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ing an oath on any occasion, shall be allowed to make their
solemn affirmation, in the manner heretofore practised, which shall
be in all cases of the same avail as an oath.
Determined in the negative.

Mr. Chambers, of Kent, then moved to amend said article by
striking out after the word "oath," in the 10th line to the end
thereof.

Determined in the affirmative.

Mr. Randall, moved further to amend said article by adding
at the end thereof time following

"And that an oath may be legally administered to any person
who believes in a state of future rewards and punishments by a
Supreme Being in this life or in the life to come."

Determined in the negative.

The said 36th article was then adopted as amended;

The 37th article was then read.

Mr. Biser, moved to strike out the 37th article.

Mr. Davis, moved that the Convention adjourn.

Determined in the negative.

The question then recurred and was put on the motion of Mr.
Biser, to strike out the 37th article, and

Determined in the negative.

The 37th article was then adopted.

Mr. Phelps, moved that the Convention adjourn.
Determined in the negative.

The 38th, 39th and 40th articles, were severally read and adop
ted.

The 41st article, was then read.

Mr. Thomas, gave notice that he should make no objection to
the adoption of this article, but should vote for it, with a view of
enabling him at the proper time to move a reconsideration of the
vote of the. Convention thereon.

The 41st article, was then adopted.

Mr. Davis, moved to amend said report by inserting as an ad
ditional article the following:

Art. 42nd. The Legislature shall encourage by all suitable
means, associations for the diffusion of knowledge and virtue, for
the promotion of literature, the arts and sciences, agriculture, corn
merce and manufactures and for the general melioration of the
wants and conditions of the people.

 

253

Which was read,

Mr. Presstman, moved to amend said amendment by striking
out the word "suitable," and inserting in lieu thereof "Constitu
tional.''