CAB129-78 — Page 216

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King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, after long and declaration, binding and

our poster forever324ake the following noted Prince and

Sovereign shall, on his part, fulfill and keep inviolate his compact with us.

1st. That the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland is our Sovereign Lord, and his lawful successors shall, in all times to come, be acknowledged as our lawful Sovereigns.

2nd. That his said Majesty has no right to cede these Islands to any power. That if he chooses to withdraw his protection, and abandon his sovereignty, the right of electing another sovereign, or of governing these Islands, belongs to us, the inhabitants and aborigines alone and without control.

3rd. That His Majesty's governors or representatives in these Islands and their dependencies are, and shall ever be, bound to observe and keep inviolate the Constitution, which with the sanction and ratification of his said British Royal Majesty, or his representative or plenipotentiary, shall be established by us, composing the General Congress elected by the people, in the following proportion, viz:-

Cities-Notabile and Casal Dingli, 14 members;

Vittoriosa 4; Senglea 4; Cospicua 4.

Valetta 12:

Casals and Burghs--Birkirkara, 6 members; Attard 3; Lija and Balzan 3; Curmi (also city), 12; Naxxar 4; Gregorio 3; Musta 5; Zebbug (also a city) 8; Siggiewi 4. Luqu 3; Gudia 1; Zurrieq 4; Mqabba 2; Qrendi 2; Zabbar 3; Tarxien 2; Axiaq 1.

4th. That the people of Malta and Gozo, and their representatives in Popular Council assembled, have a right to send letters, or deputies, to the foot of the Throne, to represent and to complain of violation of rights and privileges, or of acts contrary to the constitution of the Government or of the spirit thereof.

5th. That the right of legislation and taxation belongs to the Consiglio Popolare, with the consent and assent of His Majesty's representatives, without which the people are not bound.

6th. That His Majesty the King is the protector of our holy religion, and is bound to uphold and protect it as heretofcre; and without any diminution of what has been practised since these Islands have acknowledged His Majesty as their Sovereign to this day; and that His Majesty's representatives have a right to claim such Church honours as have been shown to the regents of these Islands.

7th. The interference in matters spiritual or temporal of no other temporal sovereign shall be permitted in these Islands; and reference in spiritual matters shall only be had to the Pope, and to the respective Generals of the Monastic Orders.

8th. That freemen have a right to choose their own religion. Toleration of other religions is therefore established as a right; but no sect is permitted to molest, insult or disturb those of other religious professions.

9th. That no man whatsoever has any personal authority over the life, property or liberty of another. Power resides only in the Law, and restraint, or punishment, can only be exercised in obedience to law.

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