The Government and Laws of the United States: Comprising a Complete and Comprehensive View of the Rise, Progress, and Present Organization of the State and National Governments

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J. W. Schermerhorn, 1867 - Law - 477 pages
A nnsnm to supply the demand of the masses of American citizens for a more thorough knowledge of -our government and laws, which has been greatly increased by the late civil war through which we have passed, is the only apology offered for presenting this book to the public at this time. There is no knowledge more eagerly sought, or more difficult to be obtained. It is scattered through the ponderous volumes which fill our law libraries, costing thousands of dollars, which are en tirely inaccessible to the masses. It is there given in such form as not easily to be found, and often in language not easily understood.

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Page 34 - Covenant and Combine ourselves together into a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
Page 51 - ... as the English colonists are not represented, and from their local and other circumstances, cannot properly be represented in the British Parliament, they are entitled to a free and exclusive power of legislation in their several Provincial legislatures, where their right of representation can alone be preserved, in all cases of taxation and internal polity, subject only to the negative of their Sovereign, in such manner as has been heretofore used and accustomed...
Page 120 - Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the laws of God, the true profession of the Gospel, and the Protestant reformed religion established by law ; and will you preserve unto the bishops and clergy of this realm, and to the churches committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges as by law do or shall appertain unto them, or any of them ? ' King or queen :
Page 411 - ... that it is bona fide his Intention to become a citizen of the United States, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and particularly, by name to the prince, potentate, state or sovereignty of which the alien may be at the time a citizen or subject.
Page 34 - In the Name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign, Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc. Having undertaken for the Glory of God and the Advancement of the Christian Faith...
Page 412 - It shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the court admitting any alien to citizenship that immediately preceding the date of his application he has resided continuously within the United States five years at least, and within the state or territory where such court is at the time held one year at least, and that during that time he has behaved as a man of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness...
Page 65 - The end of the institution, maintenance, and administration of government, is to secure the existence of the body politic ; to protect it, and to furnish the individuals who compose it with the power of enjoying, in safety and tranquillity, their natural rights and the blessings of life; and, whenever these great objects are not obtained, the people have a right to alter the government, and to take measures necessary for their safety, prosperity, and happiness.
Page 472 - In the wars of the European powers, in matters relating to themselves, we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy so to do.
Page 53 - But if you are determined that your Ministers shall wantonly sport with the rights of Mankind— If neither the voice of justice, the dictates of the law, the principles of the constitution, or the suggestions of humanity can restrain your hands from shedding human blood in such an impious cause, we must then tell you, that we will never submit to be hewers of wood or drawers of water for any ministry or nation in the world.
Page 92 - Such parts of the common law, and of the acts of the Legislature of the Colony of New York, as together did form the law of the said Colony...

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