui pourront être accordés par la suite, les privilèges politiques et municipaux exceptés, n’auront jamais de durée au-delà de vingtcinq ans56 .

A RT. 125. The general assembly shall never grant any exclusive privilege or monopoly, for a longer period than twenty years.

A RT. 125. L’Assemblée Générale ne devra jamais accorder ni privilèges ni monopoles exclusifs pour un espace de plus de vingt années.

A RT. 126. No person shall hold or exercise, at the same time, more than one civil office of emolument, except that of justice of the peace.

A RT. 126. Nul ne pourra occuper ou remplir à la fois plus d’une place57 salariée, la place de juge de paix exceptée.

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1845) A RT. 127. Taxation shall be equal and uniform throughout the State. After the year 1848 all property, on which taxes may be levied in this State, shall be taxed in proportion to its value, to be ascertained as directed by law. No one species of property shall be taxed higher than another species of property of equal value, on which taxes shall be levied; the legislature shall have power to levy an income tax, and to tax all persons pursuing any occupation, trade or profession.

A RT. 127. La taxe sera égale et uniforme dans tout l’Etat. Après l’année mil-huit-centquarante-huit, toute propriété sur laquelle une taxe58 pourra être levée dans cet Etat, sera taxée en proportion de sa valeur déterminée conformément à la loi ; aucune espèce de propriété sur laquelle une taxe pourra être perçue, ne pourra être taxée plus haut que toute autre espèce de propriété de la même valeur sur laquelle une taxe pourra être levée. La Législature aura le droit de lever une taxe de revenu et de taxer toute personne livrée au commerce ou exerçant une industrie ou une profession59 .

A RT. 128. The citizens of the city of New Orleans shall have the right of appointing the several public officers necessary for the administration of the police of the said city, pursuant to the mode of elections which shall be prescribed by the legislature; provided, that the mayor and recorders shall be ineligible to a seat in the general assembly; and the mayor, recorders and aldermen shall be commissioned by the governor as justices of the peace, and the legislature may vest in them such criminal jurisdiction as may be necessary for the punishment of minor crimes and offences, and as the police and good order of said city may require.

A RT. 128. Les citoyens de la ville de la Nouvelle-Orléans auront le droit de nommer les divers officiers publics nécessaires pour l’administration et la police60 de ladite ville, conformément au mode d’élection prescrit par la législature. Bien entendu que le maire et les recorders seront inéligibles comme membres de l’assemblée générale. Le maire, les recorders et les officiers municipaux61 seront commissionnés par le gouverneur en qualité de juges de paix, et la législature pourra les investir de telle juridiction qui sera nécessaire pour la punition des délits et des crimes d’une nature légère, selon que la police et le bon ordre de ladite ville pourront le requérir.

A RT. 129. The legislature may provide by law in what cases62 officers shall continue to perform the duties of their offices until their successors shall have been inducted into office.

A RT. 129. La législature pourra déterminer par la loi dans quels cas les fonctionnaires continueront à remplir les devoirs de leurs places jusqu’à ce que leurs successeurs soient institués en office.

A RT. 130. Any citizen of this State who shall, after the adoption of this constitution, fight a duel with deadly weapons with a citizen of this State, or send or accept a challenge to fight a duel with deadly weapons, either within the63 State or out of it, with a citizen of this State, or who shall act as second, or knowingly aid and assist in any manner those thus offending, shall be de-

A RT. 130. Tout citoyen de cet Etat qui, après l’adoption de cette constitution, se battra en duel62 avec un citoyen de cet Etat, ou enverra ou acceptera un cartel pour se battre en duel63 avec un citoyen de cet Etat, soit dans l’Etat, soit hors de l’Etat, ou qui agira comme second, ou qui sciemment aidera, assistera d’une manière quelconque des personnes engagées dans un duel64 , ne

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L OUISIANA prived of holding any office of trust or64 profit, and of enjoying the right of suffrage under this constitution.

pourra occuper aucune place salariée ou de confiance, et sera privé de la jouissance du droit de suffrage sous l’autorité de cette constitution.

A RT. 131. The legislature shall have power to extend this constitution, and the jurisdiction of this State over any territory acquired by compact with any State, or with the United States, the same being done by the consent of the United States.

A RT. 131. La législature aura le pouvoir d’étendre l’autorité de cette constitution et la juridiction de cet Etat sur tout territoire acquis par traité avec les Etats-Unis ou avec un Etat, du consentement des Etats-Unis65 .

A RT. 132. The constitution and laws of this State, shall be promulgated in the English and French languages.

A RT. 132. La constitution et les lois de cet Etat seront promulguées un anglais et en français.

TITLE VII

TITRE VII

Public Education

De l’Instruction Publique

A RT. 133. There shall be appointed a superintendent of public education, who shall hold his office for two years. His duties shall be prescribed by law. He shall receive such65 compensation as the legislature may direct.

A RT. 133. Il sera nommé un surintendant de l’instruction publique qui occupera sa place pendant deux années, et dont les devoirs seront définis par la loi. Il recevra tel traitement que la législature pourra déterminer.

A RT. 134. The legislature shall establish free public schools throughout the State, and shall provide means for their support by taxation on property or otherwise.

A RT. 134. La législature établira des écoles publiques gratuites dans tout l’Etat ; elle pourvoira à leur soutien au moyen d’une taxe sur propriétés ou autrement.

A RT. 135. The proceeds of all lands heretofore granted by the United States to this State for the use or support of schools, and of all lands which may hereafter be granted or bequeathed to the State, and not expressly granted or bequeathed for any other purpose, which hereafter may be disposed of by the State, and the proceeds of the estates of deceased persons to which the State may become entitled by law, shall be held by the State as a loan, and shall be and remain a perpetual fund, on which the State shall pay an annual interest of six per cent; which interest together with all the rents of the unsold lands, shall be appropriated to

A RT. 135. Le produit66 de toutes les terres précédemment concédées à cet Etat par les Etats-Unis pour l’usage ou le soutien des écoles, et de toutes les terres qui pourront être à l’avenir concédées ou léguées à l’Etat et qui ne seront pas expressément concédées ou léguées pour un autre objet et dont l’Etat pourra disposer à l’avenir, et le produit67 des successions auxquelles l’Etat pourra avoir droit en vertu de la loi, seront retenus par l’Etat à titre de prêt et formeront un fonds perpétuel sur lequel l’Etat paiera un intérêt de six pour cent, lequel intérêt ensemble avec les loyers68 des terres invendues, seront69 appliqués au soutien des dites

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1845) the support of such schools, and this appropriation shall remain inviolable.

écoles, et cette allocation restera inviolable.

A RT. 136. All moneys arising from the sales66 which have been or may hereafter be made of any lands heretofore granted by the United States to this State, for the use of a seminary of learning, and from any kind of donation that may hereafter be made for that purpose, shall be and remain a perpetual fund, the interest of which at six per cent per annum, shall be appropriated to the support of a seminary of learning for the promotion of literature and the arts and sciences, and no law shall ever be made diverting said fund to any other use than to the establishment and improvement of said seminary of learning.

A RT. 136. Tout le produit des ventes qui ont été faites ou qui pourront être faites à l’avenir de toutes terres précédemment concédées à cet Etat par les Etats-Unis pour l’usage d’un établissement d’instruction70 , et de toute espèce de donation qui pourra par la suite être faite pour cet objet, seront et formeront un fonds perpétuel dont l’intérêt au taux de six pour cent par an sera appliqué au soutien d’un établissement d’instruction pour le progrès de la littérature, des sciences et des arts71 , et il ne sera jamais passé de loi pour appliquer le dit fonds à aucun autre usage qu’à la fondation et à l’amélioration du dit établissement d’instruction.

A RT. 137. An67 university shall be established in the city of New Orleans. It shall be composed of four faculties, to wit: one of law, one of medicine, one of the natural sciences, and one of letters.

A RT. 137. Une Université sera établie dans la ville de la Nouvelle-Orléans. Elle sera composée de quatre facultés, savoir : une faculté de droit, une faculté de médecine, une faculté des sciences naturelles, et une faculté des lettres.

A RT. 138. It shall be called “the University of Louisiana,” and the Medical College of Louisiana as at present organized, shall constitute the faculty of medicine.

A RT. 138. Cette Université s’appellera “Université de la Louisiane” et le Collège Médical de la Louisiane tel qu’il est présentement organisé, constituera la faculté de médecine.

A RT. 139. The legislature shall provide by law, for its further organization and government; but shall be under no obligation to contribute to the establishment or support of said university by appropriations.

A RT. 139. La législature pourvoira par la loi à l’organisation et à l’administration ultérieures72 de l’Université, mais elle ne sera pas tenue de contribuer à la fondation ou au soutien de la dite Université par des allocations.

TITLE VIII

TITRE VIII

Mode of Revising the Constitution

De la Révision de la Constitution

A RT. 140. Any amendment or amendments to this Constitution may be proposed in68 the senate or house of representatives, and if the same shall be agreed to by three-

A RT. 140. Toute proposition d’amender cette constitution pourra être faite dans le sénat ou dans la chambre des représentants, et si l’amendement ou les amendements pro-

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L OUISIANA fifths of the members elected to each house, and approved by the governor, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be entered on their journals, with the yeas and nays taken thereon, and the secretary of state shall cause the same to be published, three months before the next general election, in at least one newspaper in French and English, in every parish in the State in which a newspaper shall be published; and if, in the legislature next afterwards chosen, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each house, the secretary of state shall cause the same again to be published in the manner aforesaid, at least three months previous to the next general election for representatives to the State legislature, and such proposed amendment or amendments shall be submitted to the people at said election; and if a majority of the qualified electors shall approve and ratify such amendment or amendments, the same shall become a part of the constitution. If more than one amendment be submitted at a time, they shall be submitted in such manner and form that the people may vote for or against each amendment, separately.

posés sont adoptés par les trois cinquièmes des membres élus à chaque chambre et approuvés par le gouverneur, ils seront portés sur leurs journaux respectifs avec les appels nominaux y relatifs et le secrétaire d’Etat les fera publier en français et en anglais trois mois avant l’élection générale suivante, dans au moins un journal de chacune des paroisses de l’Etat où se publiera un journal, et si lesdits amendements sont adoptés par la majorité des membres élus à chacune des chambres de la législature qui sera constituée immédiatement après, le secrétaire d’Etat, les fera publier de nouveau comme il est dit ci-dessus, au moins trois mois avant l’élection générale suivante des représentans à la législature de l’Etat, et les amendements ainsi proposés, seront soumis au peuple à ladite élection ; et si la majorité des électeurs ayant qualité pour voter, approuve et ratifie ces amendements, ils deviendront partie intégrante de la constitution. Si plusieurs amendements sont soumis au peuple à la fois, ils seront soumis de cette manière et dans telle forme que le peuple puisse voter séparément pour ou contre chaque amendement.

TITLE IX

TITRE IX

Schedule

Dispositions transitoires73

A RT. 141. The Constitution adopted in 1812 is declared to be superseded by this Constitution, and in order to carry the same into effect, it is hereby declared and ordained as follows:

A RT. 141. Cette Constitution sera substituée à la Constitution adoptée en 1812, et afin de donner effet à la présente Constitution, il est ordonné comme suit :

A RT. 142. All rights, actions, prosecutions, claims and contracts, as well of individuals as of bodies corporate, and all laws in force at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, and not inconsistent therewith shall continue as if the same had not been adopted.

A RT. 142. Les droits, actions, poursuites, réclamations et contrats, soit de la part des individus, soit de la part des corporations, et toutes les lois en force lors de l’adoption de cette constitution et non contraires à la dite constitution, resteront en vigueur comme si cette constitution n’eût pas été adoptée.

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1845) A RT. 143. Until the first enumeration shall be made as directed in article eighth, of this Constitution, the parish of Orleans shall have twenty representatives, to be elected as follows, viz: Eight by the First Municipality, seven by the Second Municipality, and four by the Third Municipality, to be distributed among the nine representative districts as follows, by allotting to the First district Second " Third " Fourth " Fifth " Sixth " Seventh " Eighth " Ninth " And to that part of the parish on the right bank of the Mississippi, The parish of Plaquemines, shall have70 " St. Bernard, " Jefferson, " St. Charles, " St. John the Baptist, " St. James, " Ascension, " Assumption, " Lafourche Interior, " Terrebonne, " Iberville, " West Baton Rouge, " East do.71 " West Feliciana, " East do.72 " St. Helena, " Washington, " Livingston, " St. Tammany, " Pointe73 Coupée,

two69 two three three three two two one one one

three one three one one two two three three two two one three two three one one one one one

A RT. 143. Jusqu’à ce que le premier dénombrement soit fait, ainsi qu’il est prescrit par l’article 8 de cette constitution, la paroisse d’Orléans aura droit à vingt représentans qui seront élus comme suit, savoir : huit par la première municipalité, sept par la seconde municipalité, et quatre par la troisième municipalité. Ils seront repartis parmi les neuf districts représentatifs, conformément à la distribution suivante : Premier district deux représentans Second do deux do Troisième do trois do Quatrième do trois do Cinquième do trois do Sixième do deux do Septième do deux do Huitième do un do Neuvième do un do Et la portion de la paroisse située sur la rive droite de Mississipi un do La paroisse de Plaquemines trois do Do Do Do Paroisse Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do

de St Bernard Jefferson Saint-Charles Saint-Jean-Baptiste Saint-Jacques Ascension Assomption Lafourche-Intérieure Terrebonne Iberville Ouest-Bâton Rouge Est-Bâton-Rouge Ouest-Feliciana Est-Feliciana Sainte-Hélène Washington Livingston Saint-Tammany Pointe-Coupée

un trois un un deux deux trois trois deux deux un trois deux trois un un un un un

do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do

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L OUISIANA " Concordia, " Tensas, " Madison, " Carroll, " Franklin, " St. Mary, " St. Martin, " Vermillion, " Lafayette, " St. Landry, " Calcasieu, " Avoyelles, " Rapides, " Natchitoches, " Sabine, " Caddo, " De Soto, " Ouachita, " Morehouse, " Union, " Jackson, " Caldwell, " Catahoula, " Claiborne, " Bossier, Total, ninety-eight.

one one one one one two three one two five one two three three two one one one one one one one two two one74

Do Concordia un Do Tensas un Do Madison un Do Carroll un Do Franklin un Do Sainte-Marie deux Do Saint-Martin trois Do Vermillon74 un Do Lafayette deux Do Saint-Landry cinq Do Calcasieu un Do Avoyelles deux Do Rapides trois Do Natchitoches trois Do Sabine deux Do Caddo un Do Soto75 un Do Ouachita un Do Morehouse un Do Union un Do Jackson un Do Caldwell un Do Catahoula deux Do Claiborne deux Do Bossier un Total quatre-vingt-dix-huit.

do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do

And the State shall be divided into the following senatorial districts: All that portion of the parish of Orleans lying on the east side of the Mississippi river shall compose one senatorial district, and shall elect four senators;

Et l’Etat sera divisé en districts sénatoriaux comme suit : – Toute la portion de la paroisse d’Orléans, située sur la rive gauche du fleuve du Mississippi, composera un district sénatorial et élira quatre sénateurs.

The parishes of Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and that part of the parish of Orleans on75 the right bank of the river, shall compose one district, with one senator;

Les paroisses de Plaquemines et SaintBernard, et la portion de la paroisse d’Orléans située sur la rive droite du fleuve, composera un district et élira un sénateur.

The parish of Jefferson shall compose one district, with one senator;

La paroisse de Jefferson composera un district et élira un sénateur.

The parishes of St. Charles and St. John the Baptist shall compose one district, with one senator;

Les paroisses Saint-Charles et Saint-Jean Baptiste composeront un district et éliront un sénateur.

The parish of St. James shall compose one district, with one senator;

La paroisse Saint-Jacques composera un district et élira un sénateur.

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1845) The parish of Ascension shall compose one district with one senator;

La paroisse de l’Ascension composera un district et élira un sénateur.

The parishes of Assumption, Lafourche Interior and Terrebonne shall compose one district, with two senators;

Les paroisses de l’Assomption, Lafourche-Intérieure et Terrebonne composeront un district et éliront deux sénateurs.

The parishes of Iberville and West Baton Rouge shall compose one district, with one senator;

Les paroisses d’Iberville et Ouest-BâtonRouge composeront un district et éliront un sénateur.

The parish of East Baton Rouge shall compose one district, with one senator;

La paroisse d’Est-Bâton-Rouge composera un district et élira un sénateur.

The parish of Pointe76 Coupée shall compose one district, with one senator;

La paroisse de la Pointe-Coupée composera un district et élira un sénateur.

The parish of Avoyelles shall compose one district, with one senator;

La paroisse des Avoyelles composera un district et élira un sénateur.

The parish of St. Mary shall compose one district, with one senator;

La paroisse Sainte-Marie composera un district et élira un sénateur.

The parish of St. Martin shall compose one district, with one senator;

La paroisse Saint-Martin composera un district et élira un sénateur.

The parishes of Lafayette and Vermillion shall compose one district, with one senator;

Les paroisses de Lafayette et Vermillon76 composeront un district et éliront un sénateur.

The parishes of St. Landry and Calcasieu, shall compose one district, with two senators;

Les paroisses Saint-Landry et Calcasieu composeront un district et éliront deux sénateurs.

The parish of West Feliciana shall compose one district, with one senator;

La paroisse d’Ouest-Féliciana composera un district et élira un sénateur.

The parish of East Feliciana shall compose one district, with one senator;

La paroisse d’Est-Féliciana composera un district et élira un sénateur.

The parishes of St. Helena and Livingston shall compose one district, with one senator;

Les paroisses de Sainte-Hélène et Livingston composeront un district et éliront un sénateur.

The parishes of Washington and St. Tammany, shall compose one district, with one senator;

Les paroisses de Washington et SaintTammany composeront un district et éliront un sénateur.

The parishes of Concordia and Tensas shall compose one district with one senator;

Les paroisses de Concordia et Tensas composeront un district et éliront un sénateur.

The parishes of Carroll and Madison shall compose one district, with one senator;

Les paroisses de Carroll et Madison composeront un district et éliront un sénateur.

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L OUISIANA The parishes of Jackson, Union, Morehouse and Ouachita shall compose one district, with one senator;

Les paroisses de Jackson, Union, Morehouse et Ouachita composeront un district et éliront un sénateur.

The parishes of Caldwell, Franklin and Catahoula shall compose one district, with one senator;

Les paroisses de Caldwell, Franklin et Catahoula composeront un district et éliront un sénateur.

The parish of Rapides shall compose one district, with one senator;

La paroisse des Rapides composera un district et élira un sénateur.

The parishes of Bossier and Claiborne shall compose one district, with one senator;

Les paroisses de Bossier et Claiborne composeront un district et éliront un sénateur.

The parish of Natchitoches shall compose one district, with one senator;

La paroisse des Natchitoches composera un district et élira sénateur.

The parishes of Sabine, De Soto and Caddo shall compose one district, with one senator.77

Les paroisses de Sabine, De Soto et Caddo composeront un district et éliront un sénateur.

A RT. 144. In order that no inconvenience may result to the public service from the taking effect of this Constitution, no office shall be superseded thereby; but the laws of the State relative to the duties of the several officers, executive, judicial and military, shall remain in full force, though the same be contrary to this Constitution, and the several duties shall be performed by the respective officers of the State according to the existing laws, until the organization of the government under this Constitution, and the entering into office of the new officers, to be appointed under said government, and no longer.

A RT. 144. Afin qu’il ne résulte aucun inconvénient pour la chose publique77 de la mise à exécution de cette Constitution, aucun service ne sera interrompu par elle, mais les lois de l’Etat relatives aux devoirs des divers officiers exécutifs, judiciaires et militaires resteront en pleine vigueur bien que contraires à cette Constitution. Les divers officiers de l’Etat rempliront leurs devoirs respectifs conformément aux lois existantes jusqu’à l’organisation du gouvernement sous l’autorité de cette Constitution, et jusqu’à l’installation en office des nouveaux officiers qui doivent être nommés sous l’autorité du dit gouvernement et non pour un temps plus long.

A RT. 145. Appointments to office by the executive under this Constitution, shall be made by the governor to be elected under its authority.

A RT. 145. La nomination78 aux places par l’exécutif en vertu de cette constitution sera faite par le gouverneur qui sera élu sous son autorité.

A RT. 146. The provisions of article 28, concerning the inability of members of the legislature to hold certain offices therein mentioned, shall not be held to apply to the members of the first legislature elected under this Constitution.

A RT. 146. Les dispositions de l’article 28 concernant l’inhabilité des membres de la législature à occuper certains emplois y mentionnés ne seront pas considérés comme s’appliquant aux membres de la première législature élus sous l’autorité de cette Constitution.

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1845) A RT. 147. The time of service of all officers chosen by the people, at the first election under this Constitution, shall terminate as though the election had been holden on the first Monday of November 1845, and they had entered on the discharge of their duties at the time designated therein.

A RT. 147. La durée des fonctions de tous les officiers élus par le peuple à la première élection, sous l’autorité de cette Constitution, expirera comme si la dite élection eût été tenue le premier lundi de Novembre 1845, et comme si les dits officiers fussent entrés en fonctions au temps désigné dans la dite Constitution.

A RT. 148. The legislature shall provide for the removal of all causes now pending in the supreme or other courts of the State78 under the Constitution of 1812, to Courts79 created by this Constitution.

A RT. 148. La Législature devra pourvoir au transfert de toutes les causes présentement pendantes devant la Cour suprême et les autres Cours de l’Etat, sous l’autorité de la Constitution de 1812, dans les Cours établies par cette Constitution.

A RT. 149. Appeals to the supreme court from the parishes of Jackson, Union, Morehouse, Catahoula, Caldwell, Ouachita, Franklin, Carroll, Madison, Tensas, and Concordia, shall until otherwise provided for, be returnable to New Orleans.

A RT. 149. Les appels à la Cour suprême des paroisses de Jackson, Union, Morehouse, Catahoula, Caldwell, Ouachita, Franklin, Carroll, Madison, Tensas et Concordia, seront portés à la NouvelleOrléans jusqu’à ce qu’il y soit autrement pourvu par la loi.

TITLE X

TITRE X

Ordinance

Ordonnance

A RT. 150. Immediately after the adjournment of the Convention, the governor shall issue his proclamation, directing the several officers of this State authorized by law to hold elections for members of the general assembly, to open and hold a poll in every parish of the State, at the places designated by law, upon the first Monday of November next, for the purpose of taking the sense of the good people of this State in regard to the adoption or rejection of this constitution; and it shall be the duty of the said officers to receive the votes of all persons entitled to vote under the old constitution and under this constitution. Each voter shall express his opinion by depositing in the ballot-box a ticket whereon shall be written “the constitution accepted,” or “the constitution rejected,” or some such words as will distinctly con-

A RT. 150. Immédiatement après l’ajournement de la convention, le gouverneur publiera sa proclamation enjoignant aux divers fonctionnaires de cet Etat, autorisés par la loi, à tenir les élections pour les membres de l’assemblée générale, d’ouvrir et de tenir un scrutin dans chaque paroisse de l’Etat, aux lieux désignés par la loi, le premier lundi de novembre prochain, à l’effet d’obtenir l’opinion du bon peuple de cet Etat quant à l’adoption ou au rejet de cette constitution. Et il sera du devoir des dits fonctionnaires de recevoir les votes de toutes les personnes ayant droit de voter sous l’autorité de l’ancienne constitution et sous l’autorité de79 la présente constitution. Chaque votant exprimera son opinion en déposant dans la boîte au scrutin, un bulletin sur lequel il sera écrit “constitution acceptée” ou “consti143

L OUISIANA vey the intention of the voter. At the conclusion of the said election, which shall be conducted in every respect as the general State election is now conducted, the parish judges and commissioners designated to preside over the same, shall carefully examine and count each ballot so deposited, and shall forthwith make due returns thereof to the secretary of state, in conformity to the provisions of the existing law upon the subject of elections.

tution rejetée” ou toute autre expression faisant connaître d’une manière non équivoque l’intention du votant. A la clôture de ladite élection qui sera conduite à tous égards comme est conduite maintenant l’élection générale de l’Etat, les juges de paroisse et les commissaires désignés pour tenir l’élection, examineront et compteront attentivement chaque bulletin ainsi déposé et feront immédiatement leurs rapports en bonne et dûe forme80 au secrétaire d’Etat, conformément aux dispositions des lois existantes en matière d’élection.

A RT. 151. Upon the receipt of the said returns, or on the first Monday of December, if the returns be not sooner received, it shall be the duty of the governor, the secretary of state, the attorney general, and the state treasurer, in the presence of all such persons as may choose to attend, to compare the votes given at the said poll, for the ratification and rejection of this constitution, and if it shall appear from said returns that a majority of all the votes given is80 for ratifying this constitution, then it shall be the duty of the governor to make proclamation of that fact, and thenceforth this constitution shall be ordained and established as the constitution of the State of Louisiana. But whether this constitution be accepted or rejected, it shall be the duty of the governor to cause to be published in the State paper the result of the polls, showing the number of votes cast in each parish, for and against the said constitution.

A RT. 151. A la réception des dits rapports, ou le premier lundi de décembre, si les rapports d’élection ne sont pas reçus plus tôt, il sera du devoir du Gouverneur, du Secrétaire d’Etat, de l’Avocat-Général et du Trésorier de l’Etat, en présence de toutes les personnes qui voudront assister à cet examen, de comparer les votes donnés au dit scrutin pour la ratification ou le rejet de cette Constitution ; et s’il appert des dits rapports que la majorité de tous les votes donnés est favorable à la ratification de cette Constitution, alors il sera du devoir du Gouverneur de publier le fait par proclamation ; et dès lors cette Constitution sera ordonnée et instituée comme la Constitution de l’Etat de la Louisiane. Mais que cette Constitution soit adoptée ou qu’elle soit rejetée, il sera du devoir du Gouverneur de faire publier dans la Gazette de l’Etat le résultat du dit scrutin avec le nombre des votes donnés dans chaque paroisse pour et contre la dite Constitution.

A RT. 152. Should this constitution be accepted by the people, it shall also be the duty of the governor forthwith to issue his proclamation declaring the present legislature elected under the old constitution, to be dissolved, and directing the several officers of the State, authorized by law, to hold elections for members of the general assembly, to hold an election at the places designated

A RT. 152. Si le peuple accepte cette Constitution, il sera également du devoir du Gouverneur de lancer immédiatement sa proclamation, déclarant que la présente législature élue sous l’autorité de l’ancienne Constitution est dissoute et enjoignant aux divers fonctionnaires de l’Etat autorisés par la loi à tenir les élections pour les membres de l’Assemblée Générale de tenir une élec-

144

C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1845) by law, upon81 the third Monday in January next, (1846) for governor, lieutenant governor, members of the general assembly, and all other officers whose election is provided for pursuant to the provisions of this constitution. And the said election shall be conducted and the returns thereof made in conformity with the82 existing laws upon the subject of State elections.

tion aux lieux désignés par la loi, le troisième lundi de janvier prochain (1846) pour un Gouverneur, un Lieutenant-Gouverneur, les membres de l’Assemblée Générale et tous les autres fonctionnaires à l’élection desquels il est pourvu par les dispositions de cette Constitution. Et la dite élection sera conduite et les rapports d’élection seront faits conformément aux lois existantes en matière d’élection.

A RT. 153. The general assembly elected under this constitution shall convene at the state house, in the city of New Orleans, upon the second Monday of February next, (1846) after the elections; and that83 the governor and lieutenant governor, elected at the same time, shall be duly installed in office during the first week of their session, and before it shall be competent for the said general assembly to proceed with the transaction of business.84

A RT. 153. L’assemblée générale élue sous l’autorité de cette constitution, se réunira à la Maison d’Etat dans la ville de la Nouvelle Orléans, le second lundi de février prochain, (1846), après l’élection, et le gouverneur et le lieutenant-gouver[neur] élus en même temps, devront être dûment institués en office pendant la première semaine de la session législative, avant que la dite assemblée générale soit compétente pour entreprendre la poursuite81 de ses travaux.

Adopted in Convention on the 14th day of May, 184585 , in the city of New Orleans. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names.86

Adopté en Convention, le 14ème jour du mois de mai de l’année de N. S. 1845, en la ville de la Nouvelle-Orléans.

JOSEPH WALKER, President of the Convention,87 and senatorial delegate of the county of Rapides,88

JOSEPH WALKER, Président de la Convention et Délégué Sénatorial du Comté des Rapides.

Isaac T. Preston, F. B. Conrad, Felix Garcia, V. DuBouchel, T. M. Wadsworth, J. P. Benjamin, H. B. Cenas, Zenon LaBauve, Wm. Bernard Scott, Amasa Read, B. Derbes,

Walthall Burton, C. M. Conrad, John Culbertson, George Eustis, Bernard Marigny, Christian Roselius, P. Soulé, James McCallop, A. R. Splane, P. Briant, A. Waddill,

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L OUISIANA Thos. H. Lewis, of the district of Opelousas, Green Hudspeth, John Blake Wederstrandt, Pierre Govillion, M. B. Prescott, Phanor Prudhomme, Thos. C. Porter, Geo. W. Peets, Wm. D. Stephens, S. W. Downs, of the Ouachita senatorial district, Isaiah Garrett, Jacob Humble, Pierre Porche, Zenon Ledoux, Jr.,

W. M. Prescott,

Stephen W. Wikoff, R. Taylor, J. Fenwick Brent, Robert C. Hynson, Thos. B. Scott, G. Mayo, A. H. McRae, A. M. Dunn, of Feliciana, R. Cade, of Lafayette,

C. Voorhies, of Attakapas, Thos. W. Chinn, of N. Baton Rouge, L. Saunders, of E. Feliciana, Miles Taylor, of Assumption,

Attest, HORATIO DAVIS, Secretary of the Convention.

(Certifié) HORATIO DAVIS, Secrétaire de la Convention.

1

1

Verified by “Constitution of the State of Louisiana”, in: Journal of the Proceedings of the Convention of the State of Louisiana, Begun and Held in the City of New Orleans, On the 14th day of January, 1845, Published by Authority, New Orleans: Besançon, Ferguson & Co., Printers to the Convention, 1845, 342–356 – identical with the preceding print on p. 325–339, except for the misprints in art. 17 and 25 in the second printing, and without the signatures – and checked against the text as published in Proceedings and Debates of the Convention of Louisiana, which Assembled at the City of New Orleans January 14, 1844 [sic!], Robert J. Ker, Reporter, New Orleans: Besançon, Ferguson & Co., Printers to the Convention, 1845, 951–960, with additional regard to the French version as officially reported in Rapports officiels des débats de la Convention de la Louisiane, James Foullouze, Rapporteur, Nouvelle-Orleans: Imprimés par J. Bayon, Imprimeur

146

Verified by “Constitution de l’Etat de la Louisiane, Nouvelle-Orleans 1845”, in: Rapports officiels des débats de la Convention de la Louisiane, James Foullouze, Rapporteur, Nouvelle-Orleans: Imprimés par J. Bayon, Imprimeur de la Convention, 1845, 11 p. [at the end], and checked against the version published in Acts Passed at the First Session of the First Legislature of the State of Louisiana, Begun and Held in the City of New Orleans, on the 9th day of February, 1846. Published by Authority/Actes passés à la première session de la Première Législature de l’État de la Louisiane, tenue et commencée en la ville de la Nouvelle-Orléans, Le Neuvième Jour de Février, 1846. Publiés par autorité, New Orleans/Nouvelle-Orléans: W. Van Benthuysen & P. Besancon, Jr., State Printers/Imprimeurs d’État, 1846, 169–187. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Rapports officiels. Obvious printing errors have been tacitly corrected. The original man-

C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1845) de la Convention, 1845, 11 p. [at the end], and in Acts Passed at the First Session of the First Legislature of the State of Louisiana, Begun and Held in the City of New Orleans, on the 9th day of February, 1846. Published by Authority/Actes passés à la première session de la Première Législature de l’État de la Louisiane, tenue et commencée en la ville de la Nouvelle-Orléans, Le Neuvième Jour de Février, 1846. Publiés par autorité, New Orleans/Nouvelle-Orléans: W. Van Benthuysen & P. Besancon, Jr., State Printers/Imprimeurs d’État, 1846, 169–187. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Journal of the Convention of Louisiana. Obvious printing errors have been tacitly corrected. The original manuscript is not known to have survived. Also checked against Constitution of the State of Louisiana [caption title], [New Orleans 1845], 19 p., which followed closely the text as reported by Ker, and against the version published in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, 3 vols., St. Paul, Minn.: West Publishing Co., 1955, III, 524–543. The text as published by Samuel F. Glenn, The New Constitution of the State of Louisiana: Adopted in Convention on the Fourteenth of May, 1845, and Ratified by the People of the State on the Fifth of November, 1845, with a Comparative View of the Old and New Constitutions of the State; and a Copious Index, New Orleans: Published by J. C. Morgan, 1845, 14–36, also closely followed Ker, though with some minor flaws. The Constitution was ordered to be published in the newspapers of the State either in English or in English and French, within twenty days, cf. L’Abeille de la Nouvelle-Orléans, 15 May 1845. It was adopted by the people on November 5, 1845, by 12,227 votes for and 1,385 against it (Judith K. Schafer, “Reform or Experiment? The Louisiana Constitution of 1845,” in: In Search of Fundamental Law: Louisiana’s Constitutions, 1812–1974, ed. by Warren M. Billings and Edward F. Haas, Lafayette, LA: The Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana, 1993, 36) and went into effect in February 1846, replacing the Constitution of 1812 (q.v.). It was replaced by the third constitution of Louisiana of 1852 (q.v.), thus making the proposed amendments of 1852 (q.v.) obsolete. 2 In Convention Journal, 342, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 524, “powers”. 3 In Convention Journal, 342, in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 1, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 524, “session”. 4 In Convention Journal, 343, “who has been two years a citizen of the United States” missing. 5 In Proceedings and Debates, 952, in Session Law print, 171, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 526, “section”. 6 In Convention Journal, 343, in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 3, “the”. 7 In Proceedings and Debates, 952, and in Session Law print, 171, word in parentheses; in West’s

uscript is not known to have survived. In editing the translation only deviations in wording and content, not in style, have been annotated. 2 In English version, “directed or permitted”. 3 In English version, rest of sentence missing. 4 In English version, “breach or surety of the peace”. 5 In English version, subsequent phrase missing. 6 In English version, “equally”. 7 In Rapports officiels, 2, word missing. 8 In English version, “biennial elections”. 9 In English version, “shall judge of the qualification, election and returns of its members”. 10 In English version, “shall not”. 11 In English version, word missing. 12 In English version, “they shall not be questioned in any other place”. 13 In English version, “to any civil office of profit”. 14 In Session Law print, 173, word missing. 15 In English version, “entrusted with”. 16 In English version, “read over”. 17 In English version, “The qualified electors”. 18 In English version, “by the proper returning officer”. 19 In English version, “in the house of representatives”. 20 In Session Law print, 174, word missing. 21 In Rapports officiels, 4, “de”. 22 In English version, “but shall have only a casting vote therein”. 23 In English version, “with the consent of the senate”. 24 In Rapports officiels, 4, word missing. 25 In Session Law print, 175, “rendait”. 26 In English version, “if that should have become dangerous from an enemy or from epidemic”. 27 In English version, “all papers”. 28 In English version, “vouchers”. 29 In Session Law print, 176, “quelle qu’en”. 30 In English version, “whatever may be the amount thereof” left untranslated. 31 In English version, “its own clerks”. 32 In English version, “all process”. 33 In English version, “prosecutions”. 34 In Session Law print, 177, “dans”. 35 In English version, “for any civil duties performed by them”. 36 In English version, “the cause or causes”. 37 In English version, “have practiced law”. 38 In English version, “and in all matters connected with succession”. 39 In English version, word missing. 40 In Session Law print, 178, “le”. 41 In English version, “criminal jurisdiction”. 42 In Session Law print, 179, “secours”. 43 In English version, “for the trial, punishment and removal from office”. 44 In English version, “agreeably to the constitution”. 45 In English version, “being a citizen of this State”. 46 In English version, “thus offending”. 47 In English version, last two words missing.

147

L OUISIANA Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 527, word in square brackets. 8 In Convention Journal, 344, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 3, “laws”. 9 In Convention Journal, 344, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 3, “of the”. 10 In Convention Journal, 344, “of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year,” missing. 11 In Proceedings and Debates, 952, in Session Law print, 172, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 527, word missing. 12 In Session Law print, 172, “its”. 13 In Convention Journal, 345, “of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year,” misplaced after “more”; missing part of clause in art. 17. 14 Ibid., “alterations”. 15 Ibid., “any other”. 16 Ibid., and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 5, “the color”. 17 In Proceedings and Debates, 953, in Session Law print, 173, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 529, word missing. 18 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 529, “for”. 19 In Convention Journal, 346, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 6, “this”. 20 In Convention Journal, 346, “or”. 21 Ibid., 347, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 7, word missing. 22 In Convention Journal, 347, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 7, “epidemics”. 23 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 532, “where”. 24 In Proceedings and Debates, 955, in Session Law print, 176, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 532, “and to”. 25 In Convention Journal, 348, “or legality” missing. 26 In Proceedings and Debates, 955, and in Session Law print, 176, “roll”. 27 In Convention Journal, 348, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 8, “judges”. 28 In Convention Journal, 348, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 8, “said court”. 29 In Convention Journal, 348, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 8, “said judges”. 30 In Convention Journal, 348, “the term of eight”. 31 Ibid., in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 8, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 532, “his”. 32 In Convention Journal, 348, “office”. 33 Ibid., “dived”. 34 In Proceedings and Debates, 955, in Session Law print, 177, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 532, “opinions”. 35 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 533,

148

48

In English version, “bribe”. In Session Law print, 180, “et”. 50 Ibid., “ait”. 51 Ibid., “District”. 52 Ibid., word missing. 53 In English version, “by ballot”. 54 In English version, word missing. 55 In English version, “laws”. 56 In English version, “and no corporations hereafter to be created shall ever endure for a longer term than twenty-five years, except those which are political or municipal”. 57 In English version, “civil office”. 58 In English version, “taxes”. 59 In English version, “all persons pursuing any occupation, trade or profession”. 60 In English version, “the administration of the police”. 61 In English version, “aldermen”. 62 In English version, “duel with deadly weapons”. 63 In English version, “duel with deadly weapons”. 64 In English version, “those thus offending”. 65 In English version, “by compact with any State, or with the United States, the same being done by the consent of the United States”. 66 In English version, “The proceeds”. 67 In English version, “the proceeds”. 68 In English version, “all the rents”; in Session Law print, 183, “le loyer”. 69 In Session Law print, 183, “sera”. 70 In English version, “seminary of learning”. 71 In English version, “for the promotion of literature and the arts and sciences”. 72 In Session Law print, 183, “ultérieure”. 73 In English version, “Schedule”. 74 In English version, “Vermillion”. 75 In English version, “De Soto”. 76 In English version, “Vermillion”. 77 In English version, “public service”. 78 In English version, “Appointments”. 79 In Session Law print, 186, “de l’ancienne et de”. 80 In English version, “make due returns”. 81 In English version, “transaction”. 49

C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1845) “all the”. 36 In Convention Journal, 348, “is”. 37 Ibid., “such”. 38 Ibid., “to the”. 39 In Session Law print, 177, word missing. 40 In Convention Journal, 348, “district”. 41 Ibid., 349, “ballot”. 42 Ibid., in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 10, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 534, “successions”. 43 In Convention Journal, 349, “to an”. 44 Ibid., word missing. 45 In Proceedings and Debates, 956, in Session Law print, 179, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 534, “impeachment”. 46 In Convention Journal, 349–350, followed by: “On motion, the report of the committee of revision in relation to public education was taken up for its third reading, viz:”. 47 Ibid., 350, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 11, “the”. 48 In Convention Journal, 350, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 11, “the”. 49 In Convention Journal, 350, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 11, word missing. 50 In Convention Journal, 350, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 11, word missing. 51 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 535, “moneys”. 52 Ibid., “proper and necessary”. 53 In Proceedings and Debates, 956, in Session Law print, 180, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 536, “And no”. 54 In Proceedings and Debates, 956, in Session Law print, 180, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 536, “for”. 55 In Convention Journal, 350, word missing. 56 In Proceedings and Debates, 957, in Session Law print, 180, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 536, word missing. 57 In Session Law print, 181, “the”. 58 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 536, “or by”. 59 Ibid., 537, “in the”. 60 In Proceedings and Debates, 957, in Session Law print, 182, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 538, “revised”. 61 In Proceedings and Debates, 957, in Session Law print, 182, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 538, “revised”. 62 In Convention Journal, 352, in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 14, in Proceedings and Debates, 958, and in Session Law print, 183, “case”. 63 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 539, “this”. 64 Ibid., last two words missing. 65 In Convention Journal, 352, word missing.

149

L OUISIANA 66

Ibid., 353, “sale”. In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 539, “A”. 68 In Convention Journal, 353, “to”. 69 In Convention Journal, 353, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 16, “two Rep.”. 70 In Session Law print, 184, last two words missing. 71 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 16, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 540, “Baton Rouge”. 72 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 16, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 540, “Feliciana”. 73 In Convention Journal, 354, in Proceedings and Debates, 959, in Session Law print, 185, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 541, “Point”. 74 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 17, after Bossier, St. Bernard added a second time. 75 In Convention Journal, 354, “lying on”. 76 In Convention Journal, 354, in Proceedings and Debates, 959, in Session Law print, 185, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 541, “Point”. 77 In Convention Journal, 355, added clause: “And whenever a new parish shall be created, it shall be attached to the senatorial district from which most of its territory was taken or to another contiguous district at the discretion of the legislature, but shall not be attached to more than one district.”. 78 Ibid., “courts”. 79 Ibid., “State”. 80 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 543, “are”. 81 In Convention Journal, 356, “on”. 82 In Convention Journal, 356, in Proceedings and Debates, 960, and in Session Law print, 187, word missing. 83 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 19, word missing. 84 In Convention Journal, 356, added: “On motion of Mr. L EWIS, the secretary was ordered to call the names of the delegates by counties, to sign the constitution, and the following members affixed their signatures to the same, to wit:”. In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 543, rest missing, with the exception “Joseph Walker, President. Horatio Davis, Secretary”. 85 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 19, “in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty five”. 86 In Convention Journal, 356, whole clause missing, and in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 19, last sentence missing. 87 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 19, with the exception of “Attest: Horatio Davis, Secretary of the Convention.”, rest missing. 88 In Proceedings and Debates, 960, and in Session Law print, 187, signatures missing, with the exception of “Attest: Horatio Davis, Secretary of the Convention.”. 67

150

Failed Amendments of 1852

Projet d’amendements de 1852

[Amendments to the Constitution of Louisiana of 1845]1

[Amendements à la Constitution de la Louisiane de 1845]1

Whereas, the following amendments to the constitution were passed at the last session of the Legislature, by a constitutional majority; and, as the constitution requires that they be again passed by the Legislature: Therefore,

Attendu qu’une majorité constitutionnelle de la dernière législature a passé les amendemens suivants à la Constitution, et que la Constitution exige que lesdits amendemens soient encore passés par la législature de la présente session :

Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Louisiana, in General Assembly convened, That the following be adopted and proposed to the people, as amendments to the constitution:

Il est résolu par le Sénat et la Chambre des Représentans de l’Etat de la Louisiane, réunis en Assemblée Générale, Que les articles qui suivent soient adoptés et proposés au peuple comme des amendemens à la Constitution.

A RT. 1. The chief justice and associate justices of the supreme court shall be elected by the electors qualified to vote for representatives to the General Assembly, either by general ticket or by district, as may be determined by law.

A RT. 1. Le juge-président et les jugesassociés de la Cour Suprême seront élus par les électeurs ayant qualité pour voter pour les Représentans à l’Assemblée Générale, soit par élection générale, soit par district, ainsi qu’il sera déterminé par la loi.

A RT. 2. The chief justice and associate justices of the supreme court shall be elected for a term of four years; and, at the first meeting of the supreme court after this amendment takes effect, the associate justices shall be divided, by lot, into two classes; the seats of two of the associate justices shall be vacated at the expiration of two years, and the seat of the chief justice and of the third associate justice at the expiration of four years; so that a rotation thereby be kept up perpetually.

A RT. 2. Le juge-président et les jugesassociés de la Cour Suprême, seront élus pour quatre ans, et à la première séance de la Cour Suprême qui aura lieu après l’adoption de cet amendement à la Constitution, les juges-associés seront divisés au sort en deux classes, le siége de deux juges-associés sera vacant à l’expiration de deux années, et le siége du juge-président et du troisième juge-associé sera vacant à l’expiration de quatre années, de manière qu’il y ait une2 rotation perpétuelle.

151

L OUISIANA A RT. 3. The judges of the district courts shall be elected, in their respective districts, by the electors therein qualified to vote for representatives to the General Assembly.

A RT. 3. Les juges des Cours de district seront élus dans leurs districts respectifs par les électeurs desdits districts ayant qualités3 pour voter pour les Représentans à l’Assemblée Générale.

A RT. 4. The judges of the district courts shall be elected for a term of four years.

A RT. 4. Les juges des Cours de district seront élus pour le4 terme de quatre années.

A RT. 5. The district attorneys shall be elected in their respective districts for a term of two years, by the electors therein qualified to vote for representatives to the General Assembly.

A RT. 5. Les avocats de district seront élus dans leurs districts respectifs pour un terme de deux années, par les électeurs desdits districts ayant qualités5 pour voter pour Représentans à l’Assemblée Générale.

A RT. 6. An attorney-general shall be elected for a term of two years, by the electors qualified to vote for representatives to the General Assembly throughout the State.

A RT. 6. Un avocat général sera élu pour un terme de quatre années par les électeurs ayant qualités6 pour voter pour les Représentans à l’Assemblée Générale dans tout l’Etat.

A RT. 7. A secretary of State shall be elected for a term of two years, by the electors qualified to vote for representatives to the General Assembly throughout the State.

A RT. 7. Un secrétaire d’Etat sera élu pour un terme de deux années par les électeurs ayant qualités7 pour voter pour les Représentans à l’Assemblée Générale dans tout l’Etat.

A RT. 8. A State treasurer shall be elected for a term of two years, by the electors qualified to vote for representatives to the General Assembly throughout the State.

A RT. 8. Un trésorier de l’Etat sera élu pour un terme de deux années par les électeurs ayant qualités8 pour voter pour les Représentans à l’Assemblée Générale dans tout l’Etat.

A RT. 9. A State superintendent of public education shall be elected for a term of two years, by the electors qualified to vote for representatives to the General Assembly throughout the State.

A RT. 9. Un surintendant général de l’éducation publique sera élu pour un terme de deux années par les électeurs ayant qualités9 pour voter pour les Représentans à l’Assemblée Générale dans tout l’Etat.

A RT. 10. If, in the election of chief justice or2 associate justices of the supreme court, judges of the district court, attorneygeneral, district attorney, secretary of State, State treasurer, and State superintendent of public education, two or more persons shall be equal and highest in the number of votes polled for any of the above-named offices3 , it shall be the duty of the governor, by proclamation, so to declare it, and immediately to

A RT. 10. Si à l’élection du jugeprésident10 , des juges-associés de la Cour Suprême, des juges des Cours de district,11 du secrétaire d’Etat, du trésorier de l’Etat et du surintendant général de l’éducation publique, deux ou plus de deux candidats obtiennent en un nombre égal une majorité relative de votes donnés pour une des places sus mentionnées, le Gouverneur devra le mentionner dans sa proclamation et choisir

152

FAILED A MENDMENTS OF 1852 select between the two or more persons having equal and the highest number of votes polled, and commission him to fill the office for which he shall be thus chosen.

immédiatement l’un des candidats qui aurait obtenu le plus grand nombre de voix données ; lui accordera une commission pour remplir la place pour laquelle il aurait été choisi.

A RT. 11. The chief justice and associate justices of the supreme court, judges4 of the district courts, shall each receive a salary to be fixed by law, and5 which shall not be increased or diminished during their term of office.

A RT. 11. Le juge-président et les jugesassociés de la Cour Suprême, et les juges des Cours de district, recevront chacun un salaire qui sera fixé par la loi, et qui ne pourra être diminué ni augmenté pendant le terme pour lequel ils auraient12 été élus.

A RT. 12. In all elections by the people, every free white man who has been one year a citizen of the United States, who has attained the age of twenty-one years, and resided in the State one year next preceding the election, and the last six months thereof in the parish in which he offers to vote, shall have the right of voting.

A RT. 12. Dans toutes les élections par le peuple tout individu mâle, libre et blanc, qui sera depuis un an citoyen des Etats Unis, aura atteint l’âge de vingt-un ans et aura résidé dans l’Etat pendant toute l’année qui aura précédé l’élection, et pendant les derniers six mois dans la paroisse où il se présentera pour voter, exercera les droits d’électeur.

A RT. 13. The General Assembly shall have the right to create, among the district judges, an interchange system for the trial of recused cases only.

A RT. 13. L’Assemblée Générale aura la droit de créer un système d’échange entre les juges de district, seulement pour le jugement des procès dans lesquels un juge se sera récusé ou aura été récusé13 .

J OHN E. K ING, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

J OHN E. K ING, Orateur de la Chambre des Représentans.

R OBERT C. M ARTIN, President pro tem. of the Senate.

R OBERT C. M ARTIN, Président du Sénat, pro tem.

Approved, February 11th, 1852.

Approuvé le 11 février 1852.

J OSEPH WALKER, Governor of the State of Louisiana.

J OSEPH WALKER, Gouverneur de l’Etat de la Louisiane.

1

1

Verified by Acts Passed by the Fourth Legislature of the State of Louisiana, At Their Session Held and Begun in the Town of Baton Rouge, on the 19th Day of January, 1852. Published by Authority/Actes passés par la quatrième Législature de l’Etat de la Louisiane, en sa session ordinaire, tenue et commencée en la

Verified by Acts Passed by the Fourth Legislature of the State of Louisiana, At Their Session Held and Begun in the Town of Baton Rouge, on the 19th Day of January, 1852. Published by Authority/Actes passés par la quatrième Législature de l’Etat de la Louisiane, en sa session ordinaire, tenue et commencée en la

153

L OUISIANA ville de Bâton Rouge le 19me jour de janvier, 1852. Publiés par autorité, New Orleans: Bee Office – G. F. Weisse, State Printer/Imprimeur d’Etat, Bureau de l’Abeille de la Nouvelle-Orléans, 1852, 14–15. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendments were passed on February 11, 1852, after having first been approved on March 20, 1850 (Acts Passed by the Third Legislature of the State of Louisiana, At Their Session Held and Begun in the Town of Baton Rouge, on the 21st Day of January, 1850, Published by Authority/Actes passés par la troisième Législature de l’Etat de la Louisiane, en sa session ordinaire, Tenue et commencée en la ville de Bâton Rouge le 21me jour de janvier, 1850, Publiés par autorité, New Orleans: G. F. Weisse, State Printer, Office of the New Orleans Bee/Imprimeur d’Etat, Bureau de l’Abeille de la Nouvelle-Orléans, 1850, 177–178). The act of February 24, 1852, provided for the ratification of the amendments by the people in the November election, 1852 (Session Law print, 1852, 65–66). The new constitution of 1852 (q.v.) made these provisions obsolete. Only some of them became part of the new constitution, whereas others, such as the tenure of Supreme Court judges, were settled in open contradiction to the intentions of the respective articles of amendment. 2 In Session Law print, 1850, 178, word missing. 3 Ibid., “officers”. 4 Ibid., “and judges”. 5 Ibid., word missing.

154

ville de Bâton Rouge le 19me jour de janvier, 1852. Publiés par autorité, New Orleans: Bee Office – G. F. Weisse, State Printer/Imprimeur d’Etat, Bureau de l’Abeille de la Nouvelle-Orléans, 1852, 14–15. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendments were passed on February 11, 1852, after having first been approved on March 20, 1850 (Acts Passed by the Third Legislature of the State of Louisiana, At Their Session Held and Begun in the Town of Baton Rouge, on the 21st Day of January, 1850, Published by Authority/Actes passés par la troisième Législature de l’Etat de la Louisiane, en sa session ordinaire, Tenue et commencée en la ville de Bâton Rouge le 21me jour de janvier, 1850, Publiés par autorité, New Orleans: G. F. Weisse, State Printer, Office of the New Orleans Bee/Imprimeur d’Etat, Bureau de l’Abeille de la Nouvelle-Orléans, 1850, 177–178). The act of February 24, 1852, provided for the ratification of the amendments by the people in the November election, 1852 (Session Law print, 1852, 65–66). The new constitution of 1852 (q.v.) made these provisions obsolete. 2 In Session Law print, 1850, 177, “ainsi”. 3 Ibid., “qualité”. 4 Ibid., “un”. 5 Ibid., “qualité”. 6 Ibid., “qualité”. 7 Ibid., 178, “qualité”. 8 Ibid., “qualité”. 9 Ibid., “qualité”. 10 Ibid., “juge-associé”. 11 Ibid., additionally “de l’avocat-général, des avocats de district,”; here, other than in the English version, missing. 12 In Session Law print, 1850, 178, “auront”. 13 In English version, “for the trial of recused cases only”.

Constitution of Louisiana (1852)

Constitution de la Louisiane (1852)

Constitution of the State of Louisiana1

Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane1

PREAMBLE

PRÉAMBULE

We, the people of the State of Louisiana, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

Nous, le Peuple de l’Etat de la Louisiane, établissons et décrétons cette Constitution.

TITLE I

TITRE I

Distribution of Powers

Distribution des pouvoirs

A RT. 1. The powers of the Government of the State of Louisiana shall be divided into three distinct departments, and each of them be confided to a separate body of magistracy, to-wit: those which are Legislative to one; those which are Executive to another, and those which are Judicial to another.

A RT. 1. Les Pouvoirs du Gouvernement de l’Etat de la Louisiane sont divisés en trois départements distincts. Chacun de ces départements est confié à un corps particulier de magistrats. Le pouvoir législatif est attribué à un corps particulier, le pouvoir exécutif à un autre corps, et le pouvoir judiciaire à un troisième corps.

A RT. 2. No one of these departments, nor any person holding office in one of them, shall exercise power properly belonging to either of the others, except in the instances hereinafter expressly directed or permitted.

A RT. 2. Aucun de ces départements, ni aucune personne remplissant dans l’un d’eux une place quelconque, n’exercera les pouvoirs qui appartiennent en propre à l’un des deux autres, si ce n’est dans les cas indiqués2 ci-après expressément.

TITLE II

TITRE II

Legislative Department

Pouvoir législatif3

A RT. 3. The Legislative power of the

A RT. 3. Le pouvoir législatif de l’Etat

155

L OUISIANA State shall be vested in two distinct branches, the one to be styled “the House of Representatives,” the other “the Senate,” and both “the General Assembly of the State of Louisiana.”

est confié à deux chambres distinctes qui s’appelleront, l’une : “Chambre des Représentants,” l’autre : “Sénat,” et qui réunies porteront ce titre : “Assemblée Générale de l’Etat de la Louisiane.”

A RT. 4. The members of the House of Representatives shall continue in service for the term of two years from the day of the closing of the general elections.

A RT. 4. Les membres de la Chambre des Représentans exerceront leurs fonctions pendant une période de deux années, à partir de la clôture des élections générales.

A RT. 5. Representatives shall be chosen on the first Monday in November, every two years; and the election shall be completed in one day. The General Assembly shall meet annually, on the third Monday in January, unless a different day be appointed by law, and their sessions shall be held at the seat of government.

A RT. 5. L’élection des Représentans aura lieu tous les deux ans, 1e premier lundi de novembre, et elle ne durera qu’un jour. L’Assemblée Générale se réunira annuellement, le troisième lundi de janvier, à moins que cette époque ne soit changée par la loi. La session4 des Chambres aura lieu au siège du Gouvernement.

A RT. 6. Every duly qualified elector under this Constitution shall be eligible to a seat in the General Assembly; provided, that no person shall be a Representative or Senator, unless he be, at the time of his election, a duly qualified voter of the Representative or Senatorial District from which he is elected.

A RT. 6. Tout électeur reconnu comme tel5 par cette Constitution, est éligible6 à l’Assemblée Générale. Nul ne sera Représentant ou Sénateur si, à l’époque de son élection, il n’est électeur7 , soit du district représentatif, soit du district sénatorial qui l’a nommé.

A RT. 7. Elections for members of the General Assembly shall be held at the several election precincts established by law. The Legislature may delegate the power of establishing election precincts to the parochial or municipal authorities.

A RT. 7. L’élection des membres de l’Assemblée Générale sera tenue dans les diverses circonscriptions électorales établies par la loi. La Législature peut déléguer le pouvoir d’établir des circonscriptions électorales aux autorités de paroisse ou aux autorités municipales.

A RT. 8. Representation in the House of Representatives shall be equal and uniform, and shall be regulated and ascertained by the total population of each of the several parishes of the State. Each Parish shall have at least one Representative. No new Parish shall be created with a territory less than six hundred and twenty-five square miles, nor with a population less than the full number entitling it to a Representative, nor when the creation of such new Parish would leave any other Parish without the said extent of

A RT. 8. La Représentation, à la Chambre des Représentans, sera égale et uniforme. Elle sera réglée sur la base de la population totale de chaque paroisse de l’Etat. Chaque paroisse aura au moins un représentant. Aucune nouvelle paroisse ne sera créée avec un territoire moindre8 de six cent vingt-cinq milles carrés, ni avec une population inférieure au chiffre9 qui lui donnerait droit à un représentant. Il ne sera point non plus créé de nouvelle paroisse quand par là une autre paroisse doit être privée de l’étendue de10

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1852) territory and amount of population.

territoire et du chiffre de population exigés comme ci-dessus.

The first enumeration by the State authorities under this Constitution shall be made in the year 1853, the second in the year 1858, the third in the year 1865; after which time, the General Assembly shall direct in what manner the census shall be taken, so that it be made at least once in every period of ten years, for the purpose of ascertaining the total population in each Parish and election District.

Le premier dénombrement que feront exécuter les autorités de l’Etat, en vertu de cette Constitution, aura lieu en 1853, le second en 1858, et le troisième en 1865. Après cette dernière année, l’Assemblée Générale indiquera de quelle manière doit être opéré le recensement, pourvu qu’il ait lieu une fois au moins tous les dix ans, afin de constater la population totale de chaque paroisse et de chaque district électoral.

At the first regular session of the Legislature after the making of each enumeration, the Legislature shall apportion the representation among the several Parishes and election Districts on the basis of the total population as aforesaid. A representative number shall be fixed, and each Parish and election District shall have as many Representatives as its aggregate population shall entitle it to, and an additional Representative for any fraction exceeding one-half the Representative number. The number of Representatives shall not be more than one hundred nor less than seventy. Until an apportionment shall be made, and elections held under the same, in accordance with the first enumeration to be made as directed in this article, the Representation in the Senate and House of Representatives shall be and remain as at present established by law.

A la première session régulière des Chambres qui suivra chaque dénombrement, la Législature répartira la représentation entre les différentes paroisses et les divers districts électoraux, en prenant pour base la population totale. Un diviseur11 sera déterminé, et chaque paroisse et district électoral aura le nombre de représentans auquel lui donnera droit sa population totale, et en outre un représentant pour toute fraction qui excédera la moitié du diviseur. Le nombre des Représentans ne dépassera pas cent, et ne sera pas moindre de soixante-dix. La représentation au Sénat et à la Chambre des Représentans restera comme elle est maintenant établie par la loi, jusqu’à ce que la répartition soit exécutée et que les élections qui la suivront aient lieu, conformément au premier dénombrement ci-dessus ordonné.

The limits of the Parish of Orleans are hereby extended, so as to embrace the whole of the present city of New Orleans, including that part of the Parish of Jefferson, formerly known as the City of Lafayette.

Les limites de la Paroisse d’Orléans sont agrandies de manière à comprendre toute la ville actuelle de la Nouvelle-Orléans, y compris cette partie de la paroisse Jefferson, connue autrefois sous le nom de ville de Lafayette.

All that part of the Parish of Orleans which is situated on the left bank of the Mississippi river, shall be divided by the Legislature into not more than ten Representative Districts, and until a new apportion-

Toute cette partie de la Paroisse d’Orléans située sur la rive gauche du Mississippi sera divisée par la Législature en dix districts représentatifs au plus ; et, jusqu’à ce qu’une nouvelle répartition ait lieu conformément

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L OUISIANA ment shall be made according to the first census to be taken under this Constitution, that part of the City of New Orleans which was comprised within the former limits of the City of Lafayette, shall vote for Senators from the Parish of Orleans, and form the Tenth Representative District, and shall elect two out of the three Representatives now apportioned by law to the Parish of Jefferson; the other Representative Districts shall remain as they are now established.

au premier recensement qui doit s’opérer en vertu de la présente Constitution, cette partie de la ville de la Nouvelle-Orléans qui est comprise dans les anciennes limites de la ville de Lafayette formera le dixième district représentatif, concourra à nommer12 les sénateurs de la Paroisse d’Orléans et élira deux représentans sur les trois que nommait13 , conformément à la loi, la paroisse de Jefferson. Les autres districts représentatifs resteront ce qu’ils sont maintenant.

A RT. 9. The House of Representatives shall choose its Speaker and other officers.

A RT. 9. La Chambre des Représentans nommera14 son Orateur et ses autres officiers.

A RT. 10. Every free white male who has attained the age of twenty-one years, and who has been a resident of the State twelve months next preceding the election, and the last six months thereof in the Parish in which he offers to vote, and who shall be a citizen of the United States, shall have the right of voting, but no voter, on removing from one Parish to another, within the State, shall lose the right of voting in the former until he shall have acquired it in the latter. Electors shall in all cases, except treason, felony, or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest, during their attendance at, going to, or returning from elections.

A RT. 10. Aura le droit de voter, tout homme15 libre et blanc, qui a atteint l’age de vingt-un ans, qui a résidé dans l’Etat durant les douze mois qui ont précédé immédiatement l’élection, et les six derniers dans la paroisse où il se présente pour voter, et qui sera citoyen des Etats-Unis. L’électeur qui se sera transporté d’une paroisse dans une autre, ne perdra pas le droit qu’il possédait16 de voter dans la première avant de l’avoir acquis dans la seconde. Les électeurs ne pourront jamais17 , sauf les cas de trahison, de crime ou de violation de l’ordre public18 , être arrêtés lorsqu’ils assistent à une élection, qu’ils se rendent au lieu où elle est tenue, ou qu’ils en reviennent.

A RT. 11. The Legislature shall provide by law, that the names and residence of all qualified electors of the City of New Orleans shall be registered, in order to entitle them to vote; but the registry shall be free of cost to the elector.

A RT. 11. La Législature ordonnera par une loi spéciale19 que les noms et le domicile de tous les électeurs de la ville de la Nouvelle-Orléans soient enregistrés, afin qu’ils puissent exercer le droit de suffrage ; l’enregistrement ne devra rien coûter à l’électeur.

A RT. 12. No soldier, seaman or marine in the army or navy of the United States, no pauper, no person under interdiction, nor under conviction of any crime punishable with hard labor, shall be entitled to vote at any election in this State.

A RT. 12. Les soldats faisant partie de l’armée des Etats-Unis, les marins et soldats de marine attachés à la marine de guerre des Etats-Unis, les mendians, les interdits20 et les personnes convaincues d’un crime quelconque entraînant la peine des travaux for-

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1852) cés ne peuvent voter à aucune élection tenue dans cet Etat. A RT. 13. No person shall be entitled to vote at any election held in this State, except in the Parish of his residence, and in cities and towns divided into election precincts, in the election precinct in which he resides.

A RT. 13. Nul ne peut voter, à une élection quelconque, en dehors de la paroisse de sa résidence, et, dans les villes et villages divisés en circonscriptions électorales, en dehors de la circonscription électorale de sa résidence.

A RT. 14. The members of the Senate shall be chosen for the term of four years. The Senate, when assembled, shall have the power to choose its officers. A RT. 15. The Legislature, in every year in which they shall apportion representation in the House of Representatives, shall divide the State into Senatorial Districts. No Parish shall be divided in the formation of a Senatorial District – the Parish of Orleans excepted. And whenever a new Parish shall be created, it shall be attached to the Senatorial District from which most of its territory was taken, or to another contiguous district, at the discretion of the Legislature; but shall not be attached to more than one District. The number of Senators shall be thirty-two, and they shall be apportioned among the Senatorial Districts according to the total population contained in the several Districts; Provided, that no Parish shall be entitled to more than five Senators. A RT. 16. In all apportionments of the Senate, the population of the City of New Orleans shall be deducted from the population of the whole State, and the remainder of the population divided by the number twenty-seven, and the result produced by this division shall be the Senatorial ratio entitling a Senatorial District to a Senator. Single or contiguous Parishes shall be formed into Districts, having a population the nearest possible to the number entitling a District to a Senator; and if, in the apportionment to be made, a Parish or District fall short of or exceed the ratio one-fifth, then

A RT. 14. Les membres du Sénat seront nommés21 pour une période de quatre années. Le Sénat, une fois réuni, aura le pouvoir de désigner22 ses officiers. A RT. 15. Chaque fois que la Législature répartira la représentation à la Chambre des Représentans, elle divisera l’Etat en districts sénatoriaux. Aucune paroisse, la Paroisse d’Orléans exceptée, ne pourra être divisée pour la formation d’un district sénatorial. Quand une nouvelle paroisse sera créée, elle sera annexée au district sénatorial d’où provient la plus grande partie de son territoire, ou à un district contigu, au choix de la Législature ; mais elle ne pourra jamais23 être annexée à plus d’un district. Le nombre des sénateurs sera de trente-deux, et ils seront répartis entre les différens districts sénatoriaux selon la population totale que renferme chaque district. Néanmoins aucune paroisse n’aura plus de cinq sénateurs. A RT. 16. Dans toute répartition sénatoriale, la population de la ville24 de la Nouvelle-Orléans sera déduite de la population de tout l’Etat, et le chiffre qui restera sera divisé par le nombre vingt-sept. Le résultat obtenu par ce moyen deviendra le diviseur25 sénatorial, lequel donnera à un district sénatorial droit à un sénateur. Les districts seront formés soit de simples paroisses, soit de paroisses contigues, ayant une population qui devra se rapprocher le plus possible du diviseur représentant26 un sénateur. Si, dans la répartition, une paroisse ou un district manque d’un cinquième de

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L OUISIANA a District may be formed having not more than two Senators, but not otherwise. No new apportionment shall have the effect of abridging the term of service of any Senator already elected at the time of making the apportionment. After an enumeration has been made as directed in the eighth article, the Legislature shall not pass any law until an apportionment of Representation in both Houses of the General Assembly be made.

A RT. 17. At the first session of the General Assembly after this Constitution takes effect, the Senators shall be equally divided by lot into two classes; the seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year; of the second class, at the expiration of the fourth year; so that one half shall be chosen every two years, and a rotation thereby kept up perpetually. In case any District shall have elected two or more Senators, said Senators shall vacate their seats respectively at the end of two and four years, and lots shall be drawn between them.

A RT. 18. The first election for Senators shall be general throughout the State, and at the same time that the general election for Representatives is held; and thereafter there shall be biennial elections to fill the place2 of those whose time of service may have expired. A RT. 19. Not less than a majority of the members of each House of the General Assembly shall form a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and shall be authorized by law to compel the attendance of absent members.

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population pour atteindre au diviseur ou excède ce diviseur dans la proportion d’un cinquième, il sera permis alors, mais seulement dans ce cas, de former un district qui n’aura pas plus de deux sénateurs. Une fois un sénateur élu, la durée de ses fonctions ne pourra jamais27 être réduite par suite d’une répartition nouvelle. Lorsque le dénombrement de la population aura été accompli conformément à l’article 8 de cette Constitution, la Législature ne pourra voter aucune loi avant d’avoir réparti la représentation dans les deux Chambres de l’Assemblée Générale. A RT. 17. A la première session de l’Assemblée Générale qui suivra la mise en vigueur de cette Constitution, les Sénateurs seront divisés au sort et par égales parties en deux classes : le mandat des Sénateurs de la première classe expirera à la fin de la seconde année, et celui des Sénateurs de la seconde classe à la fin de la quatrième année, de sorte que la moitié du Sénat sera renouvelée tous les deux ans et qu’une succession régulière28 sera maintenue29 . Quand un district élit30 deux Sénateurs ou plus, ils tireront entre eux au sort, et leur mandat respectif expirera, selon la classe qui leur est échue, à la fin de la seconde et de la quatrième année. A RT. 18. La première élection de Sénateurs sera générale dans tout l’État et aura lieu en même temps que l’élection générale des Représentans. Après cette première élection générale, il y en aura une autre tous les deux ans pour remplacer les Sénateurs dont le mandat sera expiré. A RT. 19. Chaque Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale devra être en quorum pour procéder à ses travaux ; une majorité des membres de chaque Chambre constituera le quorum. S’il n’y a qu’une minorité présente, elle pourra s’ajourner de jour en jour et sera autorisée par la loi à contraindre les absents de31 se rendre aux séances.

C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1852) A RT. 20. Each House of the General Assembly shall judge of the qualification, election and returns of its members; but a contested election shall be determined in such manner as shall be directed by law.

A RT. 20. Chaque Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale jugera si les conditions requises pour l’élection de ses membres ont été remplies32 . La loi déterminera la manière de procéder, toutes les fois que la validité d’une élection sera contestée.

A RT. 21. Each House of the General Assembly may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish a member for disorderly behavior, and with the concurrence of twothirds expel a member, but not a second time for the same offence.

A RT. 21. Chaque Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale aura la faculté d’adopter un réglement, de punir les membres qui violeront l’ordre33 , et même, à la majorité des deux tiers, d’en ordonner l’expulsion. Cependant la même faute ne devra jamais être frappée d’un double châtiment.34

A RT. 22. Each House of the General Assembly shall keep and publish a weekly journal of its proceedings; and the yeas and nays of the members on any question shall, at the desire of any two of them, be entered on the journal.

A RT. 22. Il sera dressé un procès-verbal des délibérations de chaque Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale, lequel sera publié toutes les semaines. L’appel nominal sera, à la requête de deux membres, et quelle que soit la question, inscrit au procès-verbal.

A RT. 23. Each House may punish by imprisonment any person, not a member, for disrespectful and disorderly behavior in its presence, or for obstructing any of its proceedings. Such imprisonment shall not exceed ten days for any one offence.

A RT. 23. Chaque Chambre aura la faculté d’ordonner l’emprisonnement de toute personne ne faisant point partie de ladite chambre, qui violera l’ordre ou tiendra une conduite inconvenante en sa présence35 ou bien qui cherchera à entraver les délibérations. La durée de cet emprisonnement ne dépassera pas dix jours pour une seule et même faute.

A RT. 24. Neither House, during the session3 of the General Assembly shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which they may be sitting.

A RT. 24. Aucune Chambre ne pourra, pendant la session de l’Assemblée Générale, s’ajourner sans le consentement de l’autre pour plus de trois jours, ni changer sans ce même concours le lieu des séances.

A RT. 25. The members of the General Assembly shall receive from the public treasury a compensation for their services, which shall be four dollars per day during their attendance, going to and returning from the session of their respective Houses. The compensation may be increased or diminished by law; but no alteration shall take effect during the period of service of the members of the House of Representatives by

A RT. 25. Les membres de l’Assemblée Générale recevront du trésor public une rémunération pour leurs services, laquelle sera de quatre piastres par jour pendant la durée de la session36 , y inclus le temps qu’ils mettent pour se rendre au lieu où37 siège la Législature comme pour s’en retourner. La rémunération peut être augmentée ou réduite par la loi, mais aucun changement n’aura lieu à cet égard, tant que le mandat

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L OUISIANA whom such alteration shall have been made. No session shall extend to a period beyond sixty days, to date from its commencement, and any legislative action had after the expiration of the said sixty days shall be null and void. This provision shall not apply to the first Legislature which is to convene after the adoption of this Constitution.

des membres de la Chambre des Représentans qui auront décrété l’augmentation ou la diminution de traitement ne sera point expiré. La durée des sessions législatives sera bornée à une période de soixante jours à partir de l’ouverture des Chambres : toute mesure votée après cette période sera nulle et de nul effet. Cette disposition ne s’applique pas à la première Législature qui se réunira après l’adoption de cette Constitution.

A RT. 26. The members of the General Assembly shall, in all cases except treason, felony, breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the sessions of their respective Houses, and going to or returning from the same, and for any speech or debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other place.

A RT. 26. Les membres de l’Assemblée Générale ne pourront jamais, sauf les cas de trahison, de crime ou de violation de l’ordre public38 , être arrêtés pendant qu’ils remplissent leurs devoirs à la Chambre à laquelle ils appartiennent39 , ou qu’ils sont en route soit pour se rendre au lieu des sessions, soit pour en revenir. On ne pourra pas, en dehors de la Législature, leur demander compte des discours qu’ils auront prononcés dans l’une ou l’autre Chambre.

A RT. 27. No Senator or Representative shall, during the term for which he was elected, nor for one year thereafter, be appointed or elected to any civil office of profit under this State, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been increased during the time such Senator or Representative was in office, except to such offices or appointments as may be filled by the elections of the people.

A RT. 27. Les sénateurs et représentans ne peuvent durant la période que doit remplir leur mandat, ni même dans l’année qui suivra l’expiration de ce mandat, être nommés ou élus à aucune fonction civile salariée dépendant de l’Etat, laquelle aurait été créée ou dont la rémunération aurait été augmentée pendant la durée de leurs fonctions. Ils sont néanmoins éligibles aux places soumises à l’élection populaire.

A RT. 28. No person who at any time may have been a Collector of Taxes, whether State, Parish or Municipal, or who may have been otherwise entrusted with public money, shall be eligible to the General Assembly, or to any office of profit or trust under the State Government, until he shall have obtained a discharge for the amount of such collections, and for all public moneys with which he may have been entrusted.

A RT. 28. Aucune personne chargée, à une époque quelconque, de la perception des taxes, soit pour l’Etat, soit pour une paroisse ou une municipalité, ou à qui les deniers publics auront été d’une façon, ou d’autre confiés, ne sera éligible à l’Assemblée Générale, à une place salariée ou à un poste honorifique dépendant de l’Etat, si elle n’a préalablement obtenu une quittance pour le montant des taxes qu’elle aura perçues ou pour les fonds publics qui lui auraient été confiés.

A RT. 29. No bill shall have the force of

A RT. 29. Aucun bill ne deviendra loi

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1852) a law until on three several days, it be read over in each House of the General Assembly, and free discussion allowed thereon, unless in case of urgency, four-fifths of the House where the bill shall be pending, may deem it expedient to dispense with this rule.

avant d’avoir été lu à trois jours différents dans chaque Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale et d’avoir été librement discuté. Cependant, en cas d’urgence, la Chambre où le bill est pris en considération peut, à la majorité des quatre-cinquièmes des membres, écarter le réglement, si elle le juge à propos.

A RT. 30. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose amendments as in other bills; provided they shall not introduce any new matter under color of an amendment, which does not relate to raising revenue.

A RT. 30. La Chambre des Représentans aura seule le droit de proposer les bills dont l’objet est la perception du revenu ; mais le Sénat aura la faculté de proposer des amendements, comme pour les bills ordinaires, pourvu que sous prétexte de modification il n’introduise aucune nouvelle disposition étrangère à la perception du revenu.

A RT. 31. The General Assembly shall regulate by law, by whom, and in what manner writs of election4 shall be issued to fill the vacancies which may happen in either branch thereof.

A RT. 31. L’Assemblée Générale indiquera40 par une loi, la source d’où émaneront les ordres d’élection41 pour pourvoir aux vacances qui surviendront dans l’une et l’autre Chambre, ainsi que la manière dont ces ordres seront donnés.

A RT. 32. The Senate shall vote on the confirmation or rejection of officers, to be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, by yeas and nays, and the names of the Senators voting for and5 against the appointments respectively, shall be entered on a journal to be kept for that purpose, and made public at the end of each session, or before.

A RT. 32. Le Sénat statuera par oui et par non sur la confirmation ou le rejet des officiers que le Gouverneur doit nommer avec le concours du Sénat. Les noms des Sénateurs qui voteront pour ou contre une nomination quelconque, seront inscrits dans un journal tenu à cet effet, et qui sera publié à la fin de chaque session ou même avant cette époque.

A RT. 33. Returns of all elections for members of the General Assembly shall be made to the Secretary of State.

A RT. 33. Les bulletins d’élection42 des membres de l’Assemblée Générale seront transmis au Secrétaire d’Etat.

A RT. 34. In the year in which a regular election for a Senator of the United States is to take place, the members of the General Assembly shall meet in the Hall of the House of Representatives, on the Monday following the meeting of the Legislature, and proceed to the said election.

A RT. 34. L’année où l’élection régulière d’un Sénateur au Congrès des Etats-Unis doit avoir lieu, les membres de 1’Assemblée Générale se réuniront dans l’enceinte de la Chambre des Représentans, le lundi qui suivra l’ouverture de la session législative, et procéderont à cette élection.

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L OUISIANA

TITLE III

TITRE III

Executive Department

Pouvoir exécutif43

A RT. 35. The Supreme Executive power of the State shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate, who shall be styled the Governor of the State of Louisiana. He shall hold his office during the term of four years, and together with the Lieutenant Governor, chosen for the same term, be elected as follows: The qualified electors for Representatives, shall vote for a Governor and Lieutenant Governor, at the time and place of voting for Representatives; the returns of every election shall be sealed up and transmitted by the proper returning officer to the Secretary of State, who shall deliver them to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, on the second day of the session of the General Assembly, then next to be holden. The members of the General Assembly shall meet in the House of Representatives, to examine and count the votes. The person having the greatest number of votes for Governor shall be declared duly elected, but if two or more persons shall be equal and highest in the number of votes polled for Governor, one of them shall immediately be chosen Governor by joint vote of the members of the General Assembly. The person having the greatest number of votes for Lieutenant Governor shall be Lieutenant Governor, but if two or more persons shall be equal and highest in the number of votes polled for Lieutenant Governor, one of them shall be immediately chosen Lieutenant Governor by joint vote of the members of the General Assembly.

A RT. 35. Le pouvoir exécutif suprême est confié à un magistrat44 qui portera le titre de Gouverneur de l’Etat de la Louisiane, et qui restera quatre ans en fonctions. Le Gouverneur sera élu, ainsi que le LieutenantGouverneur nommé45 pour la même période, de la manière suivante : Les électeurs reconnus comme tels, ayant droit de voter à l’élection des Représentans46 , voteront aussi pour un Gouverneur et un Lieutenant-Gouverneur, à l’époque et à l’endroit où ils votent pour les Représentans. Les bulletins47 de chaque élection seront scellés et transmis par l’officier chargé de ce devoir au Secrétaire d’Etat, qui les remettra à l’Orateur de la Chambre des Représentans, le deuxième jour de la session de l’Assemblée Générale qui suivra ladite élection. Les membres de l’Assemblée Générale se réuniront dans l’enceinte de la Chambre des Représentans pour examiner et compter les votes. La personne qui aura reçu le plus grand nombre de voix pour la place de Gouverneur sera déclarée dûment élue. Si, néanmoins, deux personnes, ou plus, obtiennent pour la place de Gouverneur un nombre de voix égal, et que le chiffre des suffrages qu’elles ont ainsi reçus soit le plus considérable, l’une d’elles sera immédiatement nommée48 Gouverneur par le vote réuni des membres de l’Assemblée Générale. La personne qui aura reçu le plus grand nombre de voix pour le poste de LieutenantGouverneur sera Lieutenant-Gouverneur ; mais si deux personnes, ou plus, obtiennent pour cette place un nombre de voix égal, et que le chiffre des suffrages qu’elles ont ainsi reçus soit le plus considérable, l’une d’elles sera immédiatement nommée49 LieutenantGouverneur par le vote réuni des membres de l’Assemblée Générale.

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1852) A RT. 36. No person shall be eligible to the office of Governor or LieutenantGovernor who shall not have attained the age of twenty-eight years, and been a citizen and a resident within the State for the space of four years next preceding his election.

A RT. 36. Nul ne sera éligible à la place de Gouverneur ou de Lieutenant-Gouverneur s’il n’a atteint l’âge de vingt-huit ans, s’il n’a été citoyen de l’Etat pendant quatre ans, et s’il n’y a résidé pendant les quatre années qui auront50 immédiatement précédé son élection.

A RT. 37. The Governor shall enter on the discharge of his duties on the fourth Monday of January next ensuing his election, and shall continue in office until the Monday next succeeding the day that his successor shall be declared duly elected, and shall have taken the oath or affirmation required by this6 Constitution.

A RT. 37. Le Gouverneur entrera en fonction51 le quatrième lundi du mois de janvier, qui suivra immédiatement son élection et continuera à exercer ses devoirs jusqu’au lundi qui suivra immédiatement le jour que son successeur aura été déclaré dûment élu et aura prêté le serment52 requis par la Constitution.

A RT. 38. The Governor shall be ineligible for the succeeding four years, after the expiration of the time for which he shall have been elected.

A RT. 38. Le Gouverneur ne pourra pas être réélu pour les quatre années qui suivront l’expiration de la période pendant laquelle il aura exercé ses fonctions en cette qualité53 .

A RT. 39. No member of Congress or person holding any office under the United States shall be eligible to the office of Governor or Lieutenant Governor.

A RT. 39. Aucun membre du Congrès, ni aucune personne remplissant des fonctions dépendant des Etats-Unis, ne sera éligible à la place de Gouverneur ou de LieutenantGouverneur.

A RT. 40. In case of the impeachment of the Governor, his removal from office, death, refusal or inability to qualify, resignation or absence from the State, the powers and duties of the office shall devolve upon the Lieutenant Governor for the residue of the term, or until the Governor, absent or impeached, shall return or be acquitted. The Legislature may provide by law for the case of removal, impeachment, death, resignation, disability or refusal to qualify, of both the Governor and7 Lieutenant Governor, declaring what officer shall act as Governor, and such officer shall act accordingly until the disability be removed or for the residue of the term.

A RT. 40. Dans le cas où le Gouverneur serait mis en accusation54 , ou serait mort ou destitué, ou refuserait ou serait incapable d’établir qu’il remplit les conditions requises pour la place, ou aurait donné sa démission, ou se serait absenté de l’Etat, les attributions et les devoirs de sa place passeront au Lieutenant-Gouverneur pour la période inachevée, ou jusqu’à ce que le Gouverneur, absent ou mis en accusation, soit de retour ou acquitté. La Législature devra pourvoir55 aux divers cas de destitution, de mise en accusation, de mort, de démission, de non-accomplissement des conditions requises, qui laisseront vacantes les places56 de Gouverneur et de LieutenantGouverneur, et indiquer l’officier qui remplira les fonctions de Gouverneur. Cet officier en exercera les devoirs jusqu’à ce que les empêchemens prévus dans cet article

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L OUISIANA aient cessé ou jusqu’à l’expiration de la période des quatre années57 . A RT. 41. The Lieutenant Governor, or officer discharging the duties of Governor, shall, during his administration, receive the same compensation to which the Governor would have been entitled, had he continued in office.

A RT. 41. Le Lieutenant-Gouverneur ou tout autre officier remplissant les fonctions de Gouverneur, recevra, pendant son administration, le même traitement qu’aurait touché le Gouverneur s’il fût resté en place.

A RT. 42. The Lieutenant Governor shall, by virtue of his office, be President of the Senate, but shall have only a casting vote therein. Whenever he shall administer the Government, or shall be unable to attend as President of the Senate, the Senators shall elect one of their own members as President of the Senate for the time being.

A RT. 42. Le Lieutenant-Gouverneur sera, en vertu de sa place, président du Sénat, mais il ne pourra voter que pour départager les suffrages. Lorsqu’il sera appelé à remplacer le Gouverneur58 , ou qu’il ne pourra pas présider le Sénat, les Sénateurs choisiront parmi eux un président par interim.

A RT. 43. While he acts as President of the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor shall receive for his services the same compensation which shall for the same period be allowed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and no more.

A RT. 43. Le Lieutenant-Gouverneur, quand il présidera le Sénat, recevra une rétribution égale à celle qui aura été allouée pour la même période à l’Orateur de la Chambre des Représentans et pas davantage.

A RT. 44. The Governor shall have power to grant reprieves for all offences against the State, and except in cases of impeachment, shall, with the consent of the Senate, have power to grant pardons and remit fines and forfeitures8 , after conviction. In cases of treason he may grant reprieves, until the end of the next session of the General Assembly, in which the power of pardoning shall be vested.

A RT. 44. Le Gouverneur a le pouvoir d’accorder des sursis pour tout délit commis dans l’Etat ; à l’exception du cas59 d’impeachment, il pourra, avec le consentement du Sénat, accorder aux parties condamnées leur pardon et la remise de leurs amendes60 . Dans les cas de trahison, il pourra accorder un sursis jusqu’à la fin de la session suivante de l’Assemblée Générale, laquelle a seule le pouvoir de pardonner.

A RT. 45. The Governor shall, at stated times, receive for his services a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the term for which he shall have been elected.

A RT. 45. Le Gouverneur recevra à certaines époques déterminées une rétribution qui ne sera ni augmentée ni diminuée durant la période pour laquelle il aura été élu.

A RT. 46. He shall be Commander-inChief of the Army and Navy of this State, and of the Militia thereof, except when they shall be called into the service of the United States.

A RT. 46. Le Gouverneur sera le commandant-en-chef de l’armée et de la marine de cet Etat, ainsi que de61 la milice, excepté le cas où les forces de la Louisiane seraient appelée au service des Etats-Unis.

A RT. 47. He shall nominate, and by and

A RT. 47. Il nommera, avec le concours62

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1852) with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint all officers whose offices are established by this Constitution, and whose appointment is not therein otherwise provided for; Provided, however, that the Legislature shall have a right to prescribe the mode of appointment to all other offices established by law.

du Sénat, tous les officiers dont les fonctions sont établies par cette Constitution et dont le mode de nomination n’est pas autrement indiqué. Cependant, la Législature aura le droit de prescrire le mode de nomination à toutes les autres places créées par la loi.

A RT. 48. The Governor shall have power to fill vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of the next session, unless otherwise provided for in this Constitution; but no person who has been nominated for office, and rejected by the Senate, shall be appointed to the same office during the recess of the Senate.

A RT. 48. Le Gouverneur a le pouvoir de nommer aux places qui deviendront vacantes dans l’intervalle des sessions du Sénat, et dans ce cas il accordera des commissions qui expireront à la fin de la session suivante, à moins qu’il n’y soit autrement pourvu dans cette Constitution. Aucune personne présentée par le Gouverneur et rejetée par le Sénat, ne pourra être nommée aux mêmes fonctions après l’ajournement du Sénat.

A RT. 49. He may require information in writing from the officers in the Executive Department, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices.

A RT. 49. Le Gouverneur peut demander des renseignemens par écrit aux officiers du département exécutif sur tout ce qui a rapport aux devoirs de leurs charges respectives.

A RT. 50. He shall, from time to time, give to the General Assembly information respecting the situation of the State, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he may deem expedient.

A RT. 50. Il transmettra, de temps à autre, à l’Assemblée Générale, toutes les informations nécessaires63 sur la situation de l’Etat, et appellera son attention sur les mesures qu’il jugera convenables.

A RT. 51. He may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the General Assembly at the seat of Government, or at a different place, if that should have become dangerous from an enemy or from epidemic; and in case of disagreement between the two Houses as to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he may think proper, not exceeding four months.

A RT. 51. Il peut, dans les conjonctures64 extraordinaires, convoquer l’Assemblée Générale au siège du gouvernement, ou dans une autre localité, si l’endroit où siège le gouvernement est devenu un séjour dangereux par le voisinage de l’ennemi ou le règne d’une épidémie. Dans le cas où les deux Chambres seront en désaccord sur l’ajournement, le Gouverneur peut les proroger à telle époque qu’il jugera convenable, pourvu que la période ne dépasse pas quatre mois.

A RT. 52. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

A RT. 52. Le Gouverneur veillera à ce que les lois soient fidèlement exécutées.

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L OUISIANA A RT. 53. Every bill which shall have passed both Houses shall be presented to the Governor; if he approve, he shall sign it, if not he shall return it with his objections to the House in which it originated, which shall enter the objections at large upon its journal, and proceed to reconsider it; if, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of all the members elected to that House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, with the objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to that House, it shall be a law; but in such cases the vote of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the members voting for or against the bill shall be entered on the journal of each House respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the Governor within ten days (Sundays9 excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, it shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the General Assembly, by adjournment, prevent its return; in which case it shall be a law, unless sent back within three days after their next session.

A RT. 53. Tout bill qui aura été voté par les deux Chambres sera soumis au Gouverneur. S’il l’approuve il y apposera sa signature ; dans le cas contraire, il le renverra avec ses objections à la Chambre où le projet de loi a pris naissance, et ces objections seront inscrites tout au long dans le procès-verbal de la séance. Puis la Chambre reprendra le bill en considération. Si, après cette nouvelle délibération, les deux tiers de tous les membres élus à ladite Chambre s’entendent pour voter le bill, le projet de loi sera transmis, avec les objections du Gouverneur, à l’autre Chambre, qui à son tour le reprendra en considération ; et si le bill est approuvé par les deux tiers de tous les membres élus à cette65 seconde Chambre, le projet deviendra loi. Dans ces cas, les membres des deux Chambres voteront par oui et par non, et les noms de ceux qui voteront respectivement pour et contre le bill seront inscrits au journal de chaque Chambre. Tout bill qui ne sera point renvoyé par le Gouverneur dans les dix jours (les dimanches exceptés) qui suivront celui où il lui aura été présenté, deviendra loi comme si le Gouverneur y avait apposé sa signature, à moins que l’Assemblée Générale, en s’ajournant, ait empêché le renvoi du bill ; dans ce dernier cas, le projet deviendra loi s’il n’est pas renvoyé dans les trois premiers jours de la session suivante.

A RT. 54. Every order, resolution or vote to which the concurrence of both Houses may be necessary, except on a question of adjournment, shall be presented to the Governor, and before it shall take effect, be approved by him, or, being disapproved, shall be repassed by two-thirds of the members elected to each House of the General Assembly.

A RT. 54. Tout ordre, toute résolution ou tout vote qui exige le concours des deux Chambres, excepté les propositions d’ajournement, sera soumis au Gouverneur et devra être approuvé par lui avant d’être mis à exécution. Si le Gouverneur refuse sa sanction, le vote des deux tiers des membres élus à chaque Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale sera nécessaire pour maintenir la mesure.

A RT. 55. There shall be a Secretary of State who shall hold his office during the time for which the Governor shall have been elected. The records of the State shall be

A RT. 55. Il y aura un Secrétaire d’Etat, qui restera en place pendant toute la période pour laquelle le Gouverneur aura été élu. Les archives de l’Etat seront déposés

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1852) kept and preserved in the office of the Secretary; he shall keep a fair register of the official acts and proceedings of the Governor, and when necessary, shall attest them. He shall, when required, lay the said register, and all papers, minutes and vouchers relative to his office, before either House of the General Assembly, and shall perform such other duties as may be enjoined on him by law.

et conservés dans les bureaux du Secrétaire. Cet officier tiendra un registre66 de tous les actes officiels du Gouverneur et les certifiera à l’occasion. Il devra, quand il en sera requis, soumettre ce registre, ainsi que tous les papiers et certificats67 de son bureau, à l’une ou l’autre Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale et remplir tous les autres devoirs qui lui seront commandés par la loi.

A RT. 56. There shall be a Treasurer of the State who shall hold his office during the term of two years.

A RT. 56. Il y aura un Trésorier d’Etat qui restera en fonction pendant deux ans.

A RT. 57. The Secretary of State and Treasurer of State, shall be elected by the qualified electors of the State. And in case of any vacancies caused by the death, resignation or absence of the Treasurer or Secretary of State, the Governor shall order an election, to fill said vacancy.

A RT. 57. Le Secrétaire d’Etat et le Trésorier d’Etat seront élus par les votans68 de l’Etat. Dans le cas où l’une de ces places deviendrait vacante par suite de la mort, de la démission, ou de l’absence du Trésorier ou du Secrétaire d’Etat, le Gouverneur ordonnera une élection pour remplir la vacance.

A RT. 58. All commissions shall be in the name and by the authority of the State of Louisiana, and shall be sealed with the State seal and signed by the Governor.

A RT. 58. Toutes les commissions seront accordées au nom de l’Etat de la Louisiane et par son autorité : elles porteront le sceau de l’Etat et la signature du Gouverneur.

A RT. 59. The free white men of the State shall be armed and disciplined for its defence; but those who belong to religious societies, whose tenets forbid them to carry arms, shall not be compelled so to do, but shall pay an equivalent for personal services.

A RT. 59. Les hommes libres et69 blancs de l’Etat seront armés et disciplinés pour la défense du territoire. Ceux à qui leurs croyances religieuses70 ne permettent point de porter les armes n’y seront pas contraints, mais ils seront tenus de compenser à prix d’argent la perte de leurs services personnels.

A RT. 60. The Militia of the State shall be organized in such manner as may be hereafter deemed most expedient by the Legislature.

A RT. 60. La Législature organisera la milice de l’Etat sur le pied qu’elle jugera convenable.

TITLE IV

TITRE IV

Judiciary Department

Pouvoir judiciaire71

A RT. 61. The Judiciary power shall be

A RT. 61. Le pouvoir judiciaire est confié

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L OUISIANA vested in a Supreme Court, in such Inferior Courts as the Legislature may, from time to time, order and establish, and in Justices of the Peace.

à une Cour Suprême, à telles cours inférieures que la Législature72 jugera convenable de créer et aux justices de paix.

A RT. 62. The Supreme Court, except in10 cases hereinafter provided, shall have appellate jurisdiction only; which jurisdiction shall extend to all cases when the matter in dispute shall exceed three hundred dollars; to all cases in which the constitutionality or legality of any tax, toll, or impost whatsoever, or of any fine, forfeiture or penalty imposed by a municipal corporation, shall be in contestation; and to all criminal cases on questions of law alone, whenever the offence charged, is punishable with death, or imprisonment at hard labor, or when a fine exceeding three hundred dollars is actually imposed. The Legislature shall have power to restrict the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in civil cases to questions of law only.

A RT. 62. La Cour Suprême, sauf les cas ci-après spécifiés, n’aura qu’une juridiction d’appel, laquelle embrassera toutes les affaires où la valeur de l’objet en litige excédera la somme de trois cents piastres, et toutes celles où la constitutionnalité ou la légalité d’une taxe, d’un péage, d’un impôt quelconque, ou bien d’une amende, d’une confiscation ou d’une pénalité infligée par une corporation municipale sera mise en question. La juridiction de la Cour Suprême comprendra, en matière criminelle, la solution des questions de droit seulement, lorsque le crime imputé entraîne la peine de mort ou les travaux forcés ou encore lorsque l’amende qui est73 infligée excède trois cents piastres. La Législature aura le droit de restreindre la juridiction de la Cour Suprême en matière civile à la solution de questions de droit.

A RT. 63. The Supreme Court shall be composed of one Chief Justice and four Associate Justices, a majority of whom shall constitute a quorum. The Chief Justice shall receive a salary of six thousand dollars, and each of the Associate Judges a salary of five thousand five hundred dollars, annually, until otherwise provided by law. The Court shall appoint its own Clerks; the Judges shall be elected for the term of ten years.

A RT. 63. La Cour Suprême se composera d’un juge président et de quatre jugesassociés dont la majorité constituera un quorum. Le juge président recevra un salaire de six mille piastres, et chacun des jugesassociés un salaire de cinq mille cinq cents piastres par an, jusqu’à ce qu’il y soit autrement pourvu par la loi. La Cour Suprême nommera ses greffiers. Les juges de la Cour Suprême seront élus pour une période de dix années.

A RT. 64. The Chief Justice shall be elected by the qualified electors of the State. The Legislature shall divide the State into four Districts, and the qualified electors of each District shall elect one of the Associate Justices. The State shall be divided into the following Districts until the Legislature shall otherwise direct.

A RT. 64. Le président de la Cour Suprême sera élu par tous les votans74 de l’Etat. La Législature divisera l’Etat en quatre districts et les électeurs75 de chaque district nommeront76 un des juges-associés. L’Etat, jusqu’à ce que la Législature en ait ordonné autrement, sera divisé de la manière suivante :

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1852)

First District

Premier district

The Parishes of Plaquemines, St. Bernard, that portion of the Parish of Orleans on the right bank of the Mississippi River, and that portion of the City of New Orleans which lies below the line extending from the River Mississippi, along the middle of Julia street, until it strikes the New Orleans Canal, and thence down said Canal to the Lake.

Paroisses Plaquemines,77 St. Bernard, la portion de la Paroisse d’Orléans, située sur la rive droite du Mississippi, la portion de la ville de la Nouvelle-Orléans comprise audessous de la ligne qui s’étend du fleuve en suivant le milieu de la rue Julie jusqu’au Canal de la Nouvelle-Orléans et de là en suivant ledit Canal jusqu’au lac.

Second District

Deuxième district

That portion of the City of New Orleans which is situated above the line extending along the middle of Julia street until it strikes the New Orleans Canal, and thence down said Canal to the Lake, and the Parishes of Jefferson, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, St. James, Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche Interior, Terrebonne, West Baton Rouge and Iberville.

La portion de la ville de la NouvelleOrléans située audessus de la ligne qui s’étend du fleuve78 en suivant le milieu de la rue Julie jusqu’au canal de la NouvelleOrléans et de là en suivant ledit canal jusqu’au lac ; paroisses Jefferson, St. Jean Baptiste, St. Charles, St. Jacques, Ascension, Assomption, Lafourche Intérieure, Terrebonne, Ouest Baton Rouge, Iberville.

Third District

Troisième district

The Parishes of St. Tammany, Washington, Livingston, St. Helena, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Point Coupee, Avoyelles, Tensas, Concordia, Lafayette, Vermillion, St. Mary, St. Martin and St. Landry.

Paroisses St. Tammany, Washington, Livingston, Ste. Hélène, Est Baton Rouge, Est Féliciana, Ouest Féliciana, Pointe Coupée, Avoyelles, Tensas, Concordia, Lafayette, Vermillion, Ste Marie, St. Martin, St. Landry.

Fourth District

Quatrième district

The Parishes of Calcasieu, Rapides, Sabine, Natchitoches, De Soto, Caddo, Bossier, Claiborne, Bienville, Caldwell, Union, Ouachita, Morehouse, Jackson, Franklin, Catahoula, Madison, Carroll and Winn.

Paroisses Calcasieu, Rapides, Sabine, Natchitoches, De Soto, Caddo, Bossier, Claiborne, Bienville, Caldwell, Union, Ouachita, Morehouse, Jackson, Franklin, Catahoula, Madison, Carroll, Winn.

A RT. 65. The office of one of the Associate Justices shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, of another at the expiration of the fourth year, of a third at the expiration of the sixth year, and of the

A RT. 65. Le mandat de l’un des jugesassociés expirera à la fin de la deuxième année ; le mandat d’un autre expirera à la fin de la quatrième année ; celui d’un troisième à la fin de la sixième année, et celui du qua-

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L OUISIANA fourth at the expiration of the eighth year – so that one of the Judges of the Supreme Court shall be elected every second year.

trième à la fin de la huitième année ; de sorte que tous les deux ans il sera nommé79 un juge de la Cour Suprême.

A RT. 66. The Secretary of State, on receiving the official returns of the first election, shall proceed immediately, in the presence and with the assistance of two Justices of the Peace, to determine by lot among the four candidates having the highest number of votes in the respective districts, which of the Associate Justices11 elect shall serve for the term of two years, which shall serve for the term of four years, which for the term of six years, and which for the term of eight years, and the Governor shall issue commissions accordingly.

A RT. 66. Le Secrétaire d’Etat, après avoir reçu les bulletins80 officiels de la première élection, s’occupera immédiatement, en présence de deux juges de paix et avec leur coopération, de déterminer, en tirant au sort les noms des quatre candidats qui ont obtenu le plus grand nombre de voix dans leurs districts respectifs, lequel des juges-associés devra se retirer à l’expiration de la deuxième année81 , lequel à l’expiration de la quatrième année, lequel à l’expiration de la sixième année, et lequel enfin à l’expiration de la huitième année. Le Gouverneur émettra les commissions selon que le sort aura prononcé.

A RT. 67. Any vacancy that may occur in the Supreme Court from resignation or otherwise, shall be filled by election for the remainder of the unexpired term, but if such remainder do not exceed one year, the vacancy shall be filled by Executive appointment.

A RT. 67. Toute vacance qui surviendra dans la Cour Suprême par suite de démission ou autrement, sera remplie par une élection pour la période inachevée. Cependant si cette période ne dépasse pas une année, le droit de nomination appartiendra au Gouverneur.

A RT. 68. The Supreme Court shall hold its Sessions in New Orleans from the first Monday of the month of November to the end of the month of June inclusive. The Legislature shall have power to fix the sessions elsewhere during the rest of the year; until otherwise provided, the sessions shall be held as heretofore.

A RT. 68. La Cour Suprême siégera à la Nouvelle-Orléans depuis le 1er lundi du mois de novembre jusqu’à la fin du mois de juin inclusivement ; la Législature a le pouvoir d’indiquer les localitiés où elle devra siéger pendant le reste de l’année. La Cour Suprême tiendra ses sessions comme par le passé jusqu’à ce qu’il y soit autrement pourvu.

A RT. 69. The Supreme Court and each of the Judges thereof shall have power to issue writs of “habeas corpus,” at the instance of all persons in actual custody under process in all cases in which they may have appellate jurisdiction.

A RT. 69. La Cour Suprême, ainsi que chacun des juges qui la composent, a le pouvoir, dans les affaires qui sont du ressort de sa juridiction d’appel, d’émettre des ordres d’habeas corpus, à la sollicitation de toute personne arrêtée en vertu d’un ordre judiciaire82 .

A RT. 70. No judgment shall be rendered by the Supreme Court without the concur-

A RT. 70. La majorité des juges composant la Cour Suprême est nécessaire pour

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1852) rence of a majority of the Judges comprising the Court. Whenever a majority cannot agree, in consequence of the recusation of any member or members of the Court, the Judges not recused, shall have power to call upon any Judge or Judges of the Inferior Courts, whose duty it shall be, when so called upon, to sit in the place of the Judges recused, and to aid in determining the case.

que le tribunal rende un arrêt. Lorsque par suite de la récusation d’un ou de plusieurs membres de la Cour, l’adhésion de la majorité devient impossible, les juges non récusés auront le droit83 de s’adresser aux juges84 des Cours inférieures, lesquels seront tenus de remplacer les juges récusés et de participer à la décision de la cause.

A RT. 71. All Judges, by virtue of their office, shall be conservators of the peace throughout the State. The style of all process shall be “The State of Louisiana.” All prosecutions shall be carried on in the name, and by authority of the State of Louisiana, and conclude against the peace and dignity of the same.

A RT. 71. Les juges sont, en vertu de leur place, conservateurs de la paix dans tout l’Etat. Les ordres ou mandats judiciaires seront précédés de ce titre85 : “l’Etat de la Louisiane.” Les poursuites criminelles86 seront dirigées “au nom et par l’autorité de l’Etat de la Louisiane,” et seront terminées par cette formule : “en violation de la paix et de la dignité de l’Etat.”

A RT. 72. The Judges of all Courts within this12 State shall, as often as it may be possible so to do, in every definitive judgment, refer to the particular law in virtue of which such judgment may be rendered, and in all cases adduce the reasons on which their judgment is founded.

A RT. 72. Les juges de toutes les Cours de cet Etat devront, aussi souvent que faire se pourra, dans tout jugement définitif, citer la loi en vertu de laquelle le jugement est rendu ; et dans tous les cas ils devront exposer les motifs sur lesquels est basé leur jugement.

A RT. 73. The Judges of all Courts shall be liable to impeachment, but for any reasonable cause, which shall not be sufficient ground for impeachment, the Governor shall remove any of them, on the address of threefourths of the members present of each House of the General Assembly. In every such case, the cause or causes for which such removal may be required, shall be stated at length in the address, and inserted in the Journal of each House.

A RT. 73. Les Juges de toutes les Cours peuvent être mis en accusation par voie d’impeachment. Lorsque cependant leur faute ne sera pas assez grave pour motiver des poursuites aussi rigoureuses87 , le Gouverneur pourra les destituer purement et simplement88 à la requête des trois quarts des membres présens dans chaque Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale. Dans ces cas, la cause89 qui a provoqué la destitution sera énoncée dans le mémoire de l’Assemblée Générale90 et insérée au procès-verbal de chacune des Chambres.

A RT. 74. There shall be an AttorneyGeneral for the State, and as many District Attorneys as may be hereafter found necessary. They shall hold their offices for four years, their duties shall be determined by law.

A RT. 74. Il y aura un Avocat-Général pour l’Etat et autant d’Avocats de District91 qu’il en faudra selon les circonstances. Ces officiers exerceront leurs fonctions pendant quatre années ; la loi réglera leur devoirs.

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L OUISIANA A RT. 75. The Judges, both of the Supreme and Inferior Courts, shall, at stated times, receive a salary, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office; and they are prohibited from receiving any fees of office, or other compensation than their salaries for any civil duties performed by them.

A RT. 75. Les Juges de la Cour Suprême et ceux des Cours inférieures recevront, à des époques fixes, un traitement dont le chiffre ne pourra point être diminué tant que leur mandat ne sera pas expiré. Il leur est défendu de recevoir des honoraires ou toute rétribution autre que leur traitement pour les devoirs92 qu’ils sont appelés à remplir.

A RT. 76. The Legislature shall have power to vest in Clerks of Courts authority to grant such orders and do such acts as may be deemed necessary for the furtherance of the administration of justice, and in all cases the powers thus granted shall be specified and determined.

A RT. 76. La Législature peut autoriser les Greffiers de Cours à émettre tels ordres et à accomplir tels actes qui seront de nature à faciliter l’administration de la justice. Néanmoins les pouvoirs qui sont ainsi accordés aux Greffiers, devront toujours être spécifiés et clairement93 définis.

A RT. 77. The Judges of the several Inferior Courts shall have power to remove the Clerks thereof, for breach of good behaviour; subject in all cases to an appeal to the Supreme Court.

A RT. 77. Les Juges des diverses Cours inférieures peuvent destituer leurs Greffiers pour inconduite officielle94 . Mais les Greffiers ainsi destitués peuvent toujours interjeter appel à la Cour Suprême.

A RT. 78. The jurisdiction of Justices of the Peace shall be limited in civil cases to cases where the matter in dispute does not exceed one hundred dollars, exclusive of interest, subject to appeal in such cases as shall be provided for by law. They shall be elected by the qualified electors of each Parish, District or Ward, for the term of two years in such manner, and shall have such criminal jurisdiction as shall be provided by law.

A RT. 78. La juridiction des Juges de Paix en matière civile sera bornée aux réclamations dont la valeur ne dépassera pas cent piastres, non compris l’intérêt. Appel pourra être interjeté dans les cas déterminés par la loi. Les Juges de Paix seront élus par les votans95 de chaque paroisse, de chaque district ou de chaque arrondissement, pour une période de deux années, de la manière qui sera prescrite par la loi, et96 exerceront telle juridiction criminelle qui leur sera également attribuée par la loi.

A RT. 79. Clerks of the Inferior Courts in this State shall be elected for the term of four years, and should a vacancy occur subsequent to an election, it shall be filled by the Judge of the Court in which such vacancy exists, and the person so appointed shall hold his office until the next general election.

A RT. 79. Les Greffiers des Cours Inférieures de l’Etat seront élus par les votans de chaque paroisse97 , pour une période de quatre années. S’il se déclare une vacance après l’élection, le Juge de la Cour où cette vacance sera survenue nommera un autre Greffier, et la personne ainsi nommée restera en place jusqu’à l’élection générale suivante.

A RT. 80. A Sheriff and a Coroner shall be elected in each Parish by the qualified voters

A RT. 80. Un Shérif et un Coroner seront élus dans chaque paroisse par les votans98

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1852) thereof, who shall hold their offices13 for the term of two years, unless sooner removed. The Legislature shall have the power to increase the number of Sheriffs in any Parish. Should a vacancy occur in either of these offices subsequent to an election, it shall be filled by the Governor; and the person so appointed shall continue in office until his successor shall be elected and qualified.

A RT. 81. The Judges of the several Inferior Courts shall be elected by the duly qualified voters of their respective Districts or Parishes. A RT. 82. It shall be the duty of the Legislature to fix the time for holding elections for all Judges at a time which shall be different from that fixed for all other elections.

de ladite paroisse. Ces officiers exerceront leurs fonctions pendant une période de deux années, à moins qu’ils ne soient destitués. La Législature aura le droit d’augmenter le nombre des shérifs dans une paroisse quelconque. Si une paroisse perd d’une manière ou d’une autre, après l’élection, son Shérif ou son Coroner, le Gouverneur nommera à la place vacante, et la personne ainsi nommée exercera les fonctions qui lui sont attribuées jusqu’à ce que l’élection lui ait donné un successeur99 . A RT. 81. Les Juges des différentes Cours inférieures seront élus par les votans100 de leurs paroisses ou de leurs districts. A RT. 82. La Législature devra fixer l’élection de tous les Juges à une époque distincte de celle fixée pour toute autre élection.

A RT. 83. The Attorney-General shall be elected by the qualified voters of the State, and the District Attorneys by the qualified voters of each District on the day of the election for Governor of the State.

A RT. 83. L’Avocat Général sera élu par les votans101 de l’Etat, et les Avocats de District par les votans102 de chaque district, en même temps que le Gouverneur de l’Etat.

A RT. 84. The Legislature may determine the mode of filling vacancies in the offices of the Inferior Judges, Attorney-General, District Attorneys, and all other officers not otherwise provided for in this Constitution.

A RT. 84. La Législature indiquera de quelle manière doivent être remplacés, quand survient une vacance quelconque, les Juges inférieurs, l’Avocat-Général, les Avocats de District et les autres officiers dont le mode de remplacement n’est pas indiqué par la Constitution.

TITLE V

TITRE V

Impeachment

Poursuite par voie d’ impeachment103

A RT. 85. The power of impeachment shall be vested in the House of Representatives.

A RT. 85. Le pouvoir d’ordonner les poursuites par voie d’impeachment est confié à la Chambre des Représentans.

A RT. 86. Impeachments14 of the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Attorney-General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and

A RT. 86. Lorsque le Gouverneur, le Lieutenant-Gouverneur, l’Avocat-Général, le Secrétaire d’Etat, le Trésorier d’Etat et

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L OUISIANA of the Judges of the Inferior Courts, Justices of the Peace excepted, shall be tried by the Senate; the15 Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or the senior Judge thereof, shall preside during the trial of such impeachment. Impeachments of the Judges of the Supreme Court shall be tried by the Senate. When sitting as a Court of Impeachment, the Senators shall be upon oath or affirmation, and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senators present.

les Juges des Cours inférieures (les Juges de Paix exceptés,) seront poursuivis par la voie d’impeachment, ils seront traduits devant le Sénat que présidera en pareille circonstance le juge-président ou le doyen de la Cour Suprême. Les Juges de la Cour Suprême, poursuivis par voie d’impeachment, seront également traduits devant le Sénat. Lorsque cette dernière Assemblée sera constituée en haute cour de justice104 , les Sénateurs devront prêter serment105 , et il ne pourra y avoir de condamnation que moyennant le concours des deux tiers des Sénateurs présens.

A RT. 87. Judgments in cases of impeachment shall extend only to removal from office and disqualification from holding any office of honor, trust or profit under this16 State: but the convicted parties shall, nevertheless, be subject to indictment, trial and punishment according to law.

A RT. 87. Les poursuites par voie d’impeachment n’entraîneront d’autre condamnation que la destitution et l’inhabilité à jamais remplir des fontions salariées ou honorifiques106 dépendant de l’Etat. Néanmoins les parties ainsi condamnées pourront être poursuivies et punies conformément à la loi.

A RT. 88. All officers against whom articles of impeachment may be preferred, shall be suspended from the exercise of their functions during the pendency of such impeachment: the appointing power may make a provisional appointment to replace any suspended officer until the decision of the impeachment.

A RT. 88. Les officiers poursuivis par voie d’impeachment ne pourront pas continuer107 à exercer leurs fonctions tant que dureront les poursuites. Il sera fait par qui de droit une nomination provisoire pour remplacer, jusqu’au dénouement de l’affaire, l’officier ainsi suspendu.

A RT. 89. The Legislature shall provide by law for the trial, punishment and removal from office of all other officers of the State by indictment or otherwise.

A RT. 89. La Législature devra pourvoir à la mise en accusation, au jugement et à la destitution de tous les autres officiers de l’Etat, soit selon les formes ordinaires soit autrement108 .

TITLE VI

TITRE VI

General Provisions

Dispositions générales

A RT. 90. Members of the General Assembly, and all officers before they enter upon the duties of their offices, shall take the following oath or affirmation:

A RT. 90. Les membres de l’Assemblée Générale et tous les officiers, avant d’exercer les fonctions qui leur sont attribuées, devront prêter le serment109 suivant : –

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1852) “I, (A. B.) do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of this State, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as ––––, according to the best of my abilities and understanding, agreeably to the Constitution and laws of the United States, and of this State; and I do further solemnly swear (or affirm) that since the adoption of the present Constitution, I, being a citizen of this State, have not fought a duel with deadly weapons within this State, nor out of it, with a citizen of this State, nor have I sent or accepted a challenge to fight a duel with deadly weapons with a citizen of this State, nor have I acted as second in carrying a challenge, or aided, advised or assisted any person thus offending, so help me God.”

“Je (A. B.) jure solennellement110 que je soutiendrai la Constitution des Etats-Unis et la Constitution de cet Etat. Je jure111 que je remplirai avec exactitude et impartialité, et du mieux qu’il me sera possible, les devoirs qui me sont imposés en qualité de ––––, conformément à la Constitution et aux lois des Etats-Unis et de cet Etat. Je jure en outre solennellement112 que depuis l’adoption de la présente Constitution, moi, citoyen des Etats-Unis, je ne me suis point battu en duel113 dans cet Etat ni hors de cet Etat, avec un citoyen de cet Etat, et que je n’ai envoyé ni accepté aucun cartel pour me battre en duel114 avec un citoyen de cet Etat, ni agi comme témoin en portant un cartel, ni aidé, conseillé ou assisté qui que ce soit à l’occasion d’un duel. Que Dieu me soit en aide.”

A RT. 91. Treason against the State shall consist only in levying war against it, or in adhering to its enemies giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or his own confession in open Court.

A RT. 91. Quiconque prendra les armes contre l’Etat ou co-opérera avec ses ennemis, ou les favorisera d’une manière ou d’une autre115 , sera coupable du crime de trahison. Nul ne pourra être convaincu de trahison à moins que deux témoins n’attestent le même fait, ou que la partie accusée ne fasse un aveu en pleine audience.

A RT. 92. Every person shall be disqualified from holding any office of trust or profit in this State, who shall have been convicted of having given, or offered a bribe to procure his election or appointment.

A RT. 92. Sera à jamais inhabile à exercer des fonctions salariées ou à remplir un poste de confiance dans cet Etat, quiconque aura été convaincu d’avoir mis en œuvre des moyens de corruption, pour assurer son élection ou sa nomination.

A RT. 93. Laws shall be made to exclude from office, and from the right of suffrage, those who shall hereafter be convicted of bribery, perjury, forgery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors. The privilege of free suffrage shall be supported by laws regulating elections, and prohibiting under adequate penalties, all undue influence thereon from power, bribery, tumult or other improper practice.

A RT. 93. Des lois seront faites pour exclure des emplois et priver du droit de suffrage tous ceux qui seront à l’avenir convaincus de subornation, de parjure, de faux, ou de tout autre crime ou délit grave. Le privilège du libre suffrage sera garanti par les lois qui règlent les élections et qui décréteront un châtiment proportionné à la gravité du délit contre quiconque exercera sur les élections une coupable influence au moyen du

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L OUISIANA pouvoir dont il dispose, de la corruption, du désordre, ou de toute autre façon condamnable. A RT. 94. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in pursuance of specific appropriation made by law, nor shall any appropriation of money be made for a longer term than two years. A regular statement and account17 of the receipts and expenditures of all18 public money19 shall be published annually, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law.

A RT. 94. Nulle somme ne sera tirée du trésor si ce n’est en vertu d’allocations expresses faites par la loi ; et aucune allocation ne sera faite pour plus de deux ans. Il sera publié tous les ans un état des recettes et dépenses des deniers publics, de la manière que prescrira la loi.

A RT. 95. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly to pass such laws as may be proper and necessary to decide differences20 by arbitration.

A RT. 95. L’Assemblée Générale devra voter les lois quelle croira nécessaires pour régler les affaires litigieuses soumises à l’arbitrage116 .

A RT. 96. All civil officers for the State at large shall reside within the State, and all district or parish officers, within their districts or parishes, and shall keep their offices at such places therein as may be required by law.

A RT. 96. Tous les officiers117 exerçant des fonctions qui dépendent de l’Etat devront résider dans l’Etat, et tous les officiers de district ou de paroisse, dans leur district ou dans leur paroisse. Ils tiendront leurs bureaux aux endroits indiqués par la loi.

A RT. 97. All civil officers, except the Governor and Judges of the Supreme and Inferior Courts, shall be re-moveable by an address of a majority of the members of both Houses, except those the removal of whom has been otherwise provided for21 by this Constitution.

A RT. 97. Tous les officiers civils, sauf le Gouverneur, les Juges de la Cour Suprême et les Juges des Cour inférieures, peuvent être destitués à la requête d’une majorité des membres des deux Chambres, à l’exception toutefois de ces officiers dont le mode particulier de destitution est indiqué par la Constitution.

A RT. 98. In all elections by the people the vote shall be by ballot, and in all elections by the Senate and House of Representatives, jointly or separately, the vote shall be given viva voce.

A RT. 98. Dans toutes les élections par le peuple le vote aura lieu au scrutin, et dans toutes les élections faites par le Sénat et la Chambre des Représentans, collectivement ou séparément, le vote aura lieu de vive voix.

A RT. 99. No member of Congress, nor22 person holding or exercising any office of trust or profit under the United States, or either of them, or under any foreign power, shall be eligible as a member of the General Assembly, or hold or exercise any office of trust or profit under the State.

A RT. 99. Les membres du Congrès, les personnes qui exercent des fonctions salariées ou remplissent un poste de confiance, dépendant des Etats-Unis ou d’un Etat quelconque, ou d’une puissance étrangère, ne pourront pas être élus membres de l’Assemblée Générale, ou exercer des fonc-

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1852) tions salariées ou honorifiques dépendant de l’Etat. A RT. 100. The laws, public records, and the judicial and legislative written proceedings of the State shall be promulgated, preserved and conducted in the language in which the Constitution of the United States is written.

A RT. 100. Les lois, les archives, les procédures judiciaires, les délibérations législatives seront rédigées et promulguées118 dans la langue dans laquelle est écrite la Constitution des Etats-Unis.

A RT. 101. The Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House of Representatives shall be conversant with the French and English languages, and members may address either House in the23 French or English language.

A RT. 101. Le Secrétaire du Sénat et le Greffier de la Chambre des Représentans, devront savoir l’anglais et le français, et les membres de l’Assemblée Générale pourront prendre la parole dans l’une ou l’autre chambre, en français ou en anglais.

A RT. 102. No power of suspending the laws of this State shall be exercised, unless by the Legislature or by its authority.

A RT. 102. Le pouvoir de suspendre les lois de cet Etat sera exercé uniquement par la Législature ou par son autorité.

A RT. 103. Prosecutions shall be by indictment or information. The accused shall have a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of the vicinage; he shall not be compelled to give evidence against himself; he shall have the right of being heard by himself or counsel; he shall have the right of meeting the witnesses face to face, and shall have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor.

A RT. 103. Toute poursuite criminelle119 sera basée sur un acte d’accusation. L’accusé devra être jugé publiquement et sans délai par un jury impartial de la localité. Il ne sera point forcé de s’incriminer lui-même ; il aura le droit de se défendre, en personne ou par un conseil, de se faire mettre en présence des témoins et d’exercer les moyens de contrainte que possédent les tribunaux pour assurer la comparution de ses120 témoins.

A RT. 104. All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, where the proof is evident or presumption great, or, unless after conviction for any offence or crime punishable with death or imprisonment at hard labor. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in case of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.

A RT. 104. Toute personne en état d’arrestation sera admise à fournir un cautionnement, moyennant des garanties suffisantes. Sont exceptées celles qui sont accusées d’un crime capital, alors que la preuve du crime est positive ou que les présomptions sont graves, et celles qui sont convaincues d’un crime ou délit quelconque entraînant l’application de la peine de mort ou des travaux forcés. Le privilége de l’habeas corpus ne sera jamais suspendu, sauf le cas d’invasion ou de révolte lorsque la sûreté publique le demandera.

A RT. 105. No ex post facto law, nor any law impairing the obligation of contracts,

A RT. 105. Il ne sera point passé de lois rétroactives ni de lois portant atteinte à

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L OUISIANA shall be passed, nor vested rights be divested, unless for purposes of public utility, and for adequate compensation previously made. A RT. 106. The press shall be free. Every citizen may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects; being responsible for an abuse of this liberty. A RT. 107. The seat of Government shall be and remain at Baton Rouge, and shall not be removed without the consent of threefourths of both Houses of the General Assembly. A RT. 108. The State shall not subscribe for the stock of, nor make a loan to, nor pledge its faith for the benefit of any corporation or joint stock company, created or established for banking purposes, nor for other purposes than those described in the following article. A RT. 109. The Legislature shall have power to grant aid to companies or associations of individuals, formed for the exclusive purpose of making works of internal improvement, wholly or partially within the State, to the extent only of one-fifth of the capital of such companies, by subscription of stock or loan of money or public bonds; but any aid thus granted shall be paid to the company only in the same proportion as the remainder of the capital shall be actually paid in by the stockholders of the company, and, in case of loan, such adequate security shall be required, as to the Legislature may seem proper. No corporation or individual association receiving the aid of the State, as herein provided, shall possess banking or discounting privileges.

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l’inviolabilité des contrats. Les droits acquis seront également inviolables ; il ne sera permis d’y toucher que pour des motifs d’utilité publique, et en accordant préalablement aux parties une indemnité suffisante. A RT. 106. La presse est libre. Les citoyens peuvent exprimer librement leurs opinions, par paroles ou par écrit121 , sur toutes les questions. Ils ne sont responsables que de l’abus qu’ils feront de cette liberté. A RT. 107. Le siège du gouvernement reste fixé à Baton Rouge et ne sera point transporté ailleurs sans le consentement des trois-quarts des membres de chaque Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale. A RT. 108. L’Etat ne pourra pas souscrire au capital d’une corporation ou d’une compagnie d’actionnaires créée ou établie dans le but de faire des opérations de banque ou pour toute autre fin que celle mentionnée dans l’article suivant, ni faire un prêt à cette corporation ou à cette compagnie, ni engager sa responsabilité en leur faveur. A RT. 109. La Législature aura le pouvoir de venir en aide aux compagnies ou aux associations d’individus formées dans le but unique d’exécuter des travaux d’amélioration intérieure122 , situés en tout ou en partie dans l’Etat, mais seulement jusqu’à concurrence d’un cinquième du capital de ces compagnies, soit en souscrivant au capital, soit en leur faisant un prêt ou en émettant des bons. Mais quand un pareil secours sera accordé, il ne sera fait de paiemens à la compagnie que dans une proportion égale au versement du reste du capital par les actionnaires de la compagnie. Lorsque l’Etat fera un prêt, la Législature devra exiger des garanties suffisantes, de telle manière qu’elle croira convenable. Aucune corporation et aucune association d’individus recevant des secours de l’Etat, comme il est ci-dessus mentionné, ne possédera le privilége de faire les opérations de banque ou d’escompte.

C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1852) A RT. 110. No liability shall be contracted by the State as above mentioned, unless the same be authorized by some law for some single object or work to be distinctly specified therein, which shall be passed by a majority of the members elected to both Houses of the General Assembly, and the aggregate amount of debts and liabilities incurred under this and the preceding article shall never, at any one time, exceed eight millions of dollars.

A RT. 110. L’Etat ne contractera point d’engagement, comme ci-dessus mentionné, s’il n’y est autorisé par une loi, et si ce n’est pour une entreprise ou un but unique clairement déterminé dans la loi. Cette loi devra être votée par la majorité des membres élus aux deux Chambres de l’AssembléeGénérale. Le chiffre total de la dette et des engagemens que l’Etat pourra contracter dans l’avenir, en vertu de cet article et de celui qui précède, n’excédera à aucune époque la somme de huit millions de piastres.

A RT. 111. Whenever the Legislature shall contract a debt exceeding in amount the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, unless in case of war to repel invasion or suppress insurrection, they shall, in the law creating the debt, provide adequate ways and means for the payment of the current interest and of the principal when the same shall become due. And the said law shall be irrepealable until principal and interest are fully paid and discharged, or unless the repealing law contain24 some other adequate provision for the payment of the principal and interest of the debt.

A RT. 111. Toutes les fois que la Législature contractera, pour tout autre motif que celui de repousser une invasion ou de réprimer une insurrection, une dette dont le montant excèdera cent mille piastres, elle sera tenue de pourvoir, dans la loi qui crée la dette, aux moyens d’en acquitter les intérêts et de rembourser le principal à l’échéance. Cette loi ne pourra pas être abrogée avant que le principal et les interêts aient été intégralement acquittés, à123 moins que la loi qui l’abroge ne décrète quelque autre moyen pleinement suffisant pour éteindre le principal et l’intérêt de la dette.

A RT. 112. The Legislature shall provide by law for a change of venue in civil and criminal cases.

A RT. 112. La Législature devra pourvoir au transfert des affaires civiles et criminelles d’une juridiction à une autre.

A RT. 113. No Lottery shall be authorized by this State, and the buying or25 selling of lottery tickets within the State is prohibited.

A RT. 113. Aucune loterie ne sera autorisée par l’Etat : la vente et l’achat de billets de loterie dans les limites de cet Etat sont interdits.

A RT. 114. No divorce shall be granted by the Legislature.

A RT. 114. Aucun divorce ne sera accordé par la Législature.

A RT. 115. Every law enacted by the Legislature shall embrace but one object, and that shall be expressed in the title.

A RT. 115. Les lois décrétées par la Législature ne pourront embrasser qu’un seul objet, lequel sera exprimé dans le titre.

A RT. 116. No law shall be revived or amended by reference to its title; but in such case, the act revived26 , or section amended, shall be re-enacted and published at length.

A RT. 116. Aucune loi ne sera remise en vigueur ou amendée par la simple indication du titre. La loi ainsi remise en vigueur ou la section ainsi amendée devra être décrétée de nouveau124 et publiée tout au long.

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L OUISIANA A RT. 117. The Legislature shall never adopt any system or code of laws by general reference to such system or code of laws, but in all cases shall specify the several provisions of the laws it may enact.

A RT. 117. La Législature n’adoptera jamais un systême de droit ou un code de lois, en indiquant d’une manière générale ledit systême ou ledit code. Elle doit, dans tous les cas, spécifier les diverses dispositions qu’elle veut décréter.

A RT. 118. Corporations with banking or discounting privileges may be either created by special acts, or formed under general laws; but the Legislature shall, in both cases, provide for the registry of all bills27 or notes issued or put in circulation as money, and shall require ample security for the redemption of the same in specie.

A RT. 118. Les corporations possédant le privilège de faire les opérations de banque ou d’escompte, peuvent être créées soit par des lois spéciales soit en vertu de lois générales. La Législature devra dans l’un et l’autre cas ordonner l’enregistrement de tous les billets125 qui seront émis ou jetés dans la circulation comme équivalent du numéraire. Elle exigera aussi des garanties suffisantes pour le rachat de ces billet en espèces.

A RT. 119. The Legislature shall have no power to pass any law sanctioning in any manner, directly or indirectly, the suspension of specie payments, by any person, association or corporation issuing bank notes of any description.

A RT. 119. La Législature n’aura pas le pouvoir de sanctionner d’une manière quelconque, directement ou indirectement, la suspension des paiements en espèces, soit par un individu, soit par une association ou une corporation qui émet des billets de banque d’une nature quelconque.

A RT. 120. In case of insolvency of any bank or banking association, the bill holders thereof shall be entitled to preference in payment over all other creditors of such bank or association.

A RT. 120. Dans le cas où une banque ou une association faisant les opérations de banque serait en faillite, les détenteurs de billets auront le privilège d’être payés avant les autres créanciers126 .

A RT. 121. The Legislature shall have power to pass such laws as it may deem expedient for the relief or revival of the Citizens’ Bank of Louisiana, and the acts already passed for the same purpose are ratified and confirmed, provided that the bank is subject to the restrictions contained in articles 119 and 120 of this Constitution.

A RT. 121. La Législature aura le droit de voter telles lois qu’elle jugera nécessaire pour venir en aide à la Banque des Citoyens127 , ou la rétablir. Les lois déjà votées dans ce but sont pleinement ratifiées128 . La Banque restera cependant soumise aux restrictions contenues dans les articles 119 et 120 de cette Constitution.

A RT. 122. No person shall hold or exercise, at the same time, more than one civil office of emolument, except that of Justice of the Peace.

A RT. 122. Nul ne remplira ou n’exercera à la fois plus d’une place civile salariée, sauf celle de Juge de Paix.

A RT. 123. Taxation shall be equal and uniform throughout the State. All property

A RT. 123. L’impôt sera égal et uniforme dans tout l’Etat. Tous les biens sur lesquels

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1852) on which taxes may be levied in this State shall be taxed in proportion to its value, to be ascertained as directed by law. No one species of property shall be taxed higher than another species of property of equal value, on which taxes shall be levied; the Legislature shall have power to levy an income tax, and to tax all persons pursuing any occupation, trade or profession.

l’impôt est prélevé seront taxés en proportion de leur valeur, laquelle sera déterminée de la manière indiquée par la loi. Aucune classe de propriétés ne sera grevée d’un impôt plus onéreux qu’une autre classe de propriétés d’égale valeur sur laquelle sera prélevée une taxe. La Législature a le droit de percevoir une taxe sur le revenu et de frapper d’un impôt toute personne exerçant un métier, une industrie ou une profession quelconque.

A RT. 124. The citizens of the city of New Orleans shall have the right of appointing the several public officers necessary for the administration of the police of the said city, pursuant to the mode of elections which shall be prescribed by the Legislature; Provided, that the Mayor and Recorders shall be ineligible to a seat in the General Assembly; and the Mayor, Recorders, Aldermen and Assistant Aldermen shall be commissioned by the Governor as Justices of the Peace, and the Legislature may vest in them such criminal jurisdiction as may be necessary for the punishment of minor crimes and offences, and as the police and good order of said city may require.

A RT. 124. Les citoyens de la NouvelleOrléans ont le droit de nommer les divers officiers publics nécessaires à l’administration et à la police129 de la ville, conformément au mode d’élection prescrit par la Législature. Néanmoins, le Maire et les Recorders sont inéligibles à l’Assemblée Générale. Le Maire, les Recorders, les Aldermen et les Assistants-Aldermen recevront du Gouverneur une commission comme Juge130 de Paix, et la Législature pourra leur attribuer telle juridiction criminelle qu’elle jugera nécessaire pour la répression des délits secondaires131 , et qu’exigeront la police et le maintien de l’ordre dans la ville.

A RT. 125. The Legislature may provide by law in what case officers shall continue to perform the duties of their offices until their successors shall have been inducted into office.

A RT. 125. La Législature déterminera par la loi dans quels cas les officiers continueront à exercer leurs fonctions jusqu’à ce que leurs successeurs les remplacent régulièrement132 .

A RT. 126. Any citizen of this State who shall, after the adoption of this Constitution, fight a duel with deadly weapons with a citizen of this State, or send or accept a challenge to fight a duel with deadly weapons, either within this State or out of it, with a citizen of this State, or who shall act as second, or knowingly aid or assist in any manner those thus offending, shall be deprived of holding any office of trust or profit, and of enjoying the right of suffrage under this Constitution; and the office of any State offi-

A RT. 126. Tout citoyen de cet Etat qui, après l’adoption de cette Constitution, se battra en duel133 avec un citoyen de cet Etat, ou enverra ou acceptera un cartel pour se battre en duel134 avec un citoyen de cet Etat, soit dans l’Etat soit hors de l’Etat, ou qui agira comme témoin, ou qui sciemment aidera d’une manière quelconque les personnes engagées dans un duel135 , ne pourra occuper aucune place salariée ni aucun poste de confiance, et sera privé du droit de suffrage. Tout officier de l’Etat, tout

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L OUISIANA cer, member of the General Assembly, or of any other person holding office of profit or trust under this Constitution, and the laws made in pursuance thereof shall be, ipso facto vacated by the fact of any such person committing the offence mentioned in this article, and the Legislature shall provide by law for the ascertaining and declaration of such forfeiture.

membre de l’Assemblée Générale, ou toute autre personne remplissant des fonctions salariées ou un poste de confiance, en vertu de cette Constitution et des lois qui en dépendent, deviendra ipso facto inhabile à rester en place du moment qu’il aura commis le délit prévu dans cet article. La Législature indiquera de quelle manière cette déchéance sera constatée136 .

A RT. 127. The Legislature shall have power to extend this Constitution and the jurisdiction of this State over any territory acquired by compact with any State, or with the United States, the same being done by the consent of the United States.

A RT. 127. La Législature, moyennant le consentement des Etats-Unis, a le droit d’étendre l’autorité de cette Constitution et la juridiction de cet Etat, à tout territoire acquis par un traité avec un autre Etat ou avec les Etats-Unis.

A RT. 128. None of the lands granted by Congress to the State of Louisiana for aiding it in constructing the necessary levees and drains, to reclaim the swamps28 and overflowed lands in this State, shall be diverted from the purposes for which they were granted.

A RT. 128. Aucune partie des terres concédées par le Congrès à l’Etat de la Louisiane, pour lui permettre de construire les levées et autres travaux nécessaires au desséchement des terres inondées137 de l’Etat, ne sera distraite pour être appliquée à un autre but.

A RT. 129. The Constitution and Laws of this State shall be promulgated in the English and French languages.

A RT. 129. La Constitution et les lois de cet Etat seront promulguées en anglais et en français.

TITLE VII

TITRE VII

Internal Improvements

Améliorations intérieures

A RT. 130. There shall be a Board of Public Works to consist of four Commissioners. The State shall be divided by the Legislature into four districts, containing as nearly as may be an equal number of voters, and one Commissioner shall be elected in each district by the legal voters thereof for the term of four years; but, of the first elected, two, to be designated by lot, shall remain in office for two years only.

A RT. 130. Il y aura un Bureau des Travaux Publics, lequel se composera de quatre commissaires. L’Etat sera divisé par la Législature en quatre districts comprenant autant que possible un nombre égale d’électeurs. Les votans138 de chacun de ces districts éliront139 un commissaire pour une période de quatre années. Deux commissaires, désignés par le sort sur les quatre qui seront d’abord élus, devront se retirer à l’expiration de la seconde année.

A RT. 131. The General Assembly, at its first session after the adoption of this Con-

A RT. 131. L’assemblée Générale, à sa première session après l’adoption de cette

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1852) stitution, shall provide for the election and compensation of the Commissioners and the organization of the Board. The Commissioners first elected shall assemble on a day to be appointed by law, and decide by lot the order in which their terms of service shall expire.

Constitution, devra pourvoir à l’élection et à la rétribution des Commissaires, ainsi qu’à l’organisation du Bureau. Les Commissaires qui seront d’abord élus, se réuniront au jour fixé par la loi et tireront au sort pour déterminer l’ordre dans lequel expirera leur mandat.

A RT. 132. The Commissioners shall exercise a diligent and faithful supervision over29 all public works, in which the State may be interested, except those made by joint stock companies. They shall communicate to the General Assembly, from time to time, their views concerning the same, and recommend such measures as they may deem necessary, in order to employ to the best advantage and for the purposes for which they were granted, the swamps and overflowed lands, conveyed by the United States to this State. They shall appoint all officers engaged on the public works, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law.

A RT. 132. Les Commissaires exerceront une surveillance active et constante140 sur tous les travaux publics où l’Etat est intéressé, hormis ceux qui sont exécutés par des compagnies d’actionnaires. Ils communiqueront de temps à autre à l’Assemblée Générale leurs vues sur les travaux publics, et suggéreront les mesures qu’ils croiront les plus propres à réaliser avantageusement le but auquel sont destinées les terres inondées141 que les Etats-Unis ont concédées à cet Etat. Ils nommeront tous les officiers nécessaires aux travaux publics et exerceront tous autres devoirs qui leurs seront imposés par la loi.

A RT. 133. The Commissioners may be removed by the concurrent vote of a majority of all the members elected to each House of the General Assembly; but the cause of the removal shall be entered on the Journal of each House.

A RT. 133. Les Commissaires pourront être destitués par le vote142 de la majorité de tous les membres élus à chaque Chambre de l’Assemblée Générale ; le motif de la destitution devra être inscrit au journal de chaque Chambre.

A RT. 134. The General Assembly shall have power, by a vote of three-fifths of the members elected to each House, to abolish said Board, whenever in their opinion a Board of Public Works shall no longer be necessary.

A RT. 134. L’Assemblée Générale aura le pouvoir, moyennant le concours des trois cinquièmes des membres élus à chaque Chambre, d’abolir le Bureau des Travaux Publics quand elle jugera que ce Bureau n’est plus nécessaire.

TITLE VIII

TITRE VIII

Public Education

Instruction publique

A RT. 135. There shall be elected a Superintendent of Public Education, who shall hold his office for the term of two years. His duties shall be prescribed by law, and

A RT. 135. Il sera élu un Surintendant de l’instruction publique qui exercera ses fonctions pendant une période de deux années. Ses devoirs seront prescrits par la loi,

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L OUISIANA he shall receive such compensation as the Legislature may direct; provided, that the General Assembly shall have power, by a vote of the majority of the members elected to both Houses, to abolish the said office of Superintendent of Public Education whenever in their opinion said office shall be no longer necessary.

et il recevra le143 traitement que fixera la Législature. Néanmoins l’Assemblée Générale pourra, par un vote de la majorité des membres élus aux deux Chambres, abolir la place de Surintendant de l’instruction publique, quand elle jugera que cette place n’est plus nécessaire.

A RT. 136. The General Assembly shall establish free public schools throughout the State, and shall provide for their support by general taxation on property or otherwise; and all moneys so raised or provided shall be distributed to each Parish in proportion to the number of free white children between such ages as shall be fixed by the General Assembly.

A RT. 136. L’Assemblée Générale établira des écoles gratuites et publiques dans tout l’Etat, et devra pourvoir à leur entretien au moyen d’une taxe générale sur les propriétés ou autrement. Le montant ainsi perçu ou obtenu de toute autre façon144 , sera distribué entre les différentes paroisses proportionnellement au nombre d’enfans libres et blancs qu’elles renfermeront, et de l’âge indiqué par l’Assemblée Générale.

A RT. 137. The proceeds of all lands heretofore granted by the United States to this State for the use or support of schools, and of all lands which may hereafter be granted or bequeathed to the State, and not expressly granted or bequeathed for any other purpose, which hereafter may be disposed of by the State, and the proceeds of the estates of deceased persons, to which the State may become entitled by law, shall be held by the State as a loan, and shall be and remain a perpetual fund, on which the State shall pay an annual interest of six per cent.; which interest, together with the interest of the trust funds deposited with this State by the United States, under the act of Congress approved June 23, 1836,30 and all the rents of the unsold lands shall be appropriated to the support of such schools, and this appropriation shall remain inviolable.

A RT. 137. Le produit de toutes les terres concédées jusqu’à ce moment par le Congrès des Etats-Unis à cet Etat pour l’entretien145 des écoles ; celui de toutes les terres qui pourront dans l’avenir être concédées ou léguées à l’Etat, sans destination expresse146 , et dont l’Etat pourra plus tard disposer, ainsi que le produit des successions échues à l’Etat, conformément à la loi, resteront en la possession de l’Etat à titre de prêt, et formeront une rente147 perpétuelle dont l’Etat acquittera annuellement l’intérêt à raison de six pour cent. Cet intérêt joint à celui des fonds148 remis par les Etats-Unis à cet Etat, à titre de dépôt, en vertu d’une loi du Congrès du 23 juin 1836, sera affecté, ainsi que la totalité de la rente des terres nonvendues, à l’entretien des écoles publiques ; et cette allocation restera inviolable.

A RT. 138. All moneys arising from the sales which have been or may hereafter be made of any lands heretofore granted by the United States to this State, for the use of a seminary of learning, and from any kind of donation that may hereafter be made for

A RT. 138. Le revenu provenant de la vente de toute terre accordée jusqu’à ce moment à cet Etat par le Gouvernement Fédéral149 , pour l’entretien150 d’une maison d’éducation151 , que la vente ait déjà eu lieu ou qu’elle s’accomplisse plus tard, ainsi que

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1852) that purpose, shall be and remain a perpetual fund, the interest of which, at six per cent. per annum, shall be appropriated to the support of a seminary of learning for the promotion of literature and the arts and sciences, and no law shall ever be made diverting said fund to any other use than to the establishment and improvement of said seminary of learning.

le revenu provenant d’une donation quelconque faite à l’Etat dans le but ci-dessus indiqué, formera une rente152 perpétuelle, dont l’intérêt, à raison de six pour cent par an, sera appliqué à l’entretien d’une institution153 destinée aux progrès154 de la littérature, des arts et des sciences. La Législature ne pourra voter aucune loi pour appliquer les fonds ci-dessus mentionnés à un autre but que la création et l’amélioration de l’institution155 susdite.

A RT. 139. The University of Louisiana in New Orleans as now established shall be maintained.

A RT. 139. L’université de la Louisiane, située à la Nouvelle-Orléans, sera maintenue telle qu’elle est maintenant établie.

A RT. 140. The Legislature shall have power to pass such laws as may be necessary for the further regulation of the University, and for the promotion of literature and science; but shall be under no obligation to contribute to the support of said University by appropriations.

A RT. 140. La Législature pourra voter les lois qu’elle jugera nécessaires pour réglementer ultérieurement l’Université et favoriser les progrès156 de la littérature et de la science : elle ne sera cependant pas obligée de concourir par une157 subvention158 à l’entretien de l’Université.

TITLE IX

TITRE IX

Mode of Revising the Constitution

Révision de la constitution

A RT. 141. Any amendment or amendments to this Constitution may be proposed in the Senate or House of Representatives, and if the same shall be agreed to by twothirds of the members elected to each House, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be entered on their journals, with the yeas and nays taken thereon, and the Secretary of State shall cause the same to be published, three months before the next general election for Representatives to31 the State Legislature, in at least one newspaper in French and English, in every Parish in the State in which a newspaper shall be published; and such proposed amendment or amendments shall be submitted to the people at said election; and if a majority of the voters at said election shall approve and

A RT. 141. Tout amendement à cette Constitution peut être proposé au Sénat ou à la Chambre des Représentans. Si l’amendement est accepté par les deux tiers des membres élus dans chaque Chambre, il sera inséré au procès-verbal avec le vote par oui et non, et le Secrétaire d’Etat le fera publier en anglais et en français, trois mois avant l’élection générale des Représentans à la Législature, dans un journal au moins, dans toutes les paroisses de l’Etat où il se publie un journal. L’amendement ainsi proposé sera ensuite soumis au peuple à l’élection générale suivante, et s’il est approuvé et ratifié par la majorité des électeurs, il fera dès lors partie de la Constitution. Si plusieurs amendements sont proposés en même temps, ils seront soumis au peuple

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L OUISIANA ratify such amendment or amendments, the same shall become a part of the Constitution. If more than one amendment be submitted at a time, they shall be submitted in such manner and form, that the people may vote for or against each amendment separately.

de manière à ce que les électeurs puissent voter pour ou contre chaque amendement séparément.

TITLE X

TITRE X

Schedule

Dispositions transitoires159

A RT. 142. The Constitution adopted in eighteen hundred and forty-five is declared to be superseded by this Constitution, and in order to carry the same into effect, it is hereby declared and ordained as follows:

A RT. 142. La Constitution de mil-huitcent quarante-cinq est remplacée par la présente Constitution. Afin qu’elle soit mise en vigueur, il est décrété ce qui suit :

A RT. 143. All rights, actions, prosecutions, claims and contracts, as well of individuals as of bodies corporate, and all laws in force at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, and not inconsistent therewith, shall continue as if the same had not been adopted.

A RT. 143. Tous les droits, toutes les actions, toutes les poursuites, toutes les réclamations et tous les contrats, tant des individus que des corporations, ainsi que toutes les lois en vigueur au moment de l’adoption de cette Constitution et qui n’y sont pas contraires, resteront en force comme si cette Constitution n’eut pas été adoptée.

A RT. 144. In order that no inconvenience may result to the public service from the taking effect of this Constitution, no office shall be superseded thereby; but the laws of the State relative to the duties of the several officers, Executive, Judicial and Military, shall remain in full force, though the same be contrary to this Constitution, and the several duties shall be performed by the respective officers of the State, according to the existing laws, until the organization of the Government under this Constitution, and the entering into office of the new officers to be appointed under said Government, and no longer.

A RT. 144. Afin qu’il ne résulte aucun préjudice pour le service public de la mise en vigueur de cette Constitution, aucun service ne sera interrompu, et les lois de l’Etat relatives aux devoirs des divers officiers exécutifs, judiciaires et militaires, resteront en pleine vigueur, bien que contraires à cette Constitution. Les divers officiers de l’Etat rempliront leurs devoirs respectifs conformément aux lois existantes jusqu’à l’organisation du gouvernement créé par cette Constitution, et jusqu’à l’installation des officiers qui seront nommés sous le nouveau gouvernement160 .

A RT. 145. Appointments to office by the Executive under this Constitution, shall be made by the Governor to be elected under its authority.

A RT. 145. Les nominations dépendant, en vertu de cette Constitution, du pouvoir exécutif, seront faites par le gouverneur qui sera élu sous l’empire de ladite Constitution161 .

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C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1852) A RT. 146. The Legislature shall provide for the removal of all causes now pending in the Supreme Court or other Courts of the State under the Constitution of 1845, to Courts created by or under this Constitution.

A RT. 146. La Législature devra pourvoir au transfert de toutes les causes présentement pendantes devant la Cour Suprême et les autres Cours de l’Etat, sous l’empire162 de la Constitution de 1845, dans les Cours créées par cette Constitution163 ou qui le seront en vertu de quelques-unes de ses dispositions.

A RT. 147. The time of service of all officers chosen by the people, at the first election under this Constitution, shall terminate as though the election had been holden on the first Monday of November, 1851, and they had entered on the discharge of their duties at the time designated therein. The first class Senators designated in article 17 shall hold their seats until the day of the closing of the general elections in November, 1853, and the second class until the day of the closing of the general elections in November, 1855.

A RT. 147. La période de service de tous les officiers nommés164 par le peuple à la première élection qui aura lieu sous l’empire165 de cette Constitution, expirera comme si l’élection avait été tenue le premier lundi de novembre 1851, et que ces officiers eussent commencé à exercer leurs fonctions à l’époque qui vient d’être indiquée. Les Sénateurs de la première classe, désignés dans l’article 17, conserveront leur mandat jusqu’à la clôture des élections générales au mois de novembre 1853 ; et ceux de la seconde classe exerceront leurs fonctions jusqu’à la clôture des élections générales en novembre 1855.

A RT. 148. The first election for Judges of the Supreme Court shall be held on the first Monday of April next (1853), and they shall enter into office on the first Monday of May, 1853.

A RT. 148. La première élection des juges de la Cour Suprême aura lieu le premier lundi d’avril prochain (1853,) et ils entreront en fonction166 le premier lundi de mai 1853.

A RT. 149. The first term of service of the District Attorneys and the Clerks of the Inferior Courts to be ordered and established under this Constitution, shall be regulated by the term of service of the first Governor, so that a new election for these officers shall be held on the first Monday of November, 1855.

A RT. 149. La première période de service des Avocats de District et des Greffiers des Cours inférieures qui doivent être établies167 en vertu de cette Constitution, sera réglée d’après la période de service du premier Gouverneur, de sorte qu’une nouvelle élection pour la désignation de ces officiers aura lieu le premier lundi de novembre 1855.

TITLE XI

TITRE XI

Ordinance

Ordonnance

A RT. 150. Immediately after the adjournment of the Convention, the Governor shall

A RT. 150. Immédiatement après l’ajournement de la Convention, le Gouverneur

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L OUISIANA issue his Proclamation, directing the several officers of this State authorized by law to hold elections for members of the General Assembly, to open and hold a poll in every Parish of32 the State, at the places designated by law, upon the first Tuesday of November next, for the purpose of taking the sense of the good people of this State in regard to the adoption or rejection of this Constitution; and it shall be the duty of said officers to receive the votes of all persons entitled to vote under the old Constitution and under this Constitution. Each voter shall express his opinion by depositing in a separate box, kept for that purpose, a ticket, whereon shall be written “the Constitution accepted,” or “the Constitution rejected,” or some such words33 as will distinctly convey the intention of the voter. At the conclusion of said election, which shall be conducted in every respect as the general State election is now conducted, the Commissioners designated to preside over the same shall carefully examine and count each ballot so deposited, and shall forthwith make due returns thereof to the Secretary of State, in conformity to the provisions of the existing law upon the subject of elections.

publiera une proclamation dans laquelle il ordonnera aux divers officiers de l’Etat autorisés par la loi à organiser l’élection des membres de l’Assemblée-Générale, d’ouvrir168 un scrutin dans chaque paroisse de l’Etat, aux endroits indiqués par la loi, le premier mardi de novembre prochain, pour consulter le peuple de l’Etat sur l’adoption ou le rejet de cette Constitution. Il sera du devoir de ces officiers de recevoir le vote de tous ceux qui, en vertu de l’ancienne Constitution, avaient le droit de voter, et de tous ceux qui le possèdent en vertu de la présente Constitution. Chaque électeur formulera son opinion en déposant dans une boite distincte affectée exclusivement à cet usage un bulletin où seront écrits ces mots : “Constitution acceptée,” ou ceux-ci : “Constitution rejetée,” ou bien tout autre terme exprimant clairement l’intention de l’électeur. A la clôture de cette élection qui aura lieu sous tous les rapports comme une élection générale d’Etat, les commissaires qui y auront présidé examineront avec soin et compteront tous les bulletins déposés, puis ils transmettront le résultat au Secrétaire d’Etat conformément aux dispositions de la loi actuelle sur les élections.

A RT. 151. Upon the receipt of the said returns, or on the fifth Monday of November, if the returns be not sooner received, it shall be the duty of the Governor, the Secretary of State, the Attorney-General and the State Treasurer, in the presence of all such persons as may choose to attend, to compare the votes given at the said poll for the ratification and rejection of this Constitution, and if it shall appear from said returns34 that a majority of all the votes given is for ratifying this Constitution, then it shall be the duty of the Governor to make proclamation of that fact, and thenceforth this Constitution shall be ordained and established as the Constitution of the State of Louisiana. But whether this Constitution be accepted or re-

A RT. 151. Lorsque le rapport des commissaires sera reçu, ou le cinquième lundi de novembre si le rapport n’est pas reçu plus tôt, il sera du devoir du Gouverneur, du Secrétaire d’Etat, de l’Avocat-Général et du Trésorier d’Etat, de dépouiller, en présence de tous ceux qui voudront assister à cette opération, les votes donnés pour l’adoption ou le rejet de la Constitution. S’il résulte du rapport des commissaires qu’une majorité des suffrages reçus est en faveur de la ratification de la Constitution, le Gouverneur devra l’annoncer dans une proclamation, et cette Constitution sera169 dès lors la Constitution de l’Etat de la Louisiane. Mais que cette Constitution soit acceptée ou rejetée, il sera du devoir du Gouverneur de faire

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C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1852) jected, it shall be the duty of the Governor to cause to be published in the official paper of the Convention the result of the polls, showing the number of votes cast in each Parish for and against the said Constitution.

publier dans le journal officiel de la Convention le résultat de l’appel au peuple, avec le nombre de voix données dans chaque paroisse pour ou contre la Constitution.

A RT. 152. Should this Constitution be accepted by the people, it shall also be the duty of the Governor forthwith to issue his proclamation, declaring the present Legislature, elected under the old Constitution, to be dissolved, and directing the several officers of the State authorized by law to hold elections for members of the General Assembly, to hold an election, at the places designated by law, upon the fourth Monday of December next, for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, members of the General Assembly, Secretary of State, Attorney-General, Treasurer and Superintendent of Public Education; and the said election shall be conducted and the returns thereof made in conformity with existing laws upon the subject of State elections.

A RT. 152. Si le peuple accepte cette Constitution, il sera également du devoir du Gouverneur de publier une proclamation dans laquelle il déclarera que la présente Législature élue en vertu de l’ancienne Constitution est dissoute et ordonnera aux divers officiers de l’Etat, autorisés par la loi à organiser l’élection des membres de l’Assemblée Générale, d’appeler le peuple au scrutin170 , aux endroits indiqués par la loi, le quatrième lundi de décembre prochain (1852), pour élire un Gouverneur, un Lieutenant-Gouverneur, les membres de l’Assemblée Générale, le Secrétaire d’Etat, l’Avocat Général, le Trésorier d’Etat et le Surintendant de l’instruction publique. Cette élection aura lieu et le rapport en sera fait conformément aux lois actuelles sur les élections d’Etat.

A RT. 153. The General Assembly elected under this Constitution shall convene at the State House, in Baton Rouge, upon the third Monday of January next35 after the elections, and the Governor and Lieutenant Governor elected at the same time, shall be duly installed in office during the first week of this session, and before it shall be competent for the said General Assembly to proceed with the transaction of business.

A RT. 153. L’Assemblée Générale élue en vertu de cette Constitution se réunira à la Maison d’Etat, à Bâton Rouge, le troisième lundi de janvier (1853.) Le Gouverneur et le Lieutenant-Gouverneur élus à la même époque entreront en fonctions dans la première semaine de la session des Chambres, et devront être installés avant que l’Assemblée Générale puisse procéder à ses travaux.

A RT. 154. All the publications herein ordered shall be made in the official journal of the Convention.

A RT. 154. Toutes les publications ordonnées dans cette Constitution auront lieu dans le journal officiel de la Convention.

A RT. 155. This Constitution shall be published in French and English in the official journal of the Convention, from the period of its adjournment until the first Tuesday of November, 1852,36 one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.

A RT. 155. Cette Constitution sera publiée en français et en anglais dans le journal officiel de la Convention, à partir du jour de l’ajournement jusqu’au premier mardi de novembre 1852.

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L OUISIANA Done at Baton Rouge, July 31st, 1852.37

Fait à Bâton Rouge, le trente-et-unième jour du mois de juillet, de l’année de notre Seigneur mil-huit-cent-cinquante-deux,

(Signed) D UNCAN F. K ENNER, President of the Convention.

(Signé) DUNCAN F. KENNER, Président de la Convention.

(Attest) J. B. WALTON, Secretary of the Convention.38

(Attesté) J. B. WALTON, Secrétaire de la Convention.171

Jas. Akenhead, of St. Landry Wm. H. Avery, of Orleans John W. Andrews, of Orleans Robert Anderson, of Carroll, J. S. Armant, of St. James Daniel Addison, of Livingston E. A. Bradford, of Orleans J. P. Benjamin, of Orleans (Senatorial Delegate) Solon Bartlett, of Natchitoches Chas. A. Bullard, of Natchitoches and Winn. (Senatorial Delegate) C. L. Boudousquie, of St. John the Baptist H. Bernard, of Lafourche Interior Robt. G. Beale, of East Baton Rouge Wm. Beard, of Catahoula Chas. Bienvenu, of Plaquemines, St. Bernard and Orleans (right bank) A. Brother, of Orleans John H. Boyer, of Avoyelles Fred. Buisson, of Orleans Daniel Byrne, of Orleans T. Wharton Collens, of Orleans Henry C. Castellanos, of Orleans A. G. Carter, of East Feliciana J. G. Campbell, of Natchitoches J. B. Cotton, of Jefferson G. F. Connely, of Terrebonne F. D. Conrad, of East Baton Rouge C. Dalferes, of Assumption Edw. Delony, of East Feliciana Wm. R. Douglass, of Caddo Edw. Duffel. Jr., of Ascension

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James Akenhead, Wm. H. Avery, John W. Andrews, Robert Anderson, de Carroll, J. S. Armant, Daniel Addison, E. A. Bradford, J. P. Benjamin, Solon Bartlett, Chas. A. Bullard, C. L. Boudousquie, H. Bernard, Robt. G. Beale, Wm. Beard, Chas. Bienvenu, Alex Brother, Boyer, Fred Buisson, Daniel Byrne, T. Wharton Collens, Henry C. Castellanos, A. G. Carter, J. G. Campbell, J. B. Cotton, G. F. Connely, F. D. Conrad, C. Dalperes, Edwd. Delony, Wm. R. Douglass, Edw. Duffel, Jr.,

C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1852) Cyprien Dufour, of Orleans (Senatorial Delegate) E. C. Davidson,39 F. Dugue, jr., of Jefferson and St. Charles M. C. Edwards, of Orleans, N. S. Edwards, of Washington George Eustis, jr., of Orleans H. B. Eggleston, of Orleans Farmer, of Union40 Fergus Gardere, of Jefferson and St. Charles George S. Guion, of Assumption, Lafourche Interior and Terrebonne F. H. Hatch, of St. Helena P. T. Harris, of Claiborne R. A. Hargis, of Claiborne M. Hernandez, jr., of Orleans Wade H. Hough, of Caldwell R. Hodges, of Bossier Randall Hunt, of Orleans (Senatorial Delegate) Andrew S. Herron, of East Baton Rouge and Livingston P. O. Hebert, of Iberville Harry T. Hays41 , of Orleans A. J. Isacks, of Rapides N. R. Jennings, of Orleans Aug. W. Jourdan, of Jefferson Jesse R. Jones, of St. Tammany Peyton G. King, of Jackson Philip B. Key, of Lafourche Interior John E. King, of St. Landry, J. M. Lapeyre, of Orleans John B. Leefe, of Orleans Chas. J. Leeds, of Orleans W. Jones Lyle, of Iberville and West Baton Rouge Desire Le Blanc, of Ascension John L. Lobdell, of West Baton Rouge D. B. McMillen, of DeSoto L. Matthews, of Orleans, J. L. Matthews, of Point Coepee Ant. Marero42 , of St. Bernard George Mather, of St. James E. H. Martin, of St. Landry

Cyprien Dufour, E. C. Davidson, F. Dugue, Jr, M. C. Edwards, d’Orléans, N. S. Edwards, George Eustis, Jr., H. B. Eggleston,172 Fergus Gardere, George S. Guion, F. H. Hatch, P. T. Harris, R. A. Hargis, M. Hernandez, Jr., Wade H. Hough, R. Hodges, Randall Hunt, Andrew S. Herron, P. O. Hebert, Harry T. Hays, A. J. Isacks, N. R. Jennings, Aug. W. Jourdan, Jesse R. Jones, Peyton G. King, Phillip B. Key, John E. King, de St. Landry, J. M. Lapeyre, Jno. B. Leefe, Chas. J. Leeds, W. Jones Lyle, Desire Le Blanc, John L. Lobdell, D. B. McMillen, L. Mathews, d’Orléans. J. L. Mathews, Anto. Marrero, George Mather, E. H. Martin,

193

L OUISIANA Edward Monge, of St. Martin Alfred McIlhenny, of Orleans Tho. C. Nicholls, of St. Martin Benj. P. Paxton, of Lafayette Wm. Patterson, of East Feliciana William Perkins, of Madison John W. Price, of Orleans W. B. Phillips, of West Feliciana Wm. W. Pugh, of Assumption Wm. S. Parham, of Madison and Carroll W. T. Palfrey, of St. Mary Robert Preaux, of Orleans A. H. Pierson,43 L. Vincent Reeves, of Tensas G. Rixner, of St. Charles Sam. G. Risk, of Orleans D. D. Richardson, of St. Mary, R. W. Richardson, of Ouachita, Morehouse, Union and Jackson C. Roselius, of Orleans (Senatorial Delegate) A. B. Roman, of St. John the Baptist, St. James and Ascension M. Ronquillo, of Plaquemines Jno. M. Sandidge, of Claiborne, Bossier and Bienville H. B. Shaw, of Concordia Henry St. Paul, of Orleans E. Staes, of Orleans C. L. Swayze44 , of St. Landry T. F. Scarborough, of Ouachita Jon. M. Shelton, of Franklin P. C. Smith, of West Feliciana R. Smith, of Winn, R. H. Sibley, of Avoyelles and Rapides B. B. Simms, of Point Coupee Wm. R. Stuart45 , of Iberville and West Baton Rouge C. D. Tatman, of St. Landry and Calcasieu A. Talbot, of Iberville John R. Smart, of Sabine Hezek. Thompson, of St. Helena, Washington and St. Tammany Robert B. Todd, of Morehouse

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Edwd. Monge, Alfred McIlhenny, Thos. C. Nicholls, Benj. P. Paxton, Wm. Patterson, William Perkins, John. W. Price, U. B. Phillips, Wm. W. Pugh, Wm. S. Parham, W. T. Palfrey, Robert Preaux, A. H. Pierson, L. Vincent Reeves, G. Rixner, Samuel G. Risk, D. D. Richardson, de Ste. Marie, R. W. Richardson, C. Roselius, A. B. Roman, M. Ronquilo, Jno. M. Sandidge, H. B. Shaw, Henry St. Paul, E. Staes, C. L. Swayze, T. C. Scarborough, Jno. M. Shelton, John R. Smart, P. C. Smith, R. Smith, de Winn, R. H. Sibley, B. B. Simms, Wm. R. Stuart, C. D. Tatman, A. Talbot, Hezekiah Thompson, Robert B. Todd,

C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1852) A. Toulouse, of Lafayette S. Van Wickle, of Point Coupee C. J. Villere, of Plaquemines J. P. Waddill, of Rapides and Avoyelles J. S. Williams, of Lafourche Interior Wm. W. Whittington, of Rapides Henry H. Wilcoxon, of Vermillion

1 Verified by Constitution of the State of Louisiana. Adopted in Convention, July 31, 1852, New Orleans: Printed at the Crescent Office, 93 St. Charles street, 1852, 37 p., and checked against the text as published in Journal of the Convention to Form a New Constitution for the State of Louisiana. Official, New Orleans: Printed at the Crescent Office, 1852, 91–100, with additional regard to the official French version Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, adoptée en convention, 31 Juillet, 1852, Nouvelle-Orléans: Imprimerie du Crescent, 1852, 44 p., and to the constitution of 1845 (q.v.) from which the unmodified parts were taken. Also checked against the version published in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, 3 vols., St. Paul, Minn.: West Publishing Co., 1955, III, 544–563. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Constitution of the State of Louisiana. Obvious printing errors have been tacitly corrected. The original manuscript is not known to have survived. The constitution was adopted by the people on November 1, 1852. Becoming effective in January 1853, it replaced the constitution of 1845 and was superseded by the fourth constitution of 1861, thus again making a proposed amendment, this time of 1860 (q.v.), obsolete. 2 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 8, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 547, “places”. 3 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 9, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 547, “sessions”. 4 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 10, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 548, “elections”. 5 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 548, “or”. 6 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 12, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 549, “the”. 7 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 13, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 549, “or”. 8 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 13, “forfeiture”. 9 Ibid., 15, “Sunday”. 10 Ibid., 16, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 551, “in the”. 11 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 552, “judges”.

A. Toulouse, S. Van Wickle, C. J. Villere, John P. Waddill, Joseph S. Williams, Wm. W. Whittington, Henry H. Wilcoxon.

1

Verified by Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, adoptée en convention, 31 juillet, 1852, NouvelleOrléans: Imprimerie du Crescent, 1852, 44 p., and checked against the version as published in Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants; Auxquels est annexée La Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane. Par autorité, Nouvelle Orléans: Imprimerie du Courrier de la Louisiane, 1853, 17–41, with additional regard to the official English version Constitution of the State of Louisiana. Adopted in Convention, July 31, 1852, New Orleans: Printed at the Crescent Office, 93 St. Charles street, 1852, 37 p., and to the constitution of 1845 (q.v.) though even its unmodified parts were translated anew and, other than the English version, not adopted from the 1845 text. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane. Obvious printing errors have been tacitly corrected. As the translation is more liberal than that of 1845 and may claim more literary than legal merits, frequently rearranging sentences or clauses, only those deviations are annotated that tend to have some impact on meaning and understanding. The original manuscript is not known to have survived. The constitution was adopted by the people on November 1, 1852. Becoming effective in January 1853, it replaced the constitution of 1845 and was superseded by the fourth constitution of 1861, thus again making a proposed amendment, this time of 1860 (q.v.), obsolete. 2 In English version, “directed or permitted”. 3 In English version, “Legislative Department”. 4 In English version, “their sessions”. 5 In English version, “duly qualified”. 6 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 4, “to a seat” missing. 7 In English version, “duly qualified voter”. 8 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 18, “de moindre”. 9 In English version, “full number”. 10 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 18, “du”. 11 In English version, “representative number”. 12 In English version, “shall vote”. 13 In English version, “apportioned [. . . ] to”. 14 In English version, “shall choose”. 15 In English version, “male”.

195

L OUISIANA 12 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 19, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 553, “the”. 13 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 21, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 554, “office”. 14 In Convention Journal, 95, “Impeachment”. 15 Ibid., “and the”. 16 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 22, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 555, “the”. 17 In Convention Journal, 96, “accounts”. 18 Ibid., “the”. 19 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 24, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 556, “moneys”. 20 In Convention Journal, 96, “difficulties”. 21 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 24, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 556, word missing. 22 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 556, “or”. 23 Ibid., word missing. 24 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 26, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 557, “contains”. 25 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 557, “and”. 26 In Convention Journal, 97, “revised”. 27 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 558, “bill”. 28 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 29, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 559, “swamp”. 29 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 30, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 559, “of”. 30 “An Act to regulate the deposits of the public money,” U.S. Statutes at Large, 24th Congress, Sess. I, Ch. 115. 31 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 32, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 561, “of”. 32 In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 562, “in”. 33 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 35, and in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 562, “word”. 34 In Convention Journal, 99, “return”. 35 In Convention Journal, 99, added “(1853,)”. 36 In Convention Journal, 99, “(1852,)”; in West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 563, indication of year in figures missing. 37 In Convention Journal, 99–100, line missing. In West’s Louisiana Statutes Annotated, III, 563, to follow “Duncan F. Kenner, President. J. B. Walton, Secretary.” Rest missing. In Convention Journal, 100, instead of subsequent two lines “On motion of Mr. Carter, the Secretary [of the Convention, J. B. Walton,] was ordered to call the delegates alphabetically, to sign the Constitution, and the following delegates affixed their signatures to the same, to-wit: Hon. Duncan F. Kenner, Senatorial Delegate of St. John the Baptist and Ascen-

196

16 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 19, “avait”. 17 In English version, word missing. 18 In English version, “breach of the peace”. 19 In English version, word missing. 20 In English version, “no person under interdiction”. 21 In English version, “shall be chosen”. 22 In English version, “to choose”. 23 In English version, word missing. 24 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 20, last three words missing. 25 In English version, “ratio”. 26 In English version, “the number entitling a District to”. 27 In English version, word missing. 28 In English version, “rotation”. 29 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 9, “perpetually” missing. 30 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 20, “élira”. 31 Ibid., 21, “à”. 32 In English version, “Each House of the General Assembly shall judge of the qualification, election and returns of its members”. 33 In English version, “for disorderly behavior”. 34 In English version, “but not a second time for the same offence”. 35 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 21, “ou tiendra une conduite inconvenante en sa présence” missing. 36 In English version, “during their attendance”. 37 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 21, “du”. 38 In English version, “breach of the peace”. 39 In English version, “during their attendance at the sessions of their respective Houses”. 40 In English version, “shall regulate”. 41 In English version, “by whom, and in what manner writs of election”. 42 In English version, “Returns of all elections”. 43 In English version, “Executive Department”. 44 In English version, “Chief Magistrate”. 45 In English version, word missing. 46 In English version, “The qualified electors for Representatives”. 47 In English version, “returns”. 48 In English version, “chosen”. 49 In English version, “chosen”. 50 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 23, “ont”. 51 Ibid., “fonctions”. 52 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 14, “or affirmation” missing. 53 In English version, “for which he shall have been elected”. 54 In English version, “In case of the impeachment of the Governor”.

C ONSTITUTION OF L OUISIANA (1852) sion, President of the Convention; [followed by the list of delegates signing]”. 38 The following list of names, with first names affixed, as in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 37. Parishes, with the exception of Robert Anderson, M. C. Edwards, John E. King, L. Matthews, and D. D. Richardson, and additional qualification, when applying, added from Convention Journal, 100. 39 Ibid., name missing. 40 In Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 37, delegate missing. 41 Ibid., “Hayes”. 42 In Convention Journal, 100, “Marrero”. 43 Ibid., name missing. 44 Ibid., “Swazey”. 45 In Convention Journal, 100, “Stewart”.

55

In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 15, “by law” missing. 56 In English version, “disability of refusal to qualify”. 57 In English version, “for the residue of the term”. 58 In English version, “shall administer the Government”. 59 In English version, “cases”. 60 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 16, “and forfeitures” missing. 61 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 24, word missing. 62 In English version, “advice and consent”. 63 In English version, “information”. 64 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 25, “conjectures”. 65 Ibid., “la”. 66 In English version, “fair register”. 67 In English version, “papers, minutes and vouchers”. 68 In English version, “qualified electors”. 69 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 26, word missing. 70 In English version, “belong to religious societies, whose tenets”. 71 In English version, “Judiciary Department”. 72 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 19, “from time to time” missing. 73 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 26, last two words missing. 74 In English version, “qualified electors”. 75 In English version, “qualified electors”. 76 In English version, “shall elect”. 77 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 27, “Plaquemines et”. 78 In English version, last two words missing. 79 In English version, “elected”. 80 In English version, “returns”. 81 In English version, “shall serve for the term of two years”, with the rest equivalent. 82 In English version, “in actual custody under process”. 83 In English version, “power”. 84 In English version, “to call upon any Judge or Judges”. 85 In English version, “The style of all process shall be”. 86 In English version, “All prosecutions”. 87 In English version, “but for any reasonable cause, which shall not be sufficient ground for impeachment”. 88 In English version, last three words missing. 89 In English version, “cause or causes”. 90 In English version, “stated at length in the address”. 91 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 29, “Districts”. 92 In English version, “for any civil duties”. 93 In English version, word missing. 94 In English version, “breach of good behaviour”. 95 In English version, “qualified electors”.

197

L OUISIANA 96 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 30, “et ils”. 97 In English version, last six words missing. 98 In English version, “qualified voters”. 99 In English version, “until his successor shall be elected and qualified”. 100 In English version, “duly qualified voters”. 101 In English version, “qualified voters”. 102 In English version, “qualified voters”. 103 In English version, “Impeachment”. 104 In English version, “Court of Impeachment”. 105 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 26, “or affirmation” missing. 106 In English version, “office of honor, trust or profit”. 107 In English version, “shall be suspended”. 108 In English version, “by indictment or otherwise”. 109 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 27, “or affirmation” missing. 110 Ibid., “or affirm” missing. 111 In English version, “and”. 112 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 27, “or affirm” missing. 113 Ibid., “with deadly weapons” missing. 114 Ibid., “with deadly weapons” missing. 115 In English version, “giving them aid and comfort”. 116 In English version, “It shall be the duty of the General Assembly to pass such laws as may be proper and necessary to decide differences by arbitration”. 117 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 28, “civil” missing. 118 In English version, “promulgated, preserved and conducted”. 119 In English version, “Prosecutions”. 120 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 33, “ces”. 121 In English version, “speak, write and publish”. 122 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 34, “d’améliorations intérieures”. 123 Ibid., “et à”. 124 Ibid., 35, “de nouveau décrétée”. 125 In English version, “bills or notes”. 126 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 33, “of such bank or association” missing. 127 In English version, “Citizens’ Bank of Louisiana”. 128 In English version, “ratified and confirmed”. 129 In English version, “for the administration of the police”. 130 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 36, “juges”. 131 In English version, “for the punishment of minor crimes and offences”. 132 In English version, “shall have been inducted into office”. 133 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 34, “with deadly weapons” missing. 134 Ibid., “with deadly weapons” missing. 135 In English version, “those thus offending”.

198

C ONSTITUTION DE LA L OUISIANE (1852) 136 In

English version, “shall provide by law for the ascertaining and declaration of such forfeiture”. 137 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 36, “terrains inondés”; in English version, “swamps and overflowed lands”. 138 In English version, “legal voters”. 139 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 36, “éliront chacun”. 140 In English version, “diligent and faithful”. 141 In English version, “swamps and overflowed lands”. 142 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 36, “concurrent” missing. 143 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 37, “un”. 144 In English version, last four words missing. 145 In English version, “use or support”. 146 In English version, “for any other purpose”. 147 In English version, “fund”. 148 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 38, last two words missing. 149 In English version, “United States”. 150 In English version, “use”. 151 In English version, “seminary of learning”. 152 In English version, “fund”. 153 In English version, “seminary of learning”. 154 In English version, “promotion”. 155 In English version, “seminary of learning”. 156 In English version, “promotion”. 157 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 38, word missing. 158 In English version, “appropriations”. 159 In English version, “Schedule”. 160 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 39, “and no longer” missing. 161 In English version, “under its authority”. 162 In English version, “under”. 163 In English version, subsequent clause missing. 164 In English version, “chosen”. 165 In English version, “under”. 166 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 40, “fonctions”. 167 In English version, “ordered and established”. 168 In English version, “open and hold”. 169 In English version, “shall be ordained and established as”. 170 In English version, “to hold an election”. 171 In Règlements de la Chambre des Représentants, 41, sigantures of delegates missing. 172 In Constitution de l’État de la Louisiane, 43, as in Constitution of the State of Louisiana, 37, “Farmer” as next delegate missing.

199

Failed Amendment of 1860

Projet d’amendement de 1860

An Act To amend Article Eighty-one of the Constitution1

Acte Amendant l’Article quatre-vingt-un de la Constitution1

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Louisiana, in General Assembly convened, two-thirds of members elected to each House agreeing, That Article Eighty-one of the Constitution of this State be amended so as to read as follows:

Le Sénat et la Chambre des Représentants de l’Etat de la Louisiane, réunis en Assemblée Générale, et à la majorité des deux tiers des membres élus de chaque Chambre, décrètent : L’article quatre-vingtun de la Constitution de l’Etat est par le présent amendé comme suit :

A RT. 81. The Judges of the several inferior Courts shall be elected by the duly qualified voters of their respective Districts or parishes; but the Legislature shall have power to make such provision for the trial of recused cases, whether by appointment of special Judges or the selection of members of the bar for that purpose, as they deem proper.

A RT. 81. Les Juges des différentes Cours inférieures seront élus par les votants légaux de leur District ou paroisse respective2 ; mais dans les cas de récusation, la Législature aura le droit de pourvoir au jugement de ces sortes d’affaires, soit par la nomination de Juges Spéciaux, soit par un choix à faire parmi les membres du barreau, ainsi qu’elle jugera à propos de statuer.

C. H. M ORRISON, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

C. H. M ORRISON, Orateur de la Chambre des Représentants.

H ENRY M. H YAMS, Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate.

H ENRY M. H YAMS, Lieutenant-Gouverneur et Président du Sénat.

Approved February 28th, 1860.

Approuvé le 28 février 1860.

T HOMAS O. M OORE, Governor of the State of Louisiana.

T HOMAS O. M OORE, Gouverneur de l’Etat de la Louisiane.

1

1

Verified by Acts Passed by the Fifth Legislature of the State of Louisiana, at Its First Session, Held and Begun in the City of Baton Rouge, on the 16th Day of January, 1860. Published by Authority/Actes passés

200

Verified by Acts Passed by the Fifth Legislature of the State of Louisiana, at Its First Session, Held and Begun in the City of Baton Rouge, on the 16th Day of January, 1860. Published by Authority/Actes passés

FAILED A MENDMENT OF 1860 par la Cinquième Législature de l’Etat de la Louisiane à sa première session, tenue et commencée en la ville de Bâton Rouge, le 16ème jour de janvier 1860. Publiés par autorité, Baton Rouge: J. M. Taylor, State Printer/Imprimeur d’Etat, 1860, 86. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was approved on February 28, 1860, and should have been referred to the people for their approval or rejection in the November election, 1861. The events of 1860–1 made this procedure obsolete. On December 12, 1860, a convention was called which, in March 1861, adopted the Constitution of 1861. The Constitution of 1861 did not adopt this amendment and left art. 81 of the Constitution of 1852 (q.v.) unchanged.

par la Cinquième Législature de l’Etat de la Louisiane à sa première session, tenue et commencée en la ville de Bâton Rouge, le 16ème jour de janvier 1860. Publiés par autorité, Baton Rouge: J. M. Taylor, State Printer/Imprimeur d’Etat, 1860, 86. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was approved on February 28, 1860, and should have been referred to the people for their approval or rejection in the November election, 1861. The events of 1860–1 made this procedure obsolete. On December 12, 1860, a convention was called which, in March 1861, adopted the Constitution of 1861. 2 In English version, “respective Districts or parishes”.

201

Constitution of Maine (1819) Constitution of the State of Maine1

We the people of Maine, in order to establish justice, ensure tranquillity, provide for our mutual defence, promote our common welfare, and secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of Liberty, acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity, so favorable to the design; and, imploring his aid and direction in its accomplishment, do agree to form ourselves into a free and independent State, by the style and title of the State of Maine, and do ordain and establish the following Constitution for the government of the same.

ARTICLE I Declaration of Rights S ECT. 1. All men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and unalienable Rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and of pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness. S ECT. 2. All power is inherent in the people; all free governments are founded in their authority and instituted for their benefit; they have therefore an unalienable and indefeasible right to institute government, and to alter, reform, or totally change the same, when their safety and happiness require it.

S ECT. 3. All men have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and no one shall be hurt, molested or restrained in his person, liberty or estate for worshipping God in the manner and season most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience, nor for his religious professions or sentiments, provided he does not disturb the public peace, nor obstruct others in their religious worship; – and all persons demeaning themselves peaceably, as good members of the State, shall be equally under the protection of the laws, and no subordination nor preference of any one sect or denomination to another shall ever be established by law, nor shall any religious test be required as a qualification for any office or trust, under this State; and all religious societies in this State, whether incorporate or unincorporate, shall at all times have the exclusive right of electing their public teachers, and contracting with them for their support and maintenance. S ECT. 4. Every citizen may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of this liberty; no laws shall be passed regulating or restraining the freedom of the press; and in prosecutions for any publication respecting the official conduct of men in public capacity, or the qualifications of those who are candidates for the suffrages of the people, or where the matter published is proper for public information, the truth thereof may be given in evidence, and in all indictments

203

M AINE for libels the Jury, after having received the direction of the Court, shall have a right to determine, at their discretion, the law and the fact. S ECT. 5. The people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions from all2 unreasonable searches and seizures; and no warrant to search any place, or seize any person or thing, shall issue without a special designation of the place to be searched, and the person or thing to be seized, nor without probable cause – supported by oath or affirmation. S ECT. 6. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have a right to be heard by himself and his counsel, or either, at his election; To demand the nature and cause of the accusation, and have a copy thereof; To be confronted by the witnesses against him; To have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; To have a speedy, public and impartial trial, and, except in trials by martial law or impeachment, by a Jury of the vicinity. He shall not be compelled to furnish or give evidence against himself, nor be deprived of his life, liberty, property or privileges, but by judgment of his peers or the law of the land. S ECT. 7. No person shall be held to answer for a capital or infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases of impeachment, or in such cases of offences, as are usually cognizable by a justice of the peace, or in cases arising in the army or navy, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger. The Legislature shall provide by law a suitable and impartial mode of selecting juries, and their usual number and unanimity, in indictments and convictions, shall be held indispensable. S ECT. 8. No person, for the same offence, shall be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.

204

S ECT. 9. Sanguinary laws shall not be passed: all penalties and punishments shall be proportioned to the offence: excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel nor unusual punishments inflicted. S ECT. 10. All persons, before conviction, shall be bailable, except for capital offences, where the proof is evident or the presumption great. And the privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. S ECT. 11. The Legislature shall pass no bill of attainder, ex post facto law, nor law impairing the obligation of contracts, and no attainder shall work corruption of blood nor forfeiture of estate. S ECT. 12. Treason against this State shall consist only in levying war against it, adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or confession in open court. S ECT. 13. The laws shall not be suspended but by the Legislature or its authority. S ECT. 14. No person shall be subject to corporal punishment under military law, except such as are employed in the army or navy, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger. S ECT. 15. The people have a right at all times in an orderly and peaceable manner to assemble to consult upon the common good, to give instructions to their representatives, and to request, of either department of the government, by petition or remonstrance, redress of their wrongs and grievances.

C ONSTITUTION OF M AINE (1819) S ECT. 16. Every citizen has a right to keep and bear arms for the common defence; and this right shall never be questioned. S ECT. 17. No standing army shall be kept up in time of peace without the consent of the Legislature, and the military shall, in all cases, and at all times, be in strict subordination to the civil power. S ECT. 18. No soldier shall in time of peace be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner or occupant, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. S ECT. 19. Every person, for an injury done him in his person, reputation, property or immunities, shall have remedy by due course of law; and right and justice shall be administered freely and without sale, completely and without denial, promptly and without delay. S ECT. 20. In all civil suits, and in all controversies concerning property, the parties shall have a right to a trial by jury, except in cases where it has heretofore been otherwise practised: the party claiming the right may be heard by himself and his counsel, or either, at his election. S ECT. 21. Private property shall not be taken for public uses without just compensation; nor unless the public exigencies require it. S ECT. 22. No tax or duty shall be imposed without the consent of the people or of their Representatives in the Legislature. S ECT. 23. No title of nobility or hereditary distinction, privilege, honor or emolument, shall ever be granted or confirmed, nor shall any office be created, the appointment to which shall be for a longer time than during good behavior.

S ECT. 24. The enumeration of certain rights shall not impair nor deny others retained by the people.

ARTICLE II Electors S ECT. 1. Every male citizen of the United States of the age of twenty-one years and upwards, excepting paupers, persons under guardianship, and Indians not taxed, having his residence established in this State for the term of three months next preceding any election, shall be an elector for Governor, Senators and Representatives, in the town or plantation where his residence is so established; and the elections shall be by written ballot. But persons in the military, naval or marine service of the United States, or this State, shall not be considered as having obtained such established residence by being stationed in any garrison, barrack or military place, in any town or plantation; nor shall the residence of a student at any seminary of learning entitle him to the right of suffrage in the town or plantation where such seminary is established. S ECT. 2. Electors shall, in all cases, except treason, felony or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest on the days of election, during their attendance at, going to, and returning therefrom. S ECT. 3. No elector shall be obliged to do duty in the militia, on any day of election, except in time of war or public danger. S ECT. 4. The election of Governor, Senators and Representatives, shall be on the second Monday of September annually forever.

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ARTICLE III Distribution of Powers S ECT. 1. The powers of this Government shall be divided into three distinct Departments, the Legislative, Executive and Judicial. S ECT. 2. No person or persons, belonging to one of these Departments, shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others, except in the cases herein expressly directed or permitted.

ARTICLE IV Part First Legislative Power – House of Representatives S ECT. 1. The Legislative power shall be vested in two distinct branches, a House of Representatives, and a Senate, each to have a negative on the other, and both to be stiled the Legislature of Maine, and the style of their Acts and Laws, shall be, “Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Legislature assembled.” S ECT. 2. The House of Representatives shall consist of not less than one hundred nor more than two hundred members, to be elected by the qualified electors for one year from the day next preceding the annual meeting of the Legislature. The Legislature, which shall first be convened under this Constitution, shall, on or before the fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one, and the Legislature, within every subsequent period of at most ten years and at least five, cause the number of the inhabitants of the State to be ascertained, exclusive of foreigners not naturalized, and Indians not taxed. The number of Representatives shall,

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at the several periods of making such enumeration, be fixed and apportioned among the several counties, as near as may be, according to the number of inhabitants, having regard to the relative increase of population. The number of Representatives shall, on said first apportionment, be not less than one hundred nor more than one hundred and fifty; and, whenever the number of Representatives shall be two hundred, at the next annual meetings of elections, which shall thereafter be had, and at every subsequent period of ten years, the people shall give in their votes, whether the number of Representatives shall be increased or diminished, and if a majority of votes are in favor thereof, it shall be the duty of the next Legislature thereafter to increase or diminish the number by the rule hereinafter prescribed. S ECT. 3. Each town having fifteen hundred inhabitants may elect one representative; each town having three thousand seven hundred and fifty may elect two; each town having six thousand seven hundred and fifty may elect three; each town having ten thousand five hundred may elect four; each town having fifteen thousand may elect five; each town having twenty thousand two hundred and fifty may elect six; each town having twenty six thousand two hundred and fifty inhabitants may elect seven; but no town shall ever be entitled to more than seven representatives: and towns and plantations duly organized, not having fifteen hundred inhabitants, shall be classed, as conveniently as may be, into districts containing that number, and so as not to divide towns; and each such district may elect one representative; and, when on this apportionment the number of representatives shall be two hundred, a different apportionment shall take place upon the above principle; and, in case the fifteen hundred shall be too large or too small to apportion all the representatives to any county, it shall be so increased or di-

C ONSTITUTION OF M AINE (1819) minished as to give the number of representatives according to the above rule and proportion; and whenever any town or towns, plantation or plantations not entitled to elect a representative shall determine against a classification with any other town or plantation, the Legislature may at each apportionment of representatives, on the application of such town or plantation, authorize it to elect a representative for such portion of time and such periods, as shall be equal to its portion of representation; and the right of representation, so established, shall not be altered until the next general apportionment. S ECT. 4. No person shall be a member of the House of Representatives, unless he shall, at the commencement of the period for which he is elected, have been five years a citizen of the United States, have arrived at the age of twenty one years, have been a resident in this State one year, or from the adoption of this Constitution; and for the three months next preceding the time of his election shall have been, and, during the period for which he is elected, shall continue to be a resident in the town or district which he represents. S ECT. 5. The meetings for the choice of representatives shall be warned in due course of law by the selectmen of the several towns seven days at least before the election, and the selectmen thereof shall preside impartially at such meetings, receive the votes of all the qualified electors present, sort, count and declare them in open town meeting, and in the presence of the town clerk, who shall form a list of the persons voted for, with the number of votes for each person against his name, shall make a fair record thereof in the presence of the selectmen, and in open town meeting; and a fair copy of this list shall be attested by the selectmen and town clerk, and delivered by said selectmen to each representa-

tive within ten days next after such election. And the towns and plantations organized by law, belonging to any class herein provided, shall hold their meetings at the same time in the respective towns and plantations; and the town and plantation meetings in such towns and plantations shall be notified, held and regulated, the votes received, sorted, counted and declared in the same manner. And the assessors and clerks of plantations shall have all the powers, and be subject to all the duties, which selectmen and town clerks have, and are subject to by this Constitution. And the selectmen of such towns, and the assessors of such plantations, so classed, shall, within four days next after such meeting, meet at some place, to be prescribed and notified by the selectmen or assessors of the eldest town, or plantation, in such class, and the copies of said lists shall be then examined and compared; and in case any person shall be elected by a majority of all the votes, the selectmen or assessors shall deliver the certified copies of such lists to the person so elected, within ten days next after such election; and the clerks of towns and plantations respectively shall seal up copies of all such lists and cause them to be delivered into the Secretary’s office twenty days at least before the first Wednesday in January annually; but in case no person shall have a majority of votes, the selectmen and assessors shall, as soon as may be, notify another meeting, and the same proceedings shall be had at every future meeting until an election shall have been effected: Provided, That the Legislature may by law prescribe a different mode of returning, examining and ascertaining the election of the representatives in such classes. S ECT. 6. Whenever the seat of a member shall be vacated by death, resignation, or otherwise the vacancy may be filled by a new election.

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M AINE S ECT. 7. The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker, clerk and other officers. S ECT. 8. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment.

ARTICLE IV Part Second Senate S ECT. 1. The Senate shall consist of not less than twenty, nor more than thirty one members, elected at the same time, and for the same term, as the representatives, by the qualified electors of the districts, into which the State shall from time to time be divided. S ECT. 2. The Legislature, which shall be first convened under this Constitution, shall, on or before the fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-one, and the Legislature at every subsequent period of ten years, cause the State to be divided into districts for the choice of Senators. The districts shall conform, as near as may be, to county lines, and be apportioned according to the number of inhabitants. The number of Senators shall not exceed twenty at the first apportionment, and shall at each apportionment be increased, until they shall amount to thirty-one, according to the increase in the House of Representatives. S ECT. 3. The meetings for the election of Senators shall be notified, held and regulated, and the votes received, sorted, counted, declared and recorded, in the same manner as those for Representatives. And fair copies of the lists of votes shall be attested by the selectmen and town clerks of towns, and the assessors and clerks of plantations, and sealed up in open town and plantation meetings; and the town and

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plantation clerks respectively shall cause the same to be delivered into the Secretary’s office thirty days at least before the first Wednesday of January. All other qualified electors, living in places unincorporated, who shall be assessed to the support of government by the assessors of an adjacent town, shall have the privilege of voting for Senators, Representatives and Governor in such town; and shall be notified by the selectmen thereof for that purpose accordingly. S ECT. 4. The Governor and Council shall, as soon as may be, examine the returned copies of such lists, and, twenty days before the said first Wednesday of January, issue a summons to such persons, as shall appear to be elected by a majority of the votes in each district, to attend that day and take their seats. S ECT. 5. The Senate shall, on the said first Wednesday of January, annually, determine who are elected by a majority of votes to be Senators in each district; and in case the full number of Senators to be elected from each district shall not have been so elected, the members of the House of Representatives and such Senators, as shall have been elected, shall, from the highest numbers of the persons voted for, on said lists, equal to twice the number of Senators deficient, in every district, if there be so many voted for, elect by joint ballot the number of Senators required; and in this manner all vacancies in the Senate shall be supplied, as soon as may be, after such vacancies happen. S ECT. 6. The Senators shall be twentyfive years of age at the commencement of the term, for which they are elected, and in all other respects their qualifications shall be the same, as those of the Representatives. S ECT. 7. The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments, and when

C ONSTITUTION OF M AINE (1819) setting for that purpose shall be on oath or affirmation, and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of the members present. Their judgment, however, shall not extend farther than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold or enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under this State. But the party, whether convicted or acquitted, shall nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment according to law. S ECT. 8. The Senate shall choose their President, Secretary and other officers.

ARTICLE IV Part Third Legislative Power S ECT. 1. The Legislature shall convene on the first Wednesday of January annually, and shall have full power to make and establish all reasonable laws and regulations for the defence and benefit of the people of this State, not repugnant to this Constitution, nor to that of the United States. S ECT. 2. Every bill or resolution, having the force of law, to which the concurrence of both Houses may be necessary, except on a question of adjournment, which shall have passed both Houses, shall be presented to the Governor, and if he approve, he shall sign it; if not, he shall return it with his objections to the House, in which it shall have originated, which shall enter the objections at large on its journals, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such reconsideration, two thirds of that House shall agree to pass it, it shall be sent together with the objections, to the other House, by which it shall be reconsidered, and, if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall have the same effect, as if it had been signed by the Governor: but in all such cases, the votes

of both Houses shall be taken by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons, voting for and against the bill or resolution, shall be entered on the journals of both Houses respectively. If the bill or resolution shall not be returned by the Governor within five days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, it shall have the same force and effect, as if he had signed it, unless the Legislature by their adjournment prevent its return, in which case it shall have such force and effect, unless returned within three days after their next meeting. S ECT. 3. Each House shall be the judge of the elections and qualifications of its own members, and a majority shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penalties as each House shall provide. S ECT. 4. Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member, but not a second time for the same cause. S ECT. 5. Each House shall keep a journal, and from time to time publish its proceedings, except such parts as in their judgment may require secrecy; and the yeas and nays of the members of either House on any question, shall, at the desire of one fifth of those present, be entered on the journals. S ECT. 6. Each House, during its session, may punish by imprisonment any person, not a member, for disrespectful or disorderly behavior in its presence, for obstructing any of its proceedings, threatening, assaulting or abusing any of its members for any thing said, done, or doing in either House: Provided, that no imprisonment shall extend beyond the period of the same session.

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M AINE S ECT. 7. The Senators and Representatives shall receive such compensation, as shall be established by law; but no law increasing their compensation shall take effect during the existence of the Legislature, which enacted it. The expenses of the members of the House of Representatives in travelling to the Legislature, and returning therefrom, once in each session and no more, shall be paid by the State out of the public Treasury to every member, who shall seasonably attend, in the judgment of the House, and does not depart therefrom without leave. S ECT. 8. The Senators and Representatives shall, in all cases except treason, felony or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at, going to, and returning from each session of the Legislature, and no member shall be liable to answer for any thing spoken in debate in either House, in any court or place elsewhere. S ECT. 9. Bills, orders or resolutions, may originate in either House, and may be altered, amended or rejected in the other; but all bills for raising a revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose amendments as in other cases: Provided, that they shall not, under color of amendment introduce any new matter, which does not relate to raising a revenue. S ECT. 10. No Senator or Representative shall, during the term for which he shall have been elected, be appointed to any civil office of profit under this state, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which increased during such term, except such offices as may be filled by elections by the people: Provided that this prohibition shall not extend to the members of the first Legislature.

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S ECT. 11. No member of Congress, nor person holding any office under the United States (post officers excepted) nor office of profit under this state, Justices of the Peace, Notaries Public, Coroners and officers of the militia excepted, shall have a seat in either House during his being such member of Congress, or his continuing in such office. S ECT. 12. Neither House shall during the session, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than two days, nor to any other place than that in which the Houses shall be sitting.

ARTICLE V Part First Executive Power S ECT. 1. The supreme executive power of this State shall be vested in a Governor. S ECT. 2. The Governor shall be elected by the qualified electors, and shall hold his office one year from the first Wednesday of January in each year. S ECT. 3. The meetings for election of Governor shall be notified, held and regulated, and votes shall be received, sorted, counted, declared and recorded, in the same manner as those for Senators and Representatives. They shall be sealed and returned into the Secretary’s office in the same manner, and at the same time as those for Senators. And the Secretary of State for the time being shall, on the first Wednesday of January, then next, lay the lists before the Senate and House of Representatives to be by them examined, and, in case of a choice by a majority of all the votes returned, they shall declare and publish the same. But, if no person shall have a majority of votes, the House of Representatives shall, by ballot,

C ONSTITUTION OF M AINE (1819) from the persons having the four highest numbers of votes on the lists, if so many there be, elect two persons, and make return of their names to the Senate, of whom the Senate shall, by ballot, elect one, who shall be declared the Governor. S ECT. 4. The Governor shall, at the commencement of his term, be not less than thirty years of age; a natural born citizen of the United States, have been five years, or from the adoption of this Constitution, a resident of the State; and at the time of his election and during the term for which he is elected, be a resident of said State. S ECT. 5. No person holding any office or place under the United States, this State, or any other power, shall exercise the office of Governor. S ECT. 6. The Governor shall, at stated times, receive for his services a compensation, which shall not be increased or diminished during his continuance in office. S ECT. 7. He shall be commander in chief of the army and navy of the State, and of the militia, except when called into the actual service of the United States; but he shall not march nor convey any of the citizens out of the State without their consent, or that of the Legislature, unless it shall become necessary, in order to march or transport them from one part of the State to another for the defence thereof. S ECT. 8. He shall nominate, and, with the advice and consent of the Council, appoint all judicial officers, the Attorney General, the Sheriffs, Coroners, Registers of Probate, and Notaries Public; and he shall also nominate, and with the advice and consent of the Council, appoint all other civil and military officers, whose appointment is not by this Constitution, or shall not by law be otherwise provided for; and every

such nomination shall be made seven days, at least, prior to such appointment. S ECT. 9. He shall from time to time give the Legislature information of the condition of the State, and recommend to their consideration such measures, as he may judge expedient. S ECT. 10. He may require information from any military officer, or any officer in the executive department, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices. S ECT. 11. He shall have power, with the advice and consent of the Council, to remit, after conviction, all forfeitures and penalties, and to grant reprieves and pardons, except in cases of impeachment. S ECT. 12. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed. S ECT. 13. He may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the Legislature; and in case of disagreement between the two Houses with respect to the time of adjournment, adjourn them to such time, as he shall think proper, not beyond the day of the next annual meeting; and if, since the last adjournment, the place where the Legislature were next to convene shall have become dangerous from an enemy or contagious sickness, may direct the session to be held at some other convenient place within the State. S ECT. 14. Whenever the office of Governor shall become vacant by death, resignation, removal from office or otherwise, the President of the Senate shall exercise the office of Governor until another Governor shall be duly qualified; and in case of the death, resignation, removal from office or other disqualification of the President of the Senate, so exercising the office of Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall exercise the office, until a President

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M AINE of the Senate shall have been chosen; and when the office of Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House shall become vacant, in the recess of the Senate, the person, acting as Secretary of State for the time being, shall by proclamation convene the Senate, that a President may be chosen to exercise the office of Governor. And whenever either the President of the Senate, or Speaker of the House shall so exercise said office, he shall receive only the compensation of Governor, but his duties as President or Speaker shall be suspended; and the Senate or House, shall fill the vacancy, until his duties as Governor shall cease.

S ECT. 3. The resolutions and advice of Council shall be recorded in a register, and signed by the members agreeing thereto, which may be called for by either House of the Legislature; and any Counsellor may enter his dissent to the resolution of the majority. S ECT. 4. No Member of Congress, or of the Legislature of this State, nor any person holding any office under the United States, (post officers excepted) nor any civil officers under this State (Justices of the Peace and Notaries Public excepted) shall be Counsellors. And no Counsellor shall be appointed to any office during the time, for which he shall have been elected.

ARTICLE V

ARTICLE V

Part Second

Part Third

Council

Secretary

S ECT. 1. There shall be a Council, to consist of seven persons, citizens of the United States, and residents of this State, to advise the Governor in the executive part of government, whom the Governor shall have full power, at his discretion, to assemble; and he with the Counsellors, or a majority of them may from time to time, hold and keep a Council, for ordering and directing the affairs of State according to law.

S ECT. 1. The Secretary of State shall be chosen annually at the first session of the Legislature, by joint ballot of the Senators and Representatives in Convention.

S ECT. 2. The Counsellors shall be chosen annually, on the first Wednesday of January, by joint ballot of the Senators and Representatives in Convention; and vacancies, which shall afterwards happen, shall be filled in the same manner; but not more than one Counsellor shall be elected from any district, prescribed for the election of Senators; and they shall be privileged from arrest in the same manner, as Senators and Representatives.

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S ECT. 2. The records of the State shall be kept in the office of the Secretary, who may appoint his deputies, for whose conduct he shall be accountable. S ECT. 3. He shall attend the Governor and Council, Senate and House of Representatives, in person or by his deputies as they shall respectively require. S ECT. 4. He shall carefully keep and preserve the records of all the official acts and proceedings of the Governor and Council, Senate and House of Representatives, and, when required, lay the same before either branch of the Legislature, and perform such other duties as are enjoined by this Constitution, or shall be required by law.

C ONSTITUTION OF M AINE (1819)

ARTICLE V Part Fourth Treasurer S ECT. 1. The Treasurer shall be chosen annually, at the first session of the Legislature, by joint ballot of the Senators, and Representatives in Convention, but shall not be eligible more than five years successively.

S ECT. 3. They shall be obliged to give their opinion upon important questions of law, and upon solemn occasions, when required by the Governor, Council, Senate or House of Representatives. S ECT. 4. All Judicial officers, except Justices of the Peace, shall hold their offices during good behavior, but not beyond the age of seventy years.

S ECT. 2. The Treasurer shall, before entering on the duties of his office, give bond to the State with sureties, to the satisfaction of the Legislature, for the faithful discharge of his trust.

S ECT. 5. Justices of the Peace and Notaries Public, shall hold their offices during seven years, if they so long behave themselves well, at the expiration of which term, they may be reappointed or others appointed, as the public interest may require.

S ECT. 3. The Treasurer shall not, during his continuance in office, engage in any business of trade or commerce, or as a broker, nor as an agent or factor for any merchant or trader.

S ECT. 6. The Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court shall hold no office under the United States, nor any state, nor any other office under this state, except that of Justice of the Peace.

S ECT. 4. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but by warrant from the Governor and Council, and in consequence of appropriations made by law; and a regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money, shall be published at the commencement of the annual session of the Legislature.

ARTICLE VI Judicial Power S ECT. 1. The Judicial power of this state shall be vested in a Supreme Judicial Court, and such other courts as the Legislature shall from time to time establish. S ECT. 2. The Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court shall, at stated times receive a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office, but they shall receive no other fee or reward.

ARTICLE VII Military S ECT. 1. The captains and subalterns of the militia shall be elected by the written votes of the members of their respective companies. The field officers of regiments by the written votes of the captains and subalterns of their respective regiments. The Brigadier Generals in like manner, by the field officers of their respective brigades. S ECT. 2. The Legislature shall, by law, direct the manner of notifying the electors, conducting the elections, and making the returns to the Governor of the officers elected; and, if the electors shall neglect or refuse to make such elections, after being duly notified according to law, the Governor shall appoint suitable persons to fill such offices.

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M AINE S ECT. 3. The Major Generals shall be elected by the Senate and House of Representatives, each having a negative on the other. The Adjutant General and Quartermaster General shall be appointed by the Governor and Council; but the Adjutant General shall perform the duties of Quartermaster General, until otherwise directed by law. The Major Generals and Brigadier Generals, and the commanding officers of regiments and battalions shall appoint their respective staff officers; and all military officers shall be commissioned by the Governor. S ECT. 4. The militia, as divided into divisions, brigades, regiments, battalions and companies pursuant to the laws now in force, shall remain so organized, until the same shall be altered by the Legislature. S ECT. 5. Persons of the denominations of Quakers and Shakers, Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court and Ministers of the Gospel may be exempted from military duty, but no other person of the age of eighteen and under the age of forty-five years excepting officers of the militia, who have been honorably discharged, shall be so exempted, unless he shall pay an equivalent to be fixed by law.

ARTICLE VIII Literature A general diffusion of the advantages of education being essential to the preservation of the rights and liberties of the people; to promote this important object, the Legislature are authorised, and it shall be their duty to require, the several towns to make suitable provision, at their own expense, for the support and maintenance of public schools; and it shall further be their duty to encourage and suitably endow, from

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time to time, as the circumstances of the people may authorise, all academies, colleges and seminaries of learning within the State: Provided, That no donation, grant or endowment shall at any time be made by the Legislature to any Literary Institution now established, or which may hereafter be established, unless, at the time of making such endowment, the Legislature of the State shall have the right to grant any further powers to, alter, limit or restrain any of the powers vested in, any such literary institution, as shall be judged necessary to promote the best interests thereof.

ARTICLE IX General Provisions S ECT. 1. Every person elected or appointed to either of the places or offices provided in this Constitution, and every person elected, appointed, or commissioned to any Judicial, Executive, Military or other office under this State, shall, before he enter on the discharge of the duties of his place or office, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: “I, –––– do swear, that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of this State, so long as I shall continue a citizen thereof. So help me God.” “I –––– do swear, that I will faithfully discharge, to the best of my abilities, the duties incumbent on me as –––– according to the Constitution and the laws of the State. – So help me God:” Provided, That an affirmation in the above forms may be substituted, when the person shall be conscienciously scrupulous of taking and subscribing an oath. The oaths or affirmations shall be taken and subscribed by the Governor and Counsellors before the presiding officer of the Senate, in the presence of both Houses of the Legislature, and by the Senators and

C ONSTITUTION OF M AINE (1819) Representatives before the Governor and Council, and by the residue of said officers before such persons as shall be prescribed by the Legislature; and whenever the Governor or any Counsellor shall not be able to attend during the session of the Legislature to take and subscribe said oaths or affirmations, such oaths or affirmations may be taken and subscribed in the recess of the Legislature before any Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court: Provided, that the Senators and Representatives, first elected under this Constitution, shall take and subscribe such oaths or affirmations before the President of the Convention. S ECT. 2. No person holding the office of Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, or of any inferior Court, Attorney General, County Attorney, Treasurer of the State, Adjutant General, Judge of Probate, Register of Probate, Register of Deeds, Sheriffs or their deputies, Clerks of the Judicial Courts, shall be a member of the Legislature; and any person holding either of the foregoing offices, elected to, and accepting a seat in the Congress of the United States, shall thereby vacate said office; and no person shall be capable of holding or exercising at the same time, within this State more than one of the offices before mentioned. S ECT. 3. All Commissions shall be in the name of the State, signed by the Governor, attested by the Secretary or his deputy, and have the seal of the State thereto affixed. S ECT. 4. And in case the elections, required by this Constitution on the first Wednesday of January annually, by the two Houses of the Legislature, shall not be completed on that day, the same may be adjourned from day to day, until completed, in the fo11owing order: the vacancies in the Senate shall first be filled; the Governor shall then be elected, if there be no

choice by the people; and afterwards the two Houses shall elect the Council. S ECT. 5. Every person holding any civil office under this State, may be removed by impeachment, for misdemeanor in office; and every person holding any office, may be removed by the Governor with the advice of the Council, on the address of both branches of the Legislature. But before such address shall pass either House, the causes of removal shall be stated and entered on the journal of the House in which it originated; and a copy thereof served on the person in office, that he may be admitted to a hearing in his defence. S ECT. 6. The tenure of all offices, which are not or shall not be otherwise provided for, shall be during the pleasure of the Governor and Council. S ECT. 7. While the public expences shall be assessed on polls and estates, a general valuation shall be taken at least once in ten years. S ECT. 8. All taxes upon real estate, assessed by authority of this State, shall be apportioned and assessed equally, according to the just value thereof.

ARTICLE X Schedule S ECT. 1. The first Legislature shall meet on the last Wednesday in May next. The elections on the second Monday in September annually shall not commence until the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty one, and in the mean time the election for Governor, Senators and Representatives shall be on the first Monday in April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, and at this election,

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M AINE the same proceedings shall be had as are required at the elections, provided for in this Constitution on the second Monday in September annually, and the lists of the votes for the Governor and Senators shall be transmitted, by the town and plantation clerks respectively, to the Secretary of State pro tempore, seventeen days at least before the last Wednesday in May next, and the President of the Convention shall, in presence of the Secretary of State pro tempore, open and examine the attested copies of said lists so returned for Senators, and shall have all the powers, and be subject to all the duties, in ascertaining, notifying, and summoning the Senators, who appear to be elected, as the Governor and Council have, and are subject to, by this Constitution: Provided, he shall notify said Senators fourteen days at least before the last Wednesday in May, and vacancies shall be ascertained and filled in the manner herein provided; and the Senators to be elected on the said first Monday of April, shall apportioned as follows: The County of York shall elect three. The County of Cumberland shall elect three. The County of Lincoln shall elect three. The County of Hancock shall elect two. The County of Washington shall elect one. The County of Kennebec shall elect three. The County of Oxford shall elect two. The County of Somerset shall elect two. The County of Penobscot shall elect one. And the members of the House of Representatives shall be elected, ascertained, and returned in the same manner as herein provided at elections on the second Monday of September, and the first House of Representatives shall consist of the following number, to be elected as follows:

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COUNTY OF YORK. – The towns of York and Wells way each elect two representatives; and each of the remaining towns may elect one. COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND. – The town of Portland may elect three representatives; North-Yarmouth, two; Brunswick, two; Gorham, two; Freeport and Pownal, two; Raymond and Otisfield, one; Bridgton, Baldwin and Harrison, one; Poland and Danville, one; and each remaining town one. COUNTY OF LINCOLN. – The towns of Georgetown and Phipsburg, may elect one representative; Lewiston and Wales, one; St. George, Cushing and Friendship, one; Hope and Appleton Ridge, one; Jefferson, Putnam and Patricktown plantation, one; Alna and Whitefield, one; Montville, Palermo, and Montville plantation, one; Woolwich and Dresden, one; and each remaining town, one. COUNTY OF HANCOCK. – The town of Bucksport may elect one representative; Deer Island one; Castine and Brooksville, one; Orland and Penobscot, one; Mount Desert and Eden, one; Vinalhaven and Isleborough, one; Sedgwick and Bluehill one; Gouldsborough, Sullivan and plantations No. 8 and 9 north of Sullivan, one; Surry, Ellsworth, Trenton and plantation of Mariaville, one; Lincolnville, Searsmont and Belmont, one; Belfast and Northport, one; Prospect and Swanville, one; Frankfort and Monroe, one; Knox, Brooks, Jackson and Thorndike, one. COUNTY OF WASHINGTON. – The towns of Steuben, Cherryfield and Harrington, may elect one representative; Addison, Columbia and Jonesborough, one; Machias one; Lubec, Dennysville, plantations No. 9, No. 10, No. 11, No. 12, one; Eastport one; Perry, Robinston, Calais, plantations No. 3, No. 6, No. 7, No. 15, and No. 16, one.

C ONSTITUTION OF M AINE (1819) COUNTY OF KENNEBEC. – The towns of Belgrade and Dearborn may elect one representative; Chesterville, Vienna and Rome, one; Wayne and Fayette, one; Temple and Wilton, one; Winslow and China, one; Fairfax and Freedom, one; Unity, Joy and 25 mile pond plantation, one; Harlem and Malta, one; and each remaining town one. COUNTY OF OXFORD. – The towns of Dixfield, Mexico, Weld and plantations Nos. 1 and 4, may elect one representative; Jay and Hartford, one; Livermore one; Rumford, East Andover and plantations Nos. 7 and 8, one; Turner one; Woodstock, Paris and Greenwood, one; Hebron and Norway, one; Gilead, Bethel, Newry, Albany and Howard’s gore, one; Porter, Hiram and Brownfield, one; Waterford, Sweden and Lovell, one; Denmark, Fryeburg and Fryeburg addition, one; Buckfield and Sumner, one. COUNTY OF SOMERSET. – The town of Fairfield may elect one representative; Norridgwock and Bloomfield, one; Starks and Mercer, one; Industry, Strong; and New-Vineyard, one; Avon, Phillips, Freeman and Kingfield, one; Anson, NewPortland, Embden, and plantation No. 1, one; Canaan, Warsaw, Palmyra, St. Albans and Corinna, one; Madison, Solon, Bingham, Moscow and Northhill, one; Cornville, Athens, Harmony, Ripley and Warrenstown, one. COUNTY OF PENOBSCOT. – The towns of Hampden and Newburg may elect one representative; Orrington, Brewer, and Eddington and plantations adjacent on the east side of Penobscot river, one; Bangor, Orono and Sunkhaze plantation, one; Dixmont, Newport, Carmel, Hermon, Stetson, and plantation No. 4 in the 6th range, one; Levant, Corinth, Exeter, New-Charlestown, Blakesburgh, plantation No. 1 in 3d range,

and plantation No. 1 in 4th range, one; Dexter, Garland, Guilford, Sangerville, and plantation No. 3 in 6th range, one; Atkinson, Sebec, Foxcroft, Brownville, Williamsburgh, plantation No. 1 in 7th range, and plantation No. 3 in 7th range, one. And the Secretary of State pro tempore shall have the same powers, and be subject to the same duties, in relation to the votes for Governor, as the Secretary of State has, and is subject to, by this Constitution: and the election of Governor shall, on the said last Wednesday in May, be determined and declared, in the same manner, as other elections of Governor are by this Constitution; and in case of vacancy in said office, the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall exercise the office as herein otherwise provided, and the Counsellors, Secretary and Treasurer, shall also be elected on said day, and have the same powers, and be subject to the same duties, as is provided in this Constitution; and in case of the death or other disqualification of the President of this Convention, or of the Secretary of State pro tempore, before the election and qualification of the Governor or Secretary of State under this Constitution, the persons to be designated by this Convention at their session in January next, shall have all the powers and perform all the duties, which the President of this Convention, or the Secretary pro tempore, to be by them appointed, shall have and perform. S ECT. 2. The period for which the Governor, Senators and Representatives, Counsellors, Secretary and Treasurer, first elected or appointed, are to serve in their respective offices and places, shall commence on the last Wednesday in May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, and continue until the first Wednesday of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty two. S ECT. 3. All laws now in force in this

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M AINE state, and not repugnant to this Constitution, shall remain, and be in force, until altered or repealed by the Legislature, or shall expire by their own limitation. S ECT. 4. The Legislature, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, may propose amendments to this Constitution; and when any amendment shall be so agreed upon, a resolution shall be passed and sent to the selectmen of the several towns, and the assessors of the several plantations, empowering and directing them to notify the inhabitants of their respective towns and plantations, in the manner prescribed by law, at their next annual meetings in the month of September, to give in their votes on the question, whether such amendment shall be made; and if it shall appear that a majority of the inhabitants voting on the question are in favor of such amendment, it shall become a part of this Constitution. S ECT. 5. All officers provided for in the sixth section of an act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, passed on the nineteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen, entitled “An act relating to the Separation of the District of Maine from Massachusetts Proper, and forming the same into a separate and Independent State,” shall continue in office as therein provided; and the following provisions of said act shall be a part of this Constitution, subject however to be modified or annulled as therein is prescribed, and not otherwise, to wit: “SECT . 1. Whereas it has been represented to this Legislature, that a majority of the people of the District of Maine are desirous of establishing a separate and Independent Government within said District: Therefore, “Be it enacted by the Senate and House

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of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That the consent of this Commonwealth be, and the same is hereby given, that the District of Maine may be formed and erected into a separate and Independent State, if the people of this3 said District shall in the manner, and by the majority hereinafter mentioned, express their consent and agreement thereto, upon the following terms and conditions: And provided the Congress of the United States shall give its consent thereto, before the fourth day of March next: which terms and conditions are as follows, viz. “First. All the lands and buildings belonging to the Commonwealth, within Massachusetts Proper, shall continue to belong to said Commonwealth, and all the lands belonging to the Commonwealth, within the District of Maine, shall belong, the one half thereof to the said Commonwealth, and the other half thereof, to the State to be formed within the said District, to be divided as is hereinafter mentioned; and the lands within the said District, which shall belong to the said Commonwealth, shall be free from taxation, while the title to the said lands remains in the Commonwealth; and the rights of the Commonwealth to their lands, within said District, and the remedies for the recovery thereof, shall continue the same, within the proposed State, and in the Courts thereof, as they now are within the said Commonwealth, and in the Courts thereof; for which purposes, and for the maintenance of its rights, and recovery of its lands, the said Commonwealth shall be entitled to all other proper and legal remedies, and may appear in the Courts of the proposed State and in the Courts of the United States, holden therein; and all rights of action for, or entry into lands, and of actions upon bonds, for the breach of the performance of the condition of settling duties, so called, which have accrued, or may accrue, shall remain in this

C ONSTITUTION OF M AINE (1819) Commonwealth, to be enforced, commuted, released, or otherwise disposed of, in such manner as this Commonwealth may hereafter determine: Provided however, That whatever this Commonwealth may hereafter receive or obtain on account thereof if any thing, shall, after deducting all reasonable charges relating thereto, be divided, one third part thereof to the new State, and two third parts thereof to this Commonwealth. “Second. All the arms which have been received by this Commonwealth from the United States, under the law of Congress, entitled, “An act making provision for arming and equipping the whole body of militia of the United States, passed April the twenty third, one thousand eight hundred and eight4 , shall, as soon as the said District shall become a separate State, be divided between the two States, in proportion to the returns of the militia, according to which, the said arms have been received from the United States, as aforesaid. “Third. All money, stock, or other proceeds, hereafter derived from the United States, on account of the claim of this Commonwealth, for disbursements made, and expenses incurred, for the defense of the State, during the late war with Great Britain, shall be received by this Commonwealth, and when received, shall be divided between the two States, in the proportion of two thirds to this Commonwealth, and one third to the new State. “Fourth. All other property, of every description, belonging to the Commonwealth shall be holden and receivable by the same as a fund and security, for all debts, annuities and Indian subsidies, or claims due by said Commonwealth; and within two years after the said District shall have become a separate State, the Commissioners to be appointed as hereinafter provided, if the said States cannot otherwise agree, shall assign a just portion of the productive prop-

erty, so held by said Commonwealth, as an equivalent and indemnification to said Commonwealth, for all such debts, annuities, or Indian subsidies or claims, which may then remain due, or unsatisfied: and all the surplus of the said property, so holden as aforesaid, shall be divided between the said Commonwealth and the said District of Maine, in the proportion of two thirds to the said Commonwealth, and one third to the said District – and if, in the judgment of the said Commissioners, the whole of said property, so held, as a fund and security, shall not be sufficient indemnification for the purpose, the said District shall be liable for and shall pay to said Commonwealth one third of the deficiency. “Fifth. The new State shall, as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made for that purpose, assume and perform all the duties and obligations of this Commonwealth, towards the Indians within said District of Maine, whether the same arise from treaties, or otherwise; and for this purpose shall obtain the assent of said Indians, and their release to this Commonwealth of claims and stipulations arising under the treaty at present existing between the said Commonwealth and said Indians; and as an indemnification to such new State, therefor, this Commonwealth, when such arrangements shall be completed, and the said duties and obligations assumed, shall pay to said new State, the value of thirty thousand dollars, in manner following, viz.: The said Commissioners shall set off by metes and bounds, so much of any part of the land within the said District, falling to this Commonwealth, in the division of the public lands, hereinafter provided for, as in their estimation shall be of the value of thirty thousand dollars; and this Commonwealth shall, thereupon, assign the same to the said new State, or in lieu thereof, may pay the sum of thirty thousand dollars at its election; which election of the said Common-

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M AINE wealth, shall be made within one year from the time that notice of the doings of the Commissioners, on this subject, shall be made known to the Governor and Council; and if not made within that time, the election shall be with the new State. “Sixth. Commissioners, with the powers, and for the purposes mentioned in this act, shall be appointed in manner following: The Executive authority of each State shall appoint two; and the four so appointed or the major part of them, shall appoint two more; but if they cannot agree in the appointment, the Executive of each State shall appoint one in addition; not however, in that case, to be a citizen of its own State. And any vacancy happening with respect to the Commissioners shall be supplied in the manner provided for their original appointment; and, in addition to the powers herein before given to said Commissioners, they shall have full power and authority to divide all the public lands within the District, between the respective States, in equal shares, or moieties, in severalty, having regard to quantity, situation and quality; they shall determine what lands shall be surveyed and divided, from time to time, the expense of which surveys, and of the Commissioners, shall be borne equally by the two States. They shall keep fair records of their doings and of the surveys made by their direction, copies of which records, authenticated by them, shall be deposited from time to time, in the archives of the respective States; transcripts of which, properly certified may be admitted in evidence, in all questions touching the subject to which they relate. The Executive authority of each State, may revoke the power of either or both its commissioners; having, however, first appointed a substitute, or substitutes, and may fill any vacancy happening with respect to its own Commissioners; four of said Commissioners shall constitute a quorum, for the transaction of business; their

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decision shall be final, upon all subjects within their cognizance. In case said commission shall expire, the sarne not having been completed, and either State shall request the renewal or filling up of the same, it shall be renewed or filled up in the same manner, as is herein provided for filling the same, in the first instance, and with the like powers; and if either State shall, after six months’ notice, neglect or refuse to appoint its Commissioners, the other may fill up the whole commission. “Seventh. All grants of land, franchises, immunities, corporate or other rights, and all contracts for, or grants of land not yet located, which have been or may be made by the said Commonwealth, before the separation of said District shall take place, and having or to have effect within the said District, shall continue in full force, after the said District shall become a separate State. But the grant which has been made to the President and Trustees of Bowdoin College, out of the tax laid upon the Banks, within this Commonwealth shall be charged upon the tax upon the Banks within the said District of Maine, and paid according to the terms of said grant; and the President and Trustees, and the Overseers of said College, shall have, hold and enjoy their powers and privileges in all respects; so that the same shall not be subject to be altered, limited, annulled or restrained, except by judicial process, according to the principles of law; and in all grants, hereafter to be made, by either State, of unlocated land within the said District, the same reservations shall be made for the benefit of Schools, and of the Ministry, as have heretofore been usual in grants made by this Commonwealth. And all lands heretofore granted by this Commonwealth, to any religious, literary, or eleemosynary corporation, or society, shall be free from taxation, while the same continues to be owned by such corporation, or society.

C ONSTITUTION OF M AINE (1819) “Eighth. No laws shall be passed in the proposed State, with regard to taxes, actions, or remedies at law, or bars, or limitations thereof, or otherwise making any distinction between the lands and rights of property of proprietors not resident in, or not citizens of said proposed State, and the lands and rights of property of the citizens of the proposed State, resident therein: and the rights and liabilities of all persons, shall, after the said separation, continue the same as if the said District was still a part of this Commonwealth, in all suits pending, or judgments remaining unsatisfied on the fifteenth day of March next, where the suits have been commenced in Massachusetts Proper, and process has been served within the District of Maine; or commenced in the District of Maine, and process has been served in Massachusetts Proper, either by taking bail, making attachments, arresting and detaining persons, or otherwise, where execution remains to be done; and in such suits the Courts within Massachusetts Proper, and within the proposed State, shall continue to have the same jurisdiction as if the said District had still remained a part of the Commonwealth. And this Commonwealth shall have the same remedies within the proposed State, as it now has, for the collection of all taxes, bonds, or debts, which may be assessed, due, made or contracted, by, to, or with the Commonwealth, on or before the said fifteenth day of March, within the said District of Maine; and all officers within Massachusetts Proper and the District of Maine, shall conduct themselves accordingly. “Ninth. These terms and conditions, as here set forth, when the said District shall become a separate and Independent State shall, ipso facto, be incorporated into, and become and be a part of any Constitution, provisional or other, under which the Government of the said proposed State shall, at any time hereafter, be administered; sub-

ject, however, to be modified, or annulled by the agreement of the Legislature of both the said States; but by no other power or body whatsoever.”

S ECT. 6. This Constitution shall be enrolled on parchment, deposited in the Secretary’s office, and be the supreme law of the state, and printed copies thereof shall be prefixed to the books containing the laws of this state

Done in Convention, October 29, 1819. W ILLIAM K ING, President of the Convention and member from Bath.

COUNTY OF YORK. Elihu Bragdon, David Wilcox. Kittery, Alexander Rice. Wells, Joseph Thomas. Berwick, William Hobbs, Nathaniel Hobbs, Richard F. Cutts. Biddeford, George Thacher, Seth Spring. Arundel, Simon Nowell. Saco, William Moody, Ether Shepley, George Thacher, junior. Lebanon, David Legrow. Buxton, Gideon Elden, Josiah Paine, Edmund Woodman. Lyman, John Low, John Burbank. Shapleigh, John Leighton. Parsonsfield, David Marston, Abner Keazer. Waterborough, Samuel Bradeen, Henry Hobbs. Limington, David Boyd.

YORK,

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M AINE Cornish, ALFRED, Hollis,

Thomas A. Johnson. John Holmes. Ellis B. Usher, Timothy Hodsdon. South-Berwick, Benjamin Green. Limerick, John Burnham. CUMBERLAND Scarborough, Benjamin Larrabee, junior, Joseph Fogg. North-Yarmouth, William Buxton, Ephraim Sturdivant Jeremiah Buxton. Falmouth, Peter M. Knight, Nathan Bucknam. Brunswick, Robert D. Dunning, Jonathan Page, Benjamin Titcomb. Harpswell, Stephen Purrington. Gorham, Lathrop Lewis, Joseph Adams, James Irish. Cape-Elizabeth, Ebenezer Thrasher. New-Gloucester, Joseph E. Foxcroft, Isaac Gross. Gray, Joseph McLellan. Standish, Theodore Mussey. PORTLAND, Albion K. Parris, William P. Preble. Freeport, Solomon Dennison. Durham, Secomb Jordan, Allen H.Cobb. Bridgton, Phinehas Ingals. Poland, Josiah Dunn, junior. Minot, Asaph Howard, Chandler Freeman. Danville, Joseph Roberts. Baldwin, Lot Davis. Raymond, Zachariah Leach. Pownal, Isaac Cushman. Westbrook, Silas Estes, Thomas Slemons, John Jones. Harrison, Amos Thomes. LINCOLN. Georgetown, Benjamin Riggs.

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New-Castle, Woolwich, WISCASSET,

Ebenezer Farley. Ebenezer Delano. Abiel Wood, Warren Rice. Bowdoinham, Ebenezer Herrick, Elihu Hatch. TOPSHAM, Nathaniel Green, Boothbay, Daniel Rose, John McKown. Bristol, Samuel Tucker, William M’Clintock John Fosset. Waldoborough Joshua Head, Isaac G. Reed, Jacob Ludwig, Junior. Edgcomb, Stephen Parsons. WARREN, John Miller, Cyrus Eaton. Thomaston, Isaac Barnard. John Spear. Bath, Joshua Wingate, junior, Benjamin Ames. Union, Robert Foster. Bowdoin, Joseph Carr. Nobleborough, Ephraim Rollins. Cushing, Edward Killeran. Camden, Nathaniel Martin. Dresden, Isaac Lillie. Lewiston, John Herrick. Litchfield, John Neal, David C. Burr. Lisbon, Nathaniel Eames, James Small. St. George, Joel Miller. Hope, Fergus M’Claine. Palermo, Thomas Eastman. Montville, Cyrus Davis. Jefferson, Jesse Rowell. Friendship, Melzer Thomas. Whitefield, Joseph Bailey. Putnam, Mark Hatch. Alna, John Dole. Wales, Joseph Small. KENNEBEC. Hallowell, Samuel Moody, William H. Page,

C ONSTITUTION OF M AINE (1819) Benjamin Dearborn. Alexander Belcher, Daniel Camphell, Vassalborough, Samuel Redington, Abiel Getchell. Winslow, William Swan. Pittston, Eli Young. Green, Luther Robbins. Readfield, John Hubbard, Samuel Currier. Monmouth, John Chandler, Simon Dearborn, junior. Mount-Vernon, David McGaffey. Sidney, Ambrose Howard, Reuel Howard. Farmington, Nathan Cutler, Jabez Gay. New-Sharon, Christopher Dyer. Clinton, Herbert Moore. Fayette, Charles Smith. Belgrade, Elias Taylor. Harlem, William Pullen. AUGUSTA, Daniel Cony, Joshua Gage, James Bridge. Wayne, Joseph Lamson. Leeds, Thomas Francis. Chesterville, Ward Locke. Vienna, Nathaniel Whittier. Waterville, Abijah Smith, Ebenezer Bacon. Gardiner, Jacob Davis, Sanford Kingsbery. Temple, Benjamin Abbot. Wilton, Ebenezer Eaton. Rome, John S. Colboth. Fairfax, Joel Wellington. Unity, Rufus Burnham. Malta, William Hilton. Freedom, Mathew Randall. Joy, James Parker. China, Daniel Stevens. HANCOCK. Belfast, Alfred Johnson, junior Islesboro, Josiah Farrow. Winthrop,

Deer-Isle,

Ignatius Haskell, Asa Green. Bluehill, Andrew Witham. Trenton, Peter Haynes. Sullivan, George Henman. Gouldsborough, Samuel Davis. Vinalhaven, Benjamin Beverage. Frankfort, Alexander Milliken, Joshua Hall. Bucksport, Samuel Little. Prospect, Abel W. Atherton. CASTINE, William Abbot. Northport, David Alden. Eden, Nicholas Thomas, junior. Orland, Horatio Mason, Ellsworth, Mark Shepard, Lincolnville, Samuel A. Whitney. Belmont, James Weymouth. Brooks, Samuel Whitney. Jackson, Bordman Johnson. Searsmont, Ansel Lathrop. Swansville, Eleazer Nickerson. Thorndike, Joseph Blethen. Monroe, Joseph Neally. Knox, James Weed. WASHINGTON. MACHIAS, John Dickinson. Steuben, Alexander Nichols. Harrington, James Campbell. Eastport, John Burgin Jonesborough, Ephraim Whitney. Calais, William Vance. Lubec, Lemuel Trescott. Robbinston, Thomas Vose. Cherryfield, Joseph Adams. Perry, Peter Golding. OXFORD. Fryeburg, Judah Dana. Turner, John Turner, Philip Bradford. Hebron, Alexander Greenwood. Buckfield, Enoch Hall. PARIS, James Hooper, Benjamin Chandler. Jay, Cornelius Holland.

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M AINE Livermore,

Benjamin Bradford, Thomas Chase, junior. Bethel, John Grover. Waterford, Josiah Shaw. Norway, Aaron Wilkins. Hartford, Joseph Tobin. Sumner, Calvin Bisbee. Rumford, Peter C. Virgin. Lovell, Josiah Heald, 2d. Brownfield, James Steele. Albany, Asa Cummings. Dixfield, Solomon Leland. East-Andover, Sylvanus Poor. Gilead, Eliphaz Chapman. Newry, Luke Reily. Denmark, Cyrus Ingalls. Porter, William Towle. Hiram, Marshal Spring. Woodstock, Cornelius Perkins. Greenwood, Isaac Flint. Sweden, Samuel Nevers. Weld, La Fayette Perkins. Mexico, Walter P. Carpenter. SOMERSET. Canaan, Wentworth Tuttle. Fairfield, William Kendall NORRIDGEWOCK, William Allen, junior. Starks, James Waugh. Cornville, George Bixby. Anson, James Collins. Strong, James Mayhew. Avon, Samuel Sprague. New-Vineyard, William Talcott. Harmony, Robert Evans. Industry, Ezekiel Hinkley. Athens, Isaiah Dore. Madison, John Neal. Embden, Andrew McFadden. Palmyra, Samuel Lancey. Freeman, Jonathan Brown. New-Portland, Henry Norton. Solon, Elisha Coolidge. Bingham, Obed Wilson. Phillips, Joseph Dyer.

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St. Albans, Kingfield, Corinna, Ripley, Bloomfield, Warsaw,

Benjamin French. Joseph Knapp. William Elder. Jacob Hale. Eleazer Coburn. Stevens Kendall. PENOBSCOT. Hampden, Simeon Stetson. Orrington, John Wilkins. BANGOR, Joseph Treat. Orono, Jackson Davis. Dixmont. Samuel Butman. Brewer, George Leonard. Eddington, Luther Eaton. Carmel, Abel Ruggles. Corinth, Andrew Strong. Exeter, Nathaniel Atkins. Garland, Amos Gordon. New-Charleston, Daniel Wilkins. Foxcroft, Samuel Chamberlain. Sebec, William R. Lowney. Hermon, William Patten. Levant, Moses Hodsdon. Newport, Benjamin Shaw. Sangerville, Benjamin C. Goss. Dexter, Isaac Farrar. Guilford, Joseph Kelsey. Atkinson, Eleazer W. Snow. Newburgh John Whitney.5 Attest, ROBERT C. VOSE, Secretary.

1 Verified by Constitution for the State of Maine: Formed in Convention at Portland, 29th of October, A. D. 1819, and of the Independence of the United States the Forty-third, and recommended to the People for their adoption in town meetings on the Sixth of December. Published by Order of the Convention, Portland: Printed by Francis Douglas, 1819, 28 p. and corrected according to the original manuscript preserved in the Maine State Archives at Augusta, ME. Also checked against the version published in The Debates, Resolutions, and Other Proceedings, of the Convention of Delegates, Assembled at Portland on the 11th, and Continued Until the 29th Day of October, 1819, for the Purpose of Forming a Constitution for the State of Maine. To which is Prefixed the Constitution Taken in Convention, by Jeremiah Perley, Counsellor at Law,

C ONSTITUTION OF M AINE (1819) Portland: A. Shirley, Printer, 1820, 5-34. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the original manuscript. Italics are used when emphasis is given in the manuscript. Obvious misspellings or typographical errors have been tacitly corrected or, when in print, ignored in the editorial annotations. The constitution was adopted by a vote of 9040 to 796 (Journal of the Constitutional Convention of the District of Maine: With the Articles of Separation, and Governor Brooks’ Proclamation, Prefixed, 1819-1820, Augusta: Fuller & Fuller, Printers to the State, 1856, 98-105), and on March 15, 1820, Maine was admitted into the Union

as the 23rd state. The constitution is still in force today. Before the Civil War nine amendments (q.v.) were added, while two others failed (q.v.). Subsequently, some 150 further amendments have been proposed and, for the most part, adopted. 2 In Constitution for the State of Maine, 4, word missing. 3 In Constitution for the State of Maine, 20, “the”. 4 U.S. Statutes at Large, 10th Congress, Sess. I, Ch. 55. 5 In original manuscript, signatures of delegates missing.

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Amendment of 1834 Resolve proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of this State1

The Electors resident in any city, may at any meeting duly notified for the choice of Representatives, vote for such Representatives in their respective Ward meetings and the Warden2 in said Wards shall preside impartially at such meetings, receive the votes of all qualified electors present, sort, count and declare them in open Ward meeting3 and in the presence of the Ward Clerk, who shall form a list of the persons voted for, with the number of votes for each person against his name, shall make a fair record thereof in the presence of the Warden, and in open Ward meeting: and a fair copy of this list shall be attested by the Warden and Ward Clerk, sealed up in open Ward meeting, and delivered to the city Clerk within twenty four hours after the close of the polls – And the Aldermen of any city shall be in session at their usual place of meeting within twenty four hours after any election and in the presence of the city Clerk shall examine and compare the copies of said lists, and in case any person shall have received a majority of all the votes,4 he shall be declared elected by the Aldermen, and the city Clerk of any city shall make a record thereof, and the Aldermen and city Clerk shall deliver certified copies of such lists to the person or persons so elected, within ten days after the election. And the electors resident in any city may at any meetings duly notified and holden for the choice of any other civil officers, for whom they have been required heretofore

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to vote in town meeting, vote for such officers in their respective Wards, and the same proceedings shall be had by the Warden and the5 Ward Clerk in each Ward as in the case of votes for Representatives. And the Aldermen of any city shall be in session within twenty four hours after the close of the polls in such meetings, and in the presence of the city Clerk shall open, examine and compare the copies from the lists of votes given in the several Wards, of which the city Clerk shall make a record, and return thereof shall be made into the Secretary of State’s office in the same manner as Selectmen of towns are required to do. 1

Verified by Resolves of the Fourteenth Legislature of the State of Maine, Passed at the Session Which Commenced on the First Day of January, and Ended on the Thirteenth Day of March, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Four. Published Agreeably to the Resolve of June 28, 1820, Augusta: I. Berry & Co., Printers to the State, 1834, ch. 43, p. 648–649, and checked against the version as published in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature of the State of Maine. 1861, Augusta: Stevens & Sayward, Printers to the State, 1861, 68–69. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was approved by the legislature on March 7, 1834, and ratified by the people September 1, 1834 (date provided by the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Augusta, ME). 2 In Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 68, “wardens”. 3 Ibid., “meetings”. 4 Clause modified by Second amendment of 1847 (q.v.). 5 In Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 68, word missing.

Amendment of 1837 Resolve to amend the Constitution, relative to bail1

R ESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives in Legislature assembled, That the tenth section of Article first of the Constitution shall be so altered and amended as to read, That2 no person before conviction shall be bailable for any of the crimes which now are, or have been denominated capital offences since the adoption of the Constitution “where3 the proof is evident, or the presumption great” whatever the punishment of the crimes may be.

1

Verified by Resolves of the Seventeenth Legislature of the State of Maine, Passed at the Session Which Commenced on the Fourth Day of January, and Ended on the Thirtieth Day of March, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Seven. Published Agreeably to the Resolve of June 28, 1820, Augusta: Smith & Robinson, Printers to the State, 1837,

ch. 74, p. 224, and checked against the version as published in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature of the State of Maine. 1861, Augusta: Stevens & Sayward, Printers to the State, 1861, 69. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was approved by the legislature on March 30, 1837, and ratified by the people on September 4, 1837 (date provided by the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Augusta, ME) by a vote of 9,330 to 8,328. It was declared ratified by the legislature on March 20/21, 1838 (Resolves of the Eighteenth Legislature of the State of Maine, Passed at the Session Which Commenced on the Third Day of January, and Ended on the Twenty-Third Day of March, One Thousand Eight Hundred and ThirtyEight. Published Agreeably to the Resolve of June 28, 1820, Augusta: Luther Severance, Printer, 1838, 362– 363). 2 In Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 69, preceding text missing. 3 In contrast to the Constitution of 1819 (q.v.), the confirmation act (Session Law print of 1838, 363) and Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 69, in Session Law print of 1837, 224, “when”.

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Amendment of 1839 Resolve proposing an amendment of the Constitution of the State1

All Judicial officers, now in office, or who may be hereafter appointed, shall from and after the first day of March, in the year eighteen hundred and forty, hold their offices for the term of seven years from the time of their respective appointments (unless sooner removed by impeachment or by address of both branches of the Legislature to the Executive) and no longer, unless reappointed thereto.

1

Verified by Resolves of the Nineteenth Legislature

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of the State of Maine, Passed at its Session Which Commenced on the Second Day of January, and Ended on the Twenty-Fifth Day of March, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Nine. Published Agreeably to the Resolve of June 28, 1820, Augusta: Smith & Robinson, Printers to the State, 1839, ch. 69, p. 59, and checked against the version as published in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature of the State of Maine. 1861, Augusta: Stevens & Sayward, Printers to the State, 1861, 70. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was approved by the legislature on March 14, 1839, and ratified by the people on September 2, 1839 (date provided by the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Augusta, ME). The amendment altered art. VI, sect. 4 of the Constitution of 1819 (q.v.).

Failed Amendment of 1841

Resolves providing for amendments to the Constitution in relation to the meeting of the Legislature, the number of representatives, and the term of office of the Governor and other State officers1

Resolved, That the Constitution of this State be amended, in article second, section fourth, article fourth, section fifth, part first; article fourth, section fifth, part second; article fourth, section first, part third; article fifth, section second, part second; article fifth, section first, part third; article fifth, section first, part fourth; article ninth, section fourth, and article tenth, section fourth, by substituting in each of said articles and sections, the word biennial for the word “annual;” and article fifth, section second, part first, shall be amended by substituting the words two years, for “one year,” and next after the biennial election, for “in each year,” and article fifth, section second, part first, shall be amended by substituting two years for “one year,” and biennial for “annual;” so that each of the officers named in said sections shall be elected for and hold their of-

fices two years instead of one year, and the Legislature meet biennially instead of annually.

1

Verified by Acts and Resolves, Passed by the Twenty-First Legislature of the State of Maine, January Session, 1841. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, and February 26, 1840, Augusta: Severance and Dorr, Printers to the State, 1841, ch. 181, p. 559–560. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The act consisted of two resolves, of which only the second resolve (q.v.) was ratified by the people on September 6, 1841 (date provided by the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Augusta, ME), while the first, reprinted here, was rejected by a vote of 9,004 to 27,250 (Acts and Resolves Passed by the TwentySecond Legislature of the State of Maine, A.D. 1842. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March 16, 1842, Augusta: Wm. R. Smith & Co., Printers to the State, 1842, 62).

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Amendment of 1841 Resolves providing for amendments to the Constitution in relation to the meeting of the Legislature, the number of representatives, and the term of office of the Governor and other State officers1

Resolved, That2 section second, article fourth, part first of the Constitution, shall be3 amended, by substituting the words one hundred and fifty-one for “not less than one hundred nor more than two hundred,” before the word “members” in said section, so as to establish the number of representatives for the State at the number of one hundred and fifty-one; and the latter part of said section, being the words and sentences following: “and whenever the number of representatives shall be two hundred, at the next annual meeting of elections4 which shall thereafter be had, and at every subsequent period of ten years, the people shall give in their votes, whether the number of representatives shall be increased or diminished, and if a majority of votes are in favor thereof, it shall be the duty of the next Legislature thereafter to increase or diminish the number by the rule hereinafter prescribed,” shall not be a part of the Constitution; but one hundred and fifty-one representatives shall be apportioned according to the rule in the Constitution, by the next Legislature5 .

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1

Verified by Acts and Resolves, Passed by the Twenty-First Legislature of the State of Maine, January Session, 1841. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, and February 26, 1840, Augusta: Severance and Dorr, Printers to the State, 1841, ch. 181, p. 560, and checked against the version as published in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature of the State of Maine. 1861, Augusta: Stevens & Sayward, Printers to the State, 1861, 70. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The act consisted of two resolves, approved by the legislature on April 16, 1841. Only the second resolve was ratified by the people on September 6, 1841 (date provided by the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Augusta, ME) by a vote of 23,884 to 6,640 and was declared ratified by the legislature on March 17, 1842 (Acts and Resolves Passed by the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Maine, A.D. 1842. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March 16, 1842, Augusta: Wm. R. Smith & Co., Printers to the State, 1842, 62–63). The first resolve is listed here as Failed Amendment of 1841 (q.v.). 2 In Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 70, instead of last two words, “The”. 3 Ibid., instead of last two words, “is”. 4 In Constitution of 1819 (q.v.), “meetings of elections”; in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 70, “meetings of election”. 5 In Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 70, last four words missing.

Amendment of 1844 Resolves providing for an amendment to the Constitution in relation to the meeting of the Legislature1

Resolved, two thirds of both branches of the legislature concurring, That the constitution of this state shall be amended in the fifth section of the first part of the fourth article, by striking out the words, “the first Wednesday in January”, and inserting instead thereof, the words, the second Wednesday of May; and in article fourth, part second, sections third, fourth and fifth; article fourth, part third, section first; article fifth, part first, sections second and third; article fifth, part second, section second; and article ninth, section fourth, by striking out in each of said sections, the words, “the first Wednesday of January,” and inserting instead thereof, the words, the second Wednesday of May; and the provisions of the constitution shall be so amended that the period of the service of the governor, senators, representatives, councilors, secretary of state, and treasurer, next to be elected, shall commence on the first Wednesday of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-five, and continue until the second Wednesday of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fortysix.2

1 Verified by Acts and Resolves Passed by the TwentyFourth Legislature of the State of Maine, A.D. 1844. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March 16, 1842, Augusta: Wm. R. Smith & Co., Printers to the State, 1844, ch. 281, p. 304–305, and checked against the version as published in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature of the State of Maine. 1861, Augusta: Stevens & Sayward, Printers to the State, 1861, 71. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was approved by the legislature on March 19, 1844, and ratified by the people on September 2, 1844 (date provided by the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Augusta, ME) by a vote of 32,029 to 10,015. It was declared ratified by the legislature on March 26, 1845 (Acts and Resolves Passed by the Twenty-Fifth Legislature of the State of Maine, A.D. 1845. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March 16, 1842, Augusta: Wm. T. Johnson, Printer to the State, 1845, 403–404). The amendment was changed again in 1850 (q.v.), after a first attempt had failed in 1849 (q.v.). 2

In Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 71, instead of the detailed constitutional instruction only the essence of the amendment as put in the question to the voters – with slight deviation – was reprinted “The annual meeting of the legislature shall be on the second Wednesday of May, in each year; and the governor and other state officers elected for the political year commencing on the first Wednesday of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five, shall hold their offices till the second Wednesday of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-six”.

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First Amendment of 1847 Resolves providing for an amendment of the Constitution in relation to pledging the credit of the state, and creating a state debt1

The credit of the state shall not be directly or indirectly loaned in any case. The legislature shall not create any debt or debts, liability or liabilities, on behalf of the state, which shall singly, or in the aggregate, with previous debts and liabilities hereafter incurred at any one time, exceed three hundred thousand dollars, except to suppress insurrection, to repel invasion, or for purposes of war; but this amendment shall not be construed to refer to any money that has been, or may be deposited with this state by the government of the United States, or to any fund which the state shall hold in trust for any Indian tribe.

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1

Verified by Acts and Resolves Passed by the TwentySeventh Legislature of the State of Maine, A.D. 1847. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March 16, 1842, Augusta: William T. Johnson, Printer to the State, 1847, ch. 29, p. 22–23, and checked against the version as published in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature of the State of Maine. 1861, Augusta: Stevens & Sayward, Printers to the State, 1861, 71. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was approved by the legislature on July 26, 1847, and ratified by the people on September 6, 1847 (date provided by the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Augusta, ME). It was declared ratified by the legislature on July 29, 1848 (Acts and Resolves Passed by the Twenty-Eighth Legislature of the State of Maine, A.D. 1848. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March 16, 1842, Augusta: William T. Johnson, Printer to the State, 1848, 92–93).

Second Amendment of 1847 Resolves providing for an amendment of the Constitution in relation to the election of governor, senators and members of the house of representatives1

Resolved, Two thirds of both branches of the legislature concurring, that2 the constitution of this state shall be3 amended in the fifth section of the first part of the fourth article, by striking out the words, “a majority of all the” and inserting instead thereof, the words, “the highest number of,” and by striking out the words “a majority” where they again occur in the same section and inserting instead thereof the words “the highest number;” also in the fourth section of the second part of the fourth article by striking out the words “a majority of the” and inserting instead thereof “the highest number of;” also in the fifth section of the second part of the fourth article by striking out the words “a majority,” and inserting instead thereof, “the highest number;” also in the third section of the first part of the fifth article, by striking out the words “a majority of all the” and inserting instead thereof the words “the highest number of,” and by striking out the words “a majority” where they again occur in the same section and inserting instead thereof the words “the highest number;”4 also in the first amendment to the constitution of this state,5 by striking out the words “a majority of all the,” and inserting instead thereof the words “the highest number of.”

1

Verified by Acts and Resolves Passed by the TwentySeventh Legislature of the State of Maine, A.D. 1847.

Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March 16, 1842, Augusta: William T. Johnson, Printer to the State, 1847, ch. 45, p. 31–32, and checked against the version as published in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature of the State of Maine. 1861, Augusta: Stevens & Sayward, Printers to the State, 1861, 71–72. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was approved by the legislature on August 2, 1847, and ratified by the people on September 6, 1847 (date provided by the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Augusta, ME). It was declared ratified by the legislature on July 29, 1848 (Acts and Resolves Passed by the Twenty-Eighth Legislature of the State of Maine, A.D. 1848. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March 16, 1842, Augusta: William T. Johnson, Printer to the State, 1848, 93). 2 In the confirmation act of 1848 (Session Law print, 1848, 93) and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 71, preceding words missing. 3 In the confirmation act of 1848 (Session Law print, 1848, 93) and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 71, “is”. 4 In the confirmation act of 1848 (Session Law print, 1848, 93) and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 72, “also in the fourth section of the second part of the fourth article by striking out the words “a majority of the” and inserting instead thereof “the highest number of;” also in the fifth section of the second part of the fourth article by striking out the words “a majority,” and inserting instead thereof, “the highest number;” also in the third section of the first part of the fifth article, by striking out the words “a majority of all the” and inserting instead thereof the words “the highest number of,” and by striking out the words “a majority” where they again occur in the same section and inserting instead thereof the words “the highest number;”” missing. 5 Amendment of 1834 (q.v.).

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Failed Amendment of 1849

Resolves providing for an amendment to the Constitution, in relation to the meeting of the legislature1

Resolved, Two-thirds of both branches of the legislature concurring, that the constitution of this state shall be amended in the fifth section of the first part of the fourth article, by striking out the words, “the second Wednesday of May,” and inserting instead thereof, the words, “the first Wednesday of January,” and in article fourth, part second, sections third, fourth and fifth; article fourth, part third, section first; article fifth, part first, sections second and third; article fifth, part second, section second; and article ninth, section fourth, by striking out in each of said sections the words, “the second Wednesday of May,” and inserting instead thereof, the words, “the first Wednesday of January;” and the provisions of the constitution shall be so amended that the period of service of the governor, senators, representatives, councilors, secretary of state, and treasurer, next to be elected, shall commence on the first Wednesday of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one, and continue until the first Wednesday of January, in the year of our Lord one

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thousand eight hundred and fifty-two; and the period of the service of the present governor, senators, representatives, councilors, secretary of state and treasurer, shall continue until the first Wednesday of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one; and the next election of state officers, after September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine, shall be on the second Monday of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.

1

Verified by Acts and Resolves Passed by the Twenty-Ninth Legislature of the State of Maine, A.D. 1849. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March, 16, 1842, Augusta: William T. Johnson, Printer to the State, 1849, ch. 199, p. 174–175. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The act reversed the amendment of 1844 (q.v.), which had switched from January sessions to May sessions, and was approved by the legislature on August 14, 1849. Not being ratified by the people on September 3, 1849 (date provided by the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Augusta, ME), it was re-introduced and ratified in 1850 (q.v.).

Amendment of 1850 Resolve providing for an amendment to the constitution in relation to the meeting of the legislature1

Resolved, Two thirds of both branches of the legislature concurring, that the constitution of this state shall be amended in the fifth section of the first part of the fourth article, by striking out the words, “the second Wednesday of May” and inserting instead thereof the words “the first Wednesday of January,” and in article fourth, part second, sections third, fourth and fifth; article fourth, part third, section first; article fifth, part first, sections second and third; article fifth, part second, section second; and article ninth, section fourth; by striking out in each of said sections, the words “the second Wednesday of May” and inserting instead thereof the words “the first Wednesday of January,” and the provisions of the constitution shall be so amended that the period of the service of the governor, senators, representatives, councilors, secretary of state, and treasurer, next to be elected, shall commence on the second Wednesday of May, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-one, and continue until the first Wednesday of January, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-three. And all officers of the state elected for the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-one, shall hold their offices till the year of our Lord eighteen [hundred] and fifty three, and in the same manner as now provided; and there shall be no election of the same in the year

of our Lord eighteen hundred and fiftyone.2

1

Verified by Acts and Resolves Passed by the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Maine, A.D. 1850. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March 16, 1842, Augusta: William T. Johnson, Printer to the State, 1850, ch. 274, p. 242, and checked against the version as published in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature of the State of Maine. 1861, Augusta: Stevens & Sayward, Printers to the State, 1861, 72. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was approved by the legislature on August 21, 1850, and ratified by the people on September 2, 1850 (date provided by the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Augusta, ME). It was declared ratified by the legislature on May 30, 1851 (Acts and Resolves Passed by the Thirty-First Legislature of the State of Maine, A.D. 1851. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March 16, 1842, Augusta: William T. Johnson, Printer to the State, 1851, 331–332). The amendment basically reiterated the wording of the failed amendment of 1849 (q.v.). In going back to the January sessions of the original constitution it revoked the amendment of 1844 (q.v.). 2 In Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 72, instead of the detailed constitutional instruction only the essence of the amendment was reprinted, as had already been the case with the amendment of 1844: “The annual meeting of the legislature shall be on the first Wednesday of January, in each year; and the governor and other state officers elected for the political year commencing on the second Wednesday of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, shall hold their offices till the first Wednesday of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two [sic!].”

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Amendment of 1855 Resolves providing for an amendment of the constitution relating to the elective franchise1

Resolved, Two-thirds of both branches of the legislature concurring that the constitution of this state shall be amended in the eighth section of the first part of the fifth article, by inserting after the words “judicial officers” in second line of said section, the words “except judges of probate and municipal and police courts,” and by striking out the words “attorney general, the sheriffs, registers of probate,” in second and third lines thereof, and by inserting after the words “provided for” in the seventh line of said section, the words “except the land agent.”2 The sixth article shall be amended by inserting3 the following sections at the end of said article: S ECT. 7. Judges and registers of probate shall be elected by the people of their respective counties, by a plurality of the votes given in at the annual election, on the second Monday of September, and shall hold their offices for four years, commencing on the first day of January next after their election. Vacancies occurring in said offices by death, resignation or otherwise, shall be filled by election in manner aforesaid, at the September election, next after their occurrence; and in the meantime, the governor, with the advice and consent of the council, may fill said vacancies by appointment, and the persons so appointed shall hold their offices until the first day of January thereafter. S ECT. 8. Judges of municipal and police courts shall be elected by the people of their

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respective cities and towns, by a plurality of the votes given in at the annual meeting in March or April, and shall hold their offices for four years from the Monday following the day of their election. Vacancies in said offices shall be filled by elections4 at the next annual meeting in March or April; and in the meantime, the governor, with the advice and consent of the council, may fill said vacancies by appointment, until the Monday following said annual meeting. The third section of the seventh article shall be amended by striking out the words “appointed by the governor and council,” and inserting instead thereof, the words “chosen annually by joint ballot of the senators and representatives in convention.”5 The ninth article shall be6 amended by inserting at the end thereof the following sections: S ECT. 9. Sheriffs shall be elected by the people of their respective counties, by a plurality of the votes given in on the second Monday of September, and shall hold their offices for two years from the first day of January next after their election. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as is provided in the case of judges and registers of probate. S ECT. 10. The land agent and attorney general shall be chosen annually by joint ballot of the senators and representatives in convention. Vacancies in said offices occurring when the legislature is not in session, may be filled by appointment by the gov-

A MENDMENT OF 1855 ernor, with the advice and consent of the council. And in all cases of elections7 provided for in this resolve8 , the first elections9 shall take place on the days and times herein10 prescribed, occurring next after the11 amendment providing for such elections shall have been declared by the legislature to have been adopted as a part of the constitution.

1 Verified by Acts and Resolves Passed by the ThirtyFourth Legislature of the State of Maine, 1855. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March 16, 1842, Augusta: Stevens & Blaine, Printers to the State, 1855, ch. 273, p. 257–259, and checked against the version as published in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature of the State of Maine. 1861, Augusta: Stevens & Sayward, Printers to the State, 1861, 73–76. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was approved by the legislature on March 17, 1855, and ratified by the people on September 3, 1855 (date provided by the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library, Augusta, ME). It was declared ratified by the legislature on February 28, 1856 (Acts and Resolves Passed by the Thirty-Fifth Legislature of the State of Maine, A.D. 1856. Published by the Secretary of State, agreeably to Resolves of June 28, 1820, February 26, 1840, and March 16, 1842, Augusta: Fuller & Fuller, Printers to the State, 1856, 316–318). 2 In Session law print, 1856, 316, and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 73, whole paragraph missing.

3 In Session law print, 1856, 316, and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 74, instead of foregoing words “In the sixth article it is amended by adding”. 4 In Session law print, 1856, 317, and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 74, “election”. 5 In Session law print, 1856, 317, and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 75, instead of preceding paragraph “In the third section of the seventh article, it is amended so that said section shall read: S ECT. 3. The major generals shall be elected by the senate and house of representatives, each having a negative on the other. The adjutant general and quartermaster general shall be chosen annually by joint ballot of the senators and representatives in convention. But the adjutant general shall perform the duties of quartermaster general until otherwise directed by law. The major generals and brigadier generals, and the commanding officers of regiments and battalions, shall appoint their respective staff officers; and all military officers shall be commissioned by the governor.”. 6 In Session law print, 1856, 317, and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 75, “is”. 7 In Session law print, 1856, 318, and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 76, “election”. 8 In Session law print, 1856, 318, and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 76, instead of last three words “by the foregoing amendments of the constitution”. 9 In Session law print, 1856, 318, and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 76, “election”. 10 In Session law print, 1856, 318, and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 76, “thereby”. 11 In Session law print, 1856, 318, and in Documents Printed by Order of the Legislature, 76, instead of the rest of the sentence “passage of this resolve; and until said offices shall be filled by elections under and by virtue of said amendments, the power of the governor and council in relation thereto will remain unchanged”.

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Declaration of Rights of Maryland (1776) The Declaration of Rights1

The parliament of Great-Britain, by a declaratory act, having assumed a right to make laws to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever, and in pursuance of such claim endeavoured by force of arms to subjugate the United Colonies to an unconditional submission to their will and power, and having at length constrained them to declare themselves Independent States, and to assume government under the authority of the people, Therefore We, the delegates of Maryland, in free and full Convention assembled, taking into our most serious consideration the best means of establishing a good constitution in this state, for the surer2 foundation, and more permanent security thereof; Declare, 1. That all government of right originates from the people, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole. 2. That the people of this state ought to have the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal government and police thereof. 3. That the inhabitants of Maryland are entitled to the common law of England, and the trial by jury, according to the course of that law, and to the benefit of such of the English statutes, as existed at the time of their first emigration, and which by experience have been found applicable to their local and other circumstances, and of such others as have been since made in England or Great-Britain, and have been introduced,

used, and practised by the courts of law or equity; and also to all acts of assembly in force on the first of June seventeen hundred and seventy-four, except such as may have since expired, or have been, or may be altered by acts of Convention or this declaration of rights; subject nevertheless to the revision of, and amendment or repeal by, the legislature of this state; and the inhabitants of Maryland are also entitled to all property derived to them from or under the charter granted by his majesty Charles the first, to Cæcilius Calvert, baron of Baltimore. 4. That all persons invested with the legislative or executive powers of government, are the trustees of the public, and as such accountable for their conduct, wherefore whenever the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought, to reform the old, or establish a new government; the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression, is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind. 5. That the right in the people to participate in the legislature is the best security of liberty, and the foundation of all free government; for this purpose elections ought to be free and frequent, and every man having property in, a common interest with, and an3 attachment to, the community, ought to have a right of suffrage.

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M ARYLAND 6. That the legislative, executive and judicial powers of government, ought to be for ever separate and distinct from each other.

safety of the state; and no law to inflict cruel and unusual pains and penalties ought to be made, in any case, or at any time hereafter.

7. That no power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, unless by or derived from the legislature, ought to be exercised or allowed.

15. That retrospective laws, punishing facts committed before the existence of such laws, and by them only declared criminal, are oppressive, unjust, and incompatible with liberty; wherefore, no ex post facto law ought to be made.

8. That freedom of speech, and debates, or proceedings, in the legislature, ought not to be impeached in any other court or judicature. 9. That a place for the meeting of the legislature ought to be fixed, the most convenient to the members thereof, and to the depository of the public records, and the legislature ought not to be convened or held at any other place but from evident necessity. 10. That for the4 redress of grievances, and for amending, strengthening and preserving the laws, the legislature ought to be frequently convened. 11. That every man hath a right to petition the legislature for the redress of grievances, in a peaceable and orderly manner. 12. That no aid, charge, tax, burthen, fee, or fees, ought to be set, rated, or levied, under any pretence, without the consent of the legislature. 13. That the levying taxes by the poll is grievous and oppressive, and ought to be abolished; that paupers ought not to be assessed for the support of government, but every other person in the state ought to contribute his proportion of public taxes for the support of government according to his actual worth in real or personal property within the state; yet fines, duties or taxes may properly and justly be imposed or laid with a political view for the good government and benefit of the community. 14. That sanguinary laws ought to be avoided, as far as is consistent with the

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16. That no law to attaint particular persons of treason or felony, ought to be made in any case, or at any time hereafter. 17. That every freeman for any injury done to him in his person or property, ought to have remedy by the course of the law of the land, and ought to have justice and right, freely without sale, fully without any denial, and speedily without delay, according to the law of the land. 18. That the trial of facts where they arise, is one of the greatest securities of the lives, liberties, and estate of the people. 19. That in all criminal prosecutions, every man hath a right to be informed of the accusation against him, to have a copy of the indictment or charge in due time (if required) to prepare for his defence; to be allowed Council5 , to be confronted with the witnesses against him, to have process for his witnesses, to examine the witnesses for and against him on oath, and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury, without whose unanimous consent he ought not to be found guilty. 20. That no man ought to be compelled to give evidence against himself in a court of common law, or in any other court, but in such cases as have been usually practised in this state, or may hereafter be directed by the legislature. 21. That no freeman ought to be taken, or imprisoned, or disseized of his freehold, lib-

D ECLARATION OF R IGHTS OF M ARYLAND (1776) erties or privileges, or outlawed, or exiled, or in any manner destroyed, or deprived of his life, liberty or property, but by the judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land. 22. That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishments inflicted by the court of law. 23. That all warrants without oath or affirmation, to search suspected places, or to seize any person, or property, are grievous and oppressive; and all general warrants to search suspected places, or to apprehend suspected persons, without naming or describing the place, or the person in special, are illegal, and ought not to be granted. 24. That there ought to be no forfeiture of any part of the estate of any person for any crime except murder or treason against the state, and then only on conviction and attainder. 25. That a well regulated militia is the proper and natural defence of a free government. 26. That standing armies are dangerous to liberty, and ought not to be raised or kept up without consent of the legislature. 27. That in all cases and at all times the military ought to be under strict subordination to, and controul of, the civil power. 28. That no soldier ought to be quartered in any house in time of6 peace without the consent of the owner, and in time of war in such manner only as the legislature shall direct. 29. That no person except regular soldiers, mariners and marines in the service of this state, or militia when in actual service, ought in any case to be subject to, or punishable by, martial law.

30. That the independency and uprightness of judges are essential to the impartial administration of justice, and a great security to the rights and liberties of the people; wherefore the chancellor and all judges ought to hold commissions during good behaviour, and the said chancellor and judges shall be removed for misbehaviour, on conviction in a court of law, and may be removed by the governor upon the address of the general assembly, provided that two thirds of all the members of each house concur in such address. That salaries liberal, but not profuse, ought to be secured to the chancellor and the judges, during the continuance of their commissions, in such manner and at such time as the legislature shall hereafter direct, upon consideration of the circumstances of this7 state; no chancellor or judge ought to hold any other office civil or military, or receive fees or perquisites of any kind. 31. That a long continuance in the first executive departments of power or trust, is dangerous to liberty, a rotation therefore in those departments is one of the best securities of permanent freedom. 32. That no person ought to hold at the same time more than one office of profit, nor ought any person in public trust to receive any present from any foreign prince, or state, or from the United States, or any of them, without the approbation of this state. 33. That as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to him, all persons professing the christian religion are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty, wherefore no person ought by any law to be molested in his person or estate on account of his religious persuasion or profession, or for his religious practice, unless under colour of religion any man shall disturb the good order, peace or safety of the

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M ARYLAND state, or shall infringe the laws of morality, or injure others in their natural, civil or religious rights; nor ought any person to be compelled to frequent or maintain, or contribute, unless on contract, to maintain any particular place of worship, or any particular ministry; yet the legislature may in their discretion lay a general and equal tax for the support of the christian religion, leaving to each individual the power of appointing the payment over of the money collected from him, to the support of any particular place of worship or minister; or for the benefit of the poor of his own denomination, or the poor in general of any particular county; but the churches, chapels, glebes, and all other property now belonging to the church of England, ought to remain to the church of England for ever. And all acts of assembly lately passed for collecting monies for building or repairing particular churches or chapels of ease, shall continue in force and be executed, unless the legislature shall by act supersede or repeal the same; but no county court shall assess any quantity of tobacco or sum of money hereafter, on the application of any vestrymen8 or churchwardens; and every incumbent of the church of England who hath remained in his parish and performed his duty, shall be entitled to receive the provision and support established by the act entitled, “An act for the support of the clergy of the church of England in this province,” till the November court of this present year to be held for the county in which his parish shall lie, or partly lie, or for such time as he hath remained in his parish and performed his duty. 34. That every gift, sale, or devise of lands to any minister, public teacher or preacher of the gospel, as such, or to any religious sect, order or denomination, or to or for the support, use or benefit of, or in trust for, any minister, public teacher or preacher of the gospel, as such, or any religious sect,

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order or denomination; and every gift or sale of goods or chattels, to go in succession, or to take place after the death of the seller or donor, to9 or for such support, use or benefit; and also every devise of goods or chattels to, or to or for the support, use or benefit of, any minister, public teacher or preacher of the gospel, as such, or any religious sect, order or denomination, without the leave of the legislature, shall be void; except always any sale, gift, lease or devise of any quantity of land not exceeding two acres, for a church, meeting, or other house of worship, and for a burying ground, which shall be improved, enjoyed, or used only for such purpose, or such sale, gift, lease, or devise shall be void. 35. That no other test or qualification ought to be required on admission to any office of trust or profit, than such oath of support and fidelity to this state, and such oath of office as shall be directed by this Convention, or the legislature of this state, and a declaration of a belief in the christian religion. 36. That the manner of administering an oath to any person ought to be such as those of the religious persuasion, profession or denomination of which such person is one, generally esteem the most effectual confirmation by the attestation of the Divine Being. And that the people called Quakers, those called Dunkers, and those called Menonists, holding it unlawful to take an oath on any occasion, ought to be allowed to make their solemn affirmation in the manner that Quakers have been heretofore allowed to affirm, and to be of the same avail as an oath in all such cases as the affirmation of Quakers hath been allowed and accepted within this state instead of an oath. And further on such affirmation warrants to search for stolen goods or the apprehension or commitment of offenders ought to be granted, or security for the peace awarded;

D ECLARATION OF R IGHTS OF M ARYLAND (1776) and Quakers, Dunkers or Menonists, ought also on their solemn affirmation as aforesaid to be admitted as witnesses in all criminal cases not capital. 37. That the city of Annapolis ought to have all its rights, privileges and benefits, agreeable to its charter and the acts of assembly confirming and regulating the same; subject nevertheless to such alterations as may be made by this Convention or any future legislature. 38. That the liberty of the press ought to be inviolably preserved. 39. That monopolies are odious, contrary to the spirit of a free government, and the principles of commerce, and ought not to be suffered. 40. That no title of nobility or hereditary honours ought to be granted in this state. 41. That the subsisting resolves of this and the several Conventions held for this colony ought to be in force as laws, unless altered by this Convention or the legislature of this state. 42. That this declaration of rights, or the form of government to be established by this Convention, or any part of either of them, ought not to be altered, changed or abolished, by the legislature of this state, but in such manner as this Convention shall prescribe and direct.10

1

Verified by Proceedings of the Convention of the Province of Maryland, Held at the City of Annapolis, on Wednesday the Fourteenth of August, 1776, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, [1776], 58–61, and checked against a corrected and incomplete draft as preserved in the Maryland State Archives at Annapolis, MD, which, however, does not correspond with the final version of the Declaration of Rights.

Also checked against The Declaration of Rights, and the Constitution and Form of Government, Established by the Convention of Maryland, Held at the City of Annapolis, on Wednesday the 14th of August, anno domini 1776, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, [1776], 1–7, and a second Green print under the title A Declaration of Rights, and the Constitution and Form of Government, Agreed to by the Delegates of Maryland, in free and full Convention assembled, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, [1776], 5–15, and additionally against the version published in Proceedings of the Convention of the Province of Maryland, Held at the City of Annapolis, in 1774, 1775, & 1776, Baltimore: James Lucas & E. K. Deaver; Annapolis: Jonas Green, 1836, 311–316. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the 1776 print of the Proceedings of the Convention. The Declaration of Rights, agreed upon on November 3, 1776 (“The convention having gone through the declaration of rights, paragraph by paragraph, the same was amended, and agreed as follows”), was prefixed to the Constitution or Form of Government, adopted on November 8, 1776 (q.v.). Both documents were resolved by the Convention on November 11, 1776, and ordered to be printed. Together, they remained in effect until superseded by the second constitution of Maryland of 1851 (q.v.). 2 In The Declaration [. . . ] Established by the Convention, 1, and in A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 5, “sure”. 3 In The Declaration [. . . ] Established by the Convention, 2, and in A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 7, word missing. 4 In The Declaration [. . . ] Established by the Convention, 2, and in A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 7, word missing. 5 In The Declaration [. . . ] Established by the Convention, 3, and in A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 9, “counsel”. 6 In 1776 Proceedings of the Convention, 60, word missing. 7 In 1836 Proceedings of the Convention, 314, “the”. 8 Ibid., 315, “vestryman”. 9 In The Declaration [. . . ] Established by the Convention, 5, and in A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 13, “or to”. 10 In The Declaration [. . . ] Established by the Convention, 7, and in A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 15, added: “This declaration of rights was assented to and passed in Convention of the delegates of the freemen of Maryland, begun and held at Annapolis, the 14th day of August, anno domini 1776. By order of the Convention, Matthew Tilghman, President.”.

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Constitution of Maryland (1776) The Constitution and Form of Government, agreed to by the Delegates of Maryland in free and full Convention assembled1

1. That the legislature consist of two distinct branches, a senate, and a house of delegates, which shall be stiled the General Assembly of Maryland. 2. That the house of delegates shall be chosen in the following manner: All freemen, above twenty-one years of age, having a freehold of fifty acres of land in the county in which they offer to vote, and residing therein, and all freemen, having property in this state above the value of thirty pounds current money, and having resided in the county in which they offer to vote one whole year next preceding the election, shall have a right of suffrage in the election of delegates for such county; and all freemen so qualified shall, on the first Monday of October seventeen hundred and seventy-seven, and on the same day in every year thereafter, assemble in the counties in which they are respectively qualified to vote, at the court-house in the said counties, or at such other place as the legislature shall direct; and when assembled, they shall proceed to elect, viva voce, four delegates for their respective counties, of the most wise, sensible, and discreet of the people, residents in the county where they are to be chosen one whole year next preceding the election, above twenty-one years of age, and having in the state real or personal property above the value of five hundred pounds current money, and upon the final casting of the polls, the four persons who shall appear

to have the greatest number of legal votes, shall be declared and returned duly elected for their respective county. 3. That the sheriff of each county, or in case of sickness, his deputy, (summoning two justices of the county, who are required to attend for the preservation of the peace) shall be judge of the election, and may adjourn from day to day, if necessary, till the same be finished, so that the whole election shall be concluded in four days; and shall make his return thereof, under his hand, to the chancellor of this state for the time being. 4. That all persons, qualified by the charter of the city of Annapolis to vote for burgesses, shall, on the same first Monday of October seventeen hundred and seventyseven, and on the same day in every year for ever thereafter, elect viva voce, by a majority of votes, two delegates, qualified agreeable to the said charter; that the mayor, recorder, and aldermen, of the said city, or any three of them, be judges of the election, appoint the place in the said city for holding the same, and may adjourn from day to day as aforesaid, and shall make return thereof as aforesaid; but the inhabitants of the said city shall not be entitled to vote for delegates for Anne-Arundel county, unless they have a freehold of fifty acres of land in the county, distinct from the city. 5. That all persons, inhabitants of Bal-

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M ARYLAND timore town, and having the same qualifications as electors in the county, shall, on the same first Monday of October seventeen hundred and seventy-seven, and on the same day in every year for ever thereafter, at such place in the said town as the judges shall appoint, elect viva voce, by a majority of votes, two delegates, qualified as aforesaid; but if the said inhabitants of the town shall so decrease, as that the number of persons having right of suffrage therein shall have been for the space of seven years successively less than one half of the number of voters in some one county in this state, such town thenceforward shall cease to send two delegates or representatives to the house of delegates, until the said town shall have one half of the number of voters in some one county in this state. 6. That the commissioners of the said town, or any three or more of them, for the time being, shall be judges of the said election, and may adjourn as aforesaid, and shall make return thereof as aforesaid; but the inhabitants of the said town shall not be entitled to vote for or be elected delegates for Baltimore county, neither shall the inhabitants of Baltimore county, out of the limits of Baltimore town, be entitled to vote for or be elected delegates for the said town. 7. That on refusal, death, disqualification, resignation, or removal out of this state, of any delegate, or on his becoming governor, or a2 member of the council, a warrant of election shall issue by the speaker, for the election of another in his place, of which ten days notice at the3 least, excluding the day of notice and the day of election, shall be given. 8. That not less than a majority of the delegates, with their speaker, (to be chosen by them by ballot) constitute a4 house for the transacting any business, other than that of adjourning.

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9. That the house of delegates shall judge of the elections and qualifications of delegates. 10. That the house of delegates may originate all money bills, propose bills to the senate or receive those offered by that body, and assent, dissent or propose amendments; that they may enquire, on the oath of witnesses, into all complaints, grievances, and offences, as the grand inquest of this state, and may commit any person for any crime to the public jail, there to remain till he be discharged by due course of law; they may. expel any member for a great misdemeanor, but not a second time for the same cause; they may examine and pass all accounts of the state, relating either to the collection or expenditure of the revenue, or appoint auditors to state and adjust the same; they may call for all public or official papers and records, and send for persons, whom they may judge necessary, in the course of their enquiries, concerning affairs relating to the public interest, and may direct all office bonds (which shall be made payable to the state) to be sued for any breach of duty. 11. That the senate may be at full and perfect liberty to exercise their judgment in passing laws, and that they may not be compelled by the house of delegates either to reject a money bill which the emergency of affairs may require, or to assent to some other act of legislation, in their conscience and judgment injurious to the public welfare; the house of delegates shall not on any occasion, or under any pretence, annex to, or blend with a money bill, any matter, clause, or thing, not immediately relating to, and necessary for the imposing, assessing, levying or applying the taxes or supplies, to be raised for the support of government, or the current expenses of the state; and to prevent altercation about such bills, it is declared, that no bill imposing duties or customs for the mere regulation of com-

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1776) merce, or inflicting fines for the reformation of morals, or to enforce the execution of the laws, by which an incidental revenue may arise, shall be accounted a money bill; but every bill assessing, levying or applying taxes or supplies for the support of government, or the current expenses of the state, or appropriating money in the treasury, shall be deemed a money bill. 12. That the house of delegates may punish, by imprisonment, any person who shall be guilty of a contempt in their view, by any disorderly or riotous behaviour, or by threats to, or abuse of their members, or by any obstruction to their proceedings; they may also punish, by imprisonment, any person who shall be guilty of a breach of privilege, by arresting on civil process, or by assaulting, any of their members, during their sitting, or on their way to or return from the house of delegates, or by any assault of, or obstruction to their officers, in the execution of any order or process, or by assaulting or obstructing any witness, or any other person, attending on, or on their way to or from, the house, or by rescuing any person committed by the house; and the senate may exercise the same power, in similar cases. 13. That the treasurers (one for the western and another for the eastern shore) and the commissioners of the loan office may be appointed by the house of delegates during their pleasure, and in case of refusal, death, resignations5 , disqualification, or removal out of the state of any of the said commissioners or treasurers, in the recess of the general assembly, the governor, with the advice of the council, may appoint and commission a fit and proper person to such vacant office, to hold the same until the meeting of the next general assembly. 14. That the senate be chosen in the following manner: All persons, qualified as

aforesaid to vote for county delegates, shall on the first Monday of September 1781, and on the same day in every fifth year for ever thereafter, elect viva voce, by a majority of votes, two persons for their respective counties, qualified as aforesaid to be elected county delegates, to be electors of the senate; and the sheriff of each county, or in case of sickness his deputy (summoning two justices of the county who are required to attend for the preservation of the peace) shall hold and be judge of the said election, and make return thereof as aforesaid: And all persons qualified as aforesaid to vote for delegates for the city of Annapolis and Baltimore town, shall on the same first Monday of September 1781, and on the same day in every fifth year for ever thereafter, elect viva voce, by a majority of votes, one person for the said city and town respectively, qualified as aforesaid to be elected a delegate for the said city and town respectively; the said election to be held in the same manner as the election of delegates for the said city and town, the right to elect the said elector with respect to Baltimore town to continue as long as the right to elect delegates for the said town. 15. That the said electors of the senate meet at the city of Annapolis, or such other place as shall be appointed for convening the legislature, on the third Monday in September 1781, and on the same day in every fifth year for ever thereafter, and they, or any twenty-four of them so met, shall proceed to elect, by ballot, either out of their own body, or the people at large, fifteen senators, (nine of whom to be residents on the western, and six to be residents on the eastern shore) men of the most wisdom, experience and virtue, above twenty-five years of age, residents of the state above three whole years next preceding the election, and having therein real and personal property above the value of one thousand pounds current money.

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M ARYLAND 16. That the senators shall be6 balloted for at one and the same time, and out of the gentlemen, residents7 of the western shore, who shall be proposed as senators, the nine, who shall on striking the ballots appear to have the greatest numbers in their favour, shall be accordingly declared and returned duly elected; and out of the gentlemen, residents8 of the eastern shore, who shall be proposed as senators, the six who shall, on striking the ballots, appear to have the greatest numbers in their favour, shall be accordingly declared and returned duly elected; and if two or more, on the same shore, shall have an equal number of ballots in their favour, by which the choice shall not be determined on the first ballot, then the electors shall again ballot before they separate, in which they shall be confined to the persons, who on the first ballot shall have had an equal number; and they who shall have the greatest number in their favour on the second ballot, shall be accordingly declared and returned duly elected: and if the whole number should not thus be made up, because of an equal number on the second ballot still being in favour of two or more persons, then the election shall be determined by lot, between those who have equal numbers; which proceedings of the electors shall be certified under their hands and returned to the chancellor for the time being. 17. That the electors of senators shall judge of the qualifications and elections of members of their body, and on a contested election shall admit to a seat, as an elector, such qualified person, as shall appear to them to have the greatest number of legal votes in his favour. 18. That the electors immediately on their meeting, and before they proceed to the election of senators, take such oath of support and fidelity to this state, as this convention or the legislature shall direct, and

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also an oath “to elect, without favour, affection, partiality, or prejudice, such persons for senators as they, in their judgment and conscience, believe best qualified for the office.” 19. That in case of refusal, death, resignation, disqualification, or removal out of this9 state, of any senator, or on his becoming governor, or a member of the council, the senate shall immediately thereupon, or at their next meeting thereafter, elect by ballot, in the same manner as the electors are above directed to chuse senators, another person in his place, for the residue of the said term of five years. 20. That not less than a majority of the senate, with their president, (to be chosen by them by ballot) shall constitute a10 house for the transacting any business, other than that of adjourning. 21. That the senate shall judge of the elections and qualification of senators. 22. That the senate may originate any other, except money bills, to which their assent or dissent only shall be given, and may receive any other bills from the house of delegates, and assent, dissent or propose amendments. 23. That the general assembly meet annually, on the first Monday of November, and if necessary oftener. 24. That each house shall appoint its own officers, and settle its own rules of proceeding. 25. That a person of wisdom, experience, and virtue, shall be chosen governor, on the second Monday of November seventeen hundred and seventy-seven, and on the second Monday in every year for ever thereafter, by the joint ballot of both houses, to be taken in each house respectively, deposited in a conference room, the

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1776) boxes to be examined by a joint committee of both houses, and the numbers severally reported, that the appointment may be entered; which mode of taking the joint ballot of both houses shall be adopted in all cases. But if two or more shall have an equal number of ballots in their favour, by which the choice shall not be determined on the first ballot, then a second ballot shall be taken, which shall be confined to the persons, who on the first ballot shall have had an equal number; and if the ballots should again be equal between two or more persons, then the election of the governor shall be determined by lot, between those who have equal numbers; and if the person chosen governor shall die, resign, remove out of the state, or refuse to act (sitting the general assembly) the senate and house of delegates shall immediately thereupon proceed to a new choice in manner aforesaid. 26. That the senators and delegates, on the second Tuesday of November seventeen hundred and seventy-seven, and annually on the second Tuesday of November for ever thereafter, elect by joint ballot, in the same manner as senators are directed to be chosen, five of the most sensible, discreet and experienced men, above twenty-five years of age, residents in the state above three years next preceding the election, and having therein a freehold in lands and tenements, above the value of one thousand pounds current money, to be the council to the governor, whose proceedings shall be always entered on record, to any part whereof any member may enter his dissent, and their advice, if so required by the governor, or any member of the council, shall be given in writing, and signed by the members giving the same respectively; which proceedings of the council shall be laid before the senate, or house of delegates, when called for by them, or either of them. The council may appoint their own clerk, who shall take such

oath of support and fidelity to this state as this convention or the legislature shall direct, and of secrecy, in such matters as he shall be directed by the board to keep secret. 27. That the delegates to Congress from this state shall be chosen annually, or superseded in the mean time by the joint ballot of both houses of assembly, and that there be a rotation in such manner that at least two of the number be annually changed; and no person shall be capable of being a delegate to congress for more than three in any term of six years; and no person who holds any office of profit in the gift of Congress shall be eligible to sit in Congress, but if appointed to any such office his seat shall be thereby vacated: That no person unless above twenty-five years of age, and a resident in this state more than five years next preceding the election, and having real and personal estate in this state above the value of one thousand pounds current money, shall be eligible to sit in Congress. 28. That the senators and delegates, immediately on their annual meeting, and before they proceed to any business, and every person hereafter elected a senator, or delegate, before he acts as such, shall take an oath of support and fidelity to this state as aforesaid, and before the election of the governor, or members of the council, shall take an oath “to elect without favour, affection, partiality, or prejudice, such person, as governor, or member of the council, as they, in their judgment and conscience, believe best qualified for the office.” 29. That the senate and delegates may adjourn themselves respectively; but if the two houses should not agree on the same time, but adjourn to different days, then shall the governor appoint and notify one of those days or some day between, and the assembly shall then meet and be held accordingly, and he shall, if necessary, by advice of the

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M ARYLAND council, call them before the time to which they shall in any manner be adjourned, on giving not less than ten days notice thereof, but the governor shall not adjourn the assembly otherwise than as aforesaid, nor prorogue or dissolve it at any time. 30. That no person unless above twentyfive years of age, a resident in this state above five years next preceding the election, and having in the state real and personal property above the value of five thousand pounds current money, one thousand pounds whereof at least to be of freehold estate, shall be eligible as governor. 31. That the governor shall not continue in that office longer than three years successively, nor be eligible as governor until the expiration of four years, after he shall have been out of that office. 32. That upon the death, resignation, or removal out of this state of the governor, the first named of the council, for the time being, shall act as governor, and qualify in the same manner, and shall immediately call a meeting of the general assembly, giving not less than fourteen days notice of the meeting, at which meeting a governor shall be appointed, in manner aforesaid, for the residue of the year. 33. That the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the council, may embody the militia, and when embodied, shall alone have the direction thereof, and shall also have the direction of all the regular land and sea forces under the laws of this state, but he shall not command in person unless advised thereto by the council, and then only so long as they shall approve thereof, and may alone exercise all other the executive powers of government, where the concurrence of the council is not required, according to the laws of this state, and grant reprieves or pardons for any crime, except in such cases where the law shall otherwise

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direct; and may, during the recess of the general assembly, lay embargoes to prevent the departure of any shipping, or the exportation of any commodities, for any time not exceeding thirty days in any one year, summoning the general assembly to meet within the time of the continuance of such embargo, and may also order and compel any vessel to ride quarantine, if such vessel, or the port from which she shall have come, shall, on strong grounds, be suspected to be infected with the plague; but the governor shall not, under any pretence, exercise any power or prerogative, by virtue of any law, statute, or custom of England or Great Britain. 34. That the members of the council, or any three or more of them, when convened, shall constitute a board for the transacting of business; that the governor for the time being shall preside in the council, and be entitled to a vote on all questions in which the council11 shall be divided in opinion; and in the absence of the governor the first named of the council shall preside, and as such shall also vote in all cases where the other members disagree in their opinion. 35. That in case of refusal, death, resignation, disqualification, or removal out of the state, by any person chosen a member of the council, the members thereof, immediately thereupon, or at their next meeting thereafter, shall elect, by ballot, another person, qualified as aforesaid, in his place, for the residue of the year. 36. That the council shall have power to make the great seal of this state, which shall be kept by the chancellor for the time being, and affixed to all laws, commissions, grants, and other public testimonials, as has been heretofore practised in this state. 37. That no senator, delegate of the assembly, or member of the council, if he shall qualify as such, shall hold or execute

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1776) any office of profit, or receive the profits of any office exercised by any other person, during the time for which he shall be elected; nor shall any governor be capable of holding any other office of profit in this state while he acts as such; and no person holding a place of profit, or receiving any part of the profits thereof, or receiving the profits or any part of the profits arising on any agency for the supply of cloathing or provisions for the army or navy, or holding any office under the United States, or any of them, or a minister or preacher of the gospel, of any denomination, or any person employed in the regular land service, or marine, of this or the United States, shall have a seat in the general assembly or the council of this state. 38. That every governor, senator, delegate to Congress or assembly, and member of the council, before he acts as such, shall take an oath, “That he will not receive directly or indirectly, at any time, any part of the profits of any office, held by any other person during his acting in his office of governor, senator, delegate to Congress or assembly, or member of the council, or the profits, or any part of the profits arising on any agency, for the supply of cloathing or provisions for the army or navy.” 39. That if any senator, delegate to congress or assembly, or member of the council, shall hold or execute any office of profit, or receive directly or indirectly, at any time, the profits or any part of the profits of any office exercised by any other person, during his acting as senator, delegate to congress or assembly, or member of the council, his seat, on conviction in a court of law, by the oath of two credible witnesses, shall be void, and he shall suffer the punishment for wilful and corrupt perjury, or be banished this state for ever, or disqualified for ever from holding any office or place of trust or profit, as the court may adjudge.

40. That the chancellor, all judges, the attorney-general, clerks of the general court, the clerks of the county courts, the registers12 of the land-office, and the registers13 of wills, shall hold their commissions during good behaviour, removable only for misbehaviour, on conviction in a court of law. 41. That there be a register of wills appointed for each county, who shall be commissioned by the governor, on the joint recommendation of the senate and house of delegates, and that upon the death, resignation, disqualification, or removal out of the county, by any register of wills in the recess of the general assembly, the governor, with the advice of the council, may appoint and commission a fit and proper person to such vacant office, to hold the same until the meeting of the general assembly. 42. That sheriffs shall be elected in each county by ballot every third year, that is to say, two persons for the office of sheriff for each county, the one of whom having the majority of votes, or if both have an equal number, either of them, at the discretion of the governor, to be commissioned by the governor for the said office; and having served for three years, such person shall be ineligible for the four years next succeeding: bond with security to be taken every year as usual, and no sheriff shall be qualified to act before the same is given. In case of death, refusal, resignation, disqualification, or removal out of the county, before the expiration of the three years, the other person chosen as aforesaid, shall be commissioned by the governor to execute the said office for the residue of the said three years; the said person giving bond with security as aforesaid, and in case of his death, refusal, resignation, disqualification, or removal out of the county, before the expiration of the said three years, the governor, with the advice of the council, may nominate and commission a fit and proper person to execute

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M ARYLAND the said office for the14 residue of the said three years; the said person giving bond and security as aforesaid; the election shall be held at the same time and place appointed for the election of delegates, and the justices there summoned to attend for the preservation of the peace shall be judges thereof, and of the qualification of candidates, who shall appoint a clerk to take the ballots: all freemen above the age of twenty-one years, having a freehold of fifty acres of land in the county in which they offer to ballot, and residing therein, and all freemen above the age of twenty-one years, and having property in the state above the value of thirty pounds current money, and having resided in the county in which they offer to ballot one whole year next preceding the election, shall have a right of suffrage; no person to be eligible to the office of sheriff for a county but an inhabitant of the said county, above the age of twenty-one years, and having real and personal property in the state above the value of one thousand pounds current money; the justices aforesaid shall examine the ballots, and the two candidates properly qualified, having in each county the majority of legal ballots, shall be declared duly elected for the office of sheriff for such county, and returned to the governor and council, with a certificate of the number of ballots for each of them. 43. That every person who shall offer to vote for delegates, or for the electors of the senate, or for the sheriff, shall (if required by any three persons qualified to vote) before he be admitted to poll, take such oath or affirmation of support and fidelity to this state as this Convention or the legislature shall direct. 44. That a justice of the peace may be eligible as a senator, delegate, or member of the council, and may continue to act as a justice of the peace.

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45. That no field officer of the militia shall be eligible as a senator, delegate, or member of the council. 46. That all civil officers hereafter to be appointed for the several counties of this state shall have been residents of the county respectively for which they shall be appointed, six months next before their appointment, and shall continue residents of their county respectively during their continuance in office. 47. That the judges of the general court and justices of the county courts may appoint the clerks of their respective courts, and in case of refusal, death, resignation, disqualification, or removal out of the state, or from their respective shores, of the clerks of the general court, or either of them, in the vacation of the said court; and in case of the refusal, death, resignation, disqualification, removal out of the county of any of the said county clerks in the vacation of the county court of which he is clerk, the governor with the advice of the council may appoint and commission a fit and proper person to such vacant office respectively, to hold the same until the meeting of the next general court or county court, as the case may be. 48. That the governor for the time being, with the advice and consent of the council, may appoint the chancellor, and all judges and justices, the attorney general, naval officers, officers in the regular land and sea service, officers of the militia, registers of the land office, surveyors, and all other civil officers of government (assessors, constables and overseers of the roads only excepted) and may also suspend or remove any civil officer who has not a commission during good behaviour, and may suspend any militia officer for one month, and may also suspend or remove any regular officer in the land or sea service; and the governor may

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1776) remove or suspend any militia officer in pursuance of the judgment of a court martial. 49. That all civil officers, of the appointment of the governor and council, who do not hold commissions during good behaviour, shall be appointed annually in the third week of November, but if any of them shall be reappointed, they may continue to act without any new commission or qualification; and every officer though not reappointed shall continue to act until the person who shall be appointed and commissioned in his stead shall be qualified. 50. That the governor, every member of the council, and every judge and justice, before they act as such, shall respectively take an oath, “that he will not, through favour, affection, or partiality, vote for any person to office, and that he will vote for such person as in his judgment and conscience he believes most fit and best qualified for the office, and that he has not made, nor will make any promise or engagement to give his vote or interest in favour of any person.” 51. That there be two registers of the land office, one upon the western, and one upon the eastern shore; that short extracts of the grants and certificates of the land on the western and eastern shores respectively be made in separate books, at the public expense, and deposited in the offices of the said registers, in such manner as shall hereafter be provided by the general assembly. 52. That every chancellor, judge, register of wills, commissioner of the loan office, attorney general, sheriff, treasurer, naval officer, register of the land office, register of the chancery court, and every clerk of the common law courts, surveyor, and auditor of public accounts, before he acts as such, shall take an oath “that he will not directly or indirectly receive any fee or reward for doing his office of –––– but what is or shall

be allowed by law, nor will directly or indirectly receive the profits or any part of the profits of any office held by any other person, and that he does not hold the same office in trust or for the benefit of any other person.” 53. That if any governor, chancellor, judge, register of wills, attorney general, register of the land office, commissioner of the loan office, register of the chancery court, or any clerk of the common law courts, treasurer, naval officer, sheriff, surveyor, or auditor of public accounts, shall receive directly or indirectly, at any time, the profits or any part of the profits of any office, held by any other person, during his acting in the office to which he is appointed, his election, appointment and commission, on conviction in a court of law, by the oath of two credible witnesses, shall be void, and he shall suffer the punishment for wilful and corrupt perjury, or be banished this state for ever, or disqualified for ever, from holding any office or place of trust or profit, as the court may adjudge. 54. That if any person shall give any bribe, present, or reward, or any promise, or any security for the payment or delivery of any money, or any other thing, to obtain or procure a vote, to be governor, senator, delegate to Congress, or assembly, member of the council, or judge, or to be appointed to any of the said offices, or to any office of profit or trust, now created or hereafter to be created in this state, the person giving and the person receiving the same, on conviction in a court of law, shall be for ever disqualified to hold any office of trust or profit in this state. 55. That every person appointed to any office of profit or trust shall, before he enters on the execution thereof, take the following oath, to wit, “I, A. B. do swear, That I do not hold myself bound in allegiance

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M ARYLAND to the king of Great-Britain, and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of Maryland.” And shall also subscribe a declaration of his belief in the Christian religion. 56. That there be a court of appeals, composed of persons of integrity and sound judgment in the law, whose judgment shall be final and conclusive in all cases of appeal, from the general court, court of chancery, and court of admiralty: That one person of integrity and sound judgment in the law, be appointed chancellor: That three persons of integrity and sound judgment in the law, be appointed judges of the court now called the provincial court; and that the same court be hereafter called and known by the name of the general court; which court shall sit on the western and eastern shores for transacting and determining the business of the15 respective shores, at such times and places as the future legislature of this state shall direct and appoint. 57. That the stile of all laws run thus, “Be it enacted by the general assembly of Maryland:” That all public commissions and grants run thus, “The State of Maryland, &c.” and shall be signed by the governor, and attested by the chancellor, with the seal of the state annexed, except military and militia16 commissions, which shall not be attested by the chancellor or have the seal of the state annexed: That all writs shall run in the same stile, and be tested, sealed, and signed as usual: That all indictments shall conclude, “Against the peace, government and dignity of the state.” 58. That all penalties and forfeitures, heretofore going to the king or proprietary, shall go to the state, save only such as the general assembly may abolish or otherwise provide for. 59. That this form of government, and the declaration of rights, and no part thereof,

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shall be altered, changed or abolished, unless a bill so to alter, change, or abolish the same, shall pass the general assembly and be published at least three months before a new election, and shall be confirmed by the general assembly after a new election of delegates, in the first session after such new election; provided that nothing in this form of government which relates to the eastern shore particularly shall at any time hereafter be altered, unless for the alteration and confirmation thereof at least two thirds of all the members of each branch of the general assembly shall concur. 60. That every bill passed by the general assembly, when engrossed, shall be presented by the speaker of the house of delegates, in the senate, to the governor, for the time being, who shall sign the same, and thereto affix the great seal, in the presence of the members of both houses: every law shall be recorded in the general court office of the western shore, and in due time printed, published and certified under the great seal, to the several county courts, in the same manner as hath been heretofore used in this state. 61. That to introduce the new government, an election be held for the electors of the senate on Monday the twenty-fifth of November in this present year, and17 that the electors of the senate meet at Annapolis on Monday the ninth of December in this present year, and there choose senators, and that an election be held on Wednesday the eighteenth of December for delegates to serve in general assembly, and for sheriffs; and that the said elections be made by such persons in the same manner and under the same qualifications as such elections are herein before directed to be made at the periodical times beforementioned; the returns of all which first elections shall be made to the Council of Safety for the time being, and the general assembly shall meet

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1776) at Annapolis on Monday the tenth of February next; and shall in their then session, or in such future session as they shall think proper, choose a governor and council for the residue of the year, in the18 manner before directed: and for filling in the first instance only all the offices in the disposition of the governor with the advice of the council, the house of delegates may also propose to the senate a list of all officers in the appointment of the governor with the advice of the council, and on the senate concurring therein, or in the recommendation of any of the persons therein mentioned, such persons so recommended shall be commissioned by the governor; but if the senate shall not concur in the recommendation of any of the persons proposed as aforesaid, then shall a joint ballot of both houses be taken in manner aforesaid for persons to be recommended for such offices19 , and the persons in whose favour such ballot shall pass shall be commissioned as aforesaid. That20 the said elections for all the counties in this state, except Washington, Montgomery, Cecil, and Queen-Anne’s, be held at the places of holding the county courts of those counties respectively. That the elections for Washington county be held at Hagar’s-town. That the elections for Montgomery county be held at the house now occupied by Charles Hungerford. That the elections for Cecil county be held at the Head of Elk. And, That the elections for Queen-Anne’s county be held at Chester mill, where George Hanson now dwells. That Abraham Barnes, Hugh Hopewell, and Henry Tubman, Esquires,21 or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for St. Mary’s county. That George Dent, Samuel Hanson, and Warren Dent, Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Charles county.

That William Allnut, Samuel Chew, and Daniel Rawlings, Esquires,22 or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Calvert county. That William Beanes, Enoch Magruder, and Jeremiah Magruder, Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Prince-George’s county. That Joseph Galloway, Thomas Dorsey, and Thomas Watkins, Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Anne Arundel county. That John Murdock, Zadock Magruder, and Joseph Wilson, Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Montgomery county. That William Luckett, John Adhun, and Joseph Wells, Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Frederick county. That Joseph Smith, Noah Hart, and Ely Williams, Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Washington county. That Thomas Gist, sen. Edward Cockey, and Henry Stevenson, jun. Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Baltimore county. That Amos Garret, William Webb, and Thomas Johnson, Esquires23 , or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Harford county. That James Evans, Thomas May, and John Stockton, Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Cecil county. That John Page, William Rogers24 , and William Bordley, Esquires,25 or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Kent county. That Thomas Ringgold, Nathaniel Wright, and Samuel Thompson, Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Queen-Anne’s county. That John Goldsborough, William Perry,

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M ARYLAND and John Bracco, Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Talbot county. That Henry Hooper, Q. S. Bartholomew Ennalls, and James Muir, Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge and of hold the elections for Dorchester county. That Henry Casson, Foster Goldsborough and John White, Esquires,26 or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Caroline county. That Thomas Hayward, Andrew Francis Cheney27 , and Thomas Bruff, Esquires28 , or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Somerset county. That Joshua Mitchell, Benton Harris, and Robert Done, Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Worcester county. That the mayor, recorder and aldermen the city of Annapolis, or any three or more of them, be judges of and hold the elections for the city of Annapolis. That John Merriman, jun.29 James Calhoun, and Benjamin Griffin, Esquires, or any two or one of them, be judge of and hold the elections for Baltimore-town.30 That a clerk or clerks be appointed by the said judges for taking the polls at the said elections. That every judge of the election, before he proceeds to take or receive any vote, shall take the following oath, or affirmation, to wit, “I A. B. do swear, or affirm, that I will permit all persons to vote, who shall offer to poll at the elections now to be held for –––– county, –––– city, or –––– town, who in my judgment shall, according to the directions contained in the form of government, be entitled to poll at the same election, and that I will not admit any person to poll at the same election, who before his voting shall be objected against by any three of the electors, if such person is not in my judgment qualified to vote as aforesaid, and will in all things execute the office

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of judge of the elections according to the best of my knowledge, without favour or partiality. So help me God.” That every clerk, before he enters any vote on the polls, shall take the following oath, to wit, “I A. B. do declare, that I will well and faithfully, without favour, affection, or partiality, execute the office of clerk of the elections for –––– county, the city of Annapolis, or Baltimore-town, according to the best of my knowledge. So help me God.”31

1

Verified by Proceedings of the Convention of the Province of Maryland, Held at the City of Annapolis, on Wednesday the Fourteenth of August, 1776, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, [1776], 78–84, and checked against the remaining parts of the manuscript of the Convention Journal (art. 1–6, and end of art. 61 missing, on all remaining pages margins deleted with loss of text) as preserved in the Maryland State Archives at Annapolis, MD. Also checked against The Declaration of Rights, and the Constitution and Form of Government, Established by the Convention of Maryland, Held at the City of Annapolis, on Wednesday the 14th of August, anno domini 1776, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, [1776], 9–26, and a second Green print under the title A Declaration of Rights, and the Constitution and Form of Government, Agreed to by the Delegates of Maryland, in free and full Convention assembled, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, [1776], 17–43, and additionally against the version published in Proceedings of the Convention of the Province of Maryland, Held at the City of Annapolis, in 1774, 1775, & 1776, Baltimore: James Lucas & E. K. Deaver; Annapolis: Jonas Green, 1836, 349–365. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the 1776 print of the Proceedings of the Convention. The Declaration of Rights (q.v.), adopted by the Convention on November 3, 1776, was prefixed to the Constitution or Form of Government, agreed upon on November 8, 1776 (“The convention having gone through the form of government paragraph by paragraph, and made several additions and amendments, the same was agreed to as follows”). Both documents were resolved by the Convention on November 11, 1776, and ordered to be printed. As a new constitution failed to be ratified by the people in 1792 (q.v.), they, together, remained in effect until superseded by the second constitution of Maryland of 1851 (q.v.). 2 In 1776 Proceedings of the Convention, 78, and in 1836 Proceedings of the Convention, 351, word missing.

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1776) 3 In 1836 Proceedings of the Convention, 351, word missing. 4 In The Declaration [. . . ] Established by the Convention, 10, and in A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 20, “an”. 5 In manuscript, “Resignation”. 6 In 1836 Proceedings of the Convention, 353, word missing. 7 In 1836 Proceedings of the Convention, 353, “resident”. 8 Ibid., “resident”. 9 Ibid., 354, “the”. 10 In The Declaration [. . . ] Established by the Convention, 14, and in A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 25, “an”. 11 In 1776 Proceedings of the Convention, 81, and in 1836 Proceedings of the Convention, 357, “they” (in manuscript corrected to “the Council”). 12 In 1836 Proceedings of the Convention, 358, “register”. 13 Ibid., “register”. 14 Ibid., “such”. 15 Ibid., 361, “their”. 16 In The Declaration [. . . ] Established by the Convention, 22, and in A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 38, last two words missing. 17 In manuscript, word missing.

18

In The Declaration [. . . ] Established by the Convention, 23, and in A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 40, word missing. 19 In manuscript, in The Declaration [. . . ] Established by the Convention, 23, and in A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 40, “officers”. 20 In manuscript, “62. That”. 21 In A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 40, “Esqrs.”. 22 In 1836 Proceedings of the Convention, 363, “esqs.”. 23 Ibid., 364, “esqrs.”. 24 Ibid., “Rodgers”. 25 Ibid., “esqrs.”. 26 Ibid., “esqs.”. 27 Ibid., “Chency”. 28 Ibid., “esqrs.”. 29 Ibid., “jr.”. 30 In manuscript, rest missing. 31 In The Declaration [. . . ] Established by the Convention, 26, and in A Declaration [. . . ] Agreed to by the Delegates, 43, added: “This form of government was assented to and passed in Convention of the delegates of the freemen of Maryland, begun and held at the city of Annapolis, the 14th day of August, anno domini 1776. By order of the Convention, Matthew Tilghman, President.”.

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First Failed Amendment of 1781

An act to abrogate and abolish part of the thirty-seventh article of the form of government1

Whereas, by the thirty-seventh article of the form of government, it was declared, that any person employed in the regular land service or marine of this or the United States, should not have a seat in the general assembly or the council of this state, and thereby many persons, who of right ought to be eligible to the legislature or the council, are excluded:

S ECT. 2. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That such part of the said thirty-seventh article of the constitution and form of government be and is hereby abrogated, abolished, and made void; provided that no such regular officer shall be capable in time of war of taking his seat either in the general assembly or the council, before he resigns his commission.

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S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, and it is hereby declared, That any regular officer on half pay may be eligible to and hold any civil office of trust or profit, and any regular officer in full pay may be eligible to any such civil office, but he shall not qualify or act therein before he resigns his commission. S ECT. 4. This act to be in force, if confirmed by the general assembly in the first session after the next election of delegates.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the city of Annapolis, on Thursday the tenth of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightyone, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1781?], ch. 30. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

Second Failed Amendment of 1781

An act to abrogate and abolish the forty-fifth article of the form of government1

Whereas, by the forty-fifth article of the form of government, it is declared, that no field officer of the militia shall be eligible as a senator, delegate, or member of the council, which is wrong in principle and inconvenient in practice: S ECT. 2. Be it therefore enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the said forty-fifth article of the form of government be and hereby is abrogated, abolished, and made void.

S ECT. 3. This act to be in force, if confirmed by the general assembly in the first session after the next election of delegates.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the city of Annapolis, on Thursday the tenth of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightyone, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1781?], ch. 31. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

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Third Failed Amendment of 1781

An act to alter part of the fifty-fifth article of the form of government1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the oath of allegiance, directed by the fifty-fifth article of the constitution and form of government, be abrogated and abolished, and every person appointed to any office of profit or trust shall, before he enters on the execution thereof, take the oath prescribed by the act to punish certain crimes and misdemeanors, and to prevent the growth of toryism. S ECT. 2. This act to be in force, if con-

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firmed by the general assembly in the first session after the next election of delegates.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the city of Annapolis, on Thursday the tenth of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightyone, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1781?], ch. 32. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

Amendment of 1789 An act to alter such parts of the constitution and form of government as prevent a citizen from taking a seat in the legislature, or being an elector of the senate, without taking an oath to the support of this government1

Whereas certain citizens of this state hold it unlawful to take an oath on any occasion; and an attachment to the community, and a profession of support to this government, may be as well and fully evinced by a solemn affirmation or declaration of support to this government as by an oath; and it is highly improper to restrain the people in their choice of delegates, and electors of the senate, further than the security of the state may require: S ECT. 2. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all those parts of the constitution and form of government that prevent a citizen, conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath in any case, and who are permitted by the constitution to affirm in certain cases, from taking a seat in the legislature, or from being an elector of the senate, without taking an oath of support to this government, shall be and hereby are repealed, abrogated, and made null and void; and hereafter a solemn affirmation or

declaration of support to this government may be taken, and shall be received in stead of an oath, by any citizen chosen a delegate or elector of the senate, conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath in any case, and who is permitted by the constitution to affirm in certain cases.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the city of Annapolis on Monday the third of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1788?], ch. 42. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on December 25, 1788 and ratified on November 20, 1789 (Laws of Maryland, 1789, ch. 1), enacting, “That the said act, entitled, An act to alter such parts of the constitution and form of government as prevent a citizen from taking a seat in the legislature, or being an elector of the senate, without taking an oath to the support of this government, be and it is hereby confirmed and made valid to every intent and purpose therein mentioned”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

261

Failed Amendment of 1789

An act to alter such parts of the constitution and form of government as require certain oaths to be taken by members of the general assembly and electors of the senate1

Whereas certain citizens of this state hold it unlawful to take an oath on any occasion, and it is highly improper to restrain the people in the choice of delegates, and electors of the senate, further than the security of the state may require; S ECT. 2. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all those parts of the constitution and form of government that require certain oaths to be taken by members of the general assembly, and by electors of the senate, shall be and hereby are repealed, abrogated, and made null and void, and hereafter a solemn affirmation or declaration may and shall be received instead of an oath, from any citizen consci-

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entiously scrupulous of taking an oath in any case, and permitted by the constitution to affirm in certain cases, and who shall hereafter be chosen a senator, delegate, or elector of the senate.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the city of Annapolis on Monday the second of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1789?], ch. 39. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment, a sequence of the amendment ratified on November 20, 1789, was passed on December 25, 1789, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

Amendment of 1792 An act to prohibit members of congress, or persons in office under the United States, from being eligible as members of the legislature or council, or holding offices in this state1

Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That no member of congress, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the United States, shall be capable of having a seat in the general assembly, or being an elector of the senate, or holding any office of trust or profit under this state; and if any member of the general assembly, elector of the senate, or person holding an office of trust or profit under this state, shall take his seat in congress, or accept an office of trust or profit under the United States, or being elected to congress, or appointed to an office of trust or profit under the United States, not make his resignation of his seat in congress, or of his office, as the case may be, within thirty days after notice of his election or appointment to office as aforesaid, his seat in the legislature of this state, or as elector of the senate, or of his office held under this state as aforesaid, shall be void: Provided, that no person who is now, or may be at the time when this act becomes part of the constitution, a member both of congress and of the legislature of this state, or who now holds, or may hold at the time when this act becomes part of the constitution, an office as aforesaid, both under this state and the United States, shall be affected by this act, if, within fifteen days after the same shall become part of the constitution,

he shall resign his seat in congress, or his office held under the United States. And if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, according to the constitution and form of government, that in such case this alteration and amendment of the constitution and form of government shall constitute and be valid as part thereof, and every thing therein contained repugnant to or inconsistent with this alteration and amendment shall be repealed and abolished.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the city of Annapolis on Monday the seventh of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1792?], ch. 80. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment, which might be understood as an addition to art. 27 of the constitution, was approved on December 30, 1791, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 22, 1792 (Laws of Maryland, 1792, ch. 22), enacting that, “An act to prohibit members of congress, or persons in office under the United States, from being eligible as members of the legislature or council, or holding offices in this state, shall be and is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. The amendment was the only act of the reform efforts of 1791–92 achieving the status of constitutional law in 1792.

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Failed Amendment of 1794

An act for altering the twenty-third article of the constitution and form of government of this state, and such parts of the twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth articles of the same as respect the time of choosing the governor and the council to the governor1

Whereas it will greatly conduce to the promotion of public convenience, that the annual constitutional session of the legislature should commence on the third Monday in December instead of the first Monday in November, S ECT. 2. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the time of holding the annual session of the legislature, fixed by the constitution and form of government on the first Monday in November, shall, after the confirmation of this act, be changed to the third Monday in December in each year, and the first session under and by virtue of the alteration contemplated by this act shall be and commence on the third Monday in December, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That after the meeting of the general assembly of Maryland in virtue of this act, the governor of this state shall from thenceforth be elected annually on the Monday next after the commencement of each session thereof, and that the council to the governor shall be appointed and elected annually on the Tuesday next after the commencement of each session thereof; and the said governor and council, who shall have been elected and

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appointed next preceding the commencement of this act, shall continue to act as such, and be vested with all the powers and authority given to them respectively by the constitution, until the appointment of a governor and council in virtue and pursuance thereof. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That this act shall be published for the consideration of the people at least three months previous to the next election of delegates, and if confirmed by the general assembly at their next session which shall ensue the said general election, then this act, and the regulations herein contained, shall be taken and received as part of the constitution and form of government of this state, and every thing in the said constitution and form of government to the contrary is and shall be hereby repealed.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the third of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninetyfour, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1795?], ch. 69. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on December 26, 1794, but was not ratified by the subsequent General assembly.

Amendment of 1795 An act to alter such parts of the constitution and form of government which prevent persons conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath from being members of the legislature, electors of the senate, or to hold offices of profit and trust1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That every person being a member of either of the religious sects or societies called Quakers, Menonists, Tunkers or Nicolites, or New Quakers, and who shall be conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath on any occasion, being otherwise qualified and duly elected a senator, delegate, or elector of the senate, or being otherwise qualified and duly appointed or elected to any office of profit or trust, on making affirmation instead of taking the several oaths appointed by the constitution and form of government, and the several acts of assembly of this state now in force, or that hereafter may be made, such person may hold and exercise any office of profit or trust to which he may be appointed or elected, and may, by such affirmation, qualify himself to take a seat in the legislature, and to act therein as a member of the same in all cases whatever, or to be an elector of the senate, in as full and ample a manner, to all intents and purposes whatever, as persons are now competent and qualified to act who are not conscientiously scrupulous of taking such oaths. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government

directs, that in such case this act, and the alterations and amendment of the constitution and form of government therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing in the said constitution and form of government contained to the contrary notwithstanding. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the several clauses and sections of the constitution and form of government contrary to the provisions of this act, so far as they respect either of the sects or societies aforesaid, shall be and are hereby declared to be repealed and annulled, on the confirmation hereof. 1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the third of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1795?], ch. 49. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on December 25, 1794 and ratified on December 24, 1795 (Laws of Maryland, 1795, ch. 11), enacting, “That an act passed at November session, seven hundred and ninety-four, entitled, An act to alter such parts of the constitution and form of government which prevent persons conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath from being members of the legislature, electors of the senate, or to hold offices of profit and trust, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Failed Amendment of 1797

An act to alter, abolish and repeal, such parts of the second, third, fourteenth and forty-second sections of the constitution and form of government, as relate to the judges, time, place and manner, of holding the several elections therein specified1

Whereas the holding elections at any one place in each county of this state is attended with great inconvenience to all citizens remote from said place, and operates to deprive many persons entitled to suffrage from the xercise of that right; and as it is desirable that the full, free, and fair voice of the people should be expressed in their choice of the functionaries of government, S ECT. 2. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly, That the several counties of this state, for the purpose of holding all future elections for delegates, electors of the senate, and sheriffs of the several counties, shall be divided into separate districts in the manner herein after directed, viz. SaintMary’s county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Kent county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Calvert county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Charles county shall be divided and laid off into four separate districts, Talbot county shall be divided and laid off into four separate districts, Somerset county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Dorchester county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Cæcil county shall be divided and laid off into four separate districts, Prince-George’s county shall be divided and laid off into

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five separate districts, Queen-Anne’s county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Worcester county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Frederick county shall be divided and laid off into seven separate districts, Harford county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Caroline county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Washington county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Montgomery county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Allegany county shall be divided and laid off into six separate districts. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That AnneArundel county, including the city of Annapolis, shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That Baltimore county, out of the limits of the city of Baltimore, shall be divided and laid off into seven districts, and that the city of Baltimore shall, at all future elections, form and constitute one district for the purpose of electing sheriffs. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That all and every part of the second, third, fourteenth and forty-second sections of the constitution and form of government of this state, which

FAILED A MENDMENT OF 1797 relate to the judges, place, time and manner of holding the several elections therein mentioned, be and the same are hereby abrogated, repealed and annulled, and the same shall hereafter be regulated by law. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alteration of the said constitution contained therein, shall be considered as a part, and

shall constitute and be valid as a part, of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the sixth of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1798?], ch. 44. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 20, 1798, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

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First Amendment of 1798 An act to alter and repeal those parts of the constitution and form of government that make the commissioners of Baltimore-town judges of the elections for delegates and for elector of the senate1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the mayor and second branch of the city council of the city of Baltimore, or any three or more of them, for the time being, shall be judges of the elections for delegates of the city of Baltimore, and for elector of the senate, and shall have and exercise all the rights and authorities respecting such elections which were vested in the commissioners of Baltimoretown, in virtue of the constitution and form of government. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government as make the commissioners of Baltimore-town judges of the elections for delegates, and for elector of the senate, be and the same are hereby repealed. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That this act

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shall commence and be in force, if it shall be published at least three months before the next election of delegates, and shall be confirmed by the general assembly, in their first session after such new election.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the sixth of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1798?], ch. 57. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 20, 1798, and ratified on January 15, 1799 (Laws of Maryland, 1798, ch. 2), enacting, “That the said act, entitled, An act to alter and repeal these parts of the constitution and form of government that make the commissioners of Baltimore-town judges of the elections for delegates and for elector of the senate, be and it is hereby confirmed and made valid, to every intent and purpose therein mentioned”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

Second Amendment of 1798 An act to alter such parts of the declaration of rights, the constitution and form of government, as prevent persons conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath from being witnesses in all cases1

Whereas persons conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath labour under many and great inconvenciencies, owing to their not being admitted to make their solemn affirmation as witnesses in all cases instead of an oath; therefore, S ECT. 2. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the people called Quakers, those called Nicolites or New Quakers, those called Tunkers, and those called Menonists, holding it unlawful to take an oath on any occasion, shall be allowed to make their solemn affirmation as witnesses, in the manner that quakers have been heretofore allowed to affirm, which affirmation shall be of the same avail as an oath, to all intents and purposes whatever. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That before any of the persons aforesaid shall be admitted as a witness in any court of justice in this state, the court shall be satisfied, by such testimony as they may require, that such person is one of those who profess to be conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the

alterations and amendment of the constitution and form of government therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing in the said declaration of rights, constitution and form of government contained, to the contrary notwithstanding. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the several clauses and sections of the declaration of rights, constitution and form of government, contrary to the provisions of this act, so far as they respect either of the sect or societies aforesaid, shall be and are hereby declared to be repealed and annulled, on the confirmation hereof.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the sixth of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1798?], ch. 118. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 21, 1798, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 18, 1799 (Laws of Maryland, 1798, ch. 83), enacting that, “An act to alter such parts of the declaration of rights, the constitution and form of government, as prevent persons conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath from being witnesses in all cases, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Failed Amendment of 1798

An act to alter, abolish and repeal, such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as are therein mentioned1

Whereas the holding elections at any one place in each county of this state is attended with great inconvenience to all citizens remote from said place, and operates to deprive many persons entitled to suffrage from the exercise of that right; and as it is desirable that the full, free and fair voice of the people should be expressed in their choice of the functionaries of government, S ECT. 2. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the several counties of this state, for the purpose of holding all future elections for delegates, electors of the senate, and sheriffs of the several counties, shall be divided into separate districts in the manner herein after directed, viz. Saint Mary’s county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Kent county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Calvert county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts; Charles county shall be divided and laid off into four separate districts, Talbot county shall be divided and laid off into four separate districts, Somerset county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Dorchester county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Cæcil county shall be divided and laid off into four separate districts, PrinceGeorge’s county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Queen-Anne’s county shall be divided and off into three separate districts, Worcester county shall

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be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Frederick county shall be divided and laid off into seven separate districts, Harford county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Caroline county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Washington county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Montgomery county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Allegany county shall be divided and laid off into six separate districts. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That AnneArundel county, including the city of Annapolis, shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That Baltimore county, out of the limits of the city of Baltimore, shall be divided and laid off into seven districts, and that the city of Baltimore shall be laid off into eight districts. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That all and every part of the constitution and form of government relating to the judges, time, place and manner, of holding elections in the city of Baltimore, and all and every part of the second, third, fifth, fourteenth and forty-second sections of the constitution and form of government of this state, as also every part of the said constitution and form of government which relate to the judges, place, time and manner of holding the several elections for delegates, electors of the

FAILED A MENDMENT OF 1798 senate, and sheriffs of the several counties, be and the same are hereby abrogated, repealed and annulled, and the same shall hereafter be regulated by law. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That no person possessing the qualification of property required by the constitution shall be entitled to vote at any election to be held for sheriffs, delegates to the general assembly, or electors of the senate, unless there be some written evidence that he is worth thirty pounds, or a freehold of fifty acres of land, and the time he offers to vote, this written evidence to be an assessment of property to that amount, which assessment may be made at any time before such person offers to vote, upon his producing satisfactory testimony of his possessing such property; the manner of making out such assessment, and the person or persons to judge of the qualification as to property, to be hereafter regulated by law. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That all parts of the constitution and form of government not herein before enumerated, which are re-

pugnant to, and inconsistent with, the provisions of this act, be and the same are hereby repealed, annulled and avoided. S ECT. 8. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alteration of the said constitution contained therein, shall be considered as a part, and shall constitute and be valid as a part, of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the fifth of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninetyeight, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1799?], ch. 116. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. Whereas this amendment was not re-adopted by the subsequent legislature, a new amendment was adopted on January 20, 1799 (q.v.), without sect. 6 and 7 of the 1798 version, and ratified in 1800.

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Amendment of 1799 An act to alter, abolish and repeal, certain parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as are therein mentioned1

Whereas the holding elections at any one place in each county of this state is attended with great inconvenience to all citizens remote from said place, and operates to deprive many persons entitled to suffrage from the exercise of that right; and as it is desirable that the full, free and fair voice of the people should be expressed in their choice of the functionaries of government, S ECT. 2. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the several counties of this state, for the purpose of holding all future elections for delegates, electors of the senate, and sheriffs of the several counties, shall be divided into separate districts in the manner herein after directed, viz. Saint Mary's county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Kent county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Calvert county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts; Charles county shall be divided and laid off into four separate districts, Talbot county shall be divided and laid off into four separate districts, Somerset county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Dorchester county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Cæcil county shall be divided and laid off into four separate districts, Prince-George's county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Queen-Anne's county shall be divided and off into three separate districts, Worcester

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county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Frederick county shall be divided and laid off into seven separate districts, Harford county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Caroline county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, Washington county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Montgomery county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, Allegany county shall be divided and laid off into six separate districts. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That AnneArundel county, including the city of Annapolis, shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That Baltimore county, out of the limits of the city of Baltimore, shall be divided and laid off into seven districts, and that the city of Baltimore shall be laid off into eight districts. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That all and every part of the constitution and form of government relating to the judges, time, place and manner, of holding elections in the city of Baltimore, and all and every part of the second, third, fifth, fourteenth and forty-second sections of the constitution and form of government of this state, which relate to the judges, place, time and manner of holding the several elections for delegates, electors of the senate, and sheriffs of the several counties, be and the same are

A MENDMENT OF 1799 hereby abrogated, repealed and annulled, and the same shall hereafter be regulated by law. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alteration of the said constitution contained therein, shall be considered as a part, and shall constitute and be valid as a part, of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the fifth of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1799?], ch. 115. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment, a modified version of the failed amendment of 1797 (q.v.), was passed on January 20, 1799, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 3, 1800 (Laws of Maryland, 1799, ch. 48), enacting, “That the act passed at November session, seventeen hundred and ninety-eight, entitled, An act to alter, abolish and repeal, certain parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as are therein mentioned, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

273

Amendment of 1802 An act to alter such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to voters, and qualifications of voters1

Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That every free white male citizen of this state, and no other, above twenty-one years of age, having resided twelve months in the county next preceding the election at which he offers to vote, and every free white male citizen of this state above twenty-one years of age, and having obtained a residence of twelve months next preceding the election in the city of Baltimore or the city of Annapolis, and at which he offers to vote, shall have a right of suffrage, and shall vote by ballot in the election of such county or city, or either of them, for delegates to the general assembly, electors of the senate, and sheriffs. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That all and every part of the constitution and form of government of this state repugnant to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this act, shall be and the same are hereby abrogated, annulled and made void. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general as-

274

sembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alteration of the said constitution contained therein, shall be considered as a part, and shall constitute and be valid as a part, of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the Second of November, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and One. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1802?], ch. 90. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on December 31, 1801, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 8, 1803 (Laws of Maryland, 1802, ch. 20), enacting, “That an act passed at November session, eighteen hundred and one, entitled, An act to alter such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to voters, and qualification of voters, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

Failed Amendment of 1802

An act to alter, change and abolish, such parts of the constitution and form of government as relates to the establishing a general court and court of appeals1

Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That from and after the first day of March, eighteen hundred and four, there shall be a court of appeals composed of three persons of integrity, and sound judgment in the law, who shall be styled in their commissions Judge of the Court of Appeals, whose judgment shall be final and conclusive in all cases of appeal from the court of chancery, county court, or orphans court, and that the court of appeals shall hold two sessions on the western shore and two on the eastern shore, in each year, at such times and places as the future legislature of this state shall direct and appoint. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That from and after the said first day of March, eighteen hundred and four, this state shall be divided into five judicial districts, viz. Saint Mary’s, Calvert, Prince-George’s and Charles counties, shall be the first district; Cæcil, Kent, Queen-Anne’s and Talbot counties, shall be the second district; AnneArundel, Baltimore and Harford counties, shall be the third district; Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester counties, shall be the fourth district; and Washington, Frederick, Montgomery and Allegany counties, shall be the fifth district; and that there shall be appointed for each of the said districts two persons of integrity and sound judgment in the law, who shall reside in the district for which they shall be appointed, who shall be styled in their commissions

District Judges of the County Courts in such district; and there shall be appointed for each of the counties of this state one person of integrity, experience and knowledge, resident of the county for which he shall be appointed, who shall be styled in the commission Associate Judge of the County Court of the county for which he shall be appointed; and the said district judges in their respective districts, together with the said associate judge in the respective counties, shall compose the county court; and the county courts so established shall have, hold and exercise, all the powers, authorities and jurisdictions, that the general court and county courts of this state has heretofore held, used and exercised, except the appellate jurisdiction of the general court; and that the county courts shall hold their sessions in the respective counties at such times and places as the future legislature of this state shall direct and appoint. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alterations and amendment of the constitution and form of government therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing in the said consti-

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M ARYLAND tution and form of government contained to the contrary notwithstanding. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That all and every part of the constitution and form of government that relates to the court of appeals, or the general court, as now established, or to the judges therein, or that is in any manner contrary to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this act, be and are hereby declared to be repealed and abolished, on the confirmation thereof.

276

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the First of November, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Two. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1803?], ch. 108. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 8, 1803, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

Amendment of 1803 An act to alter and repeal such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as relate to the division of Frederick county into election districts1

Whereas it has been represented to this general assembly, that great inconvenience has been experienced for the want of two additional districts in Frederick county; for remedy whereof, S ECT. 2. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government, made such by the acts of seventeen hundred and ninety-eight and seventeen hundred and ninety- nine,2 which directs that Frederick county shall be divided and laid off into seven separate districts, be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That Frederick county shall be divided and laid off into nine separate districts. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government

directs, in such case this act, and the alteration in the said constitution contained therein, shall be considered as a part, and shall constitute and be valid as a part, of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the First of November, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Two. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1803?], ch. 82. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 8, 1803, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 7, 1804 (Laws of Maryland, 1803, ch. 19), enacting, “That an act passed at November session, eighteen hundred and two, entitled, An act to alter and repeal such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as relate to the division of Frederick county into election districts, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Amendment of 1799 (q.v.).

277

Amendment of 1805

An act to provide for the trial of facts in the several counties of this state, and to alter, change and abolish, all such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the general court and court of appeals1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That this state shall be divided into six judicial districts, in manner and form following, to wit: SaintMary's, Charles and Prince-George's counties, shall be the first district; Cæcil, Kent, Queen-Anne's and Talbot counties, shall be the second district; Calvert, Anne-Arundel and Montgomery counties, shall be the third district; Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester counties, shall be the fourth district; Frederick, Washington and Allegany counties, shall be the fifth district; Baltimore and Harford counties, shall be the sixth district; and there shall be appointed, for each of the said judicial districts, three persons of integrity and sound legal knowledge, residents of the state of Maryland, who shall, previous to and during their acting as judges, reside in the district for which they shall respectively be appointed, one of whom shall be styled in the commission Chief Judge, and the other two Associate Judges, of the district for which they shall be appointed; and the chief judge, together with the two associate judges, shall compose the county courts in each respective district; and each judge shall hold his commission during good behaviour, removable for misbehaviour on conviction in a court of law, or shall be removed by the governor, upon the address of the general assembly, provided that two thirds of all the mem-

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bers of each house concur in such address; and the county courts, so as aforesaid established, shall have, hold and exercise, in the several counties of this state, all and every the powers, authorities and jurisdictions, which the county courts of this state now have, use and exercise, and which shall be hereafter prescribed by law; and the said county courts established by this act shall respectively hold their sessions in the several counties which times and places as the legislature shall direct and appoint, and the salaries of the said judges shall not be diminished during the period of their continuance in office. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That in any suit or action at law hereafter to be commenced or instituted in any county court of this state, the judges thereof, upon suggestion, in writing, by either of the parties thereto, supported by affidavit, or other proper evidence, that a fair and impartial trial cannot be had in the county court of the county where such suit or action is depending, shall and may order and direct the record of their proceedings in such suit or action to be transmitted to the judges of any county court within the district for trial, and the judges of such county court, to whom the said record shall be transmitted, shall hear and determine the same in like manner as if such suit or action had been origi-

A MENDMENT OF 1805 nally instituted therein; provided nevertheless, that such suggestion shall be made as aforesaid before or during the term in which the issue or issues may be joined in said suit or action; and provided also, that such further remedy may provided by law in the premises as the legislature shall from time to time direct and enact. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if any party presented or indicted in any of the county courts of this state, shall suggest, in writing, to the court in which such prosecution is depending, that a fair and impartial trial cannot be had in such court, it shall and may be lawful for the said court to order and direct the record of their proceedings in the said prosecution to be transmitted to the judges of any adjoining county court for trial, and the judges of such adjoining county court shall hear and determine the same in the same manner as if such prosecution had been originally instituted therein; provided, that such further and other remedy may be provided by law in the premises as the legislature may direct and enact. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That if the attorney-general, or the prosecutor for the state, shall suggest, in writing, to any county court before whom an indictment is or may be depending, that the state cannot have a fair and impartial trial in such court, it shall and may be lawful for the said court, in their discretion, to order and direct the record of their proceedings in the said prosecution to be transmitted to the judges of any adjoining county court for trial, and the judges of such county court shall hear and determine the same as if such prosecution had been originally instituted therein. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That there shall be a court of appeals, and the same shall be composed of the chief judges of the several judicial districts of this state, which said court of appeals shall hold, use and

exercise, all and singular the powers, authorities and jurisdictions, heretofore held, used and exercised, by the court of appeals of this state, and also the appellate jurisdiction heretofore used and exercised by the general court; and the said court of appeals hereby established shall sit on the western and eastern shores for transacting and determining the business of the respective shores, at such times and places as the future legislature of this state stall direct and appoint, and any three of the said judges of the court of appeals shall form a quorum to hear and decide in all cases pending in said court; and the judge who has given a decision in any case in the county court, shall withdraw from the bench upon the deciding of the same case before the court of appeals; and the judges of the court of appeals may appoint the clerks of said court for the western and eastern shores respectively, who shall hold their appointments during good behaviour, removable only for misbehaviour on conviction in a court of law; and in case of death, resignation, disqualification, or removal out of the state, of from their respective shores, of either of the said clerks in the vacation of the said court, the governor, with the advice of the council, may appoint and commission a fit and proper person to such vacant office, to hold the same until the next meeting of the said court; and all laws passed after this act shall take effect, shall be recorded in the office of the court of appeals of the western shore. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That all and every part of the constitution and form of government which relates to the court of appeals and the general court, or the judges thereof, or that is in any manner repugnant to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this act, be and the same is hereby repealed, abrogated and annulled, upon the confirmation hereof; provided, that nothing herein contained shall be construed so as to autho-

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M ARYLAND rise the removal of the clerks of the respective county courts, being in commission at the time of the passing of this act, in any other mode or manner than that prescribed by the constitution and form of government. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alterations and amendments of the constitution and form of government therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing in the said constitution and form of government

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to the contrary notwithstanding. 1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the Fifth of November, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Four. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1805?], ch. 55. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment, a modified version of the failed amendment of 1802 (q.v.), was passed on January 12, 1805, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 25, 1806 (Laws of Maryland, 1805, ch. 16), enacting, “That the said act, entitled, An act to provide for the trial of facts in the several counties of this state, and to alter, change and abolish, all such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the general court and court of appeals, be and it is hereby confirmed and made valid to every intent and purpose therein mentioned”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

Amendment of 1807 An act to alter, change and repeal, such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as relate to the division of Saint-Mary’s county into electional districts1

Whereas it is represented to this general assembly, by the petition of sundry inhabitants of Saint-Mary's county, that they experience great inconvenience for the want of a fourth district in the said county, and praying an alteration in the first and third districts, so as to establish and admit of a fourth between them; and the prayer of the petitioners appearing reasonable, S ECT. 2. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government, made such by the acts of seventeen hundred and ninety-eight and seventeen hundred and ninety- nine,2 which directs that Saint-Mary's county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That SaintMary’s county shall be divided into four separate districts, and that the additional district shall be laid off adjoining and between the first and third districts, as they are now numbered. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That if this

act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act, and the alteration herein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the Third of November, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Six. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1807?], ch. 29. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on December 31, 1806, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 15, 1808 (Laws of Maryland, 1807, ch. 8), enacting, “An act to alter, change and repeal, such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as relate to the division of Saint-Mary’s county into election districts, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Amendment of 1799 (q.v.).

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Amendment of 1809 An act to alter the thirty-second and thirty-seventh articles of the constitution and form of government1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That hereafter, upon the death, resignation, or removal out of this state, of the governor, it shall not be necessary to call a meeting of the legislature to fill the vacancy occasioned thereby, but the first named of the council for the time being, shall qualify and act as a governor until the next meeting of the general assembly, at which meeting a governor shall be chosen in the manner heretofore appointed and directed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That hereafter no governor shall be capable of holding any other office of profit during the time for which he shall be elected. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That so much of the thirty-second and thirty-seventh articles of the constitution and form of government as is repugnant to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this act, be and the same are hereby abrogated and abolished. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general as-

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sembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alteration and amendment of the constitution and form of government therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as a part of the said constitution and form of government, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the Fifth of June, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Nine. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1809?], ch. 16. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on June 10, 1809, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 6, 1810 (Laws of Maryland, November session, 1809, ch. 11), enacting, “An act to alter the thirty-second and thirty-seventh articles of the constitution and form of government, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

First Amendment of 1810 An act to alter and abolish all that part of the Constitution which permits certain Citizens of Annapolis to vote for Delegates for Anne-Arundel County1

Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That no person residing in the city of Annapolis shall have a vote in the county of Anne-Arundel for delegates for the said county, and all and every part of the constitution which enables persons holding fifty acres of land to vote in said county, be and is hereby abolished; provided nevertheless, that if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, according to the constitution and form of government, that in such case this alteration and amendment of the constitution and form of government, shall constitute and be valid as part thereof, and every thing therein contained repugnant to, or in-

consistent with, this alteration and amendment, shall be repealed and abolished.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the Sixth of November, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Nine. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1810?], ch. 38. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 6, 1810, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 23, 1810 (Laws of Maryland, 1810, ch. 49), enacting, “An act to alter and abolish all that part of the constitution which permits certain citizens of Annapolis to vote for delegates for Anne-Arundel county, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Second Amendment of 1810 An act to repeal and abolish the forty-fifth Article of the Constitution and Form of Government1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the forty-fifth article of the constitution and form of government be and the same is hereby repealed and utterly abolished. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alteration of the constitution and form of government therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and be valid, as a part of the said constitution and form of government,

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to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the Sixth of November, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Nine. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1810?], ch. 65. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 6, 1810, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 24, 1810 (Laws of Maryland, 1810, ch. 78), enacting, “An act to alter and abolish the forty-fifth article of the constitution and form of government, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

Third Amendment of 1810 An act to alter such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government of this State as relate to Voters and qualification of Voters1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That every free white male citizen of this state, above twenty-one years of age, and no other, having resided twelve months within this state and six months in the county, or in the city of Annapolis or Baltimore, next preceding the election at which he offers to vote, shall have a right of suffrage, and shall vote, by ballot, in the election of such county or city, or either of them, for electors of the president and vice-president of the United States, for representatives of this state in the congress of the United States, for delegates to the general assembly of this state, electors of the senate, and sheriffs. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That all and every part of the constitution and form of government of this state repugnant to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this act, shall be and the same are hereby abrogated, annulled and made void. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assem-

bly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alteration of said constitution contained therein, shall be considered as a part, and shall constitute and be valid as a part, of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the Sixth of November, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Nine. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1810?], ch. 83. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 6, 1810, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 23, 1810 (Laws of Maryland, 1810, ch. 33), enacting, “An act to alter such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as relate to voters and qualification of voters, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Fourth Amendment of 1810 An act to alter all such parts of the Declaration of Rights, Constitution and Form of Government, as make it lawful to lay an equal and a general Tax for the support of the Christian Religion1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That it shall not be lawful for the general assembly of this state to lay an equal and general tax, or any other tax, on the people of this state, for the support of any religion. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alteration and amendment of the constitution and form of government therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as part of said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing in the said declaration of rights, constitution and form of government contained, to the contrary notwithstanding.

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S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the several clauses and sections of the declaration of rights, constitution and form of government, so far as they are contrary to the provisions of this act, shall be, and are hereby declared to be, repealed and annulled on the confirmation hereof.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the Sixth of November, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Nine. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1810?], ch. 167. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 7, 1810, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 23, 1810 (Laws of Maryland, 1810, ch. 24), enacting, “An act to alter all such parts of the declaration of rights, constitution and form of government, as make it lawful to lay an equal and a general tax for the support of the Christian religion, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

Fifth Amendment of 1810 An act to alter and abolish all such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government as require a property qualification in Persons to be appointed or holding offices of profit or trust in this State, and in Persons elected Members of the Legislature or Electors of the Senate1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government as require a property qualification in persons to be appointed or holding offices of profit or trust in this state, and in persons elected members of the legislature or electors of the senate, shall be and the same is hereby repealed and abolished. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alterations and amendment of the constitution and form of government therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as a part of the said constitution and form of govern-

ment, any thing in the said constitution and form of government contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws of Maryland, Made and Passed at a Session of Assembly, Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis on Monday the Sixth of November, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Nine. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1810?], ch. 198. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 8, 1810, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 23, 1810 (Laws of Maryland, 1810, ch. 18), enacting, “An act to alter and abolish all such parts of the constitution and form of government as require a property qualification in persons to be appointed or holding offices of profit and trust in this state, and in persons elected members of the legislature or electors of the senate, be and the same is hereby confirmed and made valid to every intent and purpose therein mentioned”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Amendment of 1812 An act to alter the time of the meeting of the General Assembly of this State, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the time of the meeting of the General Assembly shall be on the first Monday in December in each year, instead of the first Monday in November, as is now prescribed by the constitution and form of government. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the Governor of this state shall be chosen on the second Monday of December in each and every year, in the same manner as is now prescribed by the constitution and form of government; and the council to the governor shall be elected on the first Tuesday after the second Monday of December in each and every year, in the same manner as is now prescribed by the constitution and form of government. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That all annual appointments of civil officers in this state shall be made in the third week of December in every year, in the same manner as the constitution and form of government now directs. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That all and every part of the constitution and form of government that is repugnant to or inconsistent with the provisions of this act, be, and the same is hereby repealed, abrogated and annulled, upon the confirmation hereof.

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S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs; that in such case, this act and the alterations and amendments therein contained shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes; any thing in the said constitution and form of government to the contrary notwithstanding.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Fourth of November, in the Year of Our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Eleven, and Ending on the Seventh of January, Eighteen Hundred and Twelve. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jehu Chandler, Printer to the State, 1812, ch. 211, p. 241–242. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 7, 1812, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 22, 1812 (Laws of Maryland, 1812–13, ch. 129, p. 145), enacting, “That an act entitled, ‘An act to alter the time of the meeting of the General Assembly of this State and for other purposes,’ be, and it is hereby confirmed and made valid to every intent and purpose therein mentioned”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. An amendment of 1819 (q.v.) reintroducing November sessions failed.

First Failed Amendment of 1812

An act to alter and repeal such parts of the Constitution and form of Government of this state, as relate to the division of Allegany county into election districts1

Whereas, It has been represented to this General Assembly, that great inconvenience has been experienced for the want of two additional districts in Allegany county; for remedy whereof, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government made such, by the acts of seventeen hundred and ninety eight, and seventeen hundred and ninety nine,2 which directs that Allegany county shall be divided and laid off into six separate districts be, and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Allegany county shall be divided and laid off into eight separate districts. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly after the next election of delegates,

in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs in such cases, this act and the alteration in the said constitution contained therein, shall be considered as a part, and shall constitute and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Second of November, in the Year of Our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Twelve, and Ending on the Second of January, Eighteen Hundred and Thirteen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jehu Chandler, Printer to the State, 1813, ch. 35, p. 29–30. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on December 4, 1812, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly. 2 Amendment of 1799 (q.v.).

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Second Failed Amendment of 1812

An act to alter, change and repeal all such parts of the Constitution and form of Government of this State, as relate to the division of Prince George’s county into election districts1

Whereas, It has been represented to this General Assembly of Maryland, by the petition of sundry inhabitants of Prince George’s county, that they experience great inconvenience for want of a sixth district in said county, and praying an alteration in the second, third and fifth districts, so as to admit a sixth between them; and the prayer of the petitioners appearing reasonable: Therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government, made such by the act of seventeen hundred and ninety eight,2 which directs that Prince George’s county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts be, and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Prince George’s county shall be divided into six separate districts, and that the additional district shall be laid off adjoining and between the second, third and fifth districts.

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S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case the act and the alterations herein contained shall constitute and be considered as a part of said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Second of November, in the Year of Our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Twelve, and Ending on the Second of January, Eighteen Hundred and Thirteen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jehu Chandler, Printer to the State, 1813, ch. 177, p. 194–195. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on December 22, 1812, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly. 2 Amendment of 1799 (q.v.).

Failed Amendment of 1816

An act to alter, change and repeal, all such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government of this State, as relate to the Division of Washington County into Election Districts1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government, made such by an act of seventeen hundred and ninety-eight, and seventeen hundred and ninety-nine,2 which directs that Washington county shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts, be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Washington county shall be divided into six separate districts, and that the additional district shall be taken from the third election district, and laid off by the following boundaries, and when so laid off shall be called and known by the name of the sixth election district of Washington county, viz. Beginning on the east side of Antietam Creek, at Harry’s Mill, and running with said creek to the Pennsylvania line, then with said line to the Frederick county line, and with that line to Orr’s Gap, on the old road leading from Hager’s-Town to Frederick, and then with that road to the place of beginning; the election for said district to be held at Cave-Town.

S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act, and the alterations of the constitution therein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Second Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Sixteen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1817, ch. 150, p. 105. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 22, 1817, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly. 2 Amendment of 1799 (q.v.).

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First Amendment of 1817 An act to alter, change and repeal, all such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government of this State, as relate to the division of Prince George’s County into Election Districts1

Whereas it is represented to this general assembly, by the petition of sundry inhabitants of Prince George’s county, that they experience great inconvenience for want of a sixth election district in said county, and praying an alteration in the second, third, and fifth districts, so as to admit a sixth district between; and the prayer of the petitioners appearing reasonable, Therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government, made such by an act of seventeen hundred and ninety-eight,2 which directs that Prince George’s county shall be divided and laid off into separate districts, be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Prince George’s county shall be divided into six separate districts, and that the additional district shall be laid off adjoining and between the second, third, and fifth districts. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general as-

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sembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act, and the alterations herein contained, shall constitute and be considered a part of said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Second Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Sixteen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1817, ch. 26, p. 18–19. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on December 31, 1816, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 15, 1817 (Laws of Maryland, 1817, ch. 9, p. 5–6), enacting that, “An act to alter, change and repeal, all such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as relate to the division of Prince-George’s county into election districts, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. An identical amendment of 1812 (q.v.) had failed. 2 Amendment of 1799 (q.v.).

Second Amendment of 1817 An act to repeal all that part of the Constitution and Form of Government as relates to the division of Allegany County into six separate Election Districts1

Whereas it is represented to this general assembly, that great convenience would result to the voters of Allegany county by increasing the number of election districts in said county; Therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That Allegany county, for the purpose of holding all future elections in the said county, shall be divided and laid off into eight separate election districts. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That all that part of the constitution and form of government, whereby Allegany county hath been divided and laid off into six separate election districts for the purpose aforesaid,2 be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form

of government directs, in such case this act, and the alterations herein contained, shall be constituted as a part of the said constitution and form of government, any thing to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Second Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Sixteen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1817, ch. 32, p. 21–22. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 2, 1817, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 2, 1818 (Laws of Maryland, 1817, ch. 14, p. 8), enacting that, “An act to alter and change all such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as relates to the division of Allegany county into eight election districts, be and the same is hereby confirmed to every intent and meaning thereof”. Obviously, the title of the 1817 act was not correctly quoted. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. A similar amendment of 1812 (q.v.) had failed. 2 Amendment of 1799 (q.v.).

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Third Amendment of 1817 An act to repeal all that part of the Constitution and Form of Government as relates to the division of Dorchester County into three separate Election Districts1

Whereas it is represented to this general assembly, that great convenience would result to the voters of Dorchester county, by increasing the number of election districts in said county; Therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That Dorchester county, for the purpose of holding all future elections for delegates, electors of senate, and sheriffs of the aforesaid county, shall be divided and laid off into five separate districts. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That all that part of the constitution and form of government whereby Dorchester county hath been divided and laid off into three separate districts, for the purpose aforesaid,2 be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election

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of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act and the alteration herein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Second Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Sixteen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1817, ch. 35, p. 22– 23. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 2, 1817, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 17, 1818 (Laws of Maryland, 1817, ch. 42, p. 37), enacting that, “An act to repeal, all that part of the constitution and form of government as relates to the division of Dorchester county into three separate election districts, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Amendment of 1799 (q.v.).

Fourth Amendment of 1817 An act to alter and change all and every part of the Constitution and Form of Government as relates to the Attorney General1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all and every part of the constitution and form of government of this state, which relates to the attorney general, be and the same is hereby abrogated, annulled, and made void. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the duties and services, now provided by law to be done and performed by the attorney general, shall be done and performed by such persons, and in such manner, as the general assembly of Maryland shall hereafter direct. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case

this act, and the alterations of the constitution therein contained, shall constitute and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Second Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Sixteen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1817, ch. 247, p. 199. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 5, 1817, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 28, 1818 (Laws of Maryland, 1817, ch. 69, p. 56), enacting that, “An act to alter and change all and every part of the constitution and form of government as relates to the attorney-general, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Fifth Amendment of 1817 An act to alter and change such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government as relate to the division of Anne-Arundel County into Election Districts, and to change the place of holding Elections in the Second Election District of said County1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That from and after the passage of this act, the polls for the second election district of Anne-Arundel county shall be held at the house of Jacob Waters, near the blacksmith's shop, on the main road leading from the city of Annapolis to the city of Washington. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That all that part of the second election district of AnneArundel county, lying out of the city of Annapolis, shall constitute and compose the second election district of said county. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the city of Annapolis shall constitute the sixth election district of said county for all elections hereafter to be held for sheriffs, electors of president and vice-president, and electors of the senate of this state, and for a member of congress, which said elections shall be held by the mayor, recorder, and aldermen of the said city, or any three or more of them, at such place within the said city as they may appoint. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the mayor, recorder, and aldermen of said city, or a majority of them, authorised to hold elections as aforesaid, shall make return under their hands and seals, within the time prescribed by law, of the votes taken by

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them at any election held in virtue of this act, to the presiding judges of the other election districts of said county. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the presiding judges of the said election districts, in making out their returns, shall compute and receive as a part of the votes taken at any such election, the returns made to them by virtue of this act, by the said mayor, recorder and aldermen. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government as are repugnant to the provisions of this act, be and the same are hereby repealed. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government direct, that in such case this act, and the alterations and amendments of the constitution and form of government therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as a part of the said constitution and form of government, any thing in the said constitution and form of government to the contrary notwithstanding.

F IFTH A MENDMENT OF 1817 1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Second Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Sixteen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1817, ch. 252, p. 208. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 5, 1817, and was ratified by the subse-

quent General Assembly on February 9, 1818 (Laws of Maryland, 1817, ch. 149, p. 163), enacting that, “An act to alter and change such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the division of Anne-Arundel county into election districts, and to change the place of holding elections in the second district of said county, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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First Amendment of 1818 An act relating to Election Districts in the City of Baltimore1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the number and limits of election districts in the city of Baltimore shall always be the same as the wards therein. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing in the said constitution

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and form of government contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the First Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Seventeen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1818, ch. 51, p. 41. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 15, 1818, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 18, 1818 (Laws of Maryland, 1818, ch. 87) enacting that, “An act relating to election districts in the city of Baltimore, shall be and is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

Second Amendment of 1818 An act to alter such parts of the Declaration of Rights, the Constitution and Form of Government, as relate to the administration of Oaths in certain cases1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all persons professing the christian religion, who hold it unlawful to take an oath on any occasion, shall be allowed to make their solemn affirmation, in the same manner that Quakers have heretofore been allowed to affirm, which affirmation shall be of the same avail as an oath to all intents and purposes whatever. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That before any such person shall be admitted as a witness or juror in any court of justice in this state, the court shall be satisfied, by competent testimony, that such person is conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the several clauses and sections of the declaration of rights, constitution and form of government, contrary to the provisions of this act,

shall be, and the same are hereby declared to be, repealed and annulled, on the confirmation hereof.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the First Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Seventeen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1818, ch. 61, p. 45–46. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 22, 1818, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 11, 1819 (Laws of Maryland, 1818, ch. 163), enacting that, “An act to alter such parts of the declaration of rights, the constitution and form of government, as relate to the administration of oaths in certain cases, passed at the last session of the general assembly of Maryland, be and the same is hereby confirmed, and declared to be part of the constitution and form of government of this state”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Third Amendment of 1818 An act to alter such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government as relate to Appointments to Offices of Profit and Trust by the Governor and Council1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That in all appointments to be hereafter made by the executive, it shall be the duty of the governor, and he is hereby required, to nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the council, appoint, all such officers as are directed to be appointed by the executive, either by the constitution or laws of this state. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act be confirmed by the general assembly after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, according to the constitution and form of government, that in such case this alteration and amendment of the constitution and form of government, shall constitute and be valid as a part thereof, and every thing therein contained

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repugnant to, or inconsistent with, this alteration and amendment, shall be repealed and abolished.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the First Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Seventeen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1818, ch. 189, p. 197. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 14, 1818, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 11, 1819 (Laws of Maryland, 1818, ch. 159), enacting that, “An act to alter such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to appointments to offices of profit and trust by the governor and council, passed at December session eighteen hundred and seventeen, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

First Failed Amendment of 1819

An Act to alter the time of the meeting of the General Assembly of this State, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the time of the meeting of the general assembly shall be on the first Monday in November in each year, instead of the first Monday in December, as is now prescribed by the constitution and form of government.2 S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the governor of this state shall be chosen on the second Monday of November in each and every year, in the same manner as is now prescribed by the constitution and form of government, and the council to the governor shall be elected on the first Tuesday after the second Monday of November in each and every year, in the same manner as is now prescribed by the constitution and form of government. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That all annual appointments of civil officers in this state shall be made in the third week of November in every year, in the same manner as the constitution and form of government now directs. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That all and every part of the constitution and form of government, that is repugnant to, or incon-

sistent with, the provisions of this act, be and the same is hereby repealed, abrogated and annulled, upon the confirmation hereof. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alterations and amendments therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing in the said constitution and form of government to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Sixth Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Nineteen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1820, ch. 158. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 12, 1820, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly. 2 Amendment of 1812 (q.v.), the text of which is here, with the necessary changes, repeated verbatim.

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Second Failed Amendment of 1819

An Act to repeal all that part of the Constitution and Form of Government as relates to the Division of Washington County into five separate Election Districts, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government, whereby Washington county hath been divided and laid off into five separate election districts, be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Washington county shall be divided into six separate election districts, and that the election for the additional district shall be held at the town of Boonsborough. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the place for holding the elections for election district number two, in Washington county, shall hereafter be held at Williams Port. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election

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of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act, and the alterations herein contained shall constitute and be considered as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Sixth Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Nineteen. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1820, ch. 188. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 14, 1820, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly, which introduced, instead, a new amendment (q.v.) raising the number of election districts in Washington county to seven.

First Amendment of 1821 An Act to alter, change and repeal, all such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government of this State as relate to the Division of Queen-Anne’s County into Election Districts1

Whereas it is represented to this general assembly by the petition of sundry inhabitants of Queen-Anne’s county, that they experience great inconvenience for want of a fourth election district in said county, and praying an alteration in the first and second so as to admit a fourth district between; Therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government, made such by the act of seventeen hundred and ninety-eight,2 which directs that QueenAnne’s county shall be divided and laid off into three separate districts, be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That QueenAnne’s county shall be divided into four separate election districts, and that the additional districts shall be laid off adjoining and between the first and second districts. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general as-

sembly of Maryland after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act, and the alterations herein contained, shall constitute and be considered a part of said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Fourth Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1821, ch. 69. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 22, 1821, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 4, 1822 (Laws of Maryland, 1821, ch. 27, p. 14), enacting that, “An act to alter, change and repeal all such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state, as relate to the division of Queen-Anne’s county, into election districts, shall be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Amendment of 1799 (q.v.).

303

Second Amendment of 1821 An Act to repeal all that part of the Constitution and Form of Government as relates to the division of Washington County into five separate Election Districts, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government, whereby Washington county hath been divided and laid off into five separate election districts, be and the same is hereby repealed.

and the alterations herein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Washington county shall be divided into seven separate election districts, and that the election for the additional districts shall be held as follows: The one at the town of Boonsborough, and the other at Cave-Town.2

1

S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the place for holding the elections for election district number two, in Washington county, shall hereafter be held at Williamsport. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act,

304

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Fourth Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, Printer to the State, 1821, ch. 85. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 30, 1821, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 4, 1822 (Laws of Maryland, 1821, ch. 29, p. 15), enacting that “the ‘Act to repeal all that part of the constitution and form of government as relates to the division of Washington county into five separate election districts, and for other purposes,’ passed at the last session, be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 The amendment repeats the text of the Second failed amendment of 1819 (q.v.) with the exception of raising the number of election districts to seven instead of six.

First Amendment of 1822 An act to alter and repeal such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state, as relate to the division of Frederick county into election districts1

Whereas, It has been represented to this general assembly, that great inconveniences has been experienced for the want of two additional districts in Frederick county, for remedy whereof: S ECT. 1. Be it enacted By the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government, made such by the act of eighteen hundred and two, and eighteen hundred and three, which directs that Frederick county shall be divided and laid off into nine separate districts,2 be, and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Frederick county shall be divided and laid off into eleven separate districts. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the next general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of govern-

ment directs, in such case, this act and the alteration in the said constitution contained thereon, shall be considered as a part, and shall constitute and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Third Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-One. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jehu Chandler, Printer to the State, 1821, ch. 35, p. 18. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 9, 1822, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 16, 1822 (Laws of Maryland, 1822, ch. 6, p. 5), enacting that “An act to alter and repeal such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as relate to the division of Frederick county into election districts shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Amendment of 1803 (q.v.).

305

Second Amendment of 1822 An act to repeal all such parts of the constitution and form of government as relates to the division of Baltimore county, into seven separate election districts, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted By the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government, whereby Baltimore county hath been divided and laid off into seven separate election districts, be, and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That for district number one, Dr. Thomas Johnson and George Tunanus {Timanus;} for number two, Nathaniel Childs and George Harryman; for number three, John Kerlinger and Michael Armacost; for number four, John Buck, (of Benjamin,) and John Murray; for number five, Thomas Pierce and Abraham Cole, Jr; for number six, John T. Randall and Robert Hudson; and for number seven, John T. H. Worthington and James Gill, be, and they are hereby appointed and authorize, or a majority if them, or a majority of the survivors of them, commissioners to lay of, and divide a new, all that part of Baltimore county, without the limits of Baltimore city, not exceeding twelve separate election districts, carefully making the several districts as nearly equal as possible, having regard to population, extent, and the convenience of the voters of each said several districts; and each election district shall be numbered by said commissioners, and known thereafter by such number; and also to make choice of a place in each district, so layed off anew, at which the elections shall be held, as nearly central as practi-

306

cable, having regard to the circumstances aforesaid, and the accommodation of persons attendant upon such elections. And the said commissioner shall, on or before the fifteenth day of July, eighteen hundred and twenty-three, deliver to the clerk of Baltimore county court, a description in writing, under their hands and seals, specifying plainly, the boundaries and number of each district, and also the place in each district, where the election for such district shall be held; and the said clerk shall record the same in the records of the county. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the commissioners appointed by virtue of this act, shall meet at the court-house of said county, on the first Monday in April, eighteen hundred and twenty-three, for the purpose of performing the duties imposed by this act; and the commissioners or commissioner so meeting, may adjourn from time to time, and from place to place, until the whole is completed. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That if any of the commissioners named in this act should refuse to accept his appointment before the first day of April, eighteen hundred and twenty-three, the remaining commissioners, or a majority of them, are hereby authorised and directed to fill the vacancy or vacancies, out of the districts where such vacancy or vacancies may occur. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That if this

S ECOND A MENDMENT OF 1822 act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs; in such case, this act, and the alterations herein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session

Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Third Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-One. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jehu Chandler, Printer to the State, 1821, ch. 38, p. 19–20. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. Curly brackets are used when square brackets appear in the Session Law print, parentheses as in print. The amendment was passed on January 9, 1822, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 18, 1822 (Laws of Maryland, 1822, ch. 14, p. 8–9), enacting that “An act to repeal all such parts of the constitution and form of government, as relate to the division of Baltimore county, into seven separate election districts and for other purposes, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Third Amendment of 1822 An act to alter and change such parts of the constitution and form of government, as relates to the division of Anne Arundel county into election districts, and to change the place of holding elections in the second election district of said county1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted By the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government, which relates to fixing the place of holding the elections in the second election district of Anne Arundel county, be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the election shall be held in the said election district, at such places as shall hereafter from time to time be provided by law, for the holding thereof. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the words “and electors of the Senate of this state” in the third section of the act confirmed at November session eighteen hundred and seventeen, entitled, “An act to alter and change such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the division of Anne Arundel county into election districts, and to change the place of holding elections in the second district of said county,”2 be and the same are hereby rendered null, void, and of no effect. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly, after the next election of Delegates,

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in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government direct, that in such case, this act, and the alterations and amendments of the constitution and form of government therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as a part of the said constitution and form of government, any thing in the said constitution and form of government to the contrary notwithstanding.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Third Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and TwentyOne. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jehu Chandler, Printer to the State, 1821, ch. 123, p. 78–79. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 4, 1822, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 18, 1822 (Laws of Maryland, 1822, ch. 16, p. 9), enacting that “An act to alter and change such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the division of Anne Arundel county into election districts, and to change the place of holding elections in the second election district of said county, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Fifth Amendment of 1817 (q.v.).

Fourth Amendment of 1822 An act to repeal all that part of the Constitution and Form of Government as relates to the division of Dorchester county into five separate election districts1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted By the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government whereby Dorchester county hath been divided and laid off into five separate election districts be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Dorchester county shall be divided into six separate election districts. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs in such case, this act and the alterations herein contained shall constitute and be considered as a part of the

said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Third Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-One. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jehu Chandler, Printer to the State, 1821, ch. 188, p. 131–132. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 21, 1822, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 14, 1822 (Laws of Maryland, 1822, ch. 2, p. 3–4), enacting that “An act to alter that part of the constitution and form of government, relating to the division of Dorchester county into five separate election districts, shall be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

309

Failed Amendment of 1822

An act to extend to all the citizens of Maryland the same Civil Rights and Religious Privileges that are enjoyed under the constitution of the United States1

Whereas, by the declaration of rights of this state, it is declared “that it is the duty of every man to worship God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to him:”2 And whereas, by the constitution of the United States, which is the supreme law of the land, it is declared that “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States:”3 And whereas, certain citizens of Maryland are deprived of civil rights and rendered incapable of holding offices on account of their religious principles; therefore,

act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act, and the alterations of the constitution therein contained, shall constitute and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust, under the state of Maryland. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That all such parts of the declaration of rights and constitution and form of government of this state, inconsistent with the provisions of this act, be and the same are hereby abrogated, annulled and made void. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this

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Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Second Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-Two. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, Printer to the State, 1822, ch. 84, p. 54– 55. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 29, 1823, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly. 2 A similar clause appeared in the Constitution of Connecticut of 1818, art. VII, sect. 1 (cf. in this edition I, 194), but neither in the Maryland Declaration of Rights or the Constitution of 1776 nor in any of its amendments up to 1822. 3 U.S. constitution of 1787, art. VI, cl. 3 (cf. in this edition I, 62).

First Amendment of 1823 An act to repeal an act, entitled, “An act to alter, change and repeal such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as relate to the division of St. Mary’s county into four election districts,” passed at November session, one thousand eight hundred and six, and confirmed at November session, one thousand eight hundred seven1

Whereas it is represented to this General Assembly, by the petition of sundry inhabitants of Saint Mary’s county, that they experience great inconvenience from the magnitude and extent of the fourth election district in said county, operating to deprive many of their suffrages, who are entitled to the exercise of that right; and as it is desirable that the full, free and fair voice of the people should be expressed in their choice of the functionaries of government; therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government made such by the acts of eighteen hundred and six and eighteen hundred seven, which directs that Saint Mary’s county shall be divided and laid off into four separate election districts,2 be, and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Saint Mary’s county shall be divided into five separate election districts; and the additional district shall be taken and laid off from the fourth election district, as they are now numbered.

S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case, this act and the alteration herein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Second Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-Two. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, Printer to the State, 1822, ch. 112, p. 70–71. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 6, 1823, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 10, 1824 (Laws of Maryland, 1823, ch. 128, p. 65), enacting that “an act to repeal an act entitled, ‘an act to alter, change and repeal such parts of the Constitution and form of Government of this state as relate to the division of St. Mary’s county into four election districts,[’] passed at December session, eighteen hundred and twenty-two, be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Amendment of 1807 (q.v.).

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Second Amendment of 1823 An act to repeal all such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the division of Anne Arundel county into five separate election districts, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government, which relate to the division of Anne Arundel county into five election districts, except as to the first, second and third districts, be, and the same are hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That James H. Marriott, Francis Belmear and George Andrews, of the fourth district, in the county aforesaid, and Richard Ridgely, Thomas Burgess and Henry Willing, of the fifth district of the county aforesaid, be, and they are hereby authorised and appointed, or a majority of them, commissioners to lay off and divide anew the fourth and fifth election districts, or the fifth election district only, which ever they shall deem will tend most to the convenience to the voters in said districts in Anne Arundel county; into not exceeding three separate election districts, in case they shall deem it most advisable to divide and lay off the fourth and fifth districts as aforesaid; and in case they shall deem it most advisable to divide and lay off anew the fifth district only, they shall not divide nor lay it off into more than two separate election districts, carefully making the districts so as aforesaid to be laid off as nearly equal as possible, having regard to the population, extent and convenience of the voters of each of said districts, and said election district or districts so laid off anew shall be numbered (if the fourth and fifth

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districts are divided) four, five and six, if only the fifth district shall be divided anew, they shall be numbered five and six, by the said commissioners, and known thereafter by such numbers; and also to make choice of a place in each district so laid off anew at which the elections shall be held, as nearly central as practicable, having regard to the circumstances as aforesaid, and the accommodation of persons attendant upon such elections; and the said commissioners shall, on or before the third Monday in April, eighteen hundred and twenty-four, deliver to the clerk of Anne Arundel county court, a description in writing, under their hands and seals, specifying plainly the boundaries and number of each district, and also the place in each district where the election for such district shall be held, and the said clerk shall record the same in the records of the said county. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the sheriff of Anne Arundel county shall give notice of the place of holding the election in each election district so laid off anew, by causing the same to be inserted in one of the newspapers of the city of Annapolis, once a week, for at least two months previous to holding the election in October, eighteen hundred and twenty-four. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That if any of the commissioners named in this act shall refuse to accept his appointment before the

S ECOND A MENDMENT OF 1823 first day of March, eighteen hundred and twenty-four, the remaining commissioners, or a majority of them, are hereby authorised and directed to fill such vacancy or vacancies. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That each commissioner shall be entitled to receive at the rate of two dollars per day, for every day he shall act in the discharge of the duties imposed on him by the provisions of this act, to be assessed and levied by the levy court of Anne Arundel county, as other county charges are; which said sums, when levied and collected, shall be paid over as other county charges are. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, during the first session after such new election as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act

and the alterations herein contained shall constitute and be considered as a part of the constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Second Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-Two. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, Printer to the State, 1822, ch. 116, p. 73–74. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 6, 1823, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 14, 1824 (Laws of Maryland, 1823, ch. 58), enacting that, “‘an act to repeal all such parts of the Constitution and form of Government, as relate to the division of AnneArundel county into five separate election districts and for other purposes,’ passed at December session, eighteen hundred and twenty-two, be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Third Amendment of 1823

An act to alter and change all such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the oaths to be taken by the members of the senate and house of delegates and all other officers therein mentioned1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That every member of the senate and house of delegates, before he shall act as such, shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation, to wit: I, A. B. do swear, (or affirm as the case may be), that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of Maryland, and that I will support the constitution and laws thereof; that I will not directly or indirectly receive the profits, or any part of the profits of any other office during the time of my acting as senator (or member of the house of delegates) and that I will faithfully discharge my duty as senator (or member of the house of delegates) without prejudice or partiality to the best of my skill and judgment. And that electors of the senate and all executive and judicial officers, before they act as such, and all persons elected or appointed to any office of profit or trust, civil or military, before entering upon the duties thereof, shall respectively take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation, to wit: I, A. B. do swear, (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of Maryland, and that I will support the constitution and laws thereof, and that I will to the best of my skill and judgment, diligently and faithfully, without partiality or prejudice execute the office of –––– ac-

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cording to the constitution and laws of this state. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the oaths or affirmations to be taken by the senate and members of the house of delegates, and by all persons elected or appointed to any office of profit or trust, civil or military, before entering upon the duties thereof, be and the same are hereby repealed. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That this act shall be in force from and after the first day of July in the year eighteen hundred and twenty four, and shall thereafter be taken and considered, and shall constitute a part of the constitution and form of government; Provided, the same be confirmed by the general assembly after the next election of delegates in the first session after such new election as the said constitution and form of government directs.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Second Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-Two. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, Printer to the State, 1822, ch. 204, p. 127. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was

T HIRD A MENDMENT OF 1823 passed on February 21, 1823, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 23, 1824 (Laws of Maryland, 1823, ch. 116, p. 58), enacting that “an act to alter and change all such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the oaths

to be taken by the members of the Senate and House of Delegates, and all other officers therein mentioned, shall be, and is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Amendment of 1824 An act to alter the time of the meeting of the General Assembly of this state, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the time of the meeting of the General Assembly of this state, shall be on the last Monday of December, in each year, instead of the first Monday of said month as is now prescribed by the constitution and form of government. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the Governor of this state shall be chosen on the first Monday of January, in each and every year, in the same manner as is now prescribed by the constitution and form of government, and the council to the governor shall be elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of January, in each and every year, in the same manner as is now prescribed by the constitution and form of government. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That all annual appointments of civil officers in this state shall be made in the third week of January, in every year, in the same manner as the constitution and form of government now directs. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That all and every part of the constitution and form of government that is repugnant to, or inconsistent with the provisions of this act, be, and

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the same are hereby repealed, abrogated and annulled upon the confirmation hereof. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act and the alterations and amendments therein contained shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, any thing in said constitution and form of government to the contrary notwithstanding.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the First Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and TwentyThree. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1823, ch. 111, p. 57. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 19, 1824, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 17, 1825 (Laws of Maryland, 1824, ch. 73, p. 50–51), enacting that “An act to alter the time of the meeting of the General Assembly of this state, and for other purposes, shall be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

First Failed Amendment of 1824

An act to repeal all such parts of the constitution and form of government, as relate to the division of Frederick county into eleven election districts, and for other purposes1

Whereas, it is represented to this General Assembly of Maryland, by the petition of sundry inhabitants of Frederick county, that they experience great inconvenience from the magnitude of the third election district in said county, operating to deprive many of their suffrages, who are entitled to the exercise of that right; and as it is desirable that the full, free and fair voice of the people should be expressed in their choice of the functionaries of government; Therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government as direct that Frederick county shall be divided into eleven election districts, be, and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Frederick county shall be divided into twelve separate election districts; and the additional district shall be taken and laid off from the third election district as they are now numbered. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That Patrick McGill, senior, Benjamin West, John Thomas, Henry Culler, Erasmus Garrott of the third election district of the county aforesaid, be, and they are hereby authorized and appointed or a majority of them, commissioners to lay off and divide anew the third election district into two election districts, and to number the new election district formed out of the third election district;

and to make choice of a place in the said new election district so laid off at which the elections shall be held, having due regard to the accommodation of persons attendant upon such elections; and the said commissioners shall on or before the third Monday of April, eighteen hundred and twenty-six, deliver to the clerk of Frederick county court, a description in writing under their hands and seals, specifying plainly the boundaries and number of the election district so laid off by them; and also the place where the elections for such district shall be held; and the said clerk shall record the same in the records of the said county. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the sheriff of Frederick county shall give notice of the place of holding the election in such election districts so laid off anew, by causing the same to be inserted in one or more newspapers, printed in Frederick county once a week for at least two months previous to holding the election in October, eighteen hundred and twenty-six. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That if any of the commissioners named in this act, shall refuse to accept his appointment before the first day of March, eighteen hundred and twenty-six, the remaining commissioners or a majority of them, are hereby authorized and directed to fill such vacancy or vacancies. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That each

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M ARYLAND commissioner shall be entitled to receive at the rate of two dollars per day, for every day he shall act in the discharge of the duties imposed on him by the provisions of this act, to be assessed and levied by the levy court of Frederick county, as other county charges are; which said sums, when levied and collected, shall be paid over as other county charges are. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, during the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs; in such case this act

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and the alterations herein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Sixth Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and TwentyFour. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1824, ch. 84, p. 68–69. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print, with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The amendment was passed on January 31, 1825, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

Second Failed Amendment of 1824

An act to alter and amend the constitution so as to allow to the city of Baltimore, a representation equal to that of the several counties of this State1

Whereas, it having been represented to the General Assembly, that the business of Baltimore, requires an additional delegation to attend to and secure the interests, and perform the business of that city in the Legislature; Therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the free white male citizens of this state above twentyone years of age, and no other, having resided twelve months within this state, and six months in the city of Baltimore next preceding the election at which they may offer to vote, shall on the first Monday of October, eighteen hundred and twenty-six, and at all times thereafter have a right to vote for and elect a number of delegates or representatives to the House of Delegates, equal to that which under the constitution and law of the land the several counties of this state, are or may be entitled to elect.

S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the next General Assembly of Maryland; then this act and the alterations and amendments therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, and every matter and thing in the said constitution and form of government in any wise conflicting with, or contrary thereto, shall be, and the same is hereby repealed, abrogated and annulled.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Sixth Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and TwentyFour. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1824, ch. 115, p. 92–93. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print, with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The amendment was passed on February 18, 1825, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

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First Amendment of 1825 An act to repeal an act entitled, An act to alter, change and repeal such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state, as relate to the division of Allegany county, into eight separate election districts, passed at December Session, eighteen hundred and sixteen, and confirmed at December Session, eighteen hundred and seventeen1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government, made such by the acts of eighteen hundred and sixteen and eighteen hundred and seventeen, which directs that Allegany county shall be divided and laid off into eight separate election districts,2 be, and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Allegany county shall be divided into nine separate election districts; and the additional district shall be taken and laid off from the seventh and eighth election districts, as they are now numbered. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That Amos Robinett, Francis Reid, Benjamin Robinson, John North and Leonard Shereliff, or a majority of them, or a majority of the survivors of them, be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners, and authorized to lay off Allegany county into nine separate election districts; and to number the same, not altering or changing either the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth election districts; or the place of holding the election therein as now established by law, but only dividing the seventh and eighth into three separate election districts, having regard to

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the population, extent and convenience of the votes in each of said districts; and said election districts so laid off anew, shall be numbered seven, eight and nine, and known thereafter by such number; and also to select Old Town as the place of holding the election for one of the said election districts thus to be laid out, the house of Isaac Osmun, near the mouth of Fifteen mile creek, for the place of holding the election of another election district thus laid out; and Walter Slicer's tavern, or any other place within said district, which may be deemed more convenient, for the place of holding the election in the other election district thus to be laid out; and the said commissioners shall, on or before the first day of April, eighteen hundred and twenty-six, deliver to the clerk of Allegany county court, a description in writing, under their hands and seals, specifying plainly the boundaries and number of each district; and also the place in each district where the election for such district shall be held; and the said clerk shall record the same in the records of the said county. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That it shall be the duty of the clerk of Allegany county court, to furnish the sheriff of said county with a copy of the proceedings of the said

F IRST A MENDMENT OF 1825 commissioners, who shall give notice of the place of holding the election in each election district so laid off anew, by causing the same to be inserted in the Cumberland Advocate, once a week, for at least one month previous to holding the election in October, eighteen hundred and twenty-six. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That for all services performed by the commissioners aforesaid, by virtue of this act, the levy court of Allegany county, shall make reasonable compensation; and shall levy the same upon the county, and the same shall be paid as all other county charges. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of Delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs; in such case, this act and the alteration herein contained, shall

constitute and be considered as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing to the contrary notwithstanding.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Sixth Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and TwentyFour. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1824, ch. 67, p. 43–44. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print, with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The amendment was passed on January 26, 1825, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 20, 1826 (Laws of Maryland, 1825, ch. 16, p. 12), enacting that “an act to repeal an act entitled, an act to alter, change and repeal such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as relate to the division of Allegany county into eight separate election districts, passed at December session, eighteen hundred and sixteen, and confirmed at December session, eighteen hundred and seventeen, be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Second Amendment of 1817 (q.v.).

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Second Amendment of 1825 An act to alter and abolish so much of the Constitution and form of government of the state of Maryland, as relates to the oath to be taken by the Senators and Delegates, previous to the election of Governor and Council1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That so much of the twenty-eighth section of the constitution of the state of Maryland as requires of the senators and delegates before the election of governor or council, on oath “to elect without favor partiality or prejudice, such person as governor or members of the council as they in their judgment and conscience believe best qualified for the office,” be, and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly, after the next election of delegates in the first session after such election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act and the alteration in the said constitution contained therein, shall be considered as a part, and shall con-

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stitute and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Sixth Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and TwentyFour. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1824, ch. 129, p. 97–98. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 21, 1825, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 16, 1826 (Laws of Maryland, 1825, ch. 14, p. 11), enacting that “an act to alter and abolish so much of the constitution and form of government of the state of Maryland, as relates to the oath to be taken by the senators and delegates previous to the election of governor and council, chapter one hundred and twenty-nine, be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

Third Amendment of 1825 An act to alter and repeal such parts of the constitution and form of government, as relate to the division of Somerset county, into election districts1

Whereas, it has been represented to this General Assembly, that great inconveniencies have been experienced by reason of the existing division of Somerset county, into election districts, for remedy whereof. S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government, as relate to the division of Somerset county into election districts, be, and the same are hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Somerset county shall be divided, and laid off into six separate election districts, whereof the present district, called and known, as number one, or the upper district, shall be divided into three separate election districts; and the present district called and known, as number two, or the middle district, shall be divided into two separate election districts; the new district to be made convenient to the votes of Dames Quarter, and the isles adjacent, and the present district called, and known, as number three, or the lower district shall be and remain as it now is. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That in case this act shall be confirmed, as required by the constitution, the levy court of Somerset county are hereby authorized, and directed to appoint commissioners, who, or a majority of them, or in case of death, a majority of those surviving, are hereby authorised and

empowered to lay off the said county into six separate election districts, as is provided for by this act, and to select and appoint a suitable place for holding the elections in each of the said districts, having due regard to population, extent of territory, and the convenience of voters. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the commissioners appointed by virtue of this act, shall meet at the town of Princess Ann, on the first Monday of May next succeeding the confirmation of this act, as required by the constitution, for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this act; and the said commissioners may adjourn from time to time, and from place to place, until they shall have performed and completed the duties required of them by this act; and the said commissioners are hereby required, on or before the first day of July next, after their meeting as aforesaid, to make out and deliver to the clerk of the county aforesaid, a plain and accurate description in writing, of the limits, boundaries and designations of each district so laid off, with plats thereof, if they shall deem them to be necessary, certified under their hands and seals; and the said clerks shall make a fair record of the same, amongst the records of the county aforesaid. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the said commissioners, after the confirmation of this act, if they shall deem it necessary to a

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M ARYLAND due performance of the duties required of them by this act, may employ a surveyor, and chain carriers, who shall be allowed, and paid a reasonable compensation for their services and time employed and expended in the execution of such duties as may be required of them by the said commissioners.

as much as the design and intention of this act, is further to promote the convenience of the people; and the effect thereof will greatly abridge the services of the judges and clerks, the compensation to be allowed for such services, shall be two dollars per day to be levied and paid as other county charges.

S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That it shall be the duty of the clerk of the county aforesaid, to furnish the sheriff with two copies of the limits, boundaries and designations, of the several districts as ascertained and described by the said commissioners, whose duty it shall be to keep one in his possession, and to set up one copy at the door of the court house in the county aforesaid; and to cause the said description in writing without the plats, if such should be deemed necessary, to be published four weeks successively, prior to the next election, after the confirmation aforesaid, in each of the public papers printed at Easton.

S ECT. 9. And be it enacted, That after the confirmation of this act, the levy court of Somerset county, shall, according to the provisions of the act of 1805, chapter 97, appoint three persons in each of the election districts, residents therein, who, or such of them as shall attend, shall be the judge or judges of the election for the district for which he or they shall have been appointed as aforesaid; and the judges appointed shall have, hold and exercise the same powers and authorities and be subject to the same penalties as the judges of elections in Somerset county now exercise and enjoy, and are subject to.

S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That for the performance of the duties required of the commissioners aforesaid, by this act, the levy court of the county aforesaid, shall make reasonable compensation, and shall levy the same upon the said county, to be collected and paid as other county charges are collected and paid; provided, that the said commissioners shall not receive a sum exceeding two dollars each, for each and every day they may be engaged in executing the duties required of them by this act. S ECT. 8. And be it enacted, That, after the confirmation of this act, all elections shall be opened in the several districts of the county aforesaid, at 9, A. M. and closed at six, P. M. in order that the business of the day may be fairly done and concluded, within due and reasonable hours; and for

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S ECT. 10. And be it enacted, That all laws now in force not inconsistent with the provisions of this act, are hereby declared to be, and remain in full force and effect in Somerset county. S ECT. 11. And be it enacted, That all the provisions of any former act inconsistent with, or repugnant to this act, be, and the same are hereby repealed. S ECT. 12. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the next General Assembly, after the next election of Delegates, in the first session after such new election as the constitution and form of government directs; in such case this act, and the alteration in the said constitution contained therein, shall be considered as a part, and shall constitute and be valid, as a part of the said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, every matter and

T HIRD A MENDMENT OF 1825 thing in the said constitution and form of government in any wise conflicting with, or contrary thereto, shall be, and the same is hereby repealed, abrogated and annulled. 1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Sixth Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and TwentyFour. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1824, ch. 146, p. 109–111. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 23, 1825, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on

January 26, 1826 (Laws of Maryland, 1825, ch. 27, p. 18), enacting that “‘An Act to alter and repeal such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the division of Somerset county into election districts,’ shall be, and the same is hereby confirmed. – S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the commissioners to be appointed by the levy court, as provided by the said act, which commissioners are not to exceed five in number, shall be and they are hereby authorised and required to contract for, and determine the proper quantum of compensation to be allowed to the proprietors of the place for holding the election in each of the said districts, if any be demanded, which compensation shall be levied, collected and paid, as other charges upon the county are levied, collected and paid”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Fourth Amendment of 1825 An act for the relief of the Jews in Maryland1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That every citizen of this state professing the Jewish Religion, and who shall hereafter be appointed to any office or public trust under the state of Maryland, shall in addition to the oaths required to be taken by the constitution and laws of the state, or of the United States, make and subscribe a declaration of his belief in a future state of rewards and punishments, in the stead of the declaration now required by the constitution and form of government of this state. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the several clauses and sections of the declaration of rights, constitution and form of government, and every part of any law to this state contrary to the provisions of this act, so far as respects the sect of people aforesaid, shall be, and the same is hereby declared to be repealed and annulled on the confirmation hereof. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this

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act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates in the first session after such new election as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act and the alterations of the said constitution and form of government shall constitute and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Sixth Day of December, Eighteen Hundred and TwentyFour. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1824, ch. 205, p. 154–155. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 26, 1825, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 5, 1826 (Laws of Maryland, 1825, ch. 33, p. 21), enacting that “‘An act for the relief of the Jews in Maryland’ shall be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

Failed Amendment of 1825

An act to alter and amend the constitution of this state, so that the governor may be elected by the people, and to abolish the council1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the executive power of this state shall be vested in a governor as hereinafter provided for. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the governor shall be chosen alternately from the western and eastern shores, by the citizens of the state, having the right to vote for delegates to the general assembly, ion the counties where they severally reside, at the time and places where they shall vote for delegates aforesaid, and the votes shall be received and counted by the same judges, and in the same manner as the votes for Delegates; the presiding judges of elections in each county, shall make a list of all the persons voted for as governor in their respective counties, and of the number of votes given for each, which list they shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of government, directed to the president of the senate, who shall upon the first Monday after the meeting of the general assembly in the presence of a majority of the members of each branch open all the certificates and the votes shall then be counted and the person having a majority of all the votes given, shall be the governor, and the president of the senate shall forthwith announce the same; but if no person shall have a majority of all the votes given, no choice or election shall be considered as having been made, and the said president shall announce the number of votes given

to each person voted for, and thereupon a governor shall be elected forthwith by joint ballot of both branches of the legislature, from among the candidates voted for by [the] people, who shall appear by the said returns to have had the two greatest number of votes, and should neither of the persons so voted for, have a majority of all votes on the joint ballot aforesaid, the ballot shall be renewed and continued until some one of them shall receive such majority; contested elections of governor shall be determined by both branches of the legislature, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the governor shall hold his office, during the term of three years from the time appointed for the annual meeting of the legislature next ensuing his election, and until another governor shall be elected and qualified, but he shall not be eligible as governor, for the three next succeeding years after the expiration of the time for which he shall have been elected. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the governor shall be at least thirty years of age, and have been fourteen years a citizen of the United States, and a resident of this state ten years next preceding his election, unless he shall have been absent on the public business of this state or of the United States. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the governor shall be removed from office on im-

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M ARYLAND peachment for, and conviction of treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanor or any misdemeanor in office, but judgment in such case shall not extend further than removal from office and disqualification to hold any office of honor, trust or profit in this state, he shall nevertheless, whether convicted or acquitted, be liable to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment according to law. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That the house of delegates shall have the sole power of impeaching the governor, but two thirds of all the members shall concur in such impeachment. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That the impeachment of the governor shall be tried by the senate and when sitting for that purpose the senators shall be upon oath or affirmation to do justice according to the evidence; the party accused shall not be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of all the senators. S ECT. 8. And be it enacted, That the governor shall have his permanent residence at the seat of government, and shall at stated times receive for his services an adequate salary to be fixed by law which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected. S ECT. 9. And be it enacted, That there shall be a secretary of state, appointed by the governor, to hold his office during the pleasure of the governor, who shall keep a fair register of all the official acts and proceedings of the governor, and shall when required, lay the same, and all papers, minutes and vouchers relative thereto before the legislature or either branch thereof and shall perform such other duties as shall be enjoined on him by law, and shall receive such salary or compensation for his services as may be provided by the legislature.

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S ECT. 10. And be it enacted, That in case of the removal, death, resignation or inability of the governor, to discharge the duties and powers of said office, the same shall devolve upon the president of the senate, until another governor shall be elected and qualified as is hereinafter provided for, and in case of the removal, death, resignation or inability of both governor and president of the senate, the legislature may provide by law what officer shall act as governor, until another be elected and qualified, or the disability removed. S ECT. 11. And be it enacted, That in case of the removal of the governor from office, or of his death, resignation or disqualification, his successor shall be elected at the first election for delegates to the general assembly, which shall take place thereafter, and his term of service shall be the same as if no vacancy had occurred. S ECT. 12. And be it enacted, That the first election for governor shall be held at the time of the election of delegates for the general assembly next ensuing the ratification and confirmation of this act. S ECT. 13. And be it enacted, That all the powers and authorities at present exercised by the executive of this state, shall be and hereby are vested in the governor, except the appointment of chancellor, judges of the courts of common law, attorney general, general, field and general staff officers, who shall be nominated by the governor and approved of by the senate. S ECT. 14. And be it enacted, That the governor appointed by virtue of this act, or the person authorised to act in his place shall take the same oaths of office as are now directed to be taken by the governor of this state. S ECT. 15. And be it enacted, That all and every part of the constitution and form of

FAILED A MENDMENT OF 1825 government of this state, which relates to the election of the governor and to the election of the council to the governor that is in any manner repugnant to or inconsistent with the provisions of this act, be, and the same is hereby repealed upon the confirmation hereof.

contained, shall be taken and considered and shall constitute and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, any thing in the said constitution and form of government to the contrary notwithstanding.

S ECT. 16. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government direct, that in such case this act and the alterations and amendments of the constitution and form of government herein

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At the Session begun and held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Twenty-sixth Day of December, 1825. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1825, ch. 137, p. 106–108. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print, with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The amendment was passed on March 1, 1826, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

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Amendment of 1826 An act to amend the constitution and form of government as it relates to the division of Somerset county into election districts1

Whereas, it has been represented to this general assembly, that a numerous class of voters on the north side of Wicomico creek, and also in the neighborhoods of Dublin and Cokesbury, on the eastern borders of the middle district of Somerset county, by reason of their remote location from the place of holding elections, are virtually deprived of the privilege of voting, which according to the spirit of the constitution, is designed to be extended to every free white male citizen of this state, and is intended to be secured by the bill of rights; for remedy whereof, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the election district in Somerset county, lately called and known as number two, or the middle district, shall be further subdivided, and that two additional election districts shall be established therein; one of which shall be made convenient to the voters on the north side of Wicomico creek, and the other shall be at or near to Dublin or Cokesbury, on the eastern borders of the said district. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That in case this act shall be confirmed as required by the constitution and form of government, the levy court of Somerset county shall be, and they are hereby required to appoint three commissioners, who, or a majority of them, shall proceed to subdivide the said district, and to select and appoint suitable

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places for holding elections on the north side of Wicomico creek, and in the neighborhoods of Dublin or Cokesbury as aforesaid, having due regard to population, extent of territory, and the convenience of voters. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the commissioners who shall be appointed by the levy court in virtue of this act, shall meet at the town of Princess Anne, on the first Monday of May next, succeeding the confirmation of this act, as required by the constitution and form of government, or within ten days thereafter, for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this act; and the said commissioners may adjourn from time to time, and from place to place, until they shall have performed and completed the several duties required of them by this act; and the said commissioners shall be, and they are hereby required on or before the first day of July next, after their meeting as aforesaid, to make out and deliver to the clerk of the county aforesaid, a plain and accurate description in writing, of the limits, boundaries and designations of each district so created and laid off, certified under their hands and seals; and the said clerk shall make a fair record thereof amongst the records of the county aforesaid. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the said commissioners be, and they are hereby authorised and required to adjust and limit the

A MENDMENT OF 1826 quantum of compensation, to be allowed to the proprietor or proprietors of the place of holding elections in each of the said election districts, if any compensation shall be required by the said proprietor or proprietors, and the same to certify as aforesaid. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That for the performance of the duties required of the said commissioners by this act, and for the places of holding elections, if any compensation shall be claimed, the levy court shall make allowance, and the same shall levy upon the county, to be collected and paid as other county charges are collected and paid; Provided, That the said commissioners shall not receive a sum exceeding two dollars each, per diem, for each and every day they may severally be engaged in the proper duties of this act. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That after the confirmation of this act, the levy court of Somerset county, shall according to the provisions of the act of eighteen hundred and five, chapter ninety-seven, appoint three persons in each of the said districts, residents therein, who, or such of them as shall attend, shall be the judge or judges of elections for the district for which he or they shall have been appointed as aforesaid; and the judges so appointed, shall have, hold and exercise the same powers and authorities, and be subject to the same penalties, and be entitled to the same pay as the judges of elections in Somerset county now exercise and are entitled and subject to; Provided, That the compensation to be allowed for the services of the said judges and of the clerks by them to be appointed, shall not exceed two dol-

lars per diem, which compensation shall be levied and paid as aforesaid. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That all laws now in force, not inconsistent with this act, shall be, and remain, in force; and all provisions repugnant to this act shall be, and the same are declared to be repealed, upon the confirmation of this act. S ECT. 8. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the next general assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election as the constitution and form of government directs; in such case, this act and the alterations in the said constitution contained therein, shall be considered as a part, and constitute, and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, and every matter and thing in the said constitution and form of government in any wise conflicting with or contrary thereto, shall be, and the same is hereby repealed, abrogated and annulled.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At the Session begun and held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday the Twenty-sixth Day of December, 1825. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1825, ch. 69, p. 52–53. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print, with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The amendment was passed on February 13, 1826, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 10, 1827 (Laws of Maryland, 1826, ch. 68), enacting that “An act to amend the constitution and form of government, as it relates to the division of Somerset county into election districts, be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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First Failed Amendment of 1826

An Act to repeal all such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government as relate to the division of Frederick County into eleven Election Districts1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government as directs Frederick county to be divided into eleven election districts,2 be and they are hereby repealed.

and seals, specifying plainly the boundaries and number of the election district so laid off by them, and also the place where the elections for such district shall be held; and the said clerk shall record the same in the records of said county.

S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Frederick county shall be divided into twelve separate election districts, and the additional district shall be taken and laid off from the sixth and seventh election districts as they are now numbered.3

S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the sheriff of said county shall give notice of holding the election in such district, so laid off anew, by causing the same to be inserted in one or more newspapers printed in Frederick county, once a week for at least two months previous to holding the first election after the confirmation of this act.

S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That William Shepherd, David Switzer and David Kephart, of the sixth election district, and Moses Shaw, Jesse Slingluff and John Hyder, of the seventh election district, in the county aforesaid, be and they are hereby authorised and appointed, or a majority of them, commissioners to lay off and divide anew the sixth and seventh election districts into three election districts, and to number the new election district, formed out of the sixth and seventh election districts; and to make choice of a place in the said new election district, so laid off, at which the elections shall be held, having due regard to the accommodation of persons attendant upon such elections; and the said commissioners shall, on or before the first Monday of May one thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight, deliver to the clerk of Frederick county court, a description in writing, under their hands

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S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That if any of the commissioners named in this act shall refuse to accept his appointment before the first day of March eighteen hundred and twenty-eight, the remaining commissioners, or a majority of them, are hereby authorised to fill up such vacancy or vacancies. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That each commissioner shall be entitled to receive at the rate of two dollars per day for every day he shall act in the discharge of the duties imposed on him by the provisions of this act, to be assessed and levied by the levy court of Frederick county, as other county charges are; which said sums, when levied and collected, shall be paid over as other county charges are. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That if this act

F IRST FAILED A MENDMENT OF 1826 shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, during the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act, and the alterations herein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on the Last Monday of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-Six. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, 1827, ch. 31. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 24, 1827, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly. 2 First Amendment of 1822 (q.v.). 3 An attempt to raise the number of election districts to twelve by dividing the third election district had failed in 1824 (q.v.).

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Second Failed Amendment of 1826

An Act to alter and repeal such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government as relate to the division of Worcester County into Election Districts1

Whereas it has been represented to this general assembly, that great inconveniencies have been experienced by reason of the existing division of Worcester county into election districts; for remedy whereof, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government, as relate to the division of Worcester county into election districts,2 be and they are hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Worcester county shall be divided and laid off into six separate election districts, whereof the present district called and known as number four, or Johnson’s district, and the district called and known as number five, or Dennis’ district, shall be divided into three separate election districts, and the present districts, viz. number one, or Costen’s district, and number two, or Snow Hill district, and number three, or the Trap district, to be and remain as they now are. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That in case this act shall be confirmed as required by the constitution, the levy court of Worcester county are hereby authorized and directed to appoint five commissioners who, or a majority of them, or in case of death, a majority of those surviving, are hereby authorised and empowered to lay off the said county into six separate election districts, as is provided for by this act, and to select and ap-

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point a suitable place for holding the elections in each of the said districts, having due regard to population, extent of territory, and convenience of voters. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the commissioners appointed by virtue of this act shall meet at the town of Snow Hill on the first Monday of May next succeeding the confirmation of this act, as required by the constitution, for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this act; and the said commissioners may adjourn from time to time, and from place to place, until they shall have performed and completed the duties required of them by this act; and the said commissioners are hereby required, on or before the first day of July next, after their meeting as aforesaid, to make out and deliver to the clerk of the county aforesaid, a plain and accurate description, in writing, of the limits, boundaries and designations, of each district so laid off, with plats thereof, if they shall deem them to be necessary, certified under their hands and seals; and the said clerks shall make a fair record of the same, amongst the records of the county aforesaid. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the said commissioners, after the confirmation of this act, if they shall deem it necessary to a due performance of the duties required of them by this act, may employ a surveyor and chain carriers, who shall be allowed and

S ECOND FAILED A MENDMENT OF 1826 paid a reasonable compensation for their services, and time employed and expended in the execution of such duties as may be required of them by the said commissioners.

exercise, the same powers and authorities, and be subject to the same penalties, as the judges of elections in Worcester county now exercise and enjoy, and are subject to.

S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That it shall be the duty of the clerk of the county aforesaid, to furnish the sheriff with two copies of the limits, boundaries and designations, of the several districts as ascertained and described by the said commissioners, whose duty it shall be to keep one in his possession, and to set up one copy at the door of the court-house in the county aforesaid, and to cause the said description, in writing, without the plats, if such should be deemed necessary, to be published four weeks successively, prior to the next election, after the confirmation aforesaid, in each of the public papers printed at Easton.

S ECT. 9. And be it enacted, That all laws now in force, not inconsistent with the provisions of this act, are hereby declared to be and remain in full force and effect in Worcester county.

S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That for the performance of the duties required of the commissioners aforesaid by this act, the levy court of the county aforesaid shall make reasonable compensation, and shall levy the same upon the said county, to be collected and paid as other county charges are collected and paid; Provided, that the said commissioners shall not receive a sum exceeding two dollars each for each and every day they may be engaged in executing the duties required of them by this act. S ECT. 8. And be it enacted, That after the confirmation of this act, the levy court of Worcester county shall, according to the provisions of the act of eighteen hundred and five, chapter ninety-seven, appoint three persons in each of the election districts, residents therein, who, or such of them as shall attend, shall be the judge or judges of the election for the district for which he or they shall have been appointed as aforesaid; and the judges appointed shall have, hold and

S ECT. 10. And be it enacted, That all the provisions of any former act inconsistent with, or repugnant to this act, be and the same are hereby repealed. S ECT. 11. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the next General Assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act, and the alteration in the said constitution contained therein, shall be considered as a part, and shall constitute and be valid as a part, of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, every matter and thing in the said constitution and form of government in anywise conflicting with, or contrary thereto, shall be and the same is hereby repealed, abrogated and annulled.3

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on the Last Monday of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-Six. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, 1827, ch. 118. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 27, 1827, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly. 2 Amendment of 1799 (q.v.). 3 The phrasing of the amendment is largely identical with the Third Amendment of 1825 dividing neighboring Somerset county (q.v.).

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Third Failed Amendment of 1826

An Act to repeal and alter all such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government as relate to the division of Baltimore County into Election Districts1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state, as relate to the division of Baltimore county into election districts,2 shall be and the same are hereby repealed and abolished. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Baltimore county shall be divided into such and so many election districts, and the division thereof shall be made in such manner, as the general assembly shall from time to time by law provide. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such

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new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act, and the alterations therein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on the Last Monday of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-Six. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, 1827, ch. 133. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 1, 1827, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly. 2 Second Amendment of 1822 (q.v.).

First Amendment of 1827 An Act to change and repeal so much of the Constitution and Form of Government of this State as relates to the division of Queen-Anne’s County into Election Districts1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government of this state, made such by the act of eighteen hundred and twenty-one, which directs that Queen-Anne’s county shall be divided and laid off into four separate districts,2 be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That QueenAnne’s county shall be divided into five separate election districts, and that the third election district of said county shall be subdivided, and two election districts be established therein. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act,

and the alterations herein contained, shall constitute and be considered a part of said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on the Last Monday of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-Six. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, 1827, ch. 180. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print, with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The amendment was passed on February 27, 1827, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 7, 1828 (Laws of Maryland, 1827, ch. 1), enacting that “An act to change and repeal so much of the Constitution and form of Government of this state, as relates to the division of Queen-Ann’s county into election districts, be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 First Amendment of 1821 (q.v.).

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Second Amendment of 1827 An Act to repeal all that part of the Constitution and Form of Government as relates to the division of Dorchester County into six separate Election Districts1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the constitution and form of government, whereby Dorchester county hath been divided and laid off into six separate election districts,2 be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Dorchester county shall be divided into seven separate election districts. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act, and the alterations herein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the

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said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on the Last Monday of December, Eighteen Hundred and TwentySix. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, 1827, ch. 181. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print, with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The amendment was passed on March 9, 1827, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 9, 1828 (Laws of Maryland, 1827, ch. 2), enacting that “An act to repeal all that part of the constitution and form of government as relates to the division of Dorchester county into six separate election districts, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Fourth Amendment of 1822 (q.v.).

Amendment of 1828 An act to alter and repeal all such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as relate to the division of Worcester county into election districts1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That an act passed at December session eighteen hundred and twenty-seven, chapter fifty, entitled, An act to alter and repeal all such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state as relate to the division of Worcester county into election districts, be and the same is hereby confirmed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Worcester county shall be divided and laid off into seven separate election districts; whereof the present district called and known as Number Four, or Johnson’s District, and the district called and known as Number Five, or Dennis’ District, shall be divided into four separate election districts, and the present districts, viz: Number One, or Costen’s District, and Number Two, or Snow Hill District, and Number Three, or Berlin District, to be and remain as they now are.2 S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the levy court of Worcester county are hereby authorised and directed to appoint five commissioners, who, or a majority of them, or in case of death, a majority of those surviving, are hereby authorised and empowered to lay off the said county into seven separate election districts as is provided for by this act, and to select and appoint a suitable place for holding the elections in each of the said districts, having due regard to pop-

ulation, extent of territory, and convenience of voters. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the commissioners appointed by virtue of this act shall meet at the town of Snow Hill, on the first Monday of May next, for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this act, and the said commissioners may adjourn from time to time, and from place to place, until they shall have performed and completed the duties required of them by this act; and the said commissioners are hereby required, on or before the first day of July next, after their meeting as aforesaid, to make out and deliver to the clerk of the county aforesaid, a plain and accurate description in writing, of the limits, boundaries and designations, of each district so laid off, with plats thereof if they shall deem them to be necessary, certified under their hands and seals, and the said clerk shall make a fair record of the same amongst the records of the county aforesaid. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the said commissioners, if they shall deem it necessary to a due performance of the duties required of them by this act, may employ a surveyor and chain carriers, who shall be allowed and paid a reasonable compensation for their services, and time employed and expended in the execution of such duties as may be required of them by the said commissioners.

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M ARYLAND S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That it shall be the duty of the clerk of the county aforesaid to furnish the sheriff with two copies of the limits, boundaries and designations, of the several districts as ascertained and described by the said commissioners, whose duty it shall be to keep one in his possession, and to set up one copy at the court-house door in the county aforesaid, and to cause the said description, in writing, without the plats, if such should be deemed necessary, to be published four weeks successively, prior to the next election, in the public paper printed at Snow-Hill. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That for the performance of duties required of the commissioners aforesaid by this act, the levy court of the county aforesaid shall make reasonable compensation, and shall levy the same upon the said county, to be collected and paid as other county charges are collected and paid; Provided, that the said commissioners shall not receive a sum exceeding two dollars each, for each and every day they may be engaged in executing the duties required of them by this act. S ECT. 8. And be it enacted, That the levy court of Worcester county shall, according to the provisions of the act of eighteen hundred and five, chapter ninety-seven, appoint three persons in each of the election districts, residents therein, who, or such of them as shall attend, shall be judge or judges of the election for the district for

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which he or they shall have been appointed as aforesaid; and the judges appointed, shall have, hold and exercise, the same powers and authorities, and shall be subject to the same penalties, as the judges of elections in Worcester county now exercise and enjoy and are subject to. S ECT. 9. And be it enacted, That all laws now in force, not inconsistent with the provisions of this act, are hereby declared to be and remain in full force and effect in Worcester county. S ECT. 10. And be it enacted, That all the provisions of any former act, inconsistent with, or repugnant to this act, be and the same are hereby repealed.3

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on the Last Monday of December, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-Eight. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, 1829, ch. 17. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print, with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The amendment was passed on February 6, 1828 (Laws of Maryland, 1827, ch. 50), and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 4, 1829. The text presented here is that of 1828, ch. 17, with the exception of its title, taken from 1827, ch. 50. 2 This was the only constitutional matter contained in the act of 1827, ch. 50, and repeated here verbatim. 3 Sect. 3–10, not appearing in the act of 1827, ch. 50, were taken verbatim, with hardly any exception and with the obvious changes, from the Second Failed Amendment of 1826, dividing Worcester county into election districts (q.v.).

Amendment of 1829 An Act to alter and repeal all such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government as relate to the division of Dorchester County into Election Districts1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the division of Dorchester county into seven separate election districts,2 be and the same are hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Dorchester county shall be divided and laid off into eight separate election districts. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act, and the alterations herein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the

said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at the City of Annapolis, on the Last Monday of December, Eighteen Hundred and TwentyEight. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jonas Green, 1829, ch. 1. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print, with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The amendment was passed on January 9, 1829, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 8, 1830 (Laws of Maryland, 1829, ch. 1), enacting that “An Act to alter and repeal all such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the division of Dorchester county into election districts, be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Second Amendment of 1827 (q.v.).

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First Failed Amendment of 1829

An act to alter and change all such parts of the Constitution and form of Government of this State, as relate to the division of Worcester County, into Election Districts1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the division of Worcester county into election districts,2 be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the third or Berlin district be laid off into two separate election districts, and that the residue of the districts in said county be, and remain as they now are. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the next General Assembly after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act and the alterations in the said constitution contained therein shall be considered as a part, and shall constitute and be valid as a part of the

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said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, every matter and thing in the said constitution and form of government in any wise conflicting with, or contrary thereto, shall be, and the same is hereby repealed, abrogated and annulled.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session of the said Assembly, which was begun and held in the State House, at the City of Annapolis, in the county of Anne-Arundel, on the last Monday of December, (to wit: the twenty-eighth day of the month,) A.D. 1829, pursuant to the Constitution and Form of Government of the said State, and concluded on Monday the first day of March, A.D. 1830, in the 54th year of the Independence of the U. States of America. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1830, ch. 190. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 27, 1830, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly. 2 Amendment of 1828 (q.v.).

Second Failed Amendment of 1829

An act to regulate the removal of Proceedings in Criminal cases, and to make certain changes in the Constitution and Form of Government for that purpose1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That if any person against whom an indictment shall be found for treason, murder, manslaughter, rape, arson, or for any other offence, which according to the laws of this State may be punished with death, or for libel; shall suggest in writing, supported by affidavit or other proper evidence, that a fair and impartial trial cannot be had in the court where such indictment is found, such court shall order a transcript, or copy of the record of the proceedings in the prosecution, to be transmitted to the court having criminal jurisdiction in any adjoining county, either within the same district, or the county adjoining the district, in which the indictment is found, in which the same shall be heard and determined in the same manner as if such prosecution had been originally instituted therein. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if any person against whom any indictment shall be found for any felony or misdemeanor, other than those hereinbefore mentioned, or for any forcible entry and detainer, or forcible detainer, which may hereafter be removed to any county court, or to Baltimore city court, shall suggest in writing, supported by affidavit, or other proper evidence, that a fair and impartial trial cannot be had in the court where such indictment is found, or to which such inquisition shall be removed, it shall be in the discretion of the court, and the said court is

hereby authorised and empowered if they shall deem a removal proper, to order a transcript or copy of the proceeding in the said prosecution to be transmitted to the court having criminal jurisdiction in the adjoining county, either within the same, or any adjoining district, and the said prosecution when so removed, shall be heard and determined in the same manner as if such prosecution had been originally instituted therein. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly, after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act, and the alterations and amendments of the constitution and form of government therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing in the said constitution and form of government to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session of the said Assembly, which was begun and held in the State House, at the City of Annapolis, in the county of Anne-Arundel, on the last Monday of December, (to wit: the twenty-eighth day of the month,) A.D. 1829, pursuant to the Constitution and Form of Government

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M ARYLAND of the said State, and concluded on Monday the first day of March, A.D. 1830, in the 54th year of the Independence of the U. States of America. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes,

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1830, ch. 221. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 1, 1830, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

Amendment of 1830 An act to repeal all such parts of the Constitution and form of Government, as relate to the division of Frederick County, into eleven Election Districts, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted {that} by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government as direct that Frederick county shall be divided into eleven election districts,2 be, and they are hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Frederick county shall be divided into twelve separate election districts, and the additional district shall be taken and laid off from the third election district, as they are now numbered. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That Patrick McGill, Junior, George Willyard, Col. John Thomas, Benjamin West and George Bowlus, of the third election district of the county aforesaid, be, and they are hereby authorised and appointed, or a majority of them, commissioners to lay off and divide anew the third election district, into two election districts, and to number the new election district formed out of the third election district; and to make choice of a place in the said new election district so laid off, at which the elections shall be held, having due regard to the accommodation of persons attendant upon such elections; and the said commissioners shall on or before the third Monday in April, eighteen hundred and thirty-one, deliver to the clerk of Frederick county court, a description in writing under their hands and seals, specifying plainly the boundaries and number of the

election districts, so laid off by them; and also, the place where the elections for such districts shall be held; and the said clerk shall record the same in the records of said county. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the Sheriff of Frederick county shall give notice of the place of holding the election in such election district, so laid off anew, by causing the same to be inserted in one or more newspapers, printed in Frederick county, once a week for at least two months, previous to holding the election in October eighteen hundred and thirty-one. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That if any of the commissioners named in this act, shall die, remove out of the county, or refuse to accept his appointment before the first day of March eighteen hundred and thirty-one, the remaining commissioners, or a majority of them, are hereby authorised and directed to fill such vacancy or vacancies. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That each commissioner shall be entitled to receive at the rate of two dollars per day, for every day he shall act in the discharge of the duties imposed on him, by the provisions of this act, to be assessed and levied by the levy court of Frederick county, as other county charges are; which said sums, when levied and collected, shall be paid over as other county charges are.

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M ARYLAND S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of Delegates, during the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case, this act, and the alterations herein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained, to the contrary notwithstanding.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session of the said Assembly, which was begun and held in the State House, at the City of Annapolis, in the county of Anne-Arundel, on the last Monday of December, (to wit: the twenty-eighth day of the month,) A.D. 1829,

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pursuant to the Constitution and Form of Government of the said State, and concluded on Monday the first day of March, A.D. 1830, in the 54th year of the Independence of the U. States of America. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1830, ch. 168. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. Curly brackets are used when square brackets appear in print. The amendment was passed on February 28, 1830, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 17, 1831 (Laws of Maryland, 1830, ch. 146), enacting that “An act to repeal all such parts of the constitution and form of government as relate to the division of Frederick county into eleven election districts, and for other purposes, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 First Amendment of 1822 (q.v.). Two previous attempts to raise the number of election districts to twelve, one by dividing the third election district, the other by dividing the sixth and seventh election districts, had failed in 1824 (q.v.) and in 1826 (q.v.), respectively.

First Failed Amendment of 1830

An Act to abolish all and every such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government of this State as relate to the appointment of the Offices of Register of Wills and Clerks of the County Courts of this State1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the fortieth, forty-first and forty-seventh articles of the constitution and form of government of this state, and all and every part of the said constitution and form of government which relates to the register of wills or clerks of county courts in this state, be and the same are hereby abolished, abrogated, annulled and made void. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the appointment of registers of wills and clerks of the several county courts of this state, be limited to a term of seven years; Provided, nothing herein contained shall be construed to effect the tenure of office of the present incumbents, as at present provided for by the constitution. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland after the next election of delegates to the general assembly, at the

first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government of this state directs, in such case this act, and the alterations of said constitution therein made, proposed or contained, shall constitute and be valid as a part of said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session of the said Assembly, which was begun and held in the State House, at the city of Annapolis, in the county of Anne-Arundel, on the last Monday of December, (to wit, the twenty-seventh day of the month,) A.D. 1830, pursuant to the Constitution and Form of Government of the said State, and concluded on Thursday the twentyfourth day of February, A.D. 1831, in the 55th year of the Independence of the United States of America. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Green, 1831, ch. 34, p. 33. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 1, 1831, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

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Second Failed Amendment of 1830

An Act to repeal all such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government as relates to the division of Frederick County into Eleven Election Districts, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government as directs that Frederick county shall be divided into eleven election districts,2 be and they are hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Frederick county shall be divided into twelve separate election districts, and the additional district shall be taken and laid off from the sixth and the seventh election districts as they are now numbered. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, during the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act, and the alterations herein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the constitution and form of government, to

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all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session of the said Assembly, which was begun and held in the State House, at the city of Annapolis, in the county of AnneArundel, on the last Monday of December, (to wit, the twenty-seventh day of the month,) A.D. 1830, pursuant to the Constitution and Form of Government of the said State, and concluded on Thursday the twenty-fourth day of February, A.D. 1831, in the 55th year of the Independence of the United States of America. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Green, 1831, ch. 35, p. 33–34. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 29, 1831, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly. 2 First Amendment of 1822 (q.v.). Two previous attempts to raise the number of election districts to twelve, one by dividing the third election district, the other by dividing the sixth and seventh election districts, had failed in 1824 (q.v.) and in 1826 (q.v.), respectively. However, in 1830, a new amendment was ratified (q.v.), this time again dividing the third district, thus making the new attempt of January 29, 1831, obsolete.

First Amendment of 1832 An act to amend the Constitution and Form of Government as it relates to the division of Somerset county into election districts1

Whereas, it has been represented to this General Assembly, that a numerous class of voters in that part of the Princess Anne district of Somerset, called Hungary Neck, by reason of their remote location from the place of holding elections, are virtually deprived of the privilege of voting, which by the spirit of the constitution is intended to be extended to every free white male citizen of this state, and is designed to be secured by the bill of rights, for remedy whereof – S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by General Assembly of Maryland, That the election district in Somerset county, called and known as the Princess Anne district, shall be further sub-divided, and that an additional election district shall be established therein, which shall be made convenient to the voters of Hungary Neck. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That in case this act shall be confirmed as required by the constitution and form of government of this state, the levy court of Somerset county, shall be, and they are hereby required to appoint three commissioners, who, or a majority of them, shall proceed to sub-divide said district, and to select and appoint a suitable place for holding elections, convenient to the inhabitants of Hungary Neck, having due regard to extent of territory, population, and the accommodation of voters. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the com-

missioners who shall be appointed by the levy court in virtue of this act, shall meet at the Witch Bridge on the first Monday of Mary next, succeeding the confirmation of this act, as required by the constitution and form of government, or within ten days thereafter, for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this act, and the said commissioners may adjourn from time to time, and from place to place, until they shall have performed and completed the several duties required of them by this act, and the said commissioners shall be, and they are hereby required, on or before the first day of July next, after their meeting as aforesaid, to make out and deliver to the clerk of the county aforesaid; a plain and accurate description in writing, of the limits, boundaries and designations of each district so created and laid off, certified under their hands and seals, and the said clerk shall make a fair record thereof amongst the records of the county aforesaid. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the said commissioners, be and they are hereby authorised and required to adjust and limit the quantum of compensation, to be allowed to the proprietor or proprietors of the place of holding elections in said district, and the same to certify as aforesaid. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That for the performance of the duties required of the said commissioners by this act, and for the

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M ARYLAND place of holding elections, the levy court shall make allowance and shall levy the same upon the county, to be collected and paid as other county charges are collected and paid; Provided, that the said commissioners shall not receive a sum exceeding two dollars each, per diem, for each and every day they may severally be engaged in the proper duties of this act. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That after the confirmation of this act, the levy court of Somerset county shall, according to the provisions of the act of eighteen hundred and five, chapter ninety-seven, appoint three persons in each of the said districts, residents therein, who, or such of them as shall attend, shall be the judge or judges of elections, for the district for which he or they shall have been appointed as aforesaid; and the judges so appointed, shall have, hold and exercise the same powers and authorities, and be subject to the same penalties, and be entitled to the same pay as judges of elections in Somerset county now exercise, and are entitled and subject to. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That all laws now in force, not inconsistent with this act, shall be, and remain in force; and all provisions repugnant to this act shall be, and the same are declared to be repealed, upon the confirmation of this act.

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S ECT. 8. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the next General Assembly after the next election of delegates, in the first session after such new election as the constitution and form of government directs; in such case, this act, and the alterations in the said constitution contained therein, shall be considered as a part, and constitute and be valid as a part of the said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, and every matter and thing in the said constitution and form of government in any wise conflicting with, or contrary thereto, shall be, and the same is hereby repealed, abrogated and annulled.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 26th Day of December, 1831, and Ended on Wednesday the 14th Day of March, 1832. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1832, ch. 33. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 25, 1832, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 16, 1833 (Laws of Maryland, 1832, ch. 5), enacting that “an act to amend the constitution and form of government, as it relates to the division of Somerset county into election districts, passed at December session eighteen hundred and thirty-one, be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

Second Amendment of 1832 An act to repeal all such parts of the Constitution and form of Government as relate to the division of Frederick county into twelve election districts, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That an act of Assembly, passed at December session, eighteen hundred and thirty-one, chapter one hundred and twelve, entitled, An act to alter and repeal all such parts of the constitution and form of government, as relate to the division of Frederick county into twelve election districts,2 be and the same is hereby confirmed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Moses Shaw, Jacob Landes, William Roberts, James C. Atlee, William Dudderer, and William Morsell, be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners, or a majority of them, to lay off a new election district, from parts of election districts, numbers six and seven; said new district to be numbered thirteen, and the place of holding elections in said district number thirteen, shall be fixed by the commissioners aforesaid. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That Patrick McGill, sen’r, Henry Culler, John Simmons, Jacob Thomas, of John, and Adam Lorentz, be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners, or a majority of them, to lay off a new election district, from the third election district, to be numbered fourteen, and the place of holding elections in said district number fourteen, shall be in the town of Jefferson in said county. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the aforesaid commissioners shall severally

qualify according to law, previous to entering upon the duties of their appointment, employ a surveyor, and if any of the commissioners shall die, remove from the county, or refuse to accept his appointment, before the first day of May, eighteen hundred and thirty-three, the remaining commissioners for each district, or a majority of them, are hereby authorised and directed, (if they deem it necessary,) to fill such vacancy or vacancies. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the commissioners, as aforesaid, shall on or before the second Monday in May, eighteen hundred and thirty-three, deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the clerk of Frederick county court, a plat and description in writing under their hands and seals, specifying plainly the boundaries and number of each election district, so laid off by them; and also the place where the elections for such districts shall be held; and the said clerk shall record the same in the records of said county; and it shall also be the duty of the said clerk of Frederick county court, on or before the first day of August, eighteen hundred and thirtythree, to furnish the sheriff of said county with a copy of the proceedings of the said commissioners, who shall cause a copy of each to be published at least four times, in two or more newspapers, published in the said county, previous to the next election. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That when

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M ARYLAND the said new election districts, or either of them, shall be so laid off by the respective commissioners aforesaid, or a majority of them, that then and from thenceforth the inhabitants thereof shall be entitled to a representation in the levy court of said county, which court shall appoint judges of elections, and be in all respects entitled to all the rights, liberties, and privileges held, or to be held and enjoyed by the other election districts in said county. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That each commissioner shall be entitled to two dollars per day, for every day he shall act in the discharge of the duties imposed on him by the provisions of this act; that each surveyor employed shall receive a reasonable compensation for his services; and that all other contingent expenses, fees, and charges, incurred under the provisions of this act, shall be assessed and levied, by the levy court of Frederick county, as other county charges are; which, when levied and collected, shall be paid over as other county charges are.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 31st Day of December, 1832, and Ended on Saturday the 23d Day of March, 1833. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1833, ch. 165. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 16, 1832 (Laws of Maryland, 1831, ch. 112), and was ratified

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by the subsequent General Assembly on March 12, 1833. The ratification act of 1833 confirmed the act of 1832, without repeating its text. The text presented here is that of 1832, ch. 165, with the exception of its title, taken from 1831, ch. 112, the text of which was: “S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of government of this state, as direct that Frederick county shall be divided into twelve election districts, be and they are hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Frederick county shall be divided into fourteen separate election districts, and that the two additional districts shall be taken and laid off, the one from the third election district as they are now numbered, so as to include the town of Jefferson, in which place the election shall be held, and the other from the sixth and seven election districts, as they are now numbered, and that the rest and residue of the districts in said county, be and remain as they now are. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, during the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, in such case this act and the alterations herein contained, shall constitute and be considered as a part of the constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the new district to be taken and laid off from the sixth and seventh election district, when laid off and completed, shall be numbered thirteen, and shall forever, thereafter, be distinguished and known as the thirteenth election district of Frederick county. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the new election district to be laid off and taken from the third election district, shall when laid off and completed, be numbered fourteen, and forever, thereafter, be distinguished and known as the fourteenth election district of said county.” 2 No exact citation of the title. The amendment referred to is that of 1830 (q.v.).

Third Amendment of 1832 An act to repeal all such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government, as relates to the division of Somerset county, into election districts1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That Richard Wallar, Robert Dashiel, Charles Rider, Jesse Walter, Peregrine Weatherly, Samuel Williams, of Wm. and Caleb Kennerly, be and they are hereby appointed commissioners to divide that part of Somerset county lying north of Wicomico river, including that part of said county lying north of Fonetank creek, into four election districts, and to number the same. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the above named commissioners, or a majority of them, are hereby required to meet at Quantico on the first Monday of June, in the year eighteen hundred and thirty-three, or within ten days thereafter, for the purpose of carrying the provisions of this act into effect. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That before they proceed to discharge the duties of their office, the said commissioners shall take an oath before some justice of the peace of said county, that they will divide that part of said county into four separate election districts, without favor or partiality, to the best of their knowledge. S ECT. 42 . And be it enacted, That the places for holding the elections shall be at Barren creek, Tyaskin, Quantico and Salisbury, and that the districts be so divided as will be most convenient for the voters thereof.

S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That each commissioner shall be entitled to receive two dollars per diem, for every day he shall act in the discharge of the duties imposed upon him by the provisions of this act, to be levied by the levy court of Somerset county, as other county charges are levied and assessed. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That the levy court of Somerset county, are hereby required to appoint three suitable persons to act as judges of said elections, hereafter to be held in each of the said districts. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That the said commissioners shall on or before the first Monday of July, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three, deliver to the clerk of Somerset county court, a description in writing under their hands and seals, specifying the boundaries and numbers of said election districts so laid off, and the places where the elections shall be held, and the said clerk shall record the same among the records of said county. S ECT. 8. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, during the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs in such cases, this act and the alterations herein contained shall constitute and be considerd as a part

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M ARYLAND of the constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 26th Day of December, 1831, and Ended on Wednesday the 14th Day of March, 1832. Published by Authority, Annapolis:

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Printed by J. Hughes, 1832, ch. 147. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 29, 1832, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 5, 1833 (Laws of Maryland, 1832, ch. 31), enacting that “An act to repeal all such parts of the constitution and form of government, as relates to the division of Somerset county into election districts, be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 In Session Law print, misnumbered “13”.

Fourth Amendment of 1832 An act to provide for an alteration in the constitution, so as to enlarge the number of Election Districts, in Baltimore county, and fix the place of voting1

Whereas, it is represented to this General Assembly by the petition of sundry citizens, residing in parts of the sixth and ninth election districts in Baltimore county, that they labour under great inconvenience in consequence of being so distant from the respective polls as the districts are now located, many of them being respectable mechanics and manufacturers – Therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That so much of the constitution of the state, as relates to the division of Baltimore county into election districts,2 be, and the same is hereby altered and amended, so far as to authorise the erection of an additional district in said county, to be composed of parts of the sixth and ninth election districts. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates to the General Assembly, at the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government of this state directs, in such case this act and the alterations of the constitution therein contained, shall constitute and be valid as a part of said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed according to the

provisions of the constitution and form of government in such case made and provided; William Dorsey, John Muray, junior, of (Coxe’s Town) and Thomas Lane, of Baltimore county, be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners, and authorised forthwith after the said confirmation, to review the sixth and ninth election districts of said county, and to lay off, locate, and establish an additional election district in said county as aforesaid; and said commissioners shall make a return of all their proceedings to Baltimore county court, to be there recorded at the expense of the county, and paid as county charges are levied and paid; and the governor and council are hereby authorised and directed to appoint commissioner, or commissioners in place of any of the commissioners herein named who may die, resign, or refuse, or fail to act in said commission. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the commissioners herein authorised to be appointed, shall be entitled to receive such compensation for their services as the commissioners of Baltimore county may deem reasonable, not exceeding the sum of two dollars per day, for every day they shall be necessarily employed in the discharge of the duties required by this act.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun

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M ARYLAND and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 26th Day of December, 1831, and Ended on Wednesday the 14th Day of March, 1832. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1832, ch. 232. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 7, 1832, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 15, 1833 (Laws of Maryland, 1832, ch. 63), enacting that “the act passed at the last session of the

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General Assembly of this State, chapter two hundred and thirty-two, relating to election districts in Baltimore county, be, and the same is hereby confirmed and made valid, and declared to be made a part of the constitution of this State”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Second Amendment of 1822 (q.v.). An amendment providing for future divisions in Baltimore county to be made by statute failed in 1826 (q.v.).

Failed Amendment of 1832

An act to limit the sessions of the General Assembly in every alternate year1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the time of adjourning of the General Assembly that shall meet in December, eighteen hundred and thirty-four, and of the General Assembly that shall meet in every alternate year thereafter, shall be on or before the forty-fifth day after the day of the meeting thereof; or if such forty-fifth day be Sunday, then on the Saturday immediately preceding. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That any and every part of the constitution and form of

government, repugnant to, or inconsistent with this act, be and the same is hereby repealed.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 31st Day of December, 1832, and Ended on Saturday the 23d Day of March, 1833. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1833, ch. 289. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 22, 1833, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

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First Amendment of 1833 An act to repeal all that part of the Constitution and form of government, as relates to the division of Washington county into seven separate election districts, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That so much of the constitution of the State as relates to the division of Washington county into election districts,2 be, and the same is hereby altered and amended so far as to authorize the erection of an additional district in said county, to be composed of parts of the first and sixth election districts. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates to the General Assembly, at the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government of this State directs; in such case, this act, and the alterations to the constitution therein contained, shall constitute and be valid as a part of said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed according to the provisions of the constitution and form of government, in such case made and provided, Jacob Miller, James Grimes, and Henry Peterbenner, be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners, and authorized forthwith, after the said confirmation, to review the first and sixth election districts of said county, and to lay off, locate, and establish an additional district, in said

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county as aforesaid; and said commissioners shall make a return of all their proceedings to Washington county court, to be there recorded at the expense of the county, and paid as county charges are levied and paid; and the commissioners of Washington county are hereby authorised and directed to appoint a commissioner or commissioners in place of any of the commissioners herein named, who may die, resign, or refuse or fail to act, in said commission. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the commissioners appointed as aforesaid, shall proceed to review districts Nos. one, two, and six, and if, in their wisdom and judgment, they, or a majority of them, shall deem the convenience of the voters of said districts, or any part of them, to be promoted by changing and altering the lines and bounds of said districts, or any part of them, they shall proceed to make such changes and report of the same as aforesaid, and the commissioners compensated as aforesaid. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the commissioners herein authorised to be appointed, shall be entitled to receive such compensation for their services, as the commissioners of Washington county may deem reasonable, not exceeding the sum of two dollars per day for every day they shall be necessarily employed in the discharge of the duties required by this act.

F IRST A MENDMENT OF 1833 1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 31st Day of December, 1832, and Ended on Saturday the 23d Day of March, 1833. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1833, ch. 92. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 25, 1833, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 7, 1834 (Laws of Maryland, 1833, ch. 30),

enacting that “an act to repeal all such parts of the constitution and form of government, as relates to the division of Washington county, into seven separate election districts, and for other purposes, passed at December session eighteen hundred and thirty two, chapter ninety-two, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Second Amendment of 1821 (q.v.).

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Second Amendment of 1833 An act to provide for an alteration in the Constitution, so as to make certain alterations and changes in several election districts, in Allegany county1

Whereas, it is represented to this General Assembly, by the petition of sundry citizens of Allegany county, that their convenience would be greatly subserved, by certain alterations and changes, being made in several of the election districts of said county – Therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That so much of the constitution of this state, as relates to the division of Allegany county, into election districts,2 be, and the same is hereby altered and amended, so far as to authorize such alterations and changes, as may better suit the convenience of the inhabitants of said election districts. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That John Hoye, George McCulloh, and John Slicer, or a majority of them, of Allegany county, be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners, and authorized forthwith, after the confirmation of this act, to review the several election districts of said county, and in their discretion, make such alterations and changes, as better to subserve the convenience of the inhabitants of the several election districts in said county, and the said commissioners shall make a return of all their proceedings to Allegany county court, to be there recorded, at the expense of the county; and paid as county charges are levied and paid; – and the governor and council, are hereby authorised and directed

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to appoint commissioner or commissioners, in place of any of the commissioners herein named, who may die, resign, refuse or fail to act in said commission. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the general assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, to the general assembly, at the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government of this state directs, in such case, this act, and the alterations of the constitution therein contained, shall constitute and be valid as a part of said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes; any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the commissioners herein authorized to be appointed, shall be entitled to receive such compensation for their services, as the commissioners of Allegany county may deem reasonable, not exceeding the sum of two dollars per day, for every day they shall be necessarily employed in the discharge of the duties required by this act. 1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 31st Day of December, 1832, and Ended on Saturday the 23d Day of March, 1833. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1833, ch. 252. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 18, 1833, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly

S ECOND A MENDMENT OF 1833 on January 20, 1834 (Laws of Maryland, 1833, ch. 8), enacting that “an act to provide for an alteration in the constitution, so as to make certain alterations and changes in several election districts in Allegany county, passed at December session eighteen hundred

and thirty-two, chapter two hundred and fifty-two, be and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 First Amendment of 1825 (q.v.).

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Amendment of 1834 An act to amend the constitution and form of government as it relates to the division of Somerset county into Election Districts, and to establish an additional Election District1

Whereas, many of the inhabitants of Smith’s Island, within the body of Somerset county, and attached to the lower election district, commonly called Annamessix, in the said county by petition in writing have represented to this General Assembly that by reason of their separation from the main land by a wide water, they are compelled to forego the inestimable right of suffrage or exposed to great peril, labor and expense in going to and returning from the place of voting, and prayed that the said Island which they inhabit may be made a separate, and additional election district – Therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That so much of Smith’s Island, as lies within the body Somerset county, and forms a part of the lower election district therein, shall, after the passage and confirmation of this act constitute a separate and additional district for holding elections in said county. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That in case this act shall be confirmed as required by the constitution and form of government the Levy court of Somerset county shall be, and they are hereby required to appoint three commissioners who, or a majority of them shall proceed to select a suitable and convenient place for holding elections in said district. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the said

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commissioners on or before the first day of August, Anno Domini, eighteen hundred and thirty-five, shall deliver to the clerk of Somerset county, a description in writing under their hands and seals of the place selected for holding elections in the said district, and the said clerk shall record the same among the records of the said county. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the Levy court shall allow to each of the commissioners who may attend in discharging the duties of this act a compensation not exceeding two dollars per diem, to be levied and collected as other public charges are levied and collected. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That in case this act shall be confirmed as hereinafter provided, it shall be the duty of the Levy court as aforesaid, to appoint three suitable persons to act as judges of elections in the said district. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed at the next session of the General Assembly, the same and the alterations herein contained shall constitute and be considered a part of the constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes. 1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 30th Day of December, 1833, and Ended on Saturday the 15th Day

A MENDMENT OF 1834 of March, 1834. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1834, ch. 11. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 26, 1834, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 23, 1835 (Laws of Maryland, 1834, ch. 21),

enacting that “an act to amend the constitution and form of government, as it relates to the division of Somerset county into election districts, and to establish an additional district, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Failed Amendment of 1834

An act to repeal all that part of the Constitution and Form of Government, as relates to the Division of Washington County into eight separate Election Districts, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That so much of the constitution of the State, as relates to the division of Washington county into election districts,2 be, and the same is hereby altered and amended, so far as to authorise the erection of an additional district in said county, to be composed of parts of the third and seventh election districts. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of Delegates to the General Assembly, at the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government of this State directs, in such case, this act and the alterations to the constitution therein contained, shall constitute and be valid as a part of said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed according to the provisions of the constitution and form of government, in that case made and provided, that Lewis Zeigler, John Beyer and Jacob Bell, be appointed commissioners, to lay off, locate, and establish an additional election district in the county aforesaid; out of the third and seventh election districts in said county, and the said commissioners, or a majority of them, shall make a return of all their pro-

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ceedings to Washington County Court, to be there recorded at the expense of the county, and paid as county charges are levied and paid, and the commissioners of Washington county, are hereby authorised and directed, in case of the death, resignation, refusal, or failure to act on the part of the within named commissioners, to appoint such others as they in their discretion, may think proper, to fill said vacancy or vacancies. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the commissioners appointed as aforesaid, or a majority of them, shall proceed to view and create an additional district out of number three and seven, if in their wisdom and judgment they, or a majority of them, shall deem the convenience of the voters of said districts, or any part of them will be promoted by changing and altering the line and bounds of said districts. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the commissioners herein authorised to be appointed, shall be entitled to receive such compensation for their services, as the commissioners of Washington county may deem reasonable, not exceeding the sum of two dollars per day, for every day they shall be necessarily employed in the discharge of the duties required by this act. 1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Be-

FAILED A MENDMENT OF 1834 gun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 29th Day of December, 1834, and Ended on Saturday the 21st Day of March, 1835. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1835, ch. 114. Spelling, capital-

ization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 21, 1835, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly. 2 First Amendment of 1833 (q.v.).

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First Amendment of 1835 An act to alter and amend the Constitution1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That after the expiration of existing lottery grants, the Legislature of Maryland shall not pass any law authorising the drawing of any lottery, or the traffick or dealing in lottery tickets, or schemes or devices in the nature of lotteries, or the distribution of money or property by chance. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That all such parts of the Constitution and form of government, as are inconsistent with the provisions of this act, are hereby repealed; Provided, this act shall be published at least three months before a new election, and shall be confirmed by the General Assembly, after the next election of Delegates, in

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the first session after such new election, as the said constitution and form of government directs.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 29th Day of December, 1834, and Ended on Saturday the 21st Day of March, 1835. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1835, ch. 219. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 17, 1835, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 15, 1836 (Laws of Maryland, 1835, ch. 9), enacting that “an act to alter and amend the constitution, passed at December session, eighteen hundred and thirty-four, chapter two hundred and nineteen, be and the same is hereby approved, ratified and confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

Second Amendment of 1835 An act to alter and change a part of the division line between the second and third and fourth election districts, in Washington County1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all that part of the second and third election districts in Washington county, contained within the following lines, viz: beginning at a point where the division line between Andrew Summer and John Witmer crosses the Conocheague Creek, thence, with a straight line, to the division line between Samuel and David Gruber, and John S. Miller, thence with that division line to the Hagerstown and Conocheague Turnpike Road, thence with a straight line to and with the division line between Henry Harsh and George Harsh, thence to and with the division line between George Harsh and George Houer, from thence with a straight line to the Conocheague Creek, and thence with said creek to the place of beginning, be, and the same are hereby annexed to the fourth election district in said county; and it shall and may be lawful for all voters, residing within

the line of the second and third election districts, as hereby designated, and hereby annexed to the fourth election district, to vole at the place of holding the election in said fourth district. 1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 29th Day of December, 1834, and Ended on Saturday the 21st Day of March, 1835. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by J. Hughes, 1835, ch. 166. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print, with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The amendment was passed on March 7, 1835, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 25, 1836 (Laws of Maryland, 1835, ch. 17), enacting that “an act to alter and change a part of the division line between the second, third, and fourth election districts, in Washington county, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. The act was not announced as an amendment, but as it was confirmed and ratified by the subsequent General Assembly, it was obviously considered to be an amendment.

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First Failed Amendment of 1835

An act to alter and amend the Constitution and Form of Government, so as to require the assent of two thirds of each branch of the Legislature to annul a marriage contract1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That from and after the passage of this act and the confirmation thereof as the Constitution requires, the Legislature of this State shall not pass any law annulling the marriage contract, or in nature of a divorce, a vinculo matrimonii, or a mensa et thora, unless two thirds of each branch of the Legislature, who are present concur therein. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That a divorce shall in no instance be granted in the State of Maryland, unless the party or parties in whose behalf such divorce is sought to be obtained, shall have been bona fide residents within the State of Maryland for at least twelve months, next before the application for said divorce. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That all such parts of the Constitution or form of Gov-

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ernment, as are inconsistent with the provisions of this act, be, the same are hereby repealed, and the said act shall be considered as a part of the Constitution of this State; Provided, the same shall be published at least three months before a new election, and shall be confirmed by the General Assembly after the next election of delegates at the first session, after such new election, as the said Constitution and form of Government directs.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday, the 28th day of December, 1835, and ended on Monday, the 4th day of April, 1836. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1836, ch. 128. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 4, 1836, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

Second Failed Amendment of 1835

An act to provide for an alteration in the Constitution, so as to enlarge the number of Election Districts in Baltimore County, and fix the place of voting1

Whereas, it is represented to this General Assembly, by sundry inhabitants residing in the sixth election district, in Baltimore county, that it would promote their convenience to create another district out of the sixth district, – Therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That so much of the Constitution of the State as relates to the division of Baltimore County into election districts,2 be and the same is hereby altered and amended, so far as to authorise the erection of an additional district in said county, to be composed of a part of the sixth election district of said county. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed according to the provision of the constitution and form of government in such case made and provided, Richard Hooker, Jacob Shower, and John Lammott, of Baltimore county, be and they are hereby appointed commissioners, and authorised forthwith after the said confirmation, to review the sixth election district of said county, and to lay out, and locate and establish an additional election district, in said county, and said commissioners shall make a return of all the proceedings to Baltimore County Court, to be there recorded at the expense of the county, and paid as county charges are levied and paid, and the county commissioners are

hereby authorised to appoint a commissioner or commissioners in place of any of the commissioners herein named, who may die, or refuse, or fail to act in said commission. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That all such parts of the Constitution or form of Government, as are inconsistent with the provisions of this act, be, the same are hereby repealed, and the said act shall be considered as a part of the Constitution of this State; Provided, the same shall be published at least three months before a new election, and shall be confirmed by the General Assembly after the next election of delegates at the first session, after such new election, as the said Constitution and form of Government directs. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the additional election district shall be known as the fourteenth election district of Baltimore County, and the place of holding the polls thereof shall be at Cox’s Town, and the place of holding the polls of that portion of the district not to be included in the fourteenth, shall be at Manchester. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the commissioners herein appointed, or to be appointed, shall be entitled to receive two dollars a day for their services, to be paid by the commissioners of Baltimore County.

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M ARYLAND 1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday, the 28th day of December, 1835, and ended on Monday, the 4th day of April, 1836. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed

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by Jeremiah Hughes, 1836, ch. 209. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 4, 1836, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly. 2 Fourth Amendment of 1832 (q.v.).

First Amendment of 1836 An act to amend the Constitution and Form of Government, so far as relates to the division of Allegany county into Election Districts, and to establish an additional Election District1

Whereas, it is represented to this General Assembly by the petition of sundry citizens of Allegany county, that their convenience would be greatly subserved by the alteration and division of election district number one, in said county, – Therefore: S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That so much of the constitution of this State, as relates to the division of Allegany county into election districts,2 be and the same is hereby altered and amended, so far as to authorise such alteration and division of said district, number one, as may best suit the convenience of the inhabitants thereof. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Adam Gower, John Hammond and Alexander Chisholm, or a majority of them, of Allegany county, be and they are hereby appointed commissioners, and authorised forthwith after the confirmation of this act, to review said election district, number one, in said county, and in their discretion make such alteration and division as better to subserve the convenience of the inhabitants of said district, in said county, and the said commissioners shall make a return of all their proceedings to Allegany county court, to be there recorded at the expense of said county, and paid as county charges are levied and paid; and the governor and coun-

cil are hereby authorised and directed to appoint a commissioner or commissioners, in place of any of the said commissioners herein named, who may die, resign, refuse or fail to act in said commission. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates to the General Assembly, at the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government of this State directs; in such case this act and the alterations of the constitution therein contained, shall constitute and be valid as a part of said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the commissioners, herein authorised to be appointed, shall be entitled to receive such compensation for their services as the commissioners of Allegany county may deem reasonable, not exceeding the sum of two dollars per day, for every day they shall be necessarily employed in the discharge of the duties required by this act.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday the 28th day

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M ARYLAND of December, 1835, and ended on Monday, the 4th day of April, 1836. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1836, ch. 44. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on February 5, 1836, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on December 29, 1836 (Laws of Maryland, 1836, ch. 2), enacting that “an act to amend the Constitution

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and Form of Government, so far as relates to the division of Allegany county into Election Districts, and to establish an additional Election District, passed at December session, eighteen hundred and thirty-five, chapter forty-four, be and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Second Amendment of 1833 (q.v.).

Second Amendment of 1836 An act to alter and amend the Constitution and Form of Government of this State, so far as it relates to the representation in the House of Delegates, from the City of Baltimore1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That on the first Monday of October, eighteen hundred and thirty-seven, and on the same day annually thereafter, the citizens of Baltimore city, having the necessary qualification of voters under the Constitution, shall vote for and elect four persons as members of the House of Delegates, instead of two, as is now provided for by the Constitution.

S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the next General Assembly of Maryland, the same shall thenceforth become a part of the Constitution and Form of Government of this State, and all such parts of the existing Constitution as are repugnant to, or inconsistent with

the provisions of this act, shall be repealed, abrogated and annulled.2

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday the 28th day of December, 1835, and ended on Monday, the 4th day of April, 1836. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1836, ch. 98. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 18, 1836, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 6, 1837 (Laws of Maryland, 1836, ch. 76), enacting that “an act to alter and amend the Constitution and form of Government of this State, so far as it relates to the representation in the House of Delegates, from the City of Baltimore, be and it is hereby confirmed and made valid to every intent and purpose their mentioned”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 An attempt to increase the representation of Baltimore City had failed in 1824 (q.v.).

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Third Amendment of 1836 An act for the division of Baltimore and Frederick Counties, and for erecting a new one by the name of Carroll, and to alter and change the Constitution of this State, so far as may be necessary to effect the same1

Whereas, a considerable body of the inhabitants of Baltimore and Frederick counties, by their petition to this General Assembly, have prayed that an act may be passed for a division of said counties, and for erecting a new one out of parts thereof; and whereas, it appears to this General Assembly, that the erecting of a new county out of such parts of Baltimore and Frederick counties, will conduce greatly to the ease and convenience of the people thereof: – Therefore, S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That after the confirmation of this act, such parts of the aforesaid counties of Baltimore and Frederick, as are contained within the bounds and limits following, to wit: beginning at the Pennsylvania line, where Rock Creek crosses said line, thence with the course of said creek until it merges in the Monocacy river, thence with the Monocacy, to the point where Double Pipe Creek empties into Monocacy, thence with the course of Pipe Creek to the point of junction of Little Pipe Creek and Big Pipe Creek, thence with the course of Little Pipe Creek, to the point where Sam’s Creek empties into Little Pipe Creek, thence with Sam’s Creek to Warfield’s Mill, thence with the road called the Buffaloe Road, and to a point called Par’s Spring, thence with the Western Branch of the Patapsco Falls to

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the point of its junction with the Northern Branch of the Patapsco Falls, thence with the Northern Branch of said Falls to the bridge erected over said falls on the Turnpike Road, leading from Reisterstown to Westminster, thence with a straight course to the Pennsylvania line, running North seventeen degrees East, thence with the Pennsylvania line to the place of beginning, shall be erected into a new county, by the name of Carroll county, and that the Seat of Justice thereof be established at Westminster. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the inhabitants of Carroll county, shall have, hold and enjoy all the immunities, rights, and privileges enjoyed by the inhabitants of any other county in this State. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the taxes which shall be levied by the commissioners of Baltimore county, prior to the confirmation of this act, on such parts of Baltimore county as are to constitute a part of Carroll county, shall be collected and paid to the Treasurer of Baltimore county, and the same be applied precisely, as if this act had not passed; and that the taxes which shall be levied by the justices of the levy court, of Frederick county, prior to the confirmation of this act, on the parts of Frederick county, as are to constitute Carroll county, shall be applied precisely as if this act had not passed.

T HIRD A MENDMENT OF 1836 S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That all causes, process, and pleadings which shall be depending in Frederick county court, and Baltimore county court, when this act shall be confirmed, shall and may be prosecuted as effectually in the courts where the same be depending, as if this act had not been made. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the county of Carroll shall be a part of the third judicial district of this State, and the justices of the said district for the time being shall be the judges of the county court of Carroll county, and the said county court shall be held as may be directed by law, and shall have and exercise the same powers and jurisdiction, both at law and in equity as other county courts of this State. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That the election districts in Carroll county, shall be nine in number, and their limits as well as the limits of the election districts in Baltimore and Frederick counties, shall be established after the confirmation of this act as shall be directed by law. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That after the confirmation of this act, by the next General Assembly, a writ of election shall issue for holding an election in said county for four

delegates, to represent said county in the General Assembly, which shall then be in session. S ECT. 8. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly, after the next election of delegates at the first session after such new election, according to the constitution and form of government, that in such case this alteration and amendment of the constitution and form of government shall constitute and be valid as part thereof, and every thing therein contained, repugnant to or inconsistent with this act, be repealed and abolished.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday the 28th day of December, 1835, and ended on Monday, the 4th day of April, 1836. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1836, ch. 256. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 25, 1836, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on January 19, 1837 (Laws of Maryland, 1836, ch. 19), enacting that “an act for the division of Baltimore and Frederick counties, and for erecting a new one by the name of Carroll, and to alter and change the Constitution of this State, so far as may be necessary to effect the same, passed at December session, eighteen hundred and thirty-five. Chapter two hundred and fifty-six, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Fourth Amendment of 1836 An act to repeal all such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government, as relates to the division of Cecil county, into four separate election districts1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all such parts of the constitution and form of Government, whereby Cecil county has been divided and laid off four separate election districts,2 be, and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That Joseph Bryan, Edward Wilson, William Mackey, Henry C. Chamberlaine, Thomas S. Thomas, George Kidd and Patrick Ewings, be, and they are hereby commissioners, and they or a majority of them, or a majority of their survivors, are hereby authorised, if they shall deem it necessary for the convenience of the voters of said county to lay off and divide anew, Cecil county into separate election districts, not exceeding in number, seven, carefully making the several districts as nearly equal as possible, having regard to population, extent of territory, and the convenience of the voters of each of the said election districts, and each election district shall be numbered by said commissioners, and known thereafter by such number, and also to make choice of a place in each district so laid off, at which the election shall be held as nearly central as possible, and the said commissioners shall on or before the fifteenth day of July, eighteen hundred and thirty-seven, deliver to the clerk of Cecil county court, a description in writing, under their hands and seals, or the hands and seals, of a majority of them, specifying plainly the boundaries and number

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of each district, and also the place in each district where the election for such district is to be held, and the said clerk shall record the same among the records of said county. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the commissioners appointed by virtue of this act, shall meet at the court house, of said county, on the first Monday of April, eighteen hundred and thirty-seven, for the purpose of performing the duties imposed by this act, and the commissioner or commissioners so meeting, may adjourn from time to time, and from place to place, until the whole is completed; Provided, it shall be done before the fifteenth day of July following. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That if any of the commissioners, appointed by virtue of this act, should by death, resignation or any other cause, fail to perform the duties hereby assigned, the remaining commissioners, or a majority of them, are hereby authorised and directed to fill the vacancy or vacancies that may so occur. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates, at the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government direct in such case, this act and the alterations herein contained shall constitute and be considered as a part of the said constitution and form of government,

F OURTH A MENDMENT OF 1836 to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That the commissioners herein appointed be authorised, if necessary, to employ a surveyor and chain carriers to aid them in performing the duties hereby assigned them, and the commissioners hereby appointed shall receive two dollars per day, the surveyor two dollars, and the chain carrier one dollar per day for every day they may be engaged in such service, to be levied and paid as other county charges are paid.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday the 28th day of December, 1835, and ended on Monday, the 4th day of April, 1836. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1836, ch. 259. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 29, 1836, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on March 20, 1837 (Laws of Maryland, 1836, ch. 267), enacting that “an act, to repeal all such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government, as relates to the division of Cecil county, into four separate election districts, be, and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Amendment of 1799 (q.v.).

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Fifth Amendment of 1836 An act to provide for an alteration in the constitution, so far as relates to the division of the sixth election district, in Worcester county1

Whereas, it is represented to this General Assembly, by the petition of sundry citizens residing in the sixth election district, in Worcester county, that they labour under great inconvenience in being so distant from the place of holding the election in said district, Therefore: S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That so much of the constitution of the State as relates to the division of Worcester county into election districts,2 be, and the same is hereby altered and amended, so far as to authorise the division of the sixth election district in said county, into two separate election districts. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election of delegates to the General Assembly at the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government of this State directs, in such case this act and the alteration of the constitution herein contained, shall constitute and be valid as a part of said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed according to the provisions of the constitution and form of government, in such case made and provided, Isaac Houston, Jeptha Morris and Isaac

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Hearn, of Worcester county, be and they are hereby appointed commissioners, and authorised forthwith after the said confirmation, to review the sixth election district of said county, and to lay off, locate, and establish an additional election district, out of the said sixth election district in said county as aforesaid; and said commissioners shall make a return of all their proceedings to the levy court of Worcester county, to be there recorded at the expense of the county, and paid as county charges are levied and paid, and the levy court of Worcester county are hereby authorised and directed to appoint commissioner or commissioners, in place of any of the commissioners herein named, who may die, resign, or refuse, or fail to act in said commission. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the commissioners herein authorised to be appointed, shall be entitled to receive such compensation for their services as the levy court of Worcester county may deem reasonable, not exceeding the sum of two dollars per day, for every day they shall be necessarily employed in the discharge of the duties required by this act. 1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday the 28th day of December, 1835, and ended on Monday, the 4th day of April, 1836. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1836, ch. 264. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law

F IFTH A MENDMENT OF 1836 print. The amendment was passed on March 29, 1836, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on March 6, 1837 (Laws of Maryland, 1836, ch. 130), enacting that “an act to provide for an alteration in the Constitution, so far as relates to the division of the sixth election district in Worcester county, passed at

December session, eighteen hundred and thirty-five, chapter two hundred and sixty-four, be and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 Amendment of 1828 (q.v.), while a subsequent amendment of 1829 failed (q.v.).

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Failed Amendment of 1836

An act providing for the appointment of Clerks of the several County Courts, the Clerks of the Courts of Appeals for the Eastern and Western Shores, the Clerk of Baltimore City Court, and the Registers of Wills in the several Counties of this State1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That from and after the confirmation of this act the Governor shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint the clerks of the several county courts, the clerk of the court of appeals for the Western Shore, the clerk of the court of appeals for the Eastern Shore, the clerk of Baltimore city court, the register of the high court of Chancery, and the registers of wills throughout the State, and that the persons so appointed shall continue in office for and during the term of seven years, from the date of their respective appointments; provided nevertheless, that the persons who shall respectively be in office at the time of the confirmation of this act as clerks of the several county courts, as clerks of the court of appeals, as clerk of Baltimore city court, and as registers of wills, shall not be subject in any respect to the operation of this act, until from and after the first day of February, in

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the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty-five. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly after the next election for delegates, in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of government directs, that in such case this act and the alterations therein contained shall be considered as a part of the said constitution and form of government to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 26th Day of December, 1836. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1837, ch. 224. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 17, 1837, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

First Amendment of 1837 An act to repeal all that part of the Constitution and Form of Government, as relates to the division of Washington County into eight separate Election Districts, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That so much of the Constitution of this State, as relates to the division of Washington county into election districts,2 be, and the same is hereby altered and amended, so far as to authorize the erection of an additional district in said county, to be composed of parts of the third and seventh election districts. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after the next election for delegates to the General Assembly at the first session after such new election, as the Constitution and Form of Government of this State directs, in such case, this act and the alterations to the Constitution therein contained, shall constitute and be valid as a part of said Constitution and Form of Government to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed according to the provisions of the Constitution and Form of Government, in that case made and provided, then shall Lewis Zeigler, John Byer3 and Jacob Bell, be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners to view, create, lay off, locate and establish an additional election district in the county aforesaid, out of the third and the seventh election districts in said county, and the said commissioners

or a majority of them, shall make a return of all their proceedings to Washington county court, to be there recorded at the expense of the county, and paid as county charges are levied and paid, and the commissioners of Washington county are hereby authorised and directed, in case of the death, resignation, refusal or failure to act, on the part of the within named commissioners to appoint such others as they in their discretion may think proper, to fill such vacancy or vacancies. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That the commissioners herein authorised to be appointed, shall be entitled to receive such compensation for their services as the commissioners of Washington county may deem reasonable, not exceeding the sum of two dollars per day for every day they shall be necessarily employed in the discharge of the duties required by this act.4

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 26th Day of December, 1836. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1837, ch. 148. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 6, 1837, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on March 10, 1838 (Laws of Maryland, 1837, ch. 210), enacting that “an act to repeal all that part of the Constitution and Form of Government as relates to the division of Washington county into eight separate election districts, and for other purposes, be, and the same

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M ARYLAND is hereby ratified and confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 First Amendment of 1833 (q.v.).

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3

In Failed Amendment of 1835 (q.v.), “Beyer”. The amendment repeated, with a minor addition, the text of the Failed Amendment of 1835, verbatim.

4

Second Amendment of 1837 An act to amend the Constitution and Form of Government of the State of Maryland1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the term of office of the members of the present senate shall end and be determined whenever, and as soon as a new senate shall be elected as hereinafter provided, and a quorum of its members shall have qualified as directed by the constitution and laws of this State. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That at the December session of the General Assembly for the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty-eight, and forever thereafter, the senate shall be composed of twenty-one members, to be chosen as hereinafter provided, a majority of whom shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That at the time and place of holding elections in the several counties of this State, and in the city of Baltimore, for delegates to the General Assembly for the December session of the year eighteen hundred and thirty-eight, and under the direction of the same judges by whom such elections for delegates shall be held, and election shall also be held in each of the several counties of this State and in the city of Baltimore respectively, for the purpose of choosing a senator of the State of Maryland for and from such county or said city, as the case may be, whose term of office shall commence on the day fixed by law for the commencement of the regular session of the General Assembly, next succeeding such election, and continue for two, four or six years accord-

ing to the classification of a quorum of its members; and at every such election of senators, every person qualified to vote at the place at which he shall offer to vote for delegates to the General Assembly, shall be entitled to vote for one person as senator; and of the persons voted for as senator in each of the several counties and in said city, respectively, the person having the highest number of legal votes, and possessing the qualifications hereinafter mentioned, shall be declared and returned as duly elected for said county or said city, as the case may be; and in case two persons possessing the required qualifications shall be found on the final casting of the votes given, in any one of said counties or said city, to have an equal number of votes, there shall be a new election ordered as hereinafter mentioned; and immediately after the senate shall have convened in pursuance of their election under this act, the senators shall be divided in such manner as the senate shall prescribe, into three classes; the seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-third thereof may be elected on the first Wednesday of October in every second year; and elections shall be held in the several counties and city, from which the retiring senators came, to supply the vacancies as they may occur in consequence of this classification.

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M ARYLAND S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That such election for senators shall be conducted, and the returns thereof be made, with proper variations in the certificate to suit the case, in like manner as in cases of elections for delegates. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That the qualifications necessary in a senator shall be the same as are required in a delegate to the General Assembly, with the additional qualification that he shall be above the age of twenty-five years, and shall have resided at least three years, next preceding his election, in the county or city in and for which he shall be chosen. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That in case any person who shall have been chosen as a senator, shall refuse to act, remove from the county or city, as the case may be, for which he shall have been elected, die, resign or be removed for cause, or in case of a tie between two or more qualified persons in any one of the counties or in the city of Baltimore, a warrant of election shall be issued by the President of the Senate for the time being, for the election of a senator to supply the vacancy, of which ten days notice at the least, excluding the day of notice and the day of election, shall be given. S ECT. 7. And be it enacted, That so much of the thirty-seventh article of the constitution as provides that no senator or delegate to the General Assembly, if he shall qualify as such, shall hold or execute any office of profit during the time for which he shall be elected, shall be and the same is hereby repealed. S ECT. 8. And be it enacted, That no senator or delegate to the General Assembly, shall during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the constitution and laws of this State, which shall have been created, or the emoluments thereof shall have been increased

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during such time; and no senator or delegate, during the time he shall continue to act as such, shall be eligible to any civil office whatever. S ECT. 9. And be it enacted, That at the election for delegates to the General Assembly, for the December session of the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty-eight, and at each succeeding election for delegates, until after the next census shall have been taken and officially promulged, five delegates shall be elected in and for Baltimore city, and one delegate in and for the city of Annapolis, until the promulging of the census for the year eighteen hundred and forty, when the city of Annapolis shall be deemed and taken as a part of Anne Arundel county, and her right to a separate delegation shall cease; five delegates in and for Baltimore county; five delegates in and for Frederick county, and four delegates in and for Anne Arundel county, and four delegates in and for each of the several counties respectively, hereinafter mentioned, to wit: Dorchester, Somerset, Worcester, Prince George’s, Harford, Montgomery, Carroll and Washington; and three delegates in and for each of the several counties respectively, hereinafter next mentioned, to wit: Cecil, Kent, Queen Ann’s, Caroline, Talbot, Saint Mary’s, Charles, Calvert and Allegany. S ECT. 10. And be it enacted, That from and after the period when the next census shall have been taken and officially promulged, and from and after the official promulgation of every second census thereafter, the representation in the House of Delegates from the several counties and from the city of Baltimore, shall be graduated and established on the following basis, that is to say, every county which shall have by the said census, a population of less than fifteen thousand souls, federal numbers, shall be entitled to elect three delegates; every county having a population by the said cen-

S ECOND A MENDMENT OF 1837 sus of fifteen thousand souls, and less than twenty-five thousand souls, federal numbers, shall be entitled to elect four delegates; and every county having by the said census a population of twenty-five thousand, and less than thirty five thousand souls, federal numbers, shall be entitled to elect five delegates; and every county having a population of upwards of thirty-five thousand souls, federal numbers, shall be entitled to elect six delegates; and the city of Baltimore shall be entitled to elect as many delegates as the county which shall have the largest representation, on the bases aforesaid, may be entitled to elect; provided, and it is hereby enacted, that if any of the several counties hereinbefore mentioned, shall not, after the said census for the year eighteen hundred and forty shall have been taken, be entitled by the graduation on the basis aforesaid to a representation in the House of Delegates equal to that allowed to such county by the ninth section of this act, at the election of delegates for the December session of the year eighteen hundred and thirty-eight, such county shall, nevertheless, after said census for the year eighteen hundred and forty, or any future census, and forever thereafter, be entitled to elect the number of delegates allowed by the provisions of said section for the said session, but nothing in the proviso contained, shall be construed to include in the representation of Anne Arundel county, the delegate allowed to the city of Annapolis in the said ninth section of this act. S ECT. 11. And be it enacted, That in all elections for senators, to be held after the election for delegates, for the December session eighteen hundred and thirty seven, the city of Annapolis, shall be deemed and taken as part of Anne Arundel county. S ECT. 12. And be it enacted, That the General Assembly shall have power from time to time to regulate all matters relating to the judges, time, place and manner

of holding elections for senators and delegates, and of making returns thereof, and to divide the several counties into election districts, for the more convenient holding of elections, not affecting their terms or tenure of office. S ECT. 13. And be it enacted, That so much of the constitution and form of government, as relates to the Council to the Governor, and to the clerk of the council, be abrogated, abolished and annulled, and that the whole executive power of the government of this State, shall be vested exclusively in the Governor, subject nevertheless to the checks, limitations and provisions herein after specified and mentioned. S ECT. 14. And be it enacted, That the governor shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint all officers of the State whose officers are or may be created by law, and whose appointment shall not be otherwise provided for by the constitution and form of government, or by any laws consistent with the constitution and form of government; provided, that this act shall not be deemed or construed to impair in any manner, the validity of the commissions of such persons as shall be in office under previous executive appointment, when this act shall go into operation, or alter, abridge, of change, the tenure, quality, or duration of the same, or of any of them. S ECT. 15. And be it enacted, That the Governor shall have power to fill any vacancy that may occur in any such offices during the recess of the senate, by granting commissions which shall expire upon the appointment of the same person, or any other person, by and with the advice and consent of the senate to the same office, or at the expiration of one calendar month, ensuing the commencement of the next reg-

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M ARYLAND ular session of the Senate, whichever shall first occur. S ECT. 16. And be it enacted, That the same person, shall in no case be nominated by the governor, a second time during the same session, for the same office, in case he shall have been rejected by the senate, unless after such rejection, the senate shall inform the governor by message, of their willingness to receive again the nomination of such rejected person, for further consideration, and in case any person nominated by the governor for any office, shall have been rejected by the senate, it shall not be lawful for the governor at any time afterwards, during the recess of the senate, in case of vacancy in the same office, to appoint such rejected person to fill said vacancy. S ECT. 17. And be it enacted, That it shall be the duty of the governor, within the period of one calendar month next after this act shall go into operation, and in the same session in which the same shall be confirmed, if it be confirmed, and annually thereafter during the regular session of the senate, and on such particular day, if any, or within such particular period as may be prescribed by law, to nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the senate, to appoint a Secretary of State, who shall hold his office until a successor shall be appointed, and who shall discharge such duties, and receive such compensation, as shall be prescribed by law. S ECT. 18. And be it enacted, That in case a vacancy shall occur in the office of Governor at any time after this act shall go into operation, the General Assembly, if in session, or if in the recess, at their next session, shall proceed to elect by joint ballot of the two houses, some person, being a qualified resident of the gubernatorial district from which the Governor for said term is to be taken, to be Governor for the residue

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of said term in place of the person originally chosen; and in every case of vacancy until the election and qualification of the person succeeding, the Secretary of State, by virtue of his said office, shall be clothed, ad interim, with the executive powers of government; and in case there shall be no Secretary of State, or in case he shall refuse to act, remove from the State, die, resign, or be removed for cause, the person filling the office of president of the senate shall, by virtue of his said office, be clothed, ad interim, with the executive powers of government; and in case there shall be no president of the senate, or in case he shall refuse to act, remove from the State, die, resign, or be removed for cause, the person filling the office of Speaker of the house of delegates shall, by virtue of his said office, be clothed, ad interim, with the executive powers of government. S ECT. 19. And be it enacted, That the term of office of the Governor, who shall be chosen on the first Monday of January next, shall continue for the term of one year, and until the election and qualification of a successor, to be chosen as hereinafter mentioned. S ECT. 20. And be it enacted, That at the time and places of holding the elections in the several counties of this State, and in the city of Baltimore, for delegates to the General Assembly for the December session of the year eighteen hundred and thirty-eight, and before the same judges by whom the election for delegates shall be held, and in every third year forever thereafter, an election shall also be held for a Governor of this State, whose term of office shall commence on the first Monday of January next ensuing the day of such election, and continue for three years, and until the election and qualification of a successor; at which said election every person qualified to vote for delegates to the General Assem-

S ECOND A MENDMENT OF 1837 bly, at the place at which he shall offer to vote, shall be entitled to vote for Governor, and the person voted for as Governor shall possess the qualifications now required by the constitution and form of government, and the additional qualification of being at least thirty years of age, and of being and of having been for at least three whole years before, a resident within the limits of the gubernatorial district from which the Governor is to be taken at such election, according to the priority which shall be determined as hereinafter mentioned, that is to say, the State shall be, and the same is hereby divided into three gubernatorial districts, as follows: the counties of Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot, Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester shall together compose one district, and until its number shall be determined as hereinafter provided, shall be known as the Eastern District; the counties of Saint Mary’s, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, inclusive of the city of Annapolis, Montgomery, and Baltimore city, shall together compose one district, and until its number shall be determined as hereinafter provided, shall be known as the Southern District; Baltimore, Harford, Carroll, Frederick, Washington and Allegany counties, shall together compose one district, and until its number shall be determined as hereinafter provided, shall be known as the North-western District; and for the purpose of determining the respective numbers and order of priority of said districts in the same session in which this act shall be confirmed, if the same shall be confirmed as hereinafter mentioned, and on some day to be fixed by concurrence of the two branches, the speaker of the house of delegates shall present to the president of the senate, in the senate chamber, a box containing three ballots of similar size and appearance and on which shall severally be written, Eastern District, Southern District, North-western District,

and the president of the senate shall thereupon draw from said box the said several ballots in succession, and the district, the name of which shall be written on the first ballot drawn, shall thenceforth be distinguished as the first gubernatorial district, and the person to be chosen Governor at the election first to be held under the provisions of this section, and the person to be chosen at every succeeding third election for Governor forever thereafter, shall be taken from the said first district; and the district, the name of which shall be written on the ballot secondly drawn, shall thenceforth be distinguished as the second gubernatorial district, and the person to be chosen Governor at the second election to be held under the provisions of this section, and the persons to be chosen at every succeeding third election for Governor forever thereafter, shall be taken from the said second district, and the district, the name of which shall be written on the ballot thirdly drawn, shall thenceforth be distinguished as the third gubernatorial district, and the person to be chosen Governor at the third election to be held under the provisions of this section, and the person to be chosen at every succeeding third election forever thereafter, shall be taken from the said third district; and the result of such drawing shall be entered on the journal of the senate, and be reported by the speaker of the house of delegates on his return to that body and be entered on the journal thereof, and shall be certified by a joint letter to be signed by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of delegates, and be addressed and transmitted to the Secretary of State, if appointed, and if not, as soon as he shall be appointed, to be by him preserved in his office. S ECT. 21. And be it enacted, That the General Assembly shall have power to regulate by law, all matters which relate to the

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M ARYLAND judges, time, place, and manner of holding elections for governor and of making returns thereof not affecting the tenure and term of office thereby, and that, until otherwise directed, the returns shall be made in like manner as in elections for electors of President and Vice President, save that the form of the certificates shall be varied to suit the case, and save also, that the returns, instead of being made to the governor and council, shall be made to the senate, and be addressed to the president of the senate, and be enclosed under cover to the secretary of state, by whom they shall be delivered to the president of the senate, at the commencement of the session next ensuing such election. S ECT. 22. And be it enacted, That of the persons voted for as governor, at any such election, the person having in the judgment of the senate, the highest number of legal votes, and possessing the legal qualifications, and resident as aforesaid, in the district from which the governor at such election is to be taken, shall be governor and shall qualify in the manner prescribed by the constitution and laws, on the first Monday of January next ensuing his election, or as soon thereafter as may be, and all questions in relation to the number or legality of the votes given for each and any person voted for, as governor, and in relation to the returns, and in relation to the qualifications of the persons voted for, as governor shall be decided by the senate, and in case two or more persons, legally qualified according to the provisions of this act, shall have an equal number of legal votes, then the senate and house of delegates, upon joint ballot, shall determine which one of them shall be governor, and the one which, upon counting the ballots, shall have the highest number of votes shall be governor, and shall qualify accordingly. S ECT. 23. And be it enacted, That no

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person who shall be elected, and shall act as governor, shall be again eligible for the next succeeding term. S ECT. 24. And be it enacted, That the elections to be held in pursuance of this act, shall be held on the first Wednesday of October, in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight, and for the election of delegates on the same day in every year thereafter, for the election of Governor on the same day in every third year thereafter, and for the election of senators, of the first class, on the same day in the second year after their election and classification, and on the same day in every sixth year thereafter; and for the election of senators of the second class, on the same day in the fourth year after their election and classification, and on the same day in every sixth year thereafter; and for the election of senators of the third class, on the same day in the sixth year after their election and classification, and on the same day in every sixth year thereafter. S ECT. 25. And be it enacted, That in all elections for Governor, the city of Annapolis shall be deemed and taken as part of Anne Arundel county. S ECT. 26. And be it enacted, That the relation of master and slave, in this State, shall not be abolished unless a bill so to abolish the same, shall be passed by a unanimous vote of the members of each branch of the General Assembly, and shall be published at least three months before a new election of delegates, and shall be confirmed by a unanimous vote of the members of each branch of the General Assembly, at the next regular constitutional session after such new election, nor then, without full compensation to the master for the property of which he shall be thereby deprived. S ECT. 27. And be it enacted, That the city of Annapolis shall continue to be the

S ECOND A MENDMENT OF 1837 seat of government, and the place of holding the sessions of the court of appeals for the Western Shore, and the high court of chancery. S ECT. 28. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly, after a new election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, agreeably to the provisions of the Constitution and form of government, then and in such case, this act, and the alterations and amendments of the Constitution therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as a part of said constitution and form of government, any thing in the said constitution and form

of government to the contrary notwithstanding.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday the 26th Day of December, 1836. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1837, ch. 197. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 10, 1837, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 13, 1838 (Laws of Maryland, 1837, ch. 84), enacting that “an act to amend the Constitution and Form of Government of the State of Maryland, passed at December session eighteen hundred and thirty six, chapter one hundred and ninety-seven, be, and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

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Failed Amendment of 1838

An act for the establishment of a municipal jurisdiction over a part of Anne Arundel County, and to alter and change the Constitution of this State, as far as may be necessary to effect the same1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That after the confirmation of this act, there shall be established in Anne Arundel County, a district included within the following boundaries, to wit: beginning for the same at the intersection of the west shore of Deep Run with the southern shore of the Patapsco River, at or near Ellicott's furnace, and running thence southerly with said Deep Run, until it reaches the Baltimore and Washington Rail Road; and thence with the said rail road and including the same until it reaches the southwestern line of Anne Arundel county on the big Patuxent River, and thence with the said river, and the lines of said county until it intersects the northwestern point of said county; and running thence with the lines of Carroll and Baltimore counties to the place of beginning as above mentioned and that the said district shall be called Howard District of Anne Arundel county. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That to aid in administering justice and providing for the peculiar wants and necessities in civil and police matters of the people of said district, there shall from time to time as occasion may require, be appointed or elected therein, as the case may be, a Register of Wills, a Sheriff and a Clerk of the Court, to be established therein, which said officers shall have the same qualifications, hold their of-

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fices by the same tenure and be appointed or elected therein in the same manner with similar officers in the several counties of this State. S ECT. 3. And be it further enacted, That upon the confirmation of this act it shall be the duty of the Executive of this State to issue writs for the election of a Sheriff by the people of said district within thirty days thereafter, who shall serve until the time of the next general election of this State, and the citizens of Anne Arundel county, now inhabitants of the fourth election district thereof and residing in the said Howard district, shall until otherwise provided by law, vote at all elections at the fifth election district of Anne Arundel county, and it is hereby declared that the people of said Howard district when established, shall vote at the fifth and sixth election districts for Anne Arundel county, as now established by law, in all their future elections, and until regulated by law according to the Constitution of this State. S ECT. 4. And be it further enacted, That upon the confirmation of this act, a court shall be established and styled the Court of Howard District of Anne Arundel county; that the Judges of the third judicial district of this State shall be the judges thereof, and presentments, indictments, suits and actions at law may be removed to and from the court of the Howard district of Anne Arundel county,

FAILED A MENDMENT OF 1838 in the same manner as if it were one of the county courts of this State. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly after the next election of Delegates, at the first regular session after such new election, according to the Constitution and form of Government, that in such case this alteration and amendment of the Constitution and form of Government shall constitute and be valid as a part thereof, and every thing therein contained repugnant to or inconsistent with this act be repealed and abolished.

S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That all charges and expenses growing out of the subdivision of Anne Arundel county shall be assessed solely on the property within Howard district.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday, the 30th day of December, 1838, and ended on Saturday, the 6th day of April, 1839. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1838, ch. 22. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on January 25, 1839, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

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Amendment of 1839 An act to amend the Constitution and form of Government of this State, limiting the future sessions of the General Assembly1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That all future Sessions of the General Assembly of this State, shall close on the tenth day of March, in each and every year, unless the same shall be closed at an earlier day, by the agreement of the two houses. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly, at its first session after the next election of delegates to the General Assembly, then this act and the amendment to the constitution therein contained, shall constitute and be valid, as a part of said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding; and pro-

392

vided, this act shall be published at least three months before such new election.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday, the 30th day of December, 1838, and ended on Saturday, the 6th day of April, 1839. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by Jeremiah Hughes, 1838, ch. 411. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on April 6, 1839, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on March 20, 1840 (Laws of Maryland, 1839, ch. 2), enacting that “an act to amend the Constitution and Form of Government of this State, limiting the future sessions of the General Assembly, passed at December session eighteen hundred and thirty-eight, chapter four hundred and eleven, be and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

First Amendment of 1841 An act to amend the Constitution and Form of Government of the State of Maryland1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That, upon the resignation of a Senator during the recess of the Senate, communicated, in writing, to the Governor, or upon the death of any Senator during the recess, it shall be the duty of the Governor to issue a warrant of election, to supply vacancies thus created, in the same manner as the President of the Senate for the time being is authorised to do in virtue of an act to amend the constitution and form of government of the State of Maryland, chapter one hundred and ninetyseven, passed at December session, eighteen hundred and thirty-six, and confirmed December session, eighteen hundred and thirty-seven.2 S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That, in all cases of resignation or death, as aforesaid, the elections to supply the vacancies shall take place at the time and places of the annual election of delegates, unless such resignation or death shall occur between the first day of September and the meeting of the General Assembly in any year; in which event elections shall be held at such time as shall be directed by the Governor, with such notice as is provided by the act of Assembly for the amendments of the constitution and form of government, as aforesaid. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the provisions of the fourteenth and fifteenth sections of the act of December session of the year eighteen hundred and thirty-

six, chapter one hundred and ninety-seven, be, and the same are hereby declared to extend to the offices of the Judges of the several Judicial Districts of this State, and to all other offices of this State known to the constitution, concerning the appointment of which no other mode shall have been or may hereafter be provided, so as to authorise the Governor to nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint to said offices, in case of vacancies occurring therein; and to fill any vacancies that may occur during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions, which shall expire on the appointment of the same person, or of any other person, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to the said offices, or at the expiration of one calendar month ensuing the commencement of the next regular session of the Senate, whichever shall first occur.

S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly, after a new election of delegates, in the first session after such new election, agreeably to the provisions of the constitution and form of government, then, and in such case, this act and the alterations and amendments of the constitution therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid as a part of said constitution and form of government, any thing in the said constitution and form of

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M ARYLAND government to the contrary notwithstanding.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday, the 28th day of December, 1840, and ended on Wednesday, the 10th day of March, 1841. Published by Authority, Annapo-

394

lis: William M’Neir, Printer, 1841, ch. 230. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 9, 1841, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 3, 1842 (Laws of Maryland, 1841 ch. 62), enacting that “an act to amend the constitution and form of government of the State of Maryland, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2

Second Amendment of 1837 (q.v.).

Second Amendment of 1841 An act to alter and amend the Constitution of this State1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That it shall not be lawful for the Legislature of this State, to authorise any loans upon the credit of this State, which are not redeemable at the pleasure of the State, until the proposed loans are sanctioned by an act passed at the session of the General Assembly next succeeding that at which they are proposed and passed, so that the opinion of the people of the State may be expressed thereon.

S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed at the next General Assembly, the same shall be considered as

a part of the constitution and form of government of this State.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a session begun and held at Annapolis, on Wednesday, the 24th day of March, 1841, and ended on Wednesday, the 7th day of April, 1841. Published by Authority, Annapolis: William M’Neir, Printer, 1841, ch. 55. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on April 6, 1841, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on March 10, 1842 (Laws of Maryland, 1841 ch. 319), enacting that “an act to alter and amend the constitution of this State, passed April sixth, eighteen hundred and forty-one, chapter fifty-five, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

395

Failed Amendment of 1842

An act to amend the constitution of the State of Maryland by taking from the Legislature the power of pledging the credit of the State in aid of works of internal improvement by any future issue of State bonds1

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That from and after the confirmation of this act by the next General Assembly, it shall not be lawful for the legislature of this State to aid in the making of any rail roads, canals or other works of internal improvement by the passage of any law or resolution authorizing any loan or the issue of any bonds or other evidences of debt for the resumption of which this State may be

396

or become in any manner responsible.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday, the 26th Day of December 1842, and Ended on Friday, the 10th Day of March 1843. Published by Authority, Annapolis: William M’Neir, Printer, 1843, ch. 276. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 10, 1843, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

Amendment of 1843 An act to change the Constitution and form of Government of this State, as to provide for the election of a Sheriff in and for Baltimore County, and a Sheriff in and for the City of Baltimore1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That if this act shall be confirmed by the next General Assembly, the constitution and form of government of this state shall be so altered and amended, that at the next election for sheriff and every third year thereafter, a sheriff shall be elected by the voters of Baltimore county, excluding the city of Baltimore, as sheriffs are now elected in other counties of this state; and shall exclusively perform the duties of sheriff within the limits of said county, excluding Baltimore city, and shall perform such duties within the city of Baltimore as shall be necessary for the proper performance of his duties as sheriff of said county, as the legislature shall by law hereafter direct. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That at the next election for sheriff and every third year

thereafter, a sheriff shall be elected for the city of Baltimore, by the voters residing in said city, whose duties shall be confined to the limits of said city, in the same manner as sheriffs are now elected for the counties of this state.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, at a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday, the 26th Day of December 1842, and Ended on Friday, the 10th Day of March, 1843. Published by Authority, Annapolis: William M’Neir, Printer, 1843, ch. 246. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 8, 1843, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 28, 1844 (Laws of Maryland, 1843 ch. 184), enacting that “an act to change the constitution of this State as to provide for the election of a Sheriff in and for Baltimore county and a sheriff in and for the city of Baltimore, be, and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

397

Amendment of 1844 An act to amend the Constitution and Form of Government of this State, prohibiting any money being drawn from the Treasury of the State, but in consequence of appropriations made by law1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That no money shall be drawn from the Treasury of this State, but in consequence of appropriations made by law. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly, at its first session after the next election of delegates to the General Assembly, then this act and the amendment to the Constitution therein contained, shall constitute and be valid as a part of said Constitution and Form of Government to all intents and purposes, and every thing therein contained, repug-

398

nant to this act be repealed and abolished. 1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session Begun and Held at Annapolis, on Monday, the 25th Day of December, 1843, and Ended on Saturday, the 9th Day of March 1844. Published by Authority, Annapolis: William M’Neir, Printer, 1844, ch. 339. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 9, 1844, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on February 14, 1845 (Laws of Maryland, 1844, ch. 86), enacting that “an act to amend the Constitution and Form of Government of this State, prohibiting any money being drawn from the Treasury of the State, but in consequence of appropriations made by law, be and the same is hereby confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

Amendment of 1846 An act to alter and amend the Constitution and form of Government of the State of Maryland, so as to substitute Biennial for Annual sessions of the Legislature, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the first election for delegates held in pursuance of this act, shall take place on the first Wednesday of October, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty-seven, and on that day forever thereafter, elections for delegates shall be held once in two years. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the delegates elected on the first Wednesday in October, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, and at all succeeding elections forever thereafter, shall be chosen for two years. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the General Assembly shall meet on the last Monday in December, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, and on the same day in every second year forever thereafter, and at no other time, unless convened by proclamation of the Governor, who shall have full power to convene the same, whenever he may deem it expedient and proper. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That from and after the first election of delegates, held in pursuance of this act, the officers to be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, as now provided, shall be biennial instead of annual. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That it shall be the duty of the Treasurer of Maryland,

to transmit a written statement of the condition of the finances of the State, to the Governor, on the first Monday of January, eighteen hundred and forty-eight, and on the same day in every year thereafter, in which the legislature does not convene. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly, after a new election of delegates, at the first session after such new election, agreeably to the provisions of the constitution and form of government, then and in such case, this act, and the alterations and amendments of the constitution therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid, as a part of said constitution and form of government, any thing in the said constitution and form of government to the contrary notwithstanding. And whereas, it is to be desired, that the next legislature may know whether so important an alteration in the constitution and form of government of this State, as is contemplated by this act, is in accordance with the will of the people; therefore, S ECT. 72 . And be it enacted, That at the next annual election, for delegates to the General Assembly of Maryland, the judges of election of the several cities and counties of this State, shall inquire of each voter, as he casts his ballot, whether he is for or

399

M ARYLAND against the provisions of this bill, and shall record his vote accordingly, and the said judges shall make a due return of the respective number of votes cast for, and those against the same, in the same manner as returns are now made of the votes cast for the Governor of this State; and any judge of election failing to make return as aforesaid, shall be subject to all the penalties for the non-compliance with the existing election laws of this State. 1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a session

400

begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday, the 29th day of December, 1845, and ended on the 10th day of March, 1846. Published by Authority, Annapolis: William M’Neir, Printer, 1846, ch. 269. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The amendment was passed on February 21, 1846, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on March 5, 1847 (Laws of Maryland, 1846, ch. 306), enacting that “an act to alter and amend the constitution and form of Government of the State of Maryland, so as to substitute biennial for annual sessions of the Legislature, and for other purposes, passed at December session, eighteen hundred and forty-five, chapter two hundred and sixty-nine be, and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment. 2 In Session Law print, “6”.

Failed Amendment of 1846

An act to alter and change all such parts of the Constitution and Form of Government of this State, as relate to the appointment of a Treasurer therefor1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That so much of the constitution and form of government of this State, as relates to the appointment of the treasurer of this State, and directs that he shall be appointed by the House of Delegates during their pleasure be, and the same is hereby repealed, abrogated and annulled, and that from and after the confirmation of this act, in the manner hereinafter provided, the said treasurer shall be appointed by the concurrent vote of the two Houses of the General Assembly. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That the treasurer who may be in office at time of the confirmation of this act, shall continue and remain therein, until a successor shall be appointed in the manner hereinbefore provided, and shall qualify as by existing laws is required. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That if this act

shall be confirmed by the General Assembly, after a new election of Delegates in the first session after such new election, as the constitution and form of Government directs, in such case this act and the alterations in the constitution and form of government therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid as a part of said constitution and form of government, to all intents and purposes, anything in the said constitution and form of government to the contrary notwithstanding.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a session begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday, the 28th day of December, 1846, and ended on the 10th day of March, 1847. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by William M’Neir, 1847, ch. 351. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. The amendment was passed on March 10, 1847, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

401

Amendment of 1847 An act to alter and amend the Constitution and Form of Government of the State of Maryland, so as to make the Returns of Election for Governor to the Chancellor of this State, and for other purposes1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the returns of the election for Governor, in the year eighteen hundred and fifty, and forever thereafter, shall be made in like manner as in electors of president and vice president, save that form of the certificate shall be varied to suit the case; and save also, that the returns, instead of being made to the Governor, shall be made to the Chancellor of the State, and addressed to the Chancellor of Maryland, under cover by the several judges of elections, in the different counties of this State, Howard District and the city of Baltimore. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That, of the persons voted for as Governor at any such election, the person having, in the judgment of the Chancellor, the highest number of legal votes, and possessing the legal qualifications, and resident in the district from which the Governor, at such election, is to be taken, shall be declared, by proclamation of the Chancellor, within ten days after such election returns have been received, duly elected Governor of Maryland, and shall qualify as such in the manner prescribed by the constitution and laws of this State, on the first Monday of January next ensuing his election, or as soon thereafter as may be. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That excepting the cases hereinafter provided, the Chan-

402

cellor shall decide all questions in relation to the number and legality of the votes given for each and every person voted for as Governor, and in relation to the returns, and in relation to the qualification of persons voted for as Governor. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That in case two or more persons, legally qualified according to the provisions of the constitution of this State, shall have an equal number of legal votes, then and in that case the Chancellor shall communicate the fact, within ten days after the reception of the election returns of the State, in writing to the then Governor, whose duty it shall be, and who is hereby authorised and directed to convene, by proclamation, upon reasonable notice, the General Assembly, before whom the Chancellor shall forthwith lay all the election returns, and the Senate and House of Delegates, upon joint ballot, shall determine which one of them shall be Governor, and the one which, upon counting the ballots, shall have the highest number of votes, shall be Governor, and shall qualify as such. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That in case any one voted for at such an election as Governor, and possessing the legal qualifications, according to the constitution of this State, shall come forward within thirty days after such election, and make oath, before the Chancellor of Maryland, that he

A MENDMENT OF 1847 has good and sufficient reason to believe that corruption existed on the part of the judges of elections, or any of them, and that he is prepared to prove the fact, or that he is prepared to prove that a sufficient number of illegal votes were cast at such election as to defeat the election of the candidate who may have the returns, then in that case, or either of them, the Chancellor shall, without delay, communicate, in writing, to the then Governor of the State, all the facts in the premises, and upon such representation of facts, the Governor is hereby authorised and directed to convene, by proclamation, upon reasonable notice, the Senate of Maryland, before whom the Chancellor shall forthwith lay all the election returns for Governor, with the affidavit of the contestant; the Senate, when so convened, shall decide all questions in relation to the number or legality of the votes given for each and any person voted for as Governor, and in relation to the returns, and in relation to the qualification of the persons voted for as Governor, and all other questions growing out of such a state of facts, shall be decided by the Senate. S ECT. 6. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General As-

sembly, after a new election of delegates, at the first session after such new election, agreeably to the provisions of the constitution and form of government, then and in such case, this act, and the alterations and amendments of the constitution therein contained, shall be taken and considered, and shall constitute and be valid as a part of said constitution and form of government, anything in the said constitution and form of government to the contrary notwithstanding.

1 Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a session begun and held at Annapolis, on Monday, the 28th day of December, 1846, and ended on the 10th day of March, 1847. Published by Authority, Annapolis: Printed by William M’Neir, 1847, ch. 342. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 10, 1847, and was ratified by the subsequent General Assembly on March 9, 1848 (Laws of Maryland, 1847, ch. 304), enacting that “an act to alter and amend the constitution and form of government of the State of Maryland, so as to make the returns of election for Governor to the Chancellor of this State, and for other purposes, passed at December session eighteen hundred and forty-six, chapter three hundred and forty-two, be and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed”. The ratification act did not repeat the text of the amendment.

403

Failed Amendment of 1849

An act to alter and amend the Constitution and Form of Government, so as to provide for the election of Clerks and Registers of Wills immediately by the people1

S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That on the first Wednesday of October, in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-two, and in every seven years afterwards, and in every year in which a vacancy, as mentioned in the third section of this act shall occur, the persons legally qualified to vote for delegates to the General Assembly of Maryland, in each of the counties, Baltimore city, and Howard District, shall elect, by ballot, a clerk of the county, city or district court, as the case may be, and a Register of Wills for their respective counties and Howard District, and that the election for the aforesaid Clerks and Registers shall be held, conducted and certified in all respects, like elections for Sheriff, except that a voter shall not vote for more than one person for Clerk, nor for more than one person for Register, and the Governor shall commission such person for Clerk or Register, as the case may be, who shall have received the greatest number of votes, and in case two or more persons shall receive an equal number of votes for Clerk or Register, the Governor shall, as soon as he shall have ascertained the same, order a new election, and direct his order to the Sheriff of the county, city, or Howard District, as the case may be, requiring him to hold a new election on some day to be specified in such order, within forty days of the time of the issuing thereof, and the Sheriff shall give at least ten days public notice of the

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time and places of holding such elections; and in case of a second contested election, the Governor shall determine the same, and commission the person he may ascertain to have been fairly elected, or, in his discretion, may order a new election, as in cases of a tie, as hereinbefore provided for; provided, that the Governor shall not commission any person as Clerk or Register, within twenty days after the election of such Clerk or Register, so that if the election be contested, the party contesting it may communicate to the Governor a written objection within that time to issuing a commission, and if no objection be so communicated within the period aforesaid, the Governor shall commission the person returned to him as elected, or ascertained by him to have been elected, in the case of a second contested election. S ECT. 2. And be it enacted, That each of the officers, whose elections are provided for in this act, shall be citizens of this State, and actual residents for the space of twelve months preceding said election, in the county, city or district, as the case may be, for which they are respectively elected. S ECT. 3. And be it enacted, That the present incumbents shall continue in office until Clerks and Registers are elected under this law, and commissioned and qualified, and that all future incumbents, elected under this act, shall hold their respective offices

FAILED A MENDMENT OF 1849 till their successors shall be commissioned and qualified. S ECT. 4. And be it enacted, That in case of a vacancy in either of said offices, by removal or otherwise, the Governor, in the manner now fixed and established by the constitution of this State, shall appoint a suitable person to fill the place, until the annual election in October, ensuing next thereafter, when said vacancy shall be filled by a new election. S ECT. 5. And be it enacted, That if this act shall be confirmed by the General Assembly of Maryland, after a new election of delegates, then this act, and the alterations and amendments herein provided, shall be taken and considered as, and constitute a

part of the Constitution and Form of Government of this State, anything contained in said Constitution and Form of Government to the contrary thereof, notwithstanding, and every matter and article in said Constitution and Form of Government, in any manner conflicting with any provision contained in this act shall, and the same is hereby repealed, annulled, and abrogated.

1

Verified by Laws Made and Passed by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, At a Session begun and held at the City of Annapolis, on Monday, the 31st day of December 1849, and ended on Saturday, the 9th day of March 1850. Published by Authority, Annapolis: William M’Neir, Printer, 1850, ch. 348. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Session Law print. The amendment was passed on March 5, 1850, but was not ratified by the subsequent General Assembly.

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Failed Constitution of Maryland (1792)

The Constitution, &c.1

S ECT. I. That the legislature consist of two distinct branches, a Senate, and a House of Delegates, which shall be styled The General Assembly of Maryland. S ECT. II. That the house of delegates shall be chosen in the following manner: All free men, with the exception in the seventh section herein after expressed, above twenty-one years of age, having a freehold of fifty acres of land in the county in which they offer to vote, and actually and bonâ fide residing therein; and all free men having property in this state above the value of thirty pounds current money, and having actually and bonâ fide resided in the county in which they offer to vote one whole year next preceding the election, shall have a right of suffrage in the election of delegates for such county; and all free men so qualified, shall, on the first Monday of October, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, and on the same day in every second year thereafter, assemble in the counties in which they are respectively qualified to vote, at the court-house in the said counties, or at such other place as the legislature shall direct, and when assembled, they shall proceed to elect, viva voce, four delegates for their respective counties, of the most wise, sensible, and discreet of the people, actually and bonâ fide residents in the county where they are to be chosen one whole year next preceding the election, above twenty-one years of age, and upon the final casting of the polls, the four persons who shall appear to have the greatest number of legal votes, shall be declared and returned duly elected for their respec-

tive county; and the legislature may, from time to time, direct by law in what manner, other than by oath or affirmation, the qualifications of candidates and voters shall be ascertained, and may make such regulations as may effectually preserve the most perfect freedom and fairness at elections. S ECT. III. That the sheriff of each county, or in case of sickness, his deputy, (summoning two justices of the county, who are required to attend for the preservation of the peace,) shall be judge of the election, and may adjourn from day to day, if necessary, till the same be finished, so that the whole election shall be concluded in four days; and shall make his return thereof under his hand, to the chancellor of this state for the time being; and every judge of an election, before he proceeds to receive any vote, shall take the following oath, to wit: “I, A. B. do swear, that I will permit all persons to vote who shall offer to poll at the election now to be held for –––– county, the city of Annapolis, or Baltimore-town, who in my judgment and conscience shall be qualified and entitled to vote at the said election, according to the direction of the constitution and form of government; and that I will not admit any person to vote at the said election, if such person is not, in my judgment and conscience, qualified and entitled as aforesaid; and will in all things execute the office of judge of the said election according to the best of my knowledge, without favour, affection, or partiality;” and every candidate, or any three voters, shall have a right to object to any person offering to vote, and to have the objection

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M ARYLAND entered on the poll, if it be over-ruled; and every clerk of an election, before he enters any vote on the polls, shall take the following oath, or affirmation, to wit: “I, A. B. do swear, or affirm, that I will well and faithfully, without favour, affection, or partiality, execute the office of clerk of the election for –––– county, the city of Annapolis, or Baltimore-town, according to the best of my knowledge.” S ECT. IV. That all persons, with the exception in the seventh section herein after expressed, qualified by the charter of the city of Annapolis to vote for burgesses, shall, on the same first Monday of October, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, and on the same day in every second year for ever thereafter, elect, viva voce, by a majority of votes, two delegates, qualified agreeable to the said charter; that the mayor, recorder and aldermen, of the said city, or any three of them, be judges of the election, appoint the place in the said city for holding the same, and may adjourn from day to day as aforesaid, and shall make return thereof as aforesaid; but the inhabitants of the said city shall not be entitled to vote for delegates for Anne Arundel county, unless they have a freehold of fifty acres of land in the county, distinct from the city. S ECT. V. That all persons, inhabitants of Baltimore-town, and having the same qualifications as electors in the county, shall, on the same first Monday of October, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, and on the same day in every second year for ever thereafter, at such place in the said town as the judges shall appoint, elect, viva voce, by a majority of votes, two delegates, qualified as aforesaid; but if the said inhabitants of the town shall so decrease, as that the number of persons having right of suffrage therein shall have been, for the space of seven years successively, less than one half of the number of voters in some one county in this state, such town thenceforward shall

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cease to send two delegates or representatives to the house of delegates, until the said town shall have one half of the number of voters in some one county in this state. S ECT. VI. That the commissioners of the said town, or any three or more of them, for the time being, shall be judges of the said election, and may adjourn as aforesaid, and shall make return thereof as aforesaid; but the inhabitants of the said town shall not be entitled to vote for, or be elected delegates for, Baltimore county, neither shall the inhabitants of Baltimore county, out of the limits of Baltimore-town, be entitled to vote for, or be elected delegates for, the said town. S ECT. VII. That no negro or mulatto, whether born free or manumitted, or made free under any past, present, or future law of this state, and no issue of any such negro or mulatto, shall be entitled to the privilege of voting at any election, or of being elected to the legislature or the council, or as an elector of the senate, or of being appointed to any office whatsoever. S ECT. VIII. That on refusal, death, disqualification, resignation, or removal out of this state, of any delegate, a warrant of election shall issue by the speaker, for the election of another in his place, of which ten days notice at the least, excluding the day of notice and the day of election, shall be given. S ECT. IX. That not less than a majority of the delegates, with their speaker, (to be chosen by them by ballot) shall constitute a house for the transacting any business, other than that of adjourning. S ECT. X. That the house of delegates shall judge of the elections and qualifications of delegates. S ECT. XI. That the house of delegates may originate all money bills, propose bills to the senate, or receive those offered by

FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1792) that body, and assent, dissent, or propose amendments; that they may inquire, on the oath of witnesses, into all complaints, grievances and offences, as the grand inquest of this state, and may commit any person for any crime to the public gaol, there to remain till he be discharged by due course of law; they may expel any member for a great misdemeanor, but not a second time for the same cause; they may examine and pass all accounts of the state, relating either to the collection or expenditure of the revenue, or appoint auditors to state and adjust the same; they may call for all public or official papers and records, and send for persons, whom they may judge necessary, in the course of their inquiries, concerning affairs relating to the public interest, and may direct all office bonds (which shall be made payable to the state) to be sued for any breach of duty. S ECT. XII. That the senate may be at full and perfect liberty to exercise their judgment in passing laws, and may originate any other except money bills, and may propose amendments to money bills, and may receive any other bills from the house of delegates, and assent, dissent, or propose amendments: And, to prevent altercation about money bills, it is declared, that no bill imposing duties or customs for the mere regulation of commerce, or inflicting fines for the reformation of morals, or to enforce the execution of the laws, by which an incidental revenue may arise, shall be accounted a money bill; but every bill assessing, levying, or applying taxes or supplies for the support of government, or the current expences of the state, or appropriating money in the treasury, shall be deemed a money bill. S ECT. XIII. That the house of delegates may punish, by imprisonment, any person who shall be guilty of a contempt in their view, by any disorderly or riotous behaviour, or by threats to, or abuse of, their members,

or by any obstruction to their proceedings; they may also punish, by imprisonment, any person who shall be guilty of a breach of privilege, by arresting on civil process, or by assaulting, any of their members, during their sitting, or on their way to or return from the house of delegates, or by any assault of or obstruction to their officers, in the execution of any order or process, or by assaulting or obstructing any witness, or any other person, attending on, or on their way to or from, the house, or by rescuing any person committed by the house; and the senate may exercise the same power in similar cases. S ECT. XIV. That the treasurers (one for the western and another for the eastern shore,) and the commissioners of the loanoffice, may be appointed by the house of delegates during their pleasure, and in case of refusal, death, resignations, disqualification, or removal out of the state, of any of the said commissioners or treasurers, in the recess of the general assembly, the governor, with the advice of the council, may appoint and commission a fit and proper person to such vacant office, to hold the same until the meeting of the next general assembly. S ECT. XV. That the senate be chosen in the following manner: All persons, qualified as aforesaid to vote for county delegates, shall, on the first Monday of September, seventeen hundred and ninety-six, and on the same day in every fifth year for ever thereafter, elect, viva voce, by a majority of votes, two persons for their respective counties, qualified as aforesaid to be elected county delegates, to be electors of the senate; and the sheriff of each county, or in case of sickness, his deputy, (summoning two justices of the county, who are required to attend, for the preservation of the peace,) shall hold and be judge of the said election, which may be adjourned and continued for four days, and no longer, and make return thereof as aforesaid: And all persons, quali-

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M ARYLAND fied as aforesaid to vote for delegates for the city of Annapolis and Baltimore-town, shall, on the same first Monday of September, seventeen hundred and ninety-six, and on the same day in every fifth year for ever thereafter, elect viva voce, by a majority of votes, one person for the said city and town respectively, qualified as aforesaid to be elected a delegate for the said city and town respectively; the said election to be held in the same manner as the election of delegates for the said city and town, the right to elect the said elector, with respect to Baltimoretown, to continue as long as the right to elect delegates for the said town. S ECT. XVI. That the said electors of the senate meet at the city of Annapolis, or such other place as shall be appointed for convening the legislature, on the third Monday in September, seventeen hundred and ninetysix, and on the same day in every fifth year for ever thereafter, and they, or any twentyfour of them so met, shall proceed to elect, by ballot, either out of their own body, or the people at large, fifteen senators, (nine of whom to be residents on the western, and six to be residents on the eastern shore,) men of the most wisdom, experience and virtue, above twenty-five years of age, actually and bonâ fide residents of the state above three whole years next preceding the election. S ECT. XVII. That the senators shall be balloted for at one and the same time, and out of the gentlemen, residents as aforesaid of the western shore, who shall be proposed as senators, the nine who shall, on striking the ballots, appear to have the greatest numbers in their favour, shall be accordingly declared and returned duly elected; and out of the gentlemen, residents as aforesaid of the eastern shore, who shall be proposed as senators, the six who shall, on striking the ballots, appear to have the greatest numbers in their favour, shall be accordingly de-

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clared and returned duly elected; and if two or more on the same shore shall have an equal number of ballots in their favour, by which the choice shall not be determined on the first ballot, then the electors shall again ballot before they separate, in which they shall be confined to the persons who on the first ballot shall have had an equal number; and they who shall have the greatest number in their favour on the second ballot, shall be accordingly declared and returned duly elected; and if the whole number should not thus be made up, because of an equal number on the second ballot still being in favour of two or more persons, then the election shall be determined by lot, between those who have equal numbers; which proceedings of the electors shall be certified under their hands, and returned to the chancellor for the time being. S ECT. XVIII. That the electors of senators shall judge of the qualifications and elections of members of their body, and on a contested election, shall admit to a seat, as an elector, such qualified person as shall appear to them to have the greatest number of legal votes in his favour. S ECT. XIX. That the electors, immediately on their meeting, and before they proceed to the election of senators, shall take the oath of support and fidelity to this state herein after expressed, and also an oath, “to preserve and support the constitution and form of government of this state, and to perform the duties of an elector of the senate.” S ECT. XX. That any citizen of this state, elected a member of the general assembly, or an elector of the senate, who is conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath in any case, and who is permitted by the constitution and form of government to affirm in certain cases, may, on taking his seat in the legislature, or as an elector of the senate,

FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1792) take his solemn affirmation, or declaration, instead of the oath prescribed. S ECT. XXI. That in case any vacancy shall hereafter happen in the senate, by the refusal to act, death, resignation, disqualification, or removal out of this state, by any person elected a member of the senate, the same shall be filled up, if it shall happen during the recess of the general assembly, within one week after the meeting thereof, and if during the session, it shall be filled up within one week after such vacancy shall happen, in manner following, to wit: The house of delegates shall, by ballot, appoint nine of their body then present, and the said nine, or a majority of them, shall, by ballot, nominate to the senate three qualified persons, and out of such nomination the senate shall elect one person, by ballot, to fill the vacancy for the residue of the five years. S ECT. XXII. That not less than a majority of the senate, with their president, (to be chosen by them by ballot,) shall constitute a house for the transacting any business, other than that of adjourning. S ECT. XXIII. That the senate shall judge of the elections and qualification of senators. S ECT. XXIV. That the general assembly meet annually, on the first Monday of November, and if necessary, oftener. S ECT. XXV. That each house shall appoint its own officers, and settle its own rules of proceeding. S ECT. XXVI. That a person of wisdom, experience and virtue, shall be elected governor by the electors of the senate, when assembled to elect senators in the year seventeen hundred and ninety-six, and for ever thereafter by the electors of the senate when so assembled; and the said election of governor shall be made in the same manner as the election of senators; and no person shall

be capable of serving as governor longer than ten years successively; and if any person elected governor shall refuse to act, die, resign, be disqualified, or remove out of the state, the first named of the council shall qualify and act, and call the general assembly, as the constitution directs, and the vacancy shall be supplied and filled as follows: The house of delegates shall, by ballot, appoint nine of their body then present, and the said nine, or a majority of them, shall, by ballot, nominate to the senate three qualified persons, and out of that nomination the senate shall elect one person, by ballot, to fill the vacancy for the residue of the five years. S ECT. XXVII. That no person, unless above twenty-five years of age, a resident actually and bonâ fide in this state above five years next preceding the election, with an exception as to such persons as shall be absent on the public business of the United States, or this state, shall be eligible as governor. S ECT. XXVIII. That upon the death, resignation, or removal out of this state, of the governor, the first named of the council for the time being shall act as governor, and qualify in the same manner, and shall immediately call a meeting of the general assembly, giving not less than fourteen days notice of the meeting, at which meeting a governor shall be appointed, in manner aforesaid, for the residue of the year. S ECT. XXIX. That the council to the governor shall consist of three of the most sensible, discreet and experienced men, above twenty-five years of age, residents actually and bonâ fide in this state above three years next preceding the election, with an exception as to such persons as shall be absent on the public business of the United States, or this state, and shall be elected by the electors of the senate when assembled to

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M ARYLAND elect senators in the year seventeen hundred and ninety-six, and for ever thereafter by the electors of the senate when so assembled; and the said election of the council shall be made in the same manner as the election of senators, and no person shall be capable of acting as a member of the council longer than ten years successively: And if any person elected a member of the council shall refuse to act, die, resign, or remove out of the state, during the recess of the general assembly, the members thereof, immediately thereupon, or at their next meeting thereafter, shall elect, by ballot, another person, qualified as aforesaid, in his place, until the meeting of the general assembly; and in the first week of the session the said vacancy shall be supplied as follows, to wit: The house of delegates shall, by ballot, appoint nine of their body then present, and the said nine, or a majority of them, shall, by ballot, nominate to the senate three qualified persons, and out of such nomination the senate shall elect one person, by ballot, to fill the vacancy for the residue of the five years; and if any member of the council, or the person so elected, shall refuse to act, die, resign, or remove out of the state, during the sitting of the general assembly, such vacancy shall be filled up in like manner; and if during the recess of the general assembly, such vacancy shall be filled up by the members of the council in manner aforesaid, until the next meeting of the general assembly, and, in such case, the said vacancy shall be filled up in manner aforesaid, and so toties quoties whenever a vacancy shall happen it shall be filled up as herein before directed. That the proceedings of the council shall be always entered on record, to any part whereof any member may enter his dissent, and their advice, if so required by the governor, or any member of the council, shall be given in writing, and signed by the members giving the same respectively; which proceedings of the council

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shall be laid before the senate, or house of delegates, when called for by them, or either of them. The council may appoint their own clerk, who shall take such oath of support and fidelity to this state, as the legislature, shall direct, and of secrecy, in such matters as he shall be directed by the board to keep secret. S ECT. XXX. That the senate and delegates may adjourn themselves respectively, but if the two houses should not agree on the same time, but adjourn to different days, then shall the governor appoint and notify one of those days, or some day between, and the assembly shall then meet and be held accordingly, and he shall, if necessary, by advice of the council, call them before the time to which they shall in any manner be adjourned, on giving not less than ten days notice thereof; but the governor shall not adjourn the assembly otherwise than as aforesaid, nor prorogue or dissolve it at any time. S ECT. XXXI. That the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the council, may embody the militia, and when embodied, shall alone have the direction thereof, and shall also have the direction of all the regular land and sea forces under the laws of this state, but he shall not command in person, unless advised thereto by the council, and then only so long as they shall approve thereof, and may alone exercise all other the executive powers of government, where the concurrence of the council is not required, according to the laws of this state, and grant reprieves or pardons for any crime, except in such cases where the law shall otherwise direct; and may, during the recess of the general assembly, lay embargoes to prevent the departure of any shipping, or the exportation of any commodities, for any time not exceeding thirty days in any one year, summoning the general assembly to meet within the time of the continuance of such

FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1792) embargo, and may also order and compel any vessel to ride quarantine, if such vessel, or the port from which she shall have come, shall, on strong grounds, be suspected to be infected with the plague; but the governor shall not, under any pretence, exercise any power or prerogative, by virtue of any law, statute or custom, of England or GreatBritain. S ECT. XXXII. That the members of the council, or any two or more of them, when convened, shall constitute a board for the transacting of business; that the governor for the time being shall preside in the council, and be entitled to a vote on all questions in which they shall be divided in opinion; and, in the absence of the governor, the first named of the council shall preside, and as such shall also vote in all cases where the other members disagree in their opinion. S ECT. XXXIII. That any member of the senate, or of the house of delegates, may, during the time for which he shall have been elected, be appointed to any civil office under this state, which shall not be created, or the emoluments whereof shall not be increased, during such time. S ECT. XXXIV. That the council shall have power to make the great seal of this state, which shall be kept by the chancellor for the time being, and affixed to all laws, commissions, grants, and other public testimonials, as has been heretofore practised in this state. S ECT. XXXV. That no senator, delegate of the assembly, or member of the council, if he shall qualify as such, shall hold or execute any office of profit, or receive the profits of any office exercised by any other person, while he acts as such; nor shall any governor be capable of holding any other office of profit in this state while he acts as such; and no person holding a place of profit, or receiving any part of the profits thereof, or receiv-

ing the profits, or any part of the profits, arising on any agency for the supply of cloathing or provisions for the army or navy, or holding any office under the United States, or any of them, or a minister or preacher of the gospel of any denomination, or any person employed in the regular land service, or marine, of this or the United States, shall have a seat in the general assembly or the council of this state. S ECT. XXXVI. That if any senator, delegate to congress or assembly, or member of the council, shall hold or execute any office of profit, or receive, directly or indirectly, at any time, the profits, or any part of the profits, of any office exercised by any other person, during his acting as senator, delegate to congress or assembly, or member of the council, his seat, on conviction in a court of law by the oath of two credible witnesses, shall be void, and he shall be banished this state for ever, or disqualified for ever from holding any office or place of trust or profit, as the court may adjudge. S ECT. XXXVII. That all military, naval, militia, and civil officers, (except only the auditor of the public accounts, commissioners and collectors of the public taxes, the treasurers, the registers of wills, the register of the chancery court, the clerks of the court of appeals, general and county courts, the prosecutors of presentments and indictments in the county courts, constables, and overseers or commissioners of the roads, or of the poor, all of whom shall be appointed as directed by the constitution, acts of assembly, and as herein after provided,) shall be appointed as follows: The council shall, by ballot, nominate to the governor two persons, or three if so required by him, whom they, in their judgment and conscience, believe best qualified for the office to which they are nominated, and the governor shall, after five and within ten days thereafter, appoint and commission one of the persons

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M ARYLAND so nominated; and the governor may suspend or remove any civil officer, who has not a commission during good behaviour, and may suspend any militia officer for one month, and may also suspend or remove any militia officer in pursuance of the sentence of a court-martial. All civil officers of the appointment of the governor (except only the chancellor and all judges) shall hold their commissions during pleasure; and the salaries to the governor and the council, and to the chancellor and judges, as ascertained by law, shall not be diminished during their continuance in office; and any chancellor or judge shall be removed by the governor for misbehaviour in office, on conviction in a court of law, or upon the address of the general assembly, provided two thirds of all the members of each house concur therein. S ECT. XXXVIII. That sheriffs shall be appointed annually in the month of December, and no person shall be capable of holding the office of sheriff, or of receiving the profits thereof, longer than four years successively; and no sheriff shall hold any other office at the same time; and the legislature may, from time to time, regulate the office of sheriff, and require indubitable and ample security to be given for the faithful performance of all the duties of his office. S ECT. XXXIX. That the chancellor shall appoint the register of the chancery court, and the court of appeals shall appoint their clerk, and the county courts shall appoint the prosecutor of presentments and indictments in their court, and they may respectively remove them for misbehaviour, and fill up the vacancy; and the general court and county courts may remove their respective clerks for misbehaviour, and fill up the vacancy. S ECT. XL. That no foreigner, naturalized or made by law a citizen of this state, shall be eligible as governor, or as a member of

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the general assembly, or of the council, or as an elector of the senate, or capable of holding any civil office in this state, until he shall have actually and bonâ fide resided seven years within this state next before his election or appointment. S ECT. XLI. That there be a register of wills appointed for each county, who shall be commissioned by the governor, after being elected by the joint ballot of the senate and house of delegates, to be taken in each house respectively, deposited in a conference room, the boxes to be examined by a joint committee of both houses, and the numbers severally reported, that the appointment may be entered, which mode of taking the joint ballot of both houses shall be adopted in all cases; but if two or more shall have an equal number of ballots in their favour, by which the choice shall not be determined on the first ballot, then a second ballot shall be taken, which shall be confined to the persons, who on the first ballot shall have had an equal number; and that upon the death, resignation, disqualification, or removal out of the county, by any register of wills in the recess of the general assembly, the governor, with the advice of the council, may appoint and commission a fit and proper person to such vacant office, to hold the same until the meeting of the general assembly. S ECT. XLII. That no city, town, or place, shall hereafter be incorporated, or any new county erected, with the privilege of electing a delegate, unless there shall be within the same at least eight hundred voters, and there shall not be allowed to such incorporated city, town, or place, or to such newly erected county, more than one delegate for every eight hundred voters. S ECT. XLIII. That no convention of the people, to change or alter the constitution and form of government, or the declaration

FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1792) of rights, shall be called, unless with the concurrence of at least two thirds of all the members of both branches of the legislature. S ECT. XLIV. That a justice of the peace may be eligible as a senator, delegate, or member of the council, and may continue to act as a justice of the peace. S ECT. XLV. That every person shall offer to vote for delegates or for the electors of the senate, shall (if required by any three persons qualified to vote) before he be admitted to poll, take the oath or affirmation of support and fidelity to this state directed by this constitution. S ECT. XLVI. That all civil officers hereafter to be appointed for the several counties of this state, shall have been actually and bonâ fide residents of the county respectively for which they shall be appointed, six months next before their appointment, and shall continue residents of their county respectively during their continuance in office. S ECT. XLVII. That the judges of the general court and justices of the county courts may appoint the clerks of their respective courts, and in case of refusal, death, resignation, disqualification, or removal out of the state, or from their respective shores, of the clerks of the general court, or either of them, in the vacation of the said court, and in case of the refusal, death, resignation, disqualification, or removal out of the county, of any of the said county clerks, in the vacation of the county court of which he is clerk, the governor, with the advice of the council, may appoint and commission a fit and proper person to such vacant office respectively, to hold the same until the meeting of the next general court or county court, as the case may be. S ECT. XLVIII. That the legislature shall never erect any summary jurisdiction for the

trial of any fact in any civil case without a jury, except only in cases of small debts, or trivial wrongs, not exceeding the sum or value of seven pounds ten shillings current money of this state, or twenty dollars of the United States, or fines, forfeitures or penalties, not exceeding in value that sum, but the legislature may amend any defects in the trial by jury in civil cases; provided, that no verdict shall be made lawful, unless given by three fourths, at least, or more, of the jury. S ECT. XLIX. That all civil officers, of the appointment of the governor and council, who do not hold commissions during good behaviour, shall be appointed annually in the third week of November, but if any of them shall be re-appointed, they may continue to act without any new commission or qualification; and every officer, though not re-appointed, shall continue to act until the person who shall be appointed and commissioned in his stead shall be qualified. S ECT. L. That no person shall be obliged to answer in any court of law for any crime, offence, or misdemeanor, except only on indictment; and no information shall hereafter be allowed within any court of law within this state. S ECT. LI. That there be two registers of the land-office, one upon the western and one upon the eastern shore; that short extracts of the grants and certificates of the land on the western and eastern shores respectively be made in separate books, at the public expence, and deposited in the offices of the said registers, in such manner as shall hereafter be provided by the general assembly. S ECT. LII. That every chancellor, judge, register of wills, commissioner of the loanoffice, attorney-general, sheriff, treasurer, naval officer, register of the land-office, register of the chancery court, and every clerk

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M ARYLAND of the common law courts, surveyor, and auditor of the public accounts, before he acts as such, shall take an oath, that he will not, directly or indirectly, receive any fee or reward for doing his office of ––––, but what is or shall be allowed by law, nor will, directly or indirectly, receive the profits, or any part of the profits, of any office held by any other person, and that he does not hold the same office in trust or for the benefit of any other person. S ECT. LIII. That if any governor, chancellor, judge, register of wills, attorney-general, register of the land-office, commissioner of the loan-office, register of the chancery court, or any clerk of the common law courts, treasurer, naval-officer, sheriff, surveyor, or auditor of public accounts, shall receive, directly or indirectly, at any time, the profits, or any part of the profits, of any office held by any other person, during his acting in the office to which he is appointed, his election, appointment and commission, on conviction in a court of law by the oath of two credible witnesses, shall be void, and he shall suffer the punishment for wilful and corrupt perjury, or be banished this state for ever, or disqualified for ever from holding any office or place of trust or profit, as the court may adjudge. S ECT. LIV. That if any person shall give any bribe, present or reward, or any promise, or any security for the payment or delivery of any money, or any other thing, to obtain or procure a vote to be governor, senator, delegate to congress or assembly, member of the council, or judge, or to be appointed to any of the said offices, or to any office of profit or trust now created, or hereafter to be created in this state, the person giving and the person receiving the same, on conviction in a court of law, shall be for ever disqualified to hold any office of trust or profit in this state. S ECT. LV. That every person appointed

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to any office of profit or trust shall, before he enters on the execution thereof, take the following oath, to wit: “I, A. B. do swear, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of Maryland;” and shall also subscribe a declaration of his belief in the christian religion; that every senator, member of the house of delegates, and of the council, and every civil officer, executive and judicial, shall, before he acts as such, take an oath, or affirmation where allowed by the constitution or laws of the state, “to preserve and support the constitution and form of government of this state, and to perform the duties of their respective offices with fidelity.” S ECT. LVI. That there be a court of appeals, composed of persons of integrity and sound judgment in the law, whose judgment shall be final and conclusive in all cases of appeal from the general court, court of chancery, and court of admiralty; that one person of integrity and sound judgment in the law, be appointed chancellor; that three persons of integrity and sound judgement in the law, be appointed judges of the general court, which court shall sit on the western and eastern shores for transacting and determining the business of the respective shores, at such times and places as the legislature of this state shall direct and appoint. S ECT. LVII. That the style of all laws run thus, “Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland;” that all public commissions and grants run thus, “The state of Maryland, &c.” and shall be signed by the governor, and attested by the chancellor, with the seal of the state annexed, except military and militia commissions, which shall not be attested by the chancellor, or have the seal of the state annexed; that all writs shall run in the same style, and be tested, sealed and signed, as usual; that all indictments shall

FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1792) conclude “Against the peace, government and dignity, of the state.” S ECT. LVIII. That all penalties and forfeitures, heretofore going to the king or proprietary, shall go to the state, save only such as the general assembly may abolish or otherwise provide for. S ECT. LIX. That this form of government, and the declaration of rights, and no part thereof, shall be altered, changed or abolished, unless a bill so to alter, change, or abolish the same, shall pass the general assembly, and be published at least three months before a new election, and shall be confirmed by the general assembly after a new election of delegates, in the first session after such new election; provided, that nothing in this form of government, which relates to the eastern shore particularly, shall at any time hereafter be altered, unless for the alteration and confirmation thereof at least two thirds of all the members of each branch of the general assembly shall concur. S ECT. LX. That every bill passed by the general assembly, when engrossed, shall be presented by the speaker of the house of delegates, in the senate, to the governor for the time being, who shall sign the same, and thereto affix the great seal, in the presence of the members of both houses; every law shall be recorded in the general court office of the western shore, and in due time printed, published and certified, under the great seal, to the several county courts, in the same manner as hath been heretofore used in this state.

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Verified by The Constitution and Form of Government, as Proposed to Be Amended by a Committee Appointed by the House of Delegates, at the Last Session, Annapolis: Printed by Frederick Green, Printer to the State, [1792], 25 p. A manuscript copy is not known to have survived, nor does any copy other than the Green print exist. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Green print. On November 14, 1791, the House of Delegates assented to the motion that a bill should be brought in “to alter, change and explain, the constitution and form of government of this state in certain particulars therein mentioned” (Votes and Proceedings of the House of Delegates of the State of Maryland, November Session, 1791, Being the First Session of this Assembly, s.l., s.n., s.a., 13). Subsequent to this order the committee reported 24 bills to the House of Delegates on December 26, 1791, which were referred “to the consideration of the next session of assembly.” At the same time it was ordered, “That a committee be appointed to abstract the said bills and report the constitution as proposed to be amended, and that the same be published [. . . ] and three thousand copies thereof be struck and distributed in the several counties of this state” for the consideration of the people (ibid., 117, for the list of bills, cf. ibid., 116–117). This officially ordered “constitution as proposed to be amended” is the text published by Green in 1792. On November 15, 1792, the House of Delegates on motion resolved, “That [it] will not take into consideration this session the several bills reported by the committee of last November session, proposing alterations in the constitution” (Votes and Proceedings of the House of Delegates of the State of Maryland, November Session, 1792. Being the First Session of this Assembly, s.l., s.n., s.a., 16). This was the end of the efforts of 1791–92 to amend the Constitution of 1776 (q.v.) which continued to be in effect, being increasingly amended over the years and decades (q.v.), until it was replaced by the Constitution of 1851 (q.v.). However, the first of the bills proposed in 1791 (“An act to prohibit members of congress, or persons in office under the United States, from being eligible as members of the legislature or council, or holding offices in this state”), though not being integrated into this “constitution as proposed to be amended,” was separately ratified by the General Assembly on December 22, 1792 as an amendment to the Constitution (q.v.). Several other bills of the reform list of 1791 had to wait some more years to become adopted as amendments to the Constitution.

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Constitution of Maryland (1851) Constitution of Maryland adopted in Convention which assembled at the City of Annapolis on the fourth day of November Eighteen hundred and fifty, and adjourned on the thirteenth day of May Eighteen hundred and fifty one1

THE DECLARATION OF RIGHTS2 We the people of the State of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty, and taking into our serious consideration the best means of establishing a good Constitution in this State, for the sure foundation and more permanent security thereof, Declare: A RT. 1. That all government of right originates from the people, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole; and they have at all times according to the mode prescribed in this Constitution, the unalienable right to alter, reform, or abolish their form of Government, in such manner as they may deem expedient. A RT. 2. That the people of this State ought to have the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal government and police thereof. A RT. 3. That the inhabitants of Maryland are entitled to the Common law of England, and the trial by jury according to the course of that Law, and to the benefit of such of the English statutes as existed on the fourth day of July seventeen hundred and seventy six, and which by experience have been found applicable to their local and other

circumstances, and have been introduced, used and practised by the courts of Law or equity, and also of all acts of Assembly in force on the first Monday of November, eighteen hundred and fifty, except such as may have since expired, or may be altered by this Constitution, subject, nevertheless, to the revision of, and amendment or repeal by the Legislature of this State; and the inhabitants of Maryland are also entitled to all property derived to them from or under the charter granted by his Majesty Charles the first, to Caecilius Calvert, Baron of Baltimore. A RT. 4. That all persons invested with the Legislative or Executive powers of government are the trustees of the public, and as such accountable for their conduct; wherefore,3 whenever the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought to reform the old or establish a new government; the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind. A RT. 5. That the right of the people to participate in the Legislature is the best security of liberty, and the foundation of all free government; for this purpose elections ought to be free and frequent, and every

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M ARYLAND free white male citizen having the qualifications prescribed by the Constitution, ought to have the right of suffrage. A RT. 6. That the legislative, executive and judicial powers of government ought to be forever separate and distinct from each other; and no person exercising the functions of one of said departments, shall assume or discharge the duties of any other. A RT. 7. That no power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, unless by or derived from the Legislature, ought to be exercised or allowed. A RT. 8. That freedom of speech and debate or proceedings in the Legislature, ought not to be impeached in any court of judicature. A RT. 9. That Annapolis be the place for the meeting of the Legislature; and the Legislature ought not to be convened or held at any other place but from evident necessity. A RT. 10. That for the redress of grievances, and for amending, strengthening and preserving the laws, the Legislature ought to be frequently convened. A RT. 11. That every man hath a right to petition the Legislature for the redress of grievances in a peaceable and orderly manner. A RT. 12. That no aid, charge, tax, burthen, or fees, ought to be rated or levied, under any pretence, without the consent of the Legislature. A RT. 13. That the levying of taxes by the poll is grievous and oppressive and ought to be abolished; that paupers ought not to he assessed for the support of Government, but every other person in the State, or person holding property therein, ought to contribute his proportion of public taxes, for the support of Government, according to

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his actual worth in real or personal property; yet fines, duties or taxes may properly and justly be imposed or laid, on persons or property, with a political view, for the good government and benefit of the community. A RT. 14. That sanguinary laws ought to be avoided, as4 far as is consistent with the safety of the State; and no law to inflict cruel and unusual pains and penalties ought to be made, in any case, or at any time hereafter. A RT. 15. That retrospective laws, punishing acts committed before the existence of such5 laws, and by them only declared criminal, are oppressive, unjust and incompatible with liberty; wherefore, no ex post facto law ought to be made. A RT. 16. That no law to attaint particular persons of treason or felony, ought to be made in any case, or at any time hereafter. A RT. 17. That every free man, for any injury done to him in his person or property, ought to have remedy by the course of the law of the land, and ought to have justice and right, freely without sale, fully without any denial, and speedily without delay according to the law of the land. A RT. 18. That the trial of facts where they arise, is one of the greatest securities of the lives, liberties, and estate of the people. A RT. 19. That in all criminal prosecutions, every man hath a right to be informed of the accusation against him; to have a copy of the indictment or charge, in due time (if required) to prepare for his defence; to be allowed counsel, to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have process for his witnesses; to examine the witnesses for and against him on oath; and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury, without whose unanimous consent he ought not to be found guilty.

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) A RT. 20. That no man ought to be compelled to give evidence against himself in a Court of common law, or in any other court, but in such cases as have been usually practised in this State, or may hereafter be directed by the Legislature. A RT. 21. That no free man ought to be taken or imprisoned, or disseized of his freehold, liberties or privileges, or outlawed, or exiled, or in any manner destroyed, or deprived of his life, liberty or property, but by the judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land; provided, that nothing in this article shall be so construed as to prevent the legislature from passing all such laws for the government, regulation and disposition of the free colored population of this State as they may deem necessary. A RT. 22. That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishment inflicted by the courts of law. A RT. 23. That all warrants, without oath or affirmation, to search suspected places, or to seize any person or property, are grievous and oppressive; and all general warrants to search suspected places, or to apprehend suspected persons, without naming or describing the place or the person in special, are illegal and ought not to be granted. A RT. 24. That no conviction shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture of estate.

A RT. 28. That no soldier ought to be quartered in any house in time of peace without the consent of the owner, and in time of war in such manner only as the Legislature shall direct. A RT. 29. That no person except regular soldiers, mariners and marines, in the service of this State, or militia when in actual service, ought in any case to be subject to, or punishable by martial law. A RT. 30. That the independency and uprightness of Judges are essential to the impartial administration of justice, and a great security to the rights and liberties of the people; wherefore the Judges shall not be removed except for misbehaviour, on conviction in a court of law, or by the Governor, upon the address of the General Assembly; provided, that two thirds of all the members of each House, concur in such address; No Judge shall hold any other office, civil or military, or political trust or employment of any kind whatsoever, under the Constitution or Laws of this State, or of the United States, or any of them, or receive fees or perquisites of any kind for the discharge of his official duties. A RT. 31. That a long continuance in the executive departments of power or trust, is dangerous to liberty; a rotation, therefore, in those departments is one of the best securities of permanent freedom.

A RT. 26. That standing armies are dangerous to liberty, and ought not to be raised or kept up without consent6 of the Legislature.

A RT. 32. That no person ought to hold at the same time more than one office of profit, created by the constitution or Laws of this State; nor ought any person in public trust to receive any present from any Foreign Prince, or State, or from the United States, or any of them, without the approbation of this State.

A RT. 27. That in all cases and at all times the military ought to be under strict subordination to, and control of the civil power.

A RT. 33. That as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him, all persons

A RT. 25. That a well regulated militia is the proper and natural defence of a free Government.

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M ARYLAND are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty; wherefore, no person ought, by any law, to be molested in his person or estate, on account of his religious persuasion or profession, or for his religious practice, unless under color of religion, any man shall disturb the good order, peace or safety of the State, or shall infringe the laws of morality, or injure others in their natural, civil or religious rights; nor ought any person to7 be compelled to frequent or maintain or contribute, unless on contract, to maintain any place of worship or any ministry; nor shall any person be deemed incompetent as a witness or juror, who believes in the existence of a God, and that under his dispensation such person will be held morally accountable for his acts, and be rewarded or punished therefor, either in this world or the world to come. A RT. 34. That no other test or qualification ought to be required on admission to any office of trust or profit than such oath of office as may be prescribed by this constitution, or by the laws of the State, and a declaration of belief in the Christian religion; and if the party shall profess to be a Jew, the declaration shall be of his belief in a future state of rewards and punishments. A RT. 35. That every gift, sale or devise of land, to any minister, public teacher or preacher of the gospel, as such, or to any religious sect, order or denomination, or to or for the support, use or benefit of, or in trust for any minister, public teacher, or preacher of the gospel, as such, or any religions sect, order or denomination, and every gift or sale of goods or chattels to go in succession, or to8 take place after the death of the seller or donor, to or for such support, use or benefit; and, also, every devise of goods or chattels, to or for the support, use or benefit of any minister, public teacher or preacher of the gospel, as such, or any religious sect, order or denomination, without the leave

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of the Legislature, shall be void; except always, any sale, gift, lease or devise of any quantity of land, not exceeding five acres for a church, meeting house or other house of worship, or parsonage, or for a burying ground, which shall be improved, enjoyed or used only for such purpose; or such sale, gift, lease or devise shall be void. A RT. 36. That the manner of administering an oath or affirmation to any person ought to be such as those of the religious persuasion, profession or denomination of which he is a member, generally esteem the most effectual confirmation by the attestation of the Divine Being. A RT. 37. That the City of Annapolis ought to have all its rights, privileges and benefits, agreeably9 to its charter, and the acts of Assembly confirming and regulating the same; subject to such alterations as have been or as may be made by the Legislature. A RT. 38. That the liberty of the press ought to be inviolably preserved. A RT. 39. That monopolies are odious, contrary to the spirit of a free government and the principles of commerce, and ought not to be suffered. A RT. 40. That no title of nobility or hereditary honors ought to be granted in this State. A RT. 41. That the Legislature ought to encourage the diffusion of knowledge and virtue, the promotion of literature, the arts, sciences, agriculture, commerce and manufactures, and the general melioration of the condition of the people. A RT. 42. This enumeration of rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people.

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) A RT. 43. That this Constitution shall not be altered, changed or abolished, except in the manner therin prescribed and directed.

CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I Elective Franchise S ECT. 1. Every free white male person of twenty one years of age or upwards, who shall have been one year next preceding the election a resident of the State, and for six months a resident of the city of Baltimore, or of any county in which he may offer to vote, and being at the time of the election a citizen of the United States, shall be entitled to vote in the ward or election district in which he resides, in all elections hereafter to be held, and at all such elections the vote shall be taken by ballot. And in case any county or city shall be so divided as to form portions of different electoral districts for the election of Congressmen, Senator, delegate or other officer or officers, then to entitle a person to vote for such officer, he must have been a resident of that part of the county or city which shall form a part of the electoral district in which he offers to vote, for six months next preceding the election, but a person who shall have acquired a residence in such county or city entitling him to vote at any such election, shall be entitled to vote in the election district from which he removed, until he shall have acquired a residence in the part of the county or city to which he has removed. S ECT. 2. That if any person shall give, or offer to give directly or indirectly, any bribe, present or reward, or any promise, or any security for the payment or delivery of any money or any other thing, to induce any voter to refrain from casting his vote,

or forcibly to prevent him in any way from voting, or to obtain or procure a vote for any candidate or person proposed or voted for, as elector of President and Vice President of the United States, or Representative in Congress, or for any office of profit or trust, created by the constitution or laws of this State, or by the ordinances or authority of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, the person giving or offering to give, and the person receiving the same, and any person who gives or causes to be given an illegal vote, knowing it to be so, at any election to be hereafter held in this State, shall on conviction in a Court of law, in addition to the penalties now or hereafter to be imposed by law, be forever disqualified to hold any office of profit or trust, or to vote at any election thereafter. S ECT. 3. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly of Maryland, to pass laws to punish with fine and imprisonment, any person who shall remove into any election district or ward of the city of Baltimore, not for the purpose of acquiring a bona fide residence therein, but for the purpose of voting therein at an approaching election, or who shall vote in any election district or ward in which he does not reside, (except in the case provided for in the first article of the constitution,) or shall, at the same election, vote in more than one election district or ward, or shall vote or offer to vote, in any name not his own, or in place of any other person of the same name, or shall vote in any county in which he does not reside. S ECT. 4. Every person elected or appointed to any office of profit or trust under the constitution or laws made pursuant thereto, before he shall enter upon the duties of such office shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: I, A. B. do swear (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I will support the constitution of the United States, and that I will be faithful and

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M ARYLAND bear true allegiance to the State of Maryland, and support the constitution and laws thereof; that I will to the best of my skill and judgment diligently and faithfully, without partiality or prejudice, execute the office of –––– according to the Constitution and laws of this State, and that since the adoption of the present constitution, I have not, in any manner violated the provisions thereof in relation to bribery of voters or preventing legal or procuring illegal votes to be given; (and if a Governor, Senator, member of the House of Delegates or Judge) “that I will not directly or indirectly receive the profits or any part of the profits of any other office during the time of my acting as ––––.” And if any person elected or appointed to office as aforesaid, shall refuse or neglect to take the said oath or affirmation, he shall be considered as having refused to accept the said office, and a new election or appointment shall be made as in case of refusal or resignation and any person swearing or affirming falsely in the premises shall, on conviction thereof in a Court of law, incur the penalties for wilful and corrupt perjury, and be thereafter incapable of voting at any election, and also incapable of holding any office of profit or trust in this State. S ECT. 5. That no person above the age of twenty one years, convicted of larceny or other infamous crime, unless he shall be pardoned by the Executive, shall ever thereafter be entitled to vote at any election in this State, and no person, under guardianship as a lunatic, or as a person non compos mentis, shall be entitled to vote.

ARTICLE II Executive Department S ECT. 1. The Executive power of the State shall be vested in a Governor, whose

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term of office shall commence on the second Wednesday of January next ensuing his election, and continue for four years, and10 until his successor shall have qualified. S ECT. 2. The first election for Governor under this constitution shall be held on the first Wednesday of November, in the year eighteen hundred and fifty three; and on the same day and month in every fourth year thereafter, at the places of voting for delegates to the General Assembly, and every person qualified to vote for delegates shall be qualified and entitled to vote for Governor; the election to be held in the same manner as the election of delegates, and the returns thereof, under seal, to be addressed to the Speaker of the House of Delegates, and enclosed and transmitted to the Secretary of State, and delivered to the said Speaker, at the commencement of the session of the Legislature next ensuing said election. S ECT. 3. The Speaker of the House of Delegates, shall then open the said returns in the presence of both Houses, and the person having the highest number of votes and being constitutionally eligible, shall be the Governor, and shall qualify in the manner herein prescribed, on the second Wednesday of January next ensuing his election, or as soon thereafter as may be practicable. S ECT. 4. If two or more persons should11 have the highest and an equal number of votes, one of them shall be chosen Governor by the Senate and House of Delegates; and all questions, in relation to the eligibility of Governor, and to the returns of said election, and to the number and legality of votes therein given, shall be determined by the House of Delegates. And if the person, or persons, having the highest number of votes be ineligible, the Governor shall be chosen by the Senate and House of Delegates. Every election of Governor, by the

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) Legislature, shall be determined by a joint majority of the Senate and House of Delegates, and the vote shall be taken viva voce. But if two or more persons shall have the highest and an equal number of votes, then a second vote shall be taken, which shall be confined to the persons having an equal number; and if the votes should again be equal, then the election of Governor shall be determined by lot between those who shall have the highest and an equal number on the first vote. S ECT. 5. The State shall be divided into three districts; St. Mary’s, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Howard counties, and the city of Baltimore, to be the first; the eight counties of the Eastern Shore to be the second; and Baltimore, Harford, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Carroll counties, to be the third. The Governor, elected from the third district in October last, shall continue in office during the term for which he was elected. The Governor shall be taken from the first district, at the first election of Governor under this constitution; from the second district at the second election; and from the third district at the third election; and in like manner, afterwards, from each district, in regular succession. S ECT. 6. A person to be eligible to the office of Governor, must have attained the age of thirty years, and been for five years a citizen of the United States, and for five years next preceding his election a resident of the State, and for three years a resident of the district from which he was elected. S ECT. 7. In case of the death or resignation of the Governor, or of his removal from the State, the General Assembly, if in session, or if not, at their next session, shall elect some other qualified resident of the same district, to be the Governor for

the residue of the term for which the said Governor had been elected. S ECT. 8. In case of any vacancy in the office of Governor during the recess of the Legislature, the President of the Senate shall discharge the duties of said office till a Governor is elected as herein provided for; and in case of the death or resignation of said President, or of his removal from the State, or of his refusal to serve, then the duties of said office shall, in like manner, and for the same interval, devolve upon the Speaker of the House of Delegates, and the Legislature may provide by law for the case of impeachment or inability of the Governor, and declare what person shall perform the executive duties during such impeachment or inability; and for any vacancy in said office, not herein provided for, provision may be made by law, and if such vacancy should occur without such provision being made, the Legislature shall be convened by the Secretary of State for the purpose of filling said vacancy. S ECT. 9. The Governor shall be commander in chief of the land and naval forces of the State, and may call. out the militia to repel invasions, suppress insurrections, and enforce the execution of the laws; but shall not take the command in person without the consent of the Legislature. S ECT. 10. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed. S ECT. 11. He shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint all civil and military officers of the State whose appointment or election is not otherwise herein provided for, unless a different mode of appointment be prescribed by the law creating the office. S ECT. 12. In case of any vacancy during the recess of the Senate, in any office which the Governor has power to fill, he

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M ARYLAND shall appoint some suitable person to said office, whose commission shall continue in force till the end of the next session of the Legislature, or till some other person is appointed to the same office, which ever shall first occur, and the nomination of the person thus appointed during the recess, or of some other person in his place, shall be made to the Senate within thirty days after the next meeting of the Legislature. S ECT. 13. No person after being rejected by the Senate, shall be again nominated for the same office at the same session, unless at the request of the Senate; or be appointed to the same office during the recess of the Legislature. S ECT. 14. All civil officers appointed by the Governor and Senate, shall be nominated to the Senate within fifty days from the commencement of each regular session of the Legislature; and their term of office shall commence on the first Monday of May next ensuing their appointment, and continue for two years (unless sooner removed from office,) and until their successors respectively, qualify according to law. S ECT. 15. The Governor may suspend or arrest any military officer of the State for disobedience of orders, or other military offence, and may remove him in pursuance of the sentence of a Court Martial; and may remove for incompetency or misconduct, all civil officers who receive appointments from the executive for a term not exceeding two years. S ECT. 16. The Governor may convene the Legislature or the Senate alone, on extraordinary occasions; and whenever from the presence of an enemy, or from any other cause, the seat of government shall become an unsafe place for the meeting of the Legislature, he may direct their sessions to be held at some other convenient place.

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S ECT. 17. It shall be the duty of the Governor semi-annually and oftener, if he deem it expedient to examine the bank book, account books, and official proceedings of the Treasurer and Comptroller of the State. S ECT. 18. He shall from time to time, inform the Legislature of the condition of the State, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he may judge necessary and expedient. S ECT. 19. He shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons except in cases of impeachment, and in cases in which he is prohibited by other articles of this Constitution, and to remit fines and forfeitures for offences against the State; but shall not remit the principal or interest of any debt due to the State except in cases of fines and forfeitures; and before granting a nolle prosequi, or pardon, he shall give notice in one or more newspapers of the application made for it, and of the day, on or after which his decision will be given; and in every case in which he exercises this power, he shall report to either branch of the Legislature, whenever required, the petitions, recommendations and reasons which influence his decision. S ECT. 20. The Governor shall reside at the seat of government, and shall receive for his services an annual salary of thirty six hundred dollars. S ECT. 21. When the public interest requires it, he shall have power to employ counsel, who shall be entitled to such compensation as the Legislature may allow in each case after the services of such counsel shall have been performed. S ECT. 22. A Secretary of State shall be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall continue in office, unless sooner removed by the Governor, till the end of the official

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) term of the Governor from whom he received his appointment, and shall receive an annual salary of one thousand dollars. S ECT. 23. He shall carefully keep and preserve a record of all official acts and proceedings, (which may, at all times, be inspected by a committee of either branch of the Legislature,) and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law, or as may properly belong to his office.

ARTICLE III Legislative Department S ECT. 1. The legislature shall consist of two distinct branches, a Senate and a House of Delegates, which shall be styled “The General Assembly of Maryland.” S ECT. 2. Every county of the State and the City of Baltimore shall be entitled to elect one Senator, who shall be elected by the qualified voters of the Counties and City of Baltimore respectively, and who shall serve for four years from the day of their election. S ECT. 3. The Legislature at its first session after the returns of the National Census of eighteen hundred and sixty, are published, and in like manner after each subsequent census, shall apportion the members of the House of Delegates among the several counties of the State, according to the population of each, and shall always allow to the city of Baltimore four more delegates than are allowed to the most populous county, but no county shall be entitled to less than two members nor shall the whole number of delegates ever exceed eighty or be less than sixty five, and until the apportionment is made under the census of eighteen hundred and sixty; St. Mary’s county shall be entitled to two delegates; Kent two; Anne Arundel three; Calvert two;

Charles two; Baltimore county six; Talbot two; Somerset four; Dorchester three; Cecil three, Prince George’s three; Queen Anne’s two; Worcester three; Frederick six; Harford three; Caroline two; Baltimore City ten; Washington five; Montgomery two; Allegany four; Carroll three; and Howard two. S ECT. 4. The members of the House of Delegates shall be elected by the qualified voters of the counties and city of Baltimore respectively to serve for two years from the day of their election. S ECT. 5. The first election for delegates shall take place on the first Wednesday of November, eighteen hundred and fifty one; and the elections12 for delegates, and for one half of the senators as nearly as practicable, shall he held on the same day in every second year thereafter, but an election for senators shall be held in the year eighteen hundred and fifty one in Howard county and all those counties in which senators were elected in the year eighteen hundred and forty six. S ECT. 6. Immediately after the Senate shall have convened after the first election under this constitution, the Senators shall be divided by lot, into two classes, as nearly equal in number as may be, the Senators of the first class shall go out of office at the expiration of two years, and senators shall be elected on the first Wednesday of November eighteen hundred and fifty three, for the term of four years, to supply their places; so that, after the first election, one half of the Senators may be chosen every second year; provided, that in no case shall any Senator be placed in a class which shall entitle him to serve for a longer term than that for which he was elected. In case the number of Senators be hereafter increased, such classification of the additional Senators shall be made as to preserve as nearly as may be an equal number in each class.

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M ARYLAND S ECT. 7. The General Assembly shall meet on the first Wednesday of January, eighteen hundred and fifty two, on the same day in the year eighteen hundred and fifty three, and on the same day in the year eighteen hundred and fifty four, and on the same day in every second year thereafter, and at no other time, unless convened by the Proclamation of the Governor. S ECT. 8. The General Assembly may continue their first two sessions after the adoption of this constitution, as long as in the opinion of the two Houses, the public interests may require it, but all subsequent regular sessions of the General Assembly shall be closed on the tenth day of March next ensuing the time of their commencement, unless the same shall be closed at an earlier day by the agreement of the two Houses. S ECT. 9. No person shall be eligible as a Senator or Delegate who, at the time of his election, is not a citizen of the United States, and who has not resided at least three years next preceding the day of his election in this State, and the last year thereof in the county or city which he may be chosen to represent, if such county or city shall have been so long established, and if not then in the county from which, in whole or in part, the same may have been formed; nor shall any person be eligible as a Senator, unless he shall have attained the age of twenty five years, nor as a Delegate, unless he shall have attained the age of twenty one years at the time of his election. S ECT. 10. No member of Congress, or persons holding any civil or military office under the United States, shall be eligible as a Senator or Delegate, and if any person shall, after his election as a Senator or Delegate, be elected to Congress, or be appointed to any office civil or military, under

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the government of the United States, his acceptance thereof shall vacate his seat. S ECT. 11. No minister or Preacher of the gospel, of any denomination, and no person holding any civil office of profit or trust under this State, except justices of the peace, shall be eligible as Senator or Delegate. S ECT. 12. Each house shall be judge of the qualifications and elections of its members, subject to the laws of the State, appoint its own officers, determine the rules of its own proceedings, punish a member for disorderly or disrespectful behaviour, and with the consent of two thirds expel a member; but no member shall be expelled a second time for the same offence. S ECT. 13. A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as each House may prescribe. S ECT. 14. The doors of each House and of committees of the whole shall be open, except when the business is such as ought to be kept secret. S ECT. 15. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and cause the same to be published. The yeas and nays of members on any question shall, at the call of any five of them, in the House of Delegates or one in the Senate, be entered on the journal. S ECT. 16. Neither House shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days; nor to any other place than that in which the House shall be sitting, without the concurrent vote of two thirds of the members present. S ECT. 17. The style of all laws of this State, shall be, “Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland,” and all laws

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) shall be passed by original bill, and every law enacted by the legislature shall embrace but one subject, and that shall be described in the title, and no law or section of law shall be revived, amended or repealed by reference to its title or section only; and it shall be the duty of the legislature at the first session after the adoption of this constitution, to appoint two commissioners learned in the law, to revise and codify the laws of this State; and the said commissioners shall report the said code, so formed, to the legislature, within a time to be by it determined, for its approval, amendment or rejection and if adopted after the revision and codification of the said laws, it shall be the duty of the legislature in amending any article or section thereof to enact the same as the said article or section would read when amended. And whenever the legislature shall enact any public general law, not amendatory of any section or article in the said code, it shall be the duty of the legislature to enact the same in Articles and Sections, in the same manner as the said code may be arranged; and to provide for the publication of all additions and alterations which may be made to the said code, and it shall also be the duty of the legislature to appoint one or more commissioners learned in the law, whose duty it shall be, to revise, simplify and abridge the rules of practice, pleadings, forms of conveyancing, and proceedings of the Courts of Record in this State. S ECT. 18. Any bill may originate in either house of the General Assembly, and he altered, amended or rejected by the other; but no bill shall originate in either House during the last three days of the session or become a law, until it be read on three different days of the session in each House, unless three fourths of the members of the House, where such bill is pending, shall so determine.

S ECT. 19. No bill shall become a law unless it be passed in each House by a majority of the whole number of members elected, and on its final passage the ayes and noes be recorded. S ECT. 20. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury of the State, except in accordance with an appropriation made by law, and every such law, shall distinctly specify the sum appropriated and the object to which it shall be applied, provided that nothing herein contained shall prevent the Legislature from placing a contingent fund at the disposal of the Executive, who shall report to the Legislature at each session the amount expended and the purposes to which it was applied. An accurate statement of the receipts and expenditures of the public money shall be attached, to and published with the laws after each regular session of the General Assembly. S ECT. 21. No divorce shall be granted by the General Assembly. S ECT. 22. No debt shall hereafter be contracted by the legislature, unless such debt shall be authorized by a law providing for the collection of an annual tax or taxes sufficient to pay the interest on such debt as it falls due, and also13 to discharge the principal thereof, within fifteen years from the time of contracting the same, and the taxes laid for this purpose shall not be repeated or applied to any other object until the said debt and the interest thereon shall be fully discharged, and the amount of debts so contracted and remaining unpaid shall never exceed one hundred thousand dollars. The credit of the State shall not, in any manner, be given or loaned to or in aid of any individual, association or corporation, nor shall the General Assembly have the power, in any mode, to involve the State in the construction of works of Internal Improvement, or in any enterprise which shall involve the

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M ARYLAND faith or credit of the State, or make any appropriations therefor. And they shall not use or appropriate the proceeds of the Internal Improvement companies, or of the State tax now levied or which may hereafter be levied, to pay off the public debt, to any other purpose, until the interest and debt are fully paid, or the sinking fund shall he equal to the amount of the outstanding debt, but the Legislature may, without laying a tax, borrow an amount never to exceed fifty thousand dollars, to meet temporary deficiencies in the Treasury, and may contract debts to any amount that may be necessary for the defence of the State. S ECT. 23. No extra compensation shall be granted or allowed by the General Assembly to any public officer, agent, servant or contractor after the services shall have been rendered or the contract entered into. Nor shall the salary or compensation of any public officer be increased or diminished during his term of office. S ECT. 24. No senator or delegate, after qualifying as such, shall, during the term for which he was elected, be eligible to any office which shall have been created, or the salary or profits of which shall have been increased, during such term, or shall, during said term, hold any office or receive the salary or profits of any office, under the appointment of the Executive or Legislature. S ECT. 25. Each House may punish by imprisonment, during the session of the General Assembly, any person not a member, for disrespectful or disorderly behaviour in its presence, or for obstructing any of its proceedings or any of its officers in the execution of their duties; provided, such imprisonment shall not, at any one time, exceed ten days. S ECT. 26. The members of each House shall, in all cases, except treason, felony or other criminal offence, be privileged from

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arrest during their attendance at the session of the General Assembly, and in going to and returning from the same, allowing one day for every thirty miles such member may reside from the place at which the General Assembly is convened. S ECT. 27. No senator or delegate shall be liable, in any civil action or criminal prosecution whatever, for words spoken in debate. S ECT. 28. The House of Delegates may enquire, on the oath of witnesses, into all complaints, grievances and offences, as the Grand Inquest of the State, and may commit any person for any crime to the public jail, there to remain until discharged by due course of law – they may examine and pass all accounts of the State, relating either in the collection or expenditure of the revenue, and appoint auditors to state and adjust the same – they may call for all public or official papers and records, and send for persons whom they may judge necessary in the course of their enquiries concerning affairs relating to the public interest, and may direct all office bonds which shall be made payable to the State, to be sued for any breach of duty. S ECT. 29. In case of death, disqualification, resignation, refusal to act, expulsion or removal from the county or city for which he shall have been elected, of any person who shall have been chosen as a delegate or senator, or in case of a tie between two or more such qualified persons, a warrant of election shall be issued by the Speaker of the House of Delegates or President of the Senate, as the case may be, for the election of an other person in his place, of which election, not less than ten days notice shall be given exclusive of the day of the publication of the notice and of the day of election; and in case of such resignation or refusal to act, being communicated, in writing, to

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) the Governor, by the person making it, or if such death occur during the legislative recess and more than ten days before its termination, it shall be the duty of the Governor to issue a warrant of election to supply the vacancy thus created in the same manner that the said Speaker or President might have done during the session of the Legislature; provided, however, that unless a meeting of the General Assembly may intervene, the election thus ordered to fill such vacancy shall be held on the day of the ensuing election for delegates and senators. S ECT. 30. The senators and delegates shall receive a perdiem of four dollars and such mileage as may be allowed by law, and the presiding officer of each House, shall be allowed an addition of one dollar per day. No book or other printed matter not appertaining to the business of the session, shall be purchased or subscribed for, for the use of the members or be distributed among them, at the public expense. S ECT. 31. No law passed by the General Assembly, shall take effect until the first day of June next, after the session at which it may be passed, unless it be otherwise expressly declared therein. S ECT. 32. No law shall be passed creating the office of Attorney General. S ECT. 33. The General Assembly shall have full power to exclude from the privilege of voting at elections, or of holding any civil or military office in this State, any person who may thereafter be convicted of perjury, bribery or other felony, unless such person shall have been pardoned by the Executive. S ECT. 34. Every bill when passed by the General Assembly and sealed with the Great Seal, shall be presented to the Governor, who shall sign the same in the presence of the presiding officers and chief

clerks of the Senate and House of Delegates. Every law shall be recorded in the office of the Court of Appeals, and in due time be printed, published and certified under the great seal to the several courts in the same manner as has been heretofore usual in this State. S ECT. 35. No person who may hereafter be a collector, receiver or holder of public moneys shall be eligible as Senator or Delegate or to any office of profit or trust under this State, until he shall have accounted for and paid into the Treasury all sums on the books thereof, charged to and due by him. S ECT. 36. Any citizen of this State who shall, after the adoption of this constitution, either in or out of this State, fight a duel with deadly weapons, or send or accept a challenge so to do, or who shall act as second, or knowingly aid or assist in any manner, those thus offending, shall ever thereafter be incapable of holding any office of trust or profit under this State. S ECT. 37. No lottery grant shall ever hereafter be authorised by the Legislature. S ECT. 38. The General Assembly shall pass laws necessary to protect the property of the wife from the debts of the husband during her life, and for securing the same to her issue after her death. S ECT. 39. Laws shall be passed by the Legislature to protect from execution a reasonable amount of the property of a debtor, not exceeding in value the sum of five hundred dollars. S ECT. 40. The Legislature shall at its first session after the adoption of this constitution adopt some simple and uniform system of charges in the offices of clerks of courts and registers of wills in the counties of this State and the City of Baltimore, and for the collection thereof; provided, the

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M ARYLAND amount of compensation to any of said officers shall not exceed the sum of twenty five hundred dollars a year, over and above office expenses, and compensation to assistants; and provided, further, that such compensation of clerks, registers, assistants and office expenses, shall always be paid out of the fees or receipts of the offices respectively. S ECT. 41. The House of Delegates shall have the sole power of impeachment in all cases, but a majority of all the members must concur in an impeachment; all impeachments shall be tried by the Senate, and when sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation to do justice according to the law and evidence, but no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of all the Senators. S ECT. 42. That it shall be the duty of the Legislature so soon as the public debt shall have been fully paid off, to cause to be transferred to the several counties and the city of Baltimore, stock in the Internal Improvement companies, equal to the amount respectively paid by each towards the erection and completion of said works at the then market value of said stock. S ECT. 43. The Legislature shall not pass any Law abolishing the relation of master or slave, as it now exists in this State. S ECT. 44. No person shall be imprisoned for debt. S ECT. 45. The Legislature hereafter shall grant no charter for banking purposes or renew any banking corporation now in existence except upon the condition that the stockholders and directors shall be liable to the amount of their respective share or shares of stock in such banking institution for all its debts and liabilities upon note bill or otherwise. And upon the further condition that no director or other officer of said corporation shall borrow any money

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from said corporation. And if any director or other officer shall be convicted upon indictment of directly or indirectly violating this article, he shall be punished by fine or imprisonment at the discretion of the Court. All banks shall be open to inspection of their books papers and accounts under such regulations as may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 46. The Legislature shall enact no law authorising private property to be taken for public use without just compensation, as agreed upon between the parties or awarded by a jury being first paid or tendered to the party entitled to such compensation. S ECT. 47. Corporations may be formed under general laws but shall not be created by Special act, except for municipal purposes, and in cases where, in the judgment of the Legislature, the object of the corporation cannot be attained under general laws. All laws and special acts pursuant to this Section may be altered from time to time or repealed, Provided nothing herein contained shall be construed to alter change or amend in any manner the article in relation to Banks. S ECT. 48. The Legislature shall make provision for all cases of contested elections of any of the officers not herein provided for. S ECT. 49. That14 the rate of interest in this State, shall not exceed six per cent per annum, and no higher rate shall be taken or demanded, and the Legislature shall provide by law, all necessary forfeitures and penalties against usury.

ARTICLE IV Judiciary Department S ECT. 1. The Judicial power of this Slate shall he vested in a Court of Appeals, in Circuit Courts, in such Courts for the City of

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) Baltimore as may be hereinafter prescribed, and in Justices of the Peace: S ECT. 2. The Court of Appeals shall have appellate jurisdiction only, which shall be coextensive with the limits of the State. It shall consist of a Chief Justice and three associate justices, any three of whom shall form a quorum, whose judgment shall be final, and conclusive in all cases of appeals; and who shall have the jurisdiction which the present Court of Appeals of this State now has, and such other appellate jurisdiction as hereafter may be provided for by law. And in every case decided, an opinion, in writing, shall be filed, and provision shall be made, by law, for publishing reports of cases argued and determined in the said court. The Governor, for the time being by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall designate the chief justice, and the Court of Appeals shall hold its sessions at the city of Annapolis, on the first Monday of June, and the first Monday of December, in each and every year. S ECT. 3. The Court of Appeals shall appoint its own clerk, who shall hold his office for six years, and may be reappointed at the end thereof; he shall be subject to removal by the said court for incompetency, neglect of duty, misdemeanor in office, and for such other causes, as may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 4. The State shall be divided into four judicial districts: Allegany, Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Baltimore and Harford counties shall compose the first; Montgomery, Howard, Anne Arundel, Calvert, St. Mary’s, Charles and Prince George’s the second; Baltimore city the third; and Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester shall compose the fourth district. And one person from among those learned in the law, having been admitted to practice in this State, and who shall have been a citizen of this

State, at least five years, and above the age of thirty years at the time of his election, and a resident of the judicial district, shall be elected from each of said districts by the legal and qualified voters therein, as a judge of the said court of Appeals, who shall hold his office for the term of ten years, from the time of his election or until he shall have attained the age of seventy years whichever may first happen, and be reeligible thereto until he shall have attained the age of seventy years and not after, subject to removal for incompetency, wilful neglect of duty or misbehavior in office, on conviction in a court of law, or by the Governor upon the address of the General Assembly, two thirds of the members of each House concurring in such address; and the salary of each of the Judges of the court of Appeals, shall be two thousand five hundred dollars annually, and shall not be increased or diminished, during their continuance in office; and no fees or perquisites of any kind, shall be allowed by law to any of the said judges. S ECT. 5. No Judge of the Court of Appeals shall sit in any case, wherein he may be interested, or where either of the parties may be connected with him15 by affinity or consanguinity within such degrees as may be prescribed by law, or when he shall have been of counsel in said case; when the court of appeals, or any of its members, shall be thus disqualified to hear and determine any case or cases in said court so that by reason thereof no judgment can be rendered in said court, the same shall be certified to the Governor of the State, who shall immediately commission the requisite number of persons learned in the law for the trial and determination of said case or cases. S ECT. 6. All Judges of the court of Appeals, of16 the circuit courts, and of the courts for17 the city of Baltimore, shall by virtue of their offices, be conservators of the peace throughout the State.

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M ARYLAND S ECT. 7. All public commissions and grants shall run thus: “The State of Maryland” &c., and shall be signed by the Governor, with the seal of the State annexed; all writs and processes shall run in the same style, and be tested, sealed and signed as usual; and all indictments shall conclude “against the peace, government, and dignity of the State”. S ECT. 8. The State shall be divided into eight Judicial Circuits, in manner and form following, to wit: St. Mary’s, Charles and Prince George’s counties shall be the first; Anne Arundel, Howard, Calvert and Montgomery counties shall he the second; Frederick and Carroll counties shall he the third; Washington and Allegany counties shall be the fourth; Baltimore city shall be the fifth; Baltimore, Harford and Cecil counties shall be the sixth; Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot and Caroline counties shall be the seventh; and Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester counties shall be the eighth, and there shall be elected as hereinafter directed for each of the said Judicial Circuits except the fifth, one person from among those learned in the law, having been admitted to practice in this State, and who shall have been a citizen of this State at least five years, and above the age of thirty years at the time of his election, and a resident of the Judicial Circuit to be Judge thereof; the said judges shall be styled Circuit Judges, and shall respectively hold a term of their courts at least twice in each year, or oftener if required by law, in each county composing their respective circuits; and the said courts shall be called Circuit Courts for the county in which they may be held and shall have, and exercise in the several counties of this State, all the power, authority and jurisdiction, which the county courts of this State now have and exercise or which may hereafter be prescribed by law, and the said judges in their respective circuits

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shall have and exercise all the power authority and jurisdiction of the present Court of Chancery of Maryland: Provided, nevertheless that Baltimore County Court may hold its sittings within the limits of the city of Baltimore until provision shall be made by law for the location of a county seat, within the limits of the said county proper, and the erection of a court house and all other appropriate buildings, for the convenient administration of justice in said court. S ECT. 9. The judges of the several judicial circuits shall be citizens of the United States, and shall have resided five years in this State, and two years in the judicial circuit for which they may be respectively elected, next before the time of their election, and shall reside therein, while they continue to act as judges; they shall be taken from among those who, having the other qualifications herein prescribed are most distinguished for integrity, wisdom and sound legal knowledge, and shall be elected by the qualified voters of the said Circuits, and shall hold their offices for the term of ten years removable for misbehavior, on conviction in a18 court of law, or by the Governor upon the address of the General Assembly, provided that two thirds of the members of each House shall concur m such address, and the said judges shall each receive a salary of two thousand dollars a year, and the same shall not be increased or diminished during the time of their continuance in office; and no judge of any court in this State shall receive any perquisite fee commission or reward in addition thereto, for the performance of any judicial duty. S ECT. 10. There shall be established for the city of Baltimore, one court of law, to be styled “The Court of Common Pleas” which shall have civil jurisdiction in all suits, where the debt or damage claimed shall be over one hundred dollars, and shall

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) not exceed five hundred dollars; and shall, also, have jurisdiction in all cases of appeal from the judgment of justices of the peace in the said city, and shall have jurisdiction in all applications for the benefit of the insolvent laws of this State, and the supervision and control of the Trustees thereof. S ECT. 11. There shall also be established for the city of Baltimore, another court of law to be styled the Superior Court of Baltimore City, which shall have jurisdiction over all suits where the debt or damage claimed shall exceed the sum of five hundred dollars, and in case any plaintiff or plaintiffs shall recover less than the sum or value of five hundred dollars, he or they, shall be allowed or adjudged to pay costs in the discretion of the court. The said court shall also have jurisdiction as a court of equity within the limits of the said city and in all other civil cases which have not been heretofore assigned to the court of common pleas. S ECT. 12. Each of the said two courts shall consist of one Judge, who shall be elected by the legal and qualified voters of the said city and shall hold his office for the term of ten years subject to the provisions of this constitution, with regard to the election and qualification of judges and their removal from office; and the salary of each of the said Judges, shall be twenty five hundred dollars a year, and the legislature shall, whenever it may think the same proper and expedient, provide, by law, another court for the city of Baltimore, to consist of one Judge to be elected by the qualified voters of the said city, who shall be subject to the same constitutional provisions, hold his office for the same term of years, and receive the same compensation, as the Judge of the court of Common Pleas of said19 city; and the said court shall have such jurisdiction and powers as may be prescribed by law.

S ECT. 13. There shall also be a criminal court for the city of Baltimore, to be styled the Criminal Court of Baltimore, which shall consist of one Judge, who shall also be elected by the legal and qualified voters of the said city, and who shall have and exercise all the jurisdiction now exercised by Baltimore city court; and the said Judge shall receive a salary of two thousand dollars a year, and20 shall be subject to the provisions of this constitution with regard to the election and qualifications21 of judges, term22 of office, and removal therefrom. S ECT. 14. There shall be in each county a clerk of the Circuit Court, who shall be elected by the qualified voters of each county, and the person receiving the greatest number of votes shall be declared and returned duly elected clerk of said circuit court for the said county and shall hold his office for the term of six years from the time of his election, and until a new election is held shall be re-eligible thereto, and subject to removal for wilful neglect of duty or other misdemeanor in office on conviction in a court of law. There shall also be a clerk of the court of Common Pleas, in Baltimore city, and a clerk of the superior court of Baltimore city; and there shall also be a clerk of the criminal court of Baltimore city, and each of said clerks shall be elected as aforesaid by the qualified voters of the city of Baltimore, and shall hold his office for six years from the time of his election, and until a new election is held, and be reeligible thereto, subject, in like manner to be removed for wilful neglect of duty or other misdemeanor in office on conviction in a court of law. In case of a vacancy in the office of a clerk, the judge or judges of the court of which he was clerk, shall have the power to appoint a clerk until the general election of delegates held next thereafter, when a clerk shall be elected to fill such vacancy.

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M ARYLAND S ECT. 15. The clerk of the court of Common Pleas for Baltimore city shall have authority to issue within the said city all marriage and other licenses required by law, subject to such provisions as the legislature shall hereafter prescribe; and the clerk of the superior court for said city shall have the custody of all deeds conveyances and other papers, now remaining in the office of the clerk of Baltimore County Court, and shall hereafter receive and record all deeds conveyances and other papers, which are required by law to be recorded in said city. He shall also have the custody of all other papers connected with the proceedings on the law or equity side of Baltimore County Court, and of the dockets thereof, so far as the same have relation to Baltimore city. S ECT. 16. That the clerk of the court of Appeals, and the clerks of the circuit courts in the several counties shall respectively perform all the duties, and be entitled to the fees which appertain to the offices of the clerks of court23 of appeals for the eastern and western shores, and of the clerks of county courts; and the clerks of the court of common pleas, the superior court, and the criminal court for Baltimore city, shall perform all the duties appertaining to their respective offices, and heretofore vested in the clerks of Baltimore county court and Baltimore city court respectively, and be entitled to all the fees now allowed by law; and all laws relating to the clerks of24 court of appeals25 , clerks of the several county courts, and Baltimore city court, shall be applicable to the clerks respectively of the court26 of appeals, the circuit courts, the court of common pleas, the superior court, and the criminal court of Baltimore city, until otherwise provided by law; and the said clerks when duly elected and qualified according to law, shall have the charge and custody of the records and other papers belonging to their respective offices.

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S ECT. 17. The qualified voters of the city of Baltimore, and of the several counties of the State, shall on the first Wednesday of November, eighteen hundred and fifty one, and on the same day of the same month in every fourth year forever thereafter, elect three men to be judges of the Orphans Court of said city and counties respectively, who shall be citizens of the State of Maryland, and citizens of the city or county, for which they may be severally elected at the time of their election. They shall have all the powers now vested in the Orphan’s Courts of this State, subject to such changes therein as the legislature may prescribe, and each of said Judges shall be paid at a per diem rate, for the time they are in session, to be fixed by the legislature, and paid by the said counties and city respectively. S ECT. 18. There shall be a Register of Wills in each county of the State, and in the city of Baltimore, to be elected by the legal and qualified voters of said counties and city respectively, who shall hold his office for six years from the time of his election, and until a new election shall take place and be re-eligible thereto, subject to be removed for wilful neglect of duty, or misdemeanor in office in the same manner that the clerks of the county courts are removable. In the event of any vacancy in the office of Register of Wills, said vacancy shall be filled by the Judges of the Orphans Court, until the general election next thereafter for Delegates to the General Assembly, when a Register shall be elected to fill such vacancy. S ECT. 19. The Legislature at its first session after the adoption of this Constitution, shall fix the number of27 Justices of the Peace and Constables for each ward of the city of Baltimore, and for each election district in the several counties, who shall be elected by the legal and qualified voters thereof respectively, at the next general elec-

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) tion for Delegates thereafter, and shall hold their offices for two years from the time of their election, and until their successors in office are elected and qualified; and the Legislature may from time to time, increase or diminish the number of Justices of the Peace and Constables to be elected in the several wards and election districts as the wants and interests of the people may require. They shall be by virtue of their offices conservators of the peace in the said counties and city respectively, and shall have such duties and compensation as now exist or may be provided for by law. In the event of a vacancy in the office of a Justice of the Peace the Governor shall appoint a person to serve as Justice of the Peace until the next regular election of said officers, and in case of a vacancy in the office of constable, the county commissioners of the county in which a vacancy may occur, or the Mayor and City council of Baltimore, as the case may be, shall appoint a person to serve as Constable until the next regular election thereafter for said officers. An appeal shall lie in all civil cases from the judgment of a Justice of the Peace to the circuit court or to the court of Common Pleas of Baltimore City, as the case may be, and on all such appeals, either party shall be entitled to a trial by jury, according to the laws now existing or which may be hereafter enacted. And the Mayor and City Council may provide by ordinance from time to time, for the creation and government of such temporary additional police, as they may deem necessary to preserve the public peace. S ECT. 20. There shall be elected in each county and in the city of Baltimore every second year two persons for the office of sheriff for each county, and two for the said city, the one of whom having the highest number of votes of the qualified voters of said county or city, or if both have an equal number, either of them, at the discretion

of the Governor, to be commissioned by the Governor for the said office and having served for two years, such person shall be ineligible for the two years next succeeding; bond with security, to be taken every year, and no sheriff shall be qualified to act before the same be given. In case of death, refusal, disqualification, or removal out of the county before the expiration of the said two years, the other person chosen as aforesaid shall be commissioned by the Governor to execute the said office for the residue of the said two years, the said person giving bond with security as aforesaid. No person shall be eligible to the office of sheriff but a resident of such county or city respectively, who shall have been a citizen of this State at least five years preceeding his election, and above the age of twenty one years. The two candidates, properly qualified, having the highest number of legal ballots, shall be declared duly elected for the office of sheriff for such county or city, and returned to the Governor with a certificate of the number of ballots for each of them. S ECT. 21. Coroners, Elisors and Notaries Public shall be appointed for each county and the city of Baltimore, in the manner now prescribed by law, or in such other manner as the General Assembly may hereafter direct. S ECT. 22. No Judge shall sit in any case wherein he may be interested, or where either of the parties may be connected with him by affinity or consanguinity, within such degrees as may be prescribed by law, or where he shall have been of counsel in the case; and whenever any of the judges of the circuit courts, or of the courts for Baltimore city shall be thus disqualified, or whenever, by reason of sickness or any other cause, the said judges or any of them may be unable to sit in any cause, the parties may, by consent, appoint a proper person

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M ARYLAND to try the said cause or the judges or any of them shall do so when directed by law. S ECT. 23. The present chancellor and the Register in Chancery, and in the event of any vacancy in their respective offices, their successors in office respectively, who are to be appointed as at present by the Governor and Senate, shall continue in office, with the powers and compensation as at present established, until the expiration of two years after the adoption of this constitution by the people and until the end of the session of the Legislature next thereafter after which the said offices of Chancellor and Register shall be abolished. The Legislature shall, in the meantime, provide by law for the recording, safe keeping, or other disposition, of the records, decrees and other proceedings of the court of Chancery, and for the copying and attestation thereof, and for the custody and use of the great seal of the State, when required, after the expiration of the said two years, and for transmitting to the said counties and to the city of Baltimore, all the cases and proceedings in said court then undisposed of and unfinished, in such manner, and under such regulations as may be deemed necessary and proper; provided that no new business shall originate in the said court, nor shall any cause be removed to the same from any other court, from and after the ratification of this constitution. S ECT. 24. The first election of Judges, clerks, Registers of Wills, and all other officers, whose election by the people is provided for in this article of the Constitution, except justices of the peace and constables, shall take place throughout the State on the first Wednesday of November next after the ratification of this Constitution by the people. S ECT. 25. In case of the death, resignation, removal, or other disqualification of a

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Judge of any of the Courts of Law, the Governor by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall thereupon appoint a person duly qualified to fill said office until the next general election for Delegates thereafter; at which time an election shall be held as hereinbefore prescribed, for a Judge who shall hold the said office for ten years according to the provisions of this Constitution. S ECT. 26. In case of the death, resignation, removal, or other disqualification, of the Judge of an Orphans Court the vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. S ECT. 27. Whenever lands lie partly in one county, and partly in another or partly in a county and partly in the city of Baltimore, or whenever persons proper to be made defendants to proceedings in Chancery, reside some in one county, and some in another, that court shall have jurisdiction in which proceedings shall have been first commenced, subject to such rules,28 regulations and alterations as may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 28. In all suits or actions at law, issues from the Orphans’ Court or from any court sitting in equity, in petitions for freedom, and in all presentments and indictments now pending, or which may be pending at the time of the adoption of this Constitution by the people, or which may be hereafter instituted in any of the courts of law of this State, having jurisdiction thereof, the judge or judges thereof, upon suggestion in writing, if made by the State’s Attorney, or the prosecutor for the State, or upon suggestion in writing, supported by affidavit, made by any of the parties thereto, or other proper evidence, that a fair and impartial trial cannot be had in the court where such suit or action at law issues, or petitions or presentment and indictment is

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) depending, shall order and direct the record of proceedings in such suit or action, issues or petitions presentment or indictment, to be transmitted to the court of any adjoining county; provided, that the removal in all civil causes be confined to an adjoining county within the judicial circuit, except as to the city of Baltimore, where the removal may be to an adjoining county, for trial, which court shall hear and determine the same in like manner as if such suit or action, issues or petitions, presentment or indictment, had been originally instituted therein; and provided also, that such suggestion shall be made as aforesaid, before or during the term in which the issue or issues may be joined in said suit or action, issues or petition, presentment or indictment, and that such further remedy in the premises may be provided by law as the Legislature shall from time to time direct and enact. S ECT. 29. All elections of Judges and other officers provided for by this Constitution shall be certified, and the returns made by the clerks of the respective counties to the Governor, who shall issue commissions to the different persons for the offices to which they shall have been respectively elected; and in all such elections the person having the greatest number of votes, shall be declared to be elected. S ECT. 30. If in any case of election for Judges, Clerks of the Courts of law, and Registers of Wills, the opposing candidates, shall have an equal number of votes, it shall be the duty of the Governor to order a new election, and in case of any contested election, the Governor shall send the returns to the House of Delegates, who shall judge of the election, and qualification of the candidates at such election. S ECT. 31. Every person of good moral character being a voter, shall be admitted to

practice law in all the courts of law in this State in his own case.

ARTICLE V The State’s Attorneys S ECT. 1. There shall be an Attorney for the State in each county and the City of Baltimore, to be styled “The State’s Attorney,” who shall be elected by the voters thereof, respectively, on the first Wednesday of November next, and on the same day every fourth year thereafter, and hold his office for four years from the first Monday of January next ensuing his election, and until his successor shall be elected and qualified, and shall be reeligible thereto, and be subject to removal therefrom for incompetency, wilful neglect of duty or misdemeanor in office, on conviction in a Court of law. S ECT. 2. All elections for the State’s Attorney shall be certified to, and returns made thereof, by the Clerks of the said Counties and City to the Judges thereof having criminal jurisdiction, respectively, whose duty it shall be to decide upon the elections and qualifications of the persons returned, and in case of a tie between two or more persons to designate which of said persons shall qualify as State’s Attorney, and to administer the oaths of office to the persons elected. S ECT. 3. The State’s Attorney shall perform such duties and receive such fees and commissions as are now prescribed by law for the attorney General and his deputies, and such other duties, fees and commissions as may hereafter be prescribed by law; and if any State’s Attorney shall receive any other fee or reward than such as is, or may be allowed by law, he shall, on conviction thereof, be removed from office.

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M ARYLAND S ECT. 4. No person shall be eligible to the office of State’s Attorney who has not been admitted to practice the law in this State, and who has not resided for at least one year in the county or city in which he may be elected. S ECT. 5. In case of vacancy in the office of State’s Attorney, or of his removal from the county or city in which he shall have been elected, or on his conviction as herein before specified, the said vacancy shall be filled by the Judge of the county or city, respectively, having criminal jurisdiction in which said vacancy shall occur, until the election and qualification of his successor; at which election said vacancy shall be filled by the voters of the said county or city, for the residue of the term thus made vacant. S ECT. 6. It shall be the duty of the clerk of the court of Appeals, and the Commissioner of the Land office, respectively, whenever a case shall be brought into said court or office, in which the State is a party or has an interest, immediately to notify the Governor thereof.

ARTICLE VI Treasury Department S ECT. 1. There shall be a Treasury Department, consisting of a Comptroller, chosen by the qualified electors of the State at each election of members of the House of Delegates who shall receive an annual salary of two thousand five hundred dollars; and of a Treasurer, to be appointed by the two Houses of the Legislature at each session thereof, on joint ballot, who shall also receive an annual salary of two thousand five hundred dollars; and neither of the said officers shall be allowed or receive any fees, commissions or perquisites of any

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kind, in addition to his salary, for the performance of any duty or service whatever. In case of a vacancy in either of the offices by death or otherwise, the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall fill such vacancy by appointment, to continue until another election by the people or a choice by the legislature, as the case may be, and the qualification of the successor. The Comptroller and the Treasurer shall keep their offices at the seat of government, and shall take such oath, and enter into such bonds, for the faithful discharge of their duties as the legislature shall prescribe. S ECT. 2. The Comptroller shall have the general superintendence of the fiscal affairs of the State; he shall digest and prepare plans for the improvement and management of the revenue, and for the support of the public credit; prepare and report estimates of the revenue and expenditure of the State; superintend and enforce the collection of all taxes and revenue; adjust, settle and preserve all public accounts; decide on the forms of keeping and stating accounts; grant, under regulations prescribed by law, all warrants for moneys to be paid out of the treasury, in pursuance of appropriations by law; prescribe the formalities of the transfer of stock or other evidences of the State debt, and countersign the same, without which such evidences shall not be valid; he shall make full reports of all his proceedings, and of the state of the Treasury Department within ten days after the commencement of each session of the legislature, and perform such other duties as shall be prescribed by law. S ECT. 3. The Treasurer shall receive and keep the moneys of the State, and disburse the same upon warrants drawn by the Comptroller, and not otherwise; he shall take receipts for all moneys paid by him, and all receipts for moneys received by him shall

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) be endorsed upon warrants29 signed by the Comptroller, without which warrant30 , so signed, no acknowledgement of money received into the Treasury shall be valid; and upon warrants issued by the Comptroller, he shall make arrangements for the payment of the interest of the public debt, and for the purchase thereof, on account of the sinking fund. Every bond, certificate or other evidence of the debt of the State, shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Comptroller, and no new certificate or other evidence intended to replace another shall be issued until the old one shall be delivered to the Treasurer, and authority executed in due form for the transfer of the same shall be filed in his office, and the transfer accordingly made on the books thereof, and the certificate or other evidence cancelled; but the Legislature may make provision for the loss of certificates or other evidence of the debt. S ECT. 4. The Treasurer shall render his accounts quarterly to the Comptroller; and on the third day of each session of the legislature he shall submit to the Senate and House of Delegates fair and accurate copies of all accounts by him from time to time rendered, and settled with the Comptroller. He shall at all times submit to the Comptroller, the inspection of the moneys in his hands, and perform all other duties that shall be prescribed by law.

ARTICLE VII Sundry Officers S ECT. 1. At the first general election of delegates to the General Assembly, after the adoption of this constitution, four commissioners shall be elected as hereinafter provided, who shall be styled “Commissioners of Public Works;” and who shall exercise a

diligent and faithful supervision of all Public Works, in which the State may be interested as stockholder or creditor, and shall represent the State in all meetings of the Stockholders, and shall appoint the Directors in every Rail Road or Canal company, in which the State has the constitutional power to appoint Directors. It shall also be the duty of the commissioners of Public Works to review, from time to time, the rate of tolls adopted by any company; use all legal powers which they may possess, to obtain the establishment of rates of tolls, which may prevent an injurious competition with each other, to the detriment of the interests of the State; and so to adjust them as to promote the Agriculture of the State. It shall, also, be the duty of the said commissioners of Public Works, to keep a Journal of their proceedings; and at each regular session of the Legislature to make to it a report, and to recommend such legislation as they shall deem necessary and requisite to promote or protect the interest of the State in the Public Works; and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law. They shall each receive such salary as may be allowed by law, which shall not be increased or diminished during their continuance in office.

S ECT. 2. For the election of the Commissioners of Public Works, the State shall be divided into four districts. The counties of Allegany, Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Baltimore and Harford, shall constitute the first district. The counties of Montgomery, Howard, Anne Arundel, Calvert, St. Mary’s, Charles and Prince George’s, shall constitute the second district. Baltimore city shall constitute the third District. The counties of Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester, shall constitute the fourth district. One commissioner shall he elected in each district,

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M ARYLAND who shall have been a resident thereof at least five years next preceding his election. S ECT. 3. The said Commissioners shall be elected by the qualified voters of their districts respectively; the returns of their election shall be certified to the Governor, who shall, by proclamation, declare the result of the election. Two of the said commissioners, first elected, shall hold their office for four years, and the other two for two years from the first Monday of December next succeeding their election. And at the first meeting after their election, or as soon thereafter as practicable, they shall determine, by lot, who of their number shall hold their offices for four and two years respectively; and thereafter there shall be elected as aforesaid, at each general election of Delegates, two commissioners for the term of four years, to be taken from the districts respectively, wherein the commissioners resided at the time of their election, whose term of service has expired. And in case of a vacancy in the office of either of said commissioners, by death, resignation or otherwise, the Governor by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint some qualified person from the same district, to serve until the next general election of Delegates, when an election shall be held, as aforesaid, for a commissioner for the residue of said term. And in case of an equal division in the board of commissioners, on any subject committed to their charge, the Treasurer of the State shall have power, and shall be called on to decide the same. And in the event of a tie vote for any two of the candidates for the office of commissioner in the same district, it shall be the duty of the Governor to commission one or the other of the candidates having the equal number of votes. And if the Governor doubt the legality or result of any election held for said commissioners, it shall be his duty to send the returns of such election to

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the House of Delegates, who shall judge of the election and qualification of the candidates at such election. S ECT. 4. During the continuance of the lottery system in this State, there shall be elected by the legal and qualified voters of the State at every general election for delegates to the General Assembly one commissioner of Lotteries, who shall hold his office for two years, and till the qualification of his successor and shall be reeligible. His whole compensation shall be paid out of the fund raised for the Maryland consolidated Lottery grants, and shall not exceed the amount of commissions received by one of the present Lottery commissioners out of said fund; and he shall give such bond for the faithful performance of his duties as is now given by the Lottery commissioners. The term of the commissioner who shall be elected at the general election for Delegates next succeeding the adoption of this constitution shall commence at the expiration of the commissions of the present Lottery commissioners, and continue for two years and till the qualification of his successor. S ECT. 5. From and after the first day of April eighteen hundred and fifty nine no lottery scheme shall be drawn for any purpose whatever nor shall any lottery ticket be sold in this State; and it shall be the duty of the several commissioners elected under this constitution to make such contract or contracts as will extinguish all existing lottery grants before the said first day of April eighteen hundred and fifty nine and also secure to the State a clear yearly revenue equal to the average amount derived by the State from the system for the last five years; but no such contract or contracts shall be valid until approved by the Treasurer; and Comptroller. S ECT. 6. There shall be a Commissioner of the Land office elected by the qualified

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) voters of the State, at the first general election of Delegates to the assembly after the ratification of this constitution; who shall hold his office for the term of six years from the first day of January next after his election. The returns of said election shall be made to the Governor, and in the event of a tie between any two or more candidates, the Governor shall direct a new election to be held by writs to the several sheriffs, who shall hold said election after at least twenty days notice, exclusive of the day of election. The said Commissioner shall sit as Judge of the Land office, and receive therefor the sum of two hundred dollars per annum, to be paid out of the State Treasury. He shall also perform the duties of the Register of the Land office, and be entitled to receive therefor the fees now chargeable in said office31 ; and he shall also perform the duties of Examiner General, and be entitled to receive therefor the fees now chargeable by said officer. The office of Register of the Land office and Examiner General shall be abolished from and after the election and qualification of the Commissioner of the Land office. S ECT. 7. The State Librarian shall be elected by the Joint vote of the two branches of the Legislature, for two years, and until his successor shall be elected and qualified32 . His salary shall be one thousand dollars per annum. He shall perform such duties as are now or may hereafter be prescribed by law. S ECT. 8. The county authorities now known as Levy Courts or County Commissioners shall hereafter be styled “County Commissioners” and shall be elected by general ticket, and not by districts, by the voters of the several counties, on the first Wednesday in November one thousand Eight hundred and fifty one, and on the same day in every second year thereafter. Said Commissioners shall exercise such

powers and duties only as the Legislature may from time to time prescribe, but such powers and duties and the tenure of office shall be uniform throughout the State; and the Legislature shall, at or before its second regular session after the adoption of this constitution, pass such laws as may be necessary for determining the number for each county, and ascertaining and defining the powers, duties and tenure of office of said Commissioners; and until the passage of such laws the Commissioners elected under this Constitution shall have and exercise all the powers and duties in their respective counties, now exercised by the county authorities under the laws of the State. S ECT. 9. The General Assembly shall provide by law for the election of road supervisors in the several counties by the voters of the election districts respectively; and may provide by law for the election or appointment of such other county officers as may be required, and are not herein provided for, and prescribe their powers and duties, but the tenure of office, their powers and duties and mode of appointment shall be uniform throughout the State. S ECT. 10. The qualified voters of each County, and the city of Baltimore, shall, at the first election of Delegates after the adoption of this Constitution, and every two years thereafter, elect a Surveyor for the Counties, and the City of Baltimore respectively, whose duties and compensation shall be the same, as are now prescribed by law for the County and City Surveyors respectively, or as may hereafter be prescribed by law. The term of office of said County, and City Surveyors respectively, shall commence on the first Monday of January, next succeeding their election, And vacancies in said office of Surveyors by death, resignation, or removal from their respective counties, or City, shall be filled by the Com-

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M ARYLAND missioners of the Counties or Mayor and City council of Baltimore respectively. S ECT. 11. The qualified voters of Worcester County shall, at the first election of Delegates after the adoption of this Constitution, and every two years thereafter, elect a Wreck Master for said county, whose duties and compensation shall be the same, as are now prescribed or may be hereafter prescribed by law. The term of office of said Wreck Master shall commence on the first Monday of January, next succeeding his election, And a vacancy in said office by death, resignation, or removal from the County, shall be filled by the County Commissioners of said County, for the residue of the term thus made vacant.

ARTICLE VIII New Counties S ECT. 1. That part of Anne Arundel County called Howard District is hereby erected33 into a New County to be called Howard County; the inhabitants whereof shall have[,] hold and enjoy all such rights and privileges as are held and enjoyed by the inhabitants of the other counties in this State; and its civil and municipal officers at the time of the ratification of this constitution shall continue in office until their successors shall have been elected or appointed, and shall have qualified as such; and all rights, powers and obligations incident to Howard District of Anne Arundel County shall attach to Howard County. S ECT. 2. When that part of Allegany county, lying South and West of a line beginning at the summit of Big Back Bone or Savage Mountain, where that mountain is crossed by Mason and Dixon’s line, and running thence by a straight line to the Middle of Savage River, where it empties into

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the Potomac River; thence by a straight line, to the nearest point or boundary of the State of Virginia; then with said boundary to the Fairfax stone, shall contain a population of ten thousand, and the majority of electors thereof shall desire to separate and form a new county, and make known their desire by petition to the Legislature, the Legislature shall direct at the next succeeding election, that the Judges shall open a book at each Election District in said part of Allegany County, and have recorded therein the vote of each elector “For or against” a new County. In case the majority are in favor, then said part of Allegany county, to be declared an independent county, and the inhabitants whereof shall have, and enjoy all such rights and privileges as are held and enjoyed by the inhabitants of the other counties in this State. Provided that the whole representation in the General Assembly of the County when divided shall not exceed the present delegation of Allegany County allowed under this34 constitution until after the next census.

ARTICLE IX Militia S ECT. 1. It shall be the duty of the Legislature to pass laws for the enrollment of the Militia: to provide for districting the State into Divisions, Brigades, Battalions, Regiments, and companies: and to pass laws for the effectual encouragement of volunteer corps by some mode which may induce the formation and continuance of at least one volunteer company in every county and division in the city of Baltimore; The company, Battalion and Regimental officers (staff officers excepted) shall be elected by the persons composing their several companies, Battalions and Regiments. S ECT. 2. The Adjutant General shall be

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) appointed by the Governor by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. He shall hold his office for the term of six years and receive the same salary as heretofore until changed by the Legislature.

ARTICLE X Miscellaneous S ECT. 1. Every officer of this State, the Governor excepted, the entire amount of whose pay or compensation, received for the discharge of his official duties, shall exceed the yearly sum of three thousand dollars, shall keep a book in which shall be entered every sum or sums of money received by him or on his account as a payment or compensation for his performance of official duties, a copy of which entries in said book, verified by the oath of the officer by whom it is directed to be kept, shall be returned yearly to the Treasurer of the State for his inspection, and that of the General Assembly of Maryland; and each of such officers when the amount received by him for the year, shall exceed the sum of three thousand dollars, shall yearly pay over to the Treasurer the amount of such excess by him received, subject to such disposition thereof as the Legislature may deem just and equitable. And any such officer failing to comply with the said requisition, shall be deemed to have vacated his office, and be subject to suit by the State for the amount that ought to have been paid into the Treasury. S ECT. 2. The Legislature shall have power to pass all such laws as may be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers vested by this constitution in any department or office of the Government and the duties imposed upon them thereby. S ECT. 3. If in any election directed by

this constitution, any two or more candidates shall have the highest and an equal number of votes, a new election shall be ordered, unless in cases specially provided for by the constitution. S ECT. 4. The trial by Jury of all issues of fact in civil proceedings in the several Courts of law in35 this State where the amount in controversy exceeds the sum of five dollars shall be inviolably preserved. S ECT. 5. In the trial of all criminal cases the Jury shall be the Judges of law as well as fact. S ECT. 6. The Legislature shall have power to regulate by law all matters which relate to the Judges, time, place, and manner of holding elections in this State, and of making returns thereof, provided that the tenure and term of office, and the day of election shall not be affected36 thereby. S ECT. 7. All rights vested, and all liabilities incurred shall remain as if this constitution had not been adopted. S ECT. 8. The Governor and all officers civil and military, now holding commissions under this State shall continue to hold and exercise their offices according to their present tenure, until they shall be superseded pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution, and until their successors be duly qualified. S ECT. 9. The sheriffs of the several counties of this State and of the City of Baltimore shall give notice of the several elections authorised by this constitution in the manner prescribed by existing laws for elections under the present constitution. S ECT. 10. This constitution, if adopted by a majority of the legal votes cast on the first Wednesday of June next, shall go into operation on the fourth day of July next,

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M ARYLAND and on and after said day shall supersede the present constitution of this State.

ARTICLE XI Amendment of the Constitution It shall be the duty of the Legislature at its first session immediately succeeding the returns of every census of the United States hereafter taken, to pass a law for ascertaining at the next general election of Delegates the sense of the people of Maryland in regard to37 calling a Convention for altering the constitution; and in case the majority of votes cast at said election shall be in favor of calling a Convention, the Legislature shall provide for assembling such Convention, and electing delegates thereto at the earliest convenient day; and the Delegates to the said Convention shall be elected by the several counties of the State and the City of Baltimore in proportion to their representation respectively in the Senate and House of Delegates at the time when said convention may be called. Done in Convention the thirteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight38 hundred and fifty one; and the independence of the United States the seventy fifth. J. G. CHAPMAN President of the Convention Attest, GEORGE G. BREWER Secretary to Convention.

1

Verified by Debates and Proceedings of the Maryland Reform Convention to Revise the State Constitution. To Which are prefixed the Bill of Rights and Constitution as Adopted. Published by Order of the Convention, 2 vols., Annapolis: William M’Neir, Official Printer, 1851, I, 3–20, and corrected according to the attested original manuscript as preserved in the

446

Maryland State Archives at Annapolis, MD. Checked also against The Constitution of the State of Maryland, Reported and Adopted by the Convention of Delegates Assembled at the City of Annapolis, November 4th, 1850. And Submitted to The Voters of the State for their Adoption or Rejection, on the First Wednesday of June, 1851, Annapolis: Riley and Davis, Printers, 1851, 36 p., and The Constitution of the State of Maryland, Reported and Adopted by the Convention of Delegates Assembled at the City of Annapolis, November 4th, 1850. And Submitted to The Voters of the State for their Adoption or Rejection, on the First Wednesday of June, 1851, Baltimore: Printed by John Murphy & Co., No. 178 Market Street, 1851, 70 p. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the original manuscript. Obvious misspellings or typographical errors in the manuscript or print have been tacitly corrected and ignored in the editorial annotations. The constitution was adopted by the people on June 4, 1851 by a vote of 29,025 to 18,616 (cf. James Warner Harry, The Maryland Constitution of 1851, Baltimore, MD: The Lord Baltimore Press, 1902, 86). It superseded the Declaration of Rights (q.v.) and the Constitution of 1776 (q.v.). As it could be amended only by way of convention and calls for a convention failed in 1858 and 1862, the constitution remained in effect until being replaced by the third constitution of Maryland of 1864 (cf. Michael Carlton Tolley, State Constitutionalism in Maryland, New York and London: Garland Publishing, 1992, 24– 25). – In Debates and Proceedings, I, 3, and in Riley and Davis print, 3, title as given here, missing. 2 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 3, and in Riley and Davis print, 3, word missing. 3 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 3, word missing. 4 Ibid., 4, “so”. 5 Ibid., and in Riley and Davis print, 4, “said”. 6 In Riley and Davis print, 5, “the consent”. 7 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 4, word missing. 8 In Riley and Davis print, 7, word missing. 9 Ibid., “agreeable”. 10 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 6, “or”. 11 Ibid., in Riley and Davis print, 10, and in Murphy print, 22, “shall”. 12 In Riley and Davis print, 13, “election”. 13 Ibid., 16, word missing. 14 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 12, and in Riley and Davis print, 20, word missing. 15 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 12, last two words missing. 16 In Riley and Davis print, 21, word missing. 17 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 12, “of”. 18 Ibid., 13, and in Riley and Davis print, 22, “any”. 19 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 13, in Riley and Davis print, 23, and in Murphy print, 45, “the said”. 20 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 13, and in Riley and Davis print, 23, word missing.

C ONSTITUTION OF M ARYLAND (1851) 21

In Debates and Proceedings, I, 13, and in Riley and Davis print, 23, “qualification”. 22 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 13, and in Riley and Davis print, 23, “judges’ term”. 23 In Riley and Davis print, 24, “Courts”. 24 Ibid., “of the”. 25 In manuscript, and in Murphy print, 47, “appeal”. 26 In manuscript, and in Murphy print, 47, “of the clerk of court”. 27 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 14, and in Riley and Davis print, 25, “of the”. 28 In manuscript, rest of sect. 27 and sect. 28 missing. 29 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 17, “warrant”.

30

Ibid., “warrants”. Ibid., 18, “by said officer”; in Riley and Davis print, 32, “by said office”. 32 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 19, and in Riley and Davis print, 32, “qualify”. 33 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 19, “created”. 34 In Riley and Davis print, 34, “the”. 35 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 20, and in Riley and Davis print, 35, “of”. 36 In Riley and Davis print, 35, “effected”. 37 In Murphy print, 69, “to the”. 38 In Debates and Proceedings, I, 20, and in Riley and Davis print, 36, “eighteen”. 31

447

Index

apportionment of representatives, 22, 27, 66, 96, 112, 139, 215, 216, 230, 375, 384, 446 – by geographical units, 11, 47, 108, 140, 170 – by inhabitants, 11, 28, 40, 45–47, 108, 109, 111, 112, 156, 159, 184, 206, 208, 245, 270, 272, 320, 384, 408, 414, 427 capital punishment, 179, 343 census, 11, 28, 46, 55, 108, 109, 112, 139, 156, 206, 384, 427, 444, 446 church, 241 – separation of church and state, 13, 30, 31, 48, 50, 79, 115, 118, 203, 310, 413 – state church, 242, 253 citizenship, 414 – loss of, 90, 253 – obligations of, 90 commerce, 213 constitution, 28, 40, 95, 136, 143, 144, 184, 190, 191, 218, 254, 423, 445 – amendment of, 19, 37, 93, 137, 187, 218, 233, 258–260, 264, 267, 269, 271, 273– 275, 277, 280–296, 300–306, 308–311, 313, 314, 316, 318, 319, 321, 322, 324, 326, 329, 331, 332, 335–339, 341–343, 345, 347, 348, 351, 353, 355, 357, 358, 360, 362, 364, 366, 368, 369, 371, 373, 375, 376, 378, 380, 381, 389, 391–393, 398, 399, 401, 403, 405 – – constitutional convention, 19, 37, 63, 64, 93, 414, 446 – fundamental principles, 419 – legal status of, 92, 188 corporations, 49, 134 debtors, 21, 39, 65, 432 economy, 432, 441 – banking, 180, 182, 432 – regulations, 134, 180, 422, 432

education, 63, 136, 137, 152, 185–187 – common schools, establishment of, 136, 214 election, eligibility for, 36, 75, 79, 91, 130, 156, 162, 164, 169, 170, 174, 175, 178, 189, 252, 259, 284, 415, 424, 427, 431, 435, 436, 440, 442 – age, 11, 12, 14, 27, 29, 30, 45, 47, 50, 53– 56, 58, 75, 77, 81, 108, 113, 118, 125, 165, 207, 208, 211, 245, 247, 249–251, 266, 270, 272, 327, 384, 386, 407, 410, 411, 428, 433, 434, 437 – citizenship, 11, 14, 27, 29–31, 45, 47, 50, 53–56, 58, 75, 77, 81, 108, 113, 118, 125, 165, 207, 211, 327, 404, 425, 428, 433, 434, 437 – disqualifying attributes, 18, 30, 31, 35, 36, 48, 50, 59, 61, 79, 89, 115, 118, 129, 131, 135, 176, 177, 183, 246, 253, 258, 414, 416, 423, 428, 431, 439 – gender, 75, 108 – property, 75, 77, 81, 245, 247, 249–251, 266, 270, 272, 287, 408 – race, ethnicity, 75, 108, 408 – religion, 310 – residence, 11, 12, 14, 27, 29–31, 36, 45, 47, 50, 53–56, 58, 60, 75, 77, 81, 90, 108, 113, 118, 129, 130, 165, 178, 207, 211, 245, 247, 249–252, 266, 270, 272, 327, 384, 386, 402, 404, 407, 410, 411, 414, 415, 425, 428, 433, 434, 436, 437, 439, 441 elections, 22, 36, 40, 60, 76, 90, 130, 143, 152, 153, 156, 158, 187, 213, 215, 226, 229, 233, 254, 265, 271, 272, 285, 293, 294, 296, 308, 312, 317, 323, 324, 331, 332, 334, 335, 345, 349, 353, 383, 385– 388, 393, 399, 404, 407–409, 417, 423, 445 – contestation of, 12, 13, 29, 33, 36, 48,

449

I NDEX 52, 54, 56, 78, 113, 161, 248, 410, 432, 439 – election committee, 40, 80, 95, 164, 207, 208, 245–248, 266, 268, 270, 272, 296, 312, 313, 324, 327, 331, 335, 407–409 – election day, 11, 12, 27, 29, 40, 45, 47, 50, 52, 60, 75, 95, 108, 113, 144, 156, 163, 164, 175, 189, 191, 205, 207, 210, 215, 216, 229, 231, 234–237, 245, 247– 249, 251, 254, 264, 266, 270, 272, 288, 301, 316, 319, 373, 385, 388, 399, 408, 409, 411, 424, 427, 430, 436, 438, 439, 442, 443 – electoral returns, 22, 29, 40, 56, 61, 63, 78, 80, 90, 113, 116, 117, 144, 161, 163, 164, 172, 189, 190, 213, 245–247, 254, 266, 270, 272, 296, 327, 383, 387, 402, 407, 408, 424, 437, 439, 442 – voter registration, 93, 158, 207, 208, 213, 327 – voting procedure, 93 – – ballot, 12, 15, 60, 80, 90, 116, 130, 178, 189, 205, 208, 210, 212, 213, 236, 246–251, 254, 266, 270, 272, 274, 285, 327, 408, 410, 411, 414, 423, 437, 440 – – viva voce, 36, 60, 130, 178, 245, 247, 266, 270, 272, 407–409, 424 electoral districts, 28, 29, 40, 45–47, 75, 76, 95, 96, 108, 109, 111, 140, 151, 156, 159, 170, 174, 175, 190, 208, 226, 236, 245–247, 255, 266, 268, 270, 272, 277, 281, 283, 285, 289–294, 296, 298, 302– 306, 308, 309, 311, 312, 317, 320, 323, 324, 327, 330, 332, 334–339, 341, 342, 345, 348, 349, 351, 353, 355, 358, 360, 362, 364, 367, 369, 371, 375, 376, 378, 381, 385, 386, 388, 390, 414, 423, 425, 427, 428, 436, 437, 441, 444 – single constituency, 92, 108, 111, 171, 183 electoral principles – equal elections, 20, 38, 64 – free elections, 20, 38, 64, 239, 419 – general elections, 47, 77, 174, 187, 189, 441–444, 446 – majority principle, 172

450

executive, 11, 14, 27, 30, 45, 50, 74, 107, 117, 155, 206, 210, 239 – council of state, 208, 211, 212, 215, 236, 246, 247, 249–254, 258, 259, 264, 266, 268, 270, 272, 279, 282, 284, 288, 300, 316, 322, 328, 385, 411, 413–416 – duties, 83 – – state of the government address, 83, 167, 185, 328, 426 – head of state, 12, 14–16, 30–33, 35, 36, 50–52, 57, 80–83, 87–90, 94, 95, 117– 119, 127, 144, 164–166, 168, 175, 189– 191, 205, 210, 211, 215, 217, 229, 231, 233–235, 246, 248–251, 253, 258, 264, 282, 288, 301, 316, 322, 327, 328, 385, 386, 388, 402, 409, 411, 413, 414, 416, 424–426, 440, 445 – – competencies, 14–17, 22, 31–35, 50– 56, 59, 61, 62, 82–84, 86, 87, 116, 119– 122, 124, 127, 142–144, 152, 163, 166– 169, 173, 174, 183, 188, 191, 208, 209, 211, 213, 215, 236, 247, 249–254, 278, 279, 300, 328, 380, 385, 386, 393, 399, 402, 404, 405, 411–417, 421, 425–427, 430, 433, 434, 436–440, 442, 444 – mayor, 92, 268, 296, 423, 436, 443 – members, 16–18, 31, 32, 35, 51, 62, 79, 83, 87, 88, 90, 94, 118, 121, 127, 128, 152, 163–166, 172, 184, 185, 187, 189– 191, 211, 213, 217, 239, 245, 247, 251– 253, 266, 270, 272, 296, 314, 401, 415, 419, 424, 426, 427, 436, 440–442, 445 – – appointment, 15, 188, 249, 415 – – election, 14, 30–33, 36, 50–52, 80, 81, 95, 116, 117, 144, 152, 164, 165, 169, 175, 183, 205, 210, 212, 213, 215, 229, 233, 248–250, 264, 288, 301, 316, 322, 327, 328, 388, 402, 411, 423–425, 440– 442 – – impeachment, 15, 16, 32, 35, 51, 57, 83, 88, 118, 127, 128, 165, 175, 204, 215, 327, 328, 425 – – inability to serve, 15, 32, 51, 83, 118, 165, 211, 386, 411, 425 – – length of term, 14, 30, 31, 50, 52, 80, 83, 117, 118, 121, 152, 164, 168, 169,

I NDEX 210, 212, 213, 217, 229, 231, 234, 235, 241, 250, 253, 288, 316, 327, 328, 386, 411, 415, 421, 424–426, 442 – – plurality of offices, 14, 31, 50, 61, 89, 118, 134, 177, 182, 211, 241, 250, 251, 253, 258, 282, 413, 416, 421, 440 – – qualifications, 30, 31, 50, 51, 118, 211, 388, 402, 411, 424, 425 – – re-eligibility, 30, 50, 81, 118, 165, 213, 250, 327, 388, 415, 442 – – remuneration, 14, 31, 32, 50, 51, 82, 83, 119, 144, 166, 211, 328, 413, 426, 430, 440–442, 445 – – responsibility, 15, 32, 52, 121, 212, 440, 441 – ministers, 422, 428 – official seat, 19 – powers, 328, 385 – – adjourning legislature, 15, 51, 83, 120, 167, 211, 249 – – appointing power, 14, 17, 31, 33, 34, 52, 59, 61, 82, 87, 116, 120, 128, 142, 152, 163, 166, 172, 174, 183, 188, 211, 213, 236, 251–253, 300, 328, 380, 385, 386, 393, 399, 414, 415, 425, 426, 433, 437, 444 – – – vacancies, filling of, 15, 17, 31, 35, 50, 53, 55, 62, 82, 87, 116, 120, 127, 167, 169, 236, 247, 251, 252, 279, 385, 386, 393, 405, 409, 414, 415, 425, 430, 436–438, 440, 442 – – budgetary powers, 31, 426 – – convoking legislature, 15, 31, 32, 51, 83, 120, 167, 211, 250, 399, 402, 411, 412, 426, 427 – – dissolving legislature, 191, 412 – – judicial powers, 426 – – legislative powers, 167 – – – executive orders or ordinances, 14, 33 – – – sanctioning of laws, 14, 32, 52, 84, 121, 168, 209, 254 – – – veto power, 14, 32, 33, 52, 84, 121, 168, 209 – – military commanding power, 14, 31, 50, 82, 119, 166, 211, 250, 412, 425

– – pardoning power, 15, 31, 50, 61, 82, 119, 166, 211, 250, 412, 424, 426, 431 – – removal power, 16, 34, 53, 55, 86, 124, 173, 252, 278, 413, 421, 433, 434 – relation to other branches, 15, 31, 51, 83, 120, 167, 168, 211, 212, 328, 426, 427, 433, 434, 440, 441 government, 23, 239, 243, 347, 419 – federal - state relations, 81, 91, 165, 178, 184, 249, 263, 285, 296, 411, 423, 428 – finances, 89, 94, 132, 136, 137, 180, 219, 253 – – budget, 129 – – public debt, 49, 50, 133, 181, 232, 395, 396, 429, 432, 440 – – revenue, ordinary and extraordinary, 13, 129, 442 – form of, 419 – public institutions, 441 – subnational government – – municipal government, 390 – – – municipal officers, 13, 17, 18, 22, 31, 33–35, 56, 58, 59, 82, 127–129, 135, 174, 183–185, 189, 226, 236, 251, 253, 254, 266, 270–272, 274, 285, 294, 296, 312, 320, 324, 332, 335, 345, 390, 397, 404, 405, 407, 414–416, 422, 437, 442–445 – suits against the state, 35, 60 hereditary distinctions, outlawed, 21, 40, 66, 205, 243, 422 infrastructure, 396 – railroad, 396 – roads, 88 judiciary, 11, 16, 27, 33, 45, 52, 74, 107, 122, 155, 206, 213, 239, 421 – attorney general, 15, 32, 36, 52, 62, 87, 125, 127, 144, 152, 173, 175, 211, 236, 251–253, 279, 295, 415, 416, 431, 438– 440 – courts, 18, 21, 49, 65, 124, 143, 269, 299, 343, 445

451

I NDEX – – appellate court, 87, 254, 276, 279, 414, 416, 431–433, 436, 440 – – courts of equity, 57, 254, 275, 380, 388, 414–416, 419, 434, 435, 438 – – inferior courts, 16, 33, 52, 54, 55, 57, 85, 86, 122, 126, 152, 169, 172, 200, 213, 236, 275, 321, 323, 324, 331, 332, 334, 335, 347, 432–438 – – local courts, 34, 56, 57, 252, 254, 255, 275, 278, 279, 317, 320, 349, 374, 380, 390, 404, 414, 415, 417, 432, 433, 435– 437 – – military courts, 252, 254, 416, 421, 426 – – supreme court, 16, 33, 52, 53, 55, 85, 122–124, 143, 169, 172, 189, 213, 435 – – – as appellate court, 17, 33, 53, 85, 122, 170 – – – judges, 16, 18, 34, 35, 53, 54, 57, 86, 87, 90, 123, 124, 151–153, 172, 174, 189, 213, 214 – – – – appointment, 53, 125, 151, 171, 172 – – – – chief justice, 123, 127, 151–153, 170, 175 – – – – impeachment, 15, 57, 124, 127, 128, 172, 173, 175, 204, 215 – – – – incompatibility with other offices, 134, 174, 177, 182, 213, 215, 241, 253, 421 – – – – number, 53, 85, 123, 170 – – – – qualifications, 53 – – – – tenure, 16, 34, 53, 86, 123, 151, 170–172, 213, 251 – judges, 16, 18, 34, 35, 54–56, 82, 86– 88, 90, 94, 124, 125, 127, 152, 173–175, 213, 214, 228, 236, 245, 251–253, 266, 270, 272, 276, 278, 279, 393, 415, 416, 421, 433, 435, 436, 438–440, 444 – – appointment or election, 54–57, 152, 170, 175, 200, 236, 275, 278, 279, 416, 433–439, 445 – – incompatibility with other offices, 134, 174, 241, 437 – – legally competent judges, 55, 241, 254, 275, 278, 416, 434

452

– judicial districts, 53, 55–57, 125, 152, 236, 275, 278, 279, 343, 375, 390, 393, 433, 434, 438 – jurisdiction, 16, 55–57, 65, 87, 126, 135, 136, 173, 221, 279, 343, 435, 438, 439 – – appellate, 85, 172, 433, 434, 440 – – original, 16, 126 – – reciprocity of recognition of judgments, 172 – – restrictions upon, 174, 275, 415, 434 – local judicial officers, 13, 17, 18, 22, 30, 34, 36, 40, 48, 54, 56–58, 85, 87, 95, 126, 127, 134, 152, 169, 170, 172–175, 182, 183, 189, 211, 213, 228, 236, 245, 247, 251–254, 266, 270, 272, 279, 314, 317, 320, 347, 380, 404, 405, 414–416, 428, 431–436, 438–440 – relation to other branches, 86, 213, 435, 436, 438, 440 – remuneration, 34, 36, 53, 55, 56, 85, 123– 125, 153, 170, 174, 213, 241, 278, 430, 433–436, 439, 445 – trials, 153, 200 – – hearing of evidence, 20, 38 language, 91, 179, 184, 187, 191 – official language, 131, 136 – other languages, 131 law, 18, 49, 61, 124, 129, 133, 134, 179, 181, 254, 420 – transitional provisions, 18, 22, 36, 40, 60, 66, 67, 87, 94–96, 110, 114, 138, 142, 143, 188, 189, 191, 217, 237, 239, 243, 254, 419, 422, 438, 444, 445 legislature, 11, 27, 45, 74, 93, 107, 155, 156, 163, 183, 185, 186, 189, 206, 239, 253, 407, 410, 419, 432 – convocation of, 12, 29, 47, 75, 145, 209, 240, 357, 420 – joint sessions, 12, 22, 28, 75, 78, 108, 161, 164, 166, 180, 247–250, 264, 282, 288, 301, 316, 327, 392, 399, 411, 414, 424, 427, 429, 430, 440, 441 – lower house, 11, 27, 45, 74, 83, 107, 155, 156, 159, 206, 245, 249, 407, 427 – – members, 13, 18, 28, 30, 35, 47, 74,

I NDEX 80, 88, 116, 128, 156, 176, 206, 236, 239, 246, 249, 251, 254, 265, 287, 314, 322, 407, 415, 416, 419, 427 – – – appointment, 427 – – – election, 11, 27–29, 36, 45, 47, 48, 60, 75, 77, 78, 90, 93, 95, 108, 113, 130, 144, 156, 160, 163, 178, 189, 191, 205, 206, 209, 216, 229, 230, 233, 245, 246, 251, 254, 264, 266, 268, 270–272, 274, 283, 285, 294, 319, 327, 328, 373, 375, 383, 384, 386, 399, 407, 408, 417, 423, 428, 430, 435, 436, 438, 440 – – – immunity, indemnity, 13, 29, 48, 79, 114, 162, 210, 420, 430 – – – incompatibility, 48, 79, 89, 92, 115, 162, 177, 210, 250–252, 259, 284, 413, 428, 431 – – – leader of lower house, 431 – – – length of term, 11, 27, 45, 74, 108, 156, 160, 206, 231, 234, 235, 399, 427 – – – mandatory attendance, 13, 29, 48, 113, 209 – – – plurality of offices, 13, 30, 36, 48, 61, 79, 115, 131, 134, 162, 182, 210, 241, 250, 251, 258, 263, 384, 413, 421, 428, 430 – – – qualifications, 11, 13, 27, 29, 45, 48, 78, 108, 113, 161, 207–209, 246, 384, 407, 408, 428 – – – re-eligibility, 48 – – – remuneration, 13, 29, 32, 48, 75, 78, 96, 114, 119, 161, 209, 384, 430, 431, 445 – – – speaker, 12, 13, 28, 32, 47, 51, 76, 110, 117, 119, 158, 164, 166, 207, 211, 246, 254, 386, 408, 417, 424, 425, 430 – – – vacancy, 13, 30, 49, 80, 116, 163, 207, 408, 430 – – powers, 16, 18, 35–37, 49, 50, 55, 59– 61, 130, 131, 133–137, 153, 200, 204, 385, 387, 402, 408, 424, 439, 442 – – – adjournment, 13, 14, 29, 33, 48, 77, 78, 84, 113, 114, 160, 161, 167, 168,

209, 210, 215, 246, 249, 357, 408, 412, 428 – – – appointing power, 35, 58, 82, 87, 128, 165, 166, 175, 176, 246–250, 254, 282, 295, 401, 409, 411, 424, 430, 440 – – – appropriation of funds, 49, 137, 186, 429 – – – budgetary power, 49, 246 – – – bylaws, 13, 29, 48, 77, 78, 113, 161, 209, 247, 428, 430 – – – impeachment, 15, 16, 35, 57, 88, 127, 128, 175, 176, 178, 204, 208, 215, 246, 328, 432 – – – judiciary functions, 13, 29, 48, 50, 55, 113, 114, 161, 176, 209, 246, 254, 409, 430 – – – legislation, 91, 159, 181, 182, 417, 425, 428, 431, 432, 445 – – – – legislative initiative, 21, 30, 36, 39, 49, 60, 65, 89, 116, 129, 131, 178, 187, 209, 210, 240, 246, 420, 429 – – – – passage of bills, 14, 32, 84, 162, 168, 209, 246, 254, 408, 417, 431 – – – – – majorities, 14, 30, 32, 50, 52, 79, 84, 93, 162, 168, 246, 254, 417, 429 – – – – promulgation, 91, 184 – – – – publication of laws, 91, 179 – – – – reading of bills, 30, 49, 79, 115, 429 – – – – restrictions, 87, 182, 431, 432 – – – – – bills of attainder, 21, 39, 204 – – – – – constitutionality of laws, 209 – – – – sanctioning of laws, 84, 168, 204, 210, 429 – – – – taking effect of law, 32, 49, 121, 209, 258–265, 267–269, 271, 273– 275, 277, 280–296, 298–306, 308– 311, 313, 314, 316, 318, 319, 321, 322, 324, 326, 328–332, 335–338, 341–343, 345, 347, 348, 353, 358, 360, 362, 364, 366, 368, 369, 371, 373, 375, 376, 378, 380, 381, 389, 391–393, 395, 398, 399, 401, 403, 405, 417

453

I NDEX – – – – tax, revenue legislation, 18, 30, 35, 49, 60, 78, 80, 116, 161, 163, 178, 182, 210, 213, 246, 286, 398, 408, 420, 429, 430 – – procedures, 48, 78, 161, 248 – – – budget report, 18, 35, 60, 129, 178, 213, 246, 399 – – – duration of session, 428 – – – election of officers, 12, 28, 47, 76, 110, 158, 184, 207, 212, 248, 301, 316, 411, 428 – – – first/constitutive session, 55, 77, 160, 184, 191, 215, 254, 268, 417, 428, 431, 436, 446 – – – journal, 14, 32, 34, 50, 52, 53, 84, 86, 116, 121, 124, 168, 173, 185, 187, 209, 215, 386 – – – – publication of, 13, 29, 48, 78, 91, 113, 161, 179, 428 – – – parliamentary officers, 130 – – – quorum, 13, 29, 48, 77, 113, 160, 209, 428 – – – resolutions, 14, 33, 50, 52, 82, 84, 121, 209, 210, 218 – – – sessions open to public, 13, 428 – – – votes, 33, 52, 84, 121 – official seat, 29, 31, 37, 47, 51, 53, 62, 80, 83, 92, 95, 108, 120, 132, 156, 163, 167, 180, 191, 240, 327, 328, 351, 388, 420, 422, 426, 434, 440 – powers, 82, 85–87, 90, 91, 95, 156, 158, 166, 169, 170, 172–175, 179, 181–185, 187, 251, 254, 278, 279, 295, 328, 414– 417, 420–423, 425, 429, 431, 432, 434– 438, 440, 443–445 – relation to other branches, 84, 228, 429– 431, 438 – structure – – bicameral, 27, 45, 74, 107, 155, 245, 407, 427 – upper house, 11, 27, 45, 74, 83, 107, 155, 206, 245, 249, 407, 427 – – members, 11, 13, 18, 28, 30, 35, 47, 80, 88, 112, 116, 128, 156, 176, 208, 236, 239, 249, 251, 254, 265, 287, 314, 322, 383, 415–417, 419

454

– – – election, 11, 12, 28, 29, 36, 47, 48, 60, 76–78, 90, 95, 113, 116, 130, 144, 160, 163, 178, 189, 191, 205, 208, 209, 229, 233, 247, 248, 254, 266, 268, 270–272, 274, 285, 294, 296, 308, 383–386, 393, 399, 409– 411, 423, 427, 428, 430 – – – immunity, indemnity, 13, 29, 48, 79, 114, 162, 210, 420, 430 – – – incompatibility, 48, 79, 89, 92, 115, 162, 177, 210, 250–252, 259, 284, 413, 428, 431 – – – leader of upper house, 80, 83, 119, 166, 209, 211, 248, 327, 328, 384, 386, 411, 425, 430, 431 – – – length of term, 11, 28, 47, 76, 77, 111, 112, 159, 160, 208, 231, 234, 235, 248, 383, 427 – – – mandatory attendance, 13, 29, 48, 113, 209, 399 – – – parliamentary officers, 179 – – – plurality of offices, 13, 30, 36, 48, 61, 79, 115, 131, 134, 162, 182, 210, 241, 250, 251, 258, 263, 384, 413, 421, 428, 430 – – – qualifications, 12, 13, 29, 47, 48, 77, 78, 113, 161, 208, 209, 248, 383, 384, 410, 411, 426, 428 – – – re-eligibility, 48 – – – remuneration, 13, 29, 48, 78, 114, 161, 209, 384, 430, 431, 445 – – – speaker, 12, 13, 15, 32, 51 – – – vacancy, 12, 13, 30, 49, 77, 80, 116, 163, 207, 208, 215, 248, 383, 384, 393, 411, 425, 430 – – powers, 16, 18, 35–37, 49, 50, 55, 59– 61, 130, 131, 133–137, 153, 175, 200, 204, 385, 387, 402, 409 – – – adjournment, 13, 14, 29, 33, 48, 77, 78, 84, 113, 114, 160, 161, 167, 168, 209, 210, 215, 248, 249, 357, 411, 412, 428 – – – appointing power, 35, 58, 82, 87, 128, 165, 166, 175, 176, 248–250, 254, 282, 295, 401, 411, 424, 438, 440

I NDEX – – – – confirmation of appointments, 14, 31, 33, 34, 62, 87, 116, 120, 163, 166, 167, 254, 300, 380, 385, 386, 393, 399, 425, 426, 433, 438, 440, 442, 444 – – – appropriation of funds, 49, 63, 137, 186, 429 – – – budgetary power, 409 – – – bylaws, 13, 29, 48, 77, 78, 113, 161, 209, 247, 428, 430 – – – impeachment, 15, 16, 35, 57, 88, 127, 128, 176, 178, 204, 208, 215, 328, 432 – – – judiciary functions, 13, 29, 48, 50, 55, 113, 114, 161, 176, 209, 254, 409 – – – legislation, 91, 159, 181, 182, 417, 425, 428, 431, 432, 445 – – – – legislative initiative, 21, 36, 39, 60, 65, 89, 129, 131, 178, 187, 209, 210, 240, 248, 420, 429 – – – – passage of bills, 14, 32, 84, 162, 168, 209, 246, 254, 417, 431 – – – – – majorities, 14, 30, 32, 50, 52, 79, 84, 88, 93, 162, 168, 254, 417, 429 – – – – promulgation, 91, 184 – – – – publication of laws, 91, 179 – – – – reading of bills, 30, 49, 79, 115, 429 – – – – restrictions, 87, 182, 248, 431, 432 – – – – – bills of attainder, 21, 39, 204 – – – – – constitutionality of laws, 209 – – – – sanctioning of laws, 49, 80, 84, 163, 168, 204, 210, 248, 429 – – – – taking effect of laws, 32, 49, 121, 209, 246, 258–265, 267–269, 271, 273–275, 277, 280–296, 298–306, 308–311, 313, 314, 316, 318, 319, 321, 322, 324, 326, 328–332, 335– 338, 341–343, 345, 347, 348, 353, 358, 360, 362, 364, 366, 368, 369, 371, 373, 375, 376, 378, 380, 381, 389, 391–393, 395, 398, 399, 401, 403, 405, 409, 417 – – – – tax or revenue legislation, 18, 30,

35, 49, 60, 116, 178, 182, 210, 213, 246, 286, 398, 408, 409, 420, 429 – – procedures, 48, 78, 161, 248 – – – duration of session, 428 – – – election of officers, 12, 28, 32, 47, 76, 111, 159, 184, 209, 212, 248, 301, 316, 411, 428 – – – first/constitutive session, 55, 77, 160, 184, 191, 215, 254, 268, 417, 427, 428, 431, 436, 446 – – – journal, 14, 32, 34, 50, 52, 53, 84, 86, 116, 121, 124, 163, 168, 173, 185, 187, 209, 215, 386 – – – – publication of, 13, 29, 48, 78, 91, 113, 161, 179, 428 – – – quorum, 13, 29, 48, 77, 113, 160, 209, 248, 383, 411, 428 – – – resolutions, 14, 33, 50, 52, 82, 84, 121, 209, 210, 218 – – – sessions open to public, 13, 428 – – – votes, 32, 33, 52, 84, 121, 191 lotteries, 133, 181, 366, 431, 442 military, 17, 50, 65, 89, 213, 254, 413, 416 – conscription, 214 – members, 211, 252, 253, 314, 445 – – special regulations for, 20, 39, 111, 158, 204, 205, 241, 250, 258, 413, 421, 426 – navy, 14, 31, 50, 211, 412, 413, 415 – organization of, 33 – quartering of troops, 21, 39, 66, 205, 241, 421 – standing army, 21, 39, 66, 189, 205, 241, 421 – subordination to civil authorities, 21, 39, 66, 205, 241, 421 – supreme command, 422 militia, 13, 14, 17, 20, 30, 31, 36, 39, 48, 50, 59, 60, 65, 83, 85, 122, 169, 205, 211, 213, 214, 241, 252, 254, 259, 284, 412, 413, 416, 421, 444 oaths, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22, 30, 35, 36, 38, 50, 57, 59–61, 65, 81, 88, 118, 127, 128, 165, 175, 176, 204, 208, 214, 240–242,

455

I NDEX 248, 249, 251–253, 256, 260–262, 265, 269, 299, 314, 322, 326, 328, 402, 407, 410, 411, 415, 416, 421–423, 432, 439, 440 – loyalty oaths, 12, 48, 410 – of office, 22, 40, 66, 95, 253, 422 police power, domestic security, 92, 135, 183, 419, 436 population groups, 33 – foreigners, 206, 414 – minorities – – ethnic groups, 206, 408, 421 religion, 59, 79, 81, 85, 169, 203, 214, 241, 265, 269, 286, 299, 421, 422 – Christianity, 422 – Judaism, 326 rights, 20, 38, 64, 76, 158, 205, 374, 419, 420 – abolition or alteration of government, popular right of, 20, 38, 64, 203, 239, 414, 417, 419 – assembly, freedom of, 21, 39, 66, 204 – bearing or keeping of arms, 17, 21, 33, 39, 66, 85, 122, 169, 205 – emigration, right of, 18, 21, 37, 40, 92 – equality, 20, 38, 64, 203 – ex post facto laws, illegality of, 21, 39, 65, 92, 132, 179, 204, 240, 420 – expression, freedom of, 20, 38, 64, 92, 132, 180, 203 – habeas corpus, 21, 39, 65, 92, 123, 132, 172, 179, 204 – inalienability of rights, 21, 40, 64, 66, 203 – inviolability of the home, 20, 38, 65, 241, 421 – legal rights, 205, 278, 279, 420, 438 – – bail, 21, 39, 65, 92, 132, 179, 204, 227, 241, 421 – – compulsory process (for exculpatory evidence), 20, 38, 65, 91, 131, 204, 420 – – confrontation with witnesses for the

456

prosecution, 20, 38, 65, 91, 131, 179, 204, 240, 420 – – counsel, 20, 38, 65, 91, 131, 204, 205, 240, 420 – – cruel or unusual punishment, prohibition of, 21, 39, 65, 240, 241, 421 – – double jeopardy, 21, 39, 65, 204 – – due process, 420 – – excessive fines, prohibition of, 421 – – indictment and information, 16, 20, 35, 38, 39, 57, 65, 88, 91, 127, 128, 131, 176, 179, 204, 240, 343, 415, 420 – – non-self-incrimination, 65, 91, 131, 179, 204, 240, 420 – – to be heard, 20, 38, 179, 204, 205 – – trial by jury, 16, 20, 21, 35, 37, 38, 57, 61, 64, 65, 88, 91, 127, 128, 131, 176, 179, 204, 205, 208, 239, 240, 343, 415, 419, 420, 436, 445 – liberty and security of person, 20, 38, 64, 65, 203, 204, 240, 241, 420, 421 – life, right to, 18, 20, 37, 38, 64, 65, 203, 204, 240, 421 – matrimony, 49, 133, 368, 429 – movement, freedom of, 66, 132 – personal freedom, 20, 38 – petition, right of, 21, 39, 66, 204, 240, 420 – popular sovereignty, 20, 38, 64, 203, 239, 419 – press, freedom of the, 20, 38, 64, 92, 132, 180, 203, 243, 422 – property rights, 21, 39, 49, 65, 205, 218– 221, 240, 241, 388, 420, 421 – – expropriation, 21, 39, 205 – – freedom of ownership, 20, 38, 64, 65, 203, 204, 421 – religion, freedom of, 20, 38, 64, 203, 241, 310, 421 – separation of powers, 11, 27, 45, 74, 81, 91, 107, 155, 165, 178, 206, 215, 239, 420 – speech, freedom of, 20, 38, 64, 92, 132, 180, 203, 240 slavery, 18, 37, 62, 64, 388, 432

I NDEX social welfare – poor, supervision of, 241 sovereign rights of the state – state monopolies, 134, 243 state and administrative apparatus, 184 – civil servants, 252 state independence, 218, 221, 239 state insignias, 17, 22, 35, 87, 95, 122, 169, 215, 250, 254, 413, 416, 417, 431, 433, 438 state territory, 184, 185, 374, 390, 433, 434, 444 suffrage: see voting rights, 89, 90 taxes, 49, 240, 241, 286, 374, 429 – tax equity, 135, 182 – tax expenditures, 182, 440 – taxation, 63, 135, 136, 205, 215, 420, 440 territorial organization – boundaries, 73, 157, 374, 390 treason, 13, 15, 18, 21, 29, 31, 35, 39, 47, 48, 50, 59, 65, 82, 89, 110, 114, 119, 129, 166, 177, 204, 205, 210, 240, 241, 343, 420

voting rights, 15, 28, 36, 47, 55, 59, 111, 129, 130, 135, 156, 159, 177, 183, 205, 239, 245, 252, 285, 373, 408 – age, 12, 15, 28, 47, 76, 80, 110, 153, 158, 205, 245, 247, 251, 254, 266, 270, 272, 274, 319, 407, 423 – citizenship, 28, 47, 76, 80, 110, 153, 158, 423 – disqualifying attributes, 18, 35, 59, 111, 129, 158, 205, 246, 423, 424 – gender, 15, 28, 47, 76, 80, 110, 158, 205, 245, 247, 266, 270, 272, 274, 285, 319, 419, 423 – property, 76, 80, 239, 245, 247, 251, 254, 266, 270–272, 283, 407 – race, ethnicity, 28, 47, 76, 80, 110, 153, 158, 245, 247, 266, 270, 272, 274, 285, 319, 419, 423 – residence, 12, 15, 28, 47, 76, 80, 110, 111, 153, 158, 205, 245, 247, 251, 254, 266, 270, 272, 274, 285, 319, 407, 423

war, state of, 20, 39, 65, 133, 181, 205, 241

457

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