WITH THE AMENDMENTS INGRAFTED.
xlvii
Tunkers, 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; and quakers, tunkers or menonists, ought also, on their solemn
affirmation
as aforesaid, to be admitted as witnesses in all criminal cases not
capital (d).
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, of 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.
43. 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 (e).
(d) This allowance was extended
by the act of 1797, ch. 118, confirmed by 1798, ch. 83, the
substance of which is inserted in a new section or article of the constitution
numbered 63, and
also by the act of 1817, ch. 61, confirmed by 1818, ch. 163, the substance
of which is inserted
in a new section or article of the declaration of rights, numbered 43,
and also in a new section or
article of the constitution numbered 65.
(e) This is considered to have become a part of
the declaration of rights by the act of 1817, ch.
61, confirmed by 1818, ch. 163.
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