Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

From the New-York Commercial Advertiser.

The Hartford Convention.--Agreeably to an Act of the Legislature of Connecticut, the Delegates to the State Convention convened at the State House in Hartford, on August the 26th. His Excellency Governor Wolcott was chosen President, without opposition; and James Lanman, Esq. was elected Clerk, by a majority of 23. Messrs. Terry, Pitkin, and Stevens, were appointed a Committee to prepare rules for the government of the Convention.

In the course of the day, a resolution was offered, and after some discussion adopted, "That the Convention proceed to form a Constitution of civil government for the State."

On Thursday, a resolution was adopted, without much debate, "that a Committee be appointed by ballot to draft a Constitution and report it to the Convention, to consist of three members from each County."

The remainder of the day was occupied in balloting for the Committee. The following is the result of the ballot:--

Hartford County--Sylvester Wells, Timothy Pitkin, Elisha Phelps.
New-Haven--Wm. Bristol, N. Smith, Wm. Todd.
New-London--Moses Warren, Amasa Learned, James Lanman.
Fairfield--Pierpont Edwards, James Stevens, Gideon Tomlinson.
Windham--Peter Webb, George Learned, Edmund Freeman.
Litchfield--John Welch, Augustus Pettibone, Orange Merwin.
Middlesex--Joshua Storrs, Wm. Hungerford, Thomas Lyman.
Tolland--Daniel Burrows, Asa Willey, John S. Peters.

There is one federalist from each county, except Fairfield--17 democrats and 7 federalists.

On Friday, a system of Rules was reported, and, with some amendments, adopted.

A preamble and bill of rights were also reported, and 800 copies ordered to be printed. The following is a copy of this report:--

The committee to whom was referred the subject of drafting a Constitution to be submitted to the consideration of the Convention beg leave to report in part--the following preamble and Bill of rights.

PIERPONT EDWARDS, Chairman.

PREAMBLE.

The people of Connecticut acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in having permitted them to enjoy a free government, do, in order more effectually to define, secure, and perpetuate the liberties, rights and privileges which they have derived from their ancestors, hereby, after a careful consideration and revision, ordain and establish the following Constitution and form of civil government.

ARTICLE 1.

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.

That the general, great, and essential principles of Liberty and free government may be recognized and established--

WE DECLARE.

Sec. 1. That all men when they form a social compact, are equal in rights; and that no man, or set of men, are entitled to exclusive separate public emoluments or privileges from the community.

Sec. 2. That all political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit; and that they have at all times an undeniable and indefeasible right to alter their form of government in such manner as they may think expedient.

Sec. 3. The exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination, shall forever be free to all persons in this State, provided that the right hereby declared and established, shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness, or to justify practices inconsistent with the peace and safety of the State.

Sec. 4. No preference shall be given by law, to any religious sect or mode of worship.

Sec. 5. No person shall be molested for his opinion on any subject whatever, nor suffer any civil or political incapacity, or acquire any civil or political advantage, in consequence of such opinions, except in cases provided for in this Constitution.

Sec. 6. Every citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the use of that liberty.

Sec. 7. No law shall ever be passed to curtail or restrain the liberty of speech, or of the press.

Sec. 8. In all prosecutions or indictments for libels, the truth may be given in evidence and the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the facts, under the direction of the Court.

Sec. 9. The people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions, from unreasonable searches or seizures; and 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.

Sec. 10. In all criminal prosecutions the accused hath a right to be heard by himself and by counsel; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted by the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process to obtain witnesses in his favor; and in all prosecutions by indictment or information, a speedy, public trial by an impartial Jury. He cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, but by due course of law.

Sec. 11. No person shall be accused, arrested, or detained, except in cases ascertained by law, and according to forms which the same has prescribed; and no person shall be punished but in virtue of a law established and promulgated prior to the offence and legally applied.

Sec. 12. The property of no person shall be taken for public use, without just compensation therefor.

Sec. 13. All courts shall be open, and every person, for any injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have remedy, by due course of law, and right and justice be administered without sale, denial, or delay.

Sec. 14. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed.

Sec. 15. All prisoners shall before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties 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 case of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.

Sec. 16. No person shall be attainted of Treason, or Felony, by the Legislature.

Sec. 17. 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.