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for which he was elected. The Governor shall be taken
from the second district at the first election of Governor
under this constitution; from the third district at the
second election, and from the first district at the third
election; and in like manner afterwards, from each dis-
trict in regular succession.
The unfinished business, being the consideration of the
Declaration of Rights, was then proceeded with.
Article 16 having been read, was passed over without
amendment.
Article 17 was then read, as follows: "That retrospec-
tive laws punishing acts committed before the existence
of such laws, and by them only declared criminal, are op-
pressive, unjust and incompatible with liberty; wherefore,
no ex post facto law ought to be made. "
Mr. Jones moved to amend by inserting at the end of
the paragraph the words, "nor any retrospective oath or
restriction be imposed or required. " Adopted.
Articles 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 were read and passed over
without amendment.
Article 23 was read, as follows:
"That no man ought to be taken, or imprisoned, or dis-
seized 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. "
Mr. Holliday moved to amend by adding at the end the
words, "on no pretext whatsoever, " which was dis-
agreed to.
Article 24 was read as follows:
"Slavery shall not be permitted in this State. "
Mr. Ritchie moved to strike out the article.
Mr. Wethered seconded the motion.
Mr. Ritchie said slavery was abolished in this State in
1864, under the semblance of law, and its prohibition has
since been incorporated into an amendment to the con-
stitution of the United States. No act of ours is needed
to make it more effective. We have, besides, a just claim
upon Congress for compensation, and he would have this
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