388 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



merit so organized may secure the permanent welfare 

 and happiness of the people of the new State, is the 

 sincere and earnest wish of the present Executive, 

 who, if the constitution be ratified, will, with pleasure, 

 surrender his powers to whomsoever the people may 

 designate as his successor. 



Given at Monterey, California, this 12th day of 

 October, A. D., 1849. 



(Signed) B. Riley, 



Brevet Brig. General, U. S. A., and Governor of 

 California. 



(Official) H. W. Halleck, 



Brevet Captain and Secretary of State. 



WE THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA, GRATEFUL TO AL- 

 MIGHTY GOD FOR OUR FREEDOM, IN ORDER TO 

 SECURE ITS BLESSINGS, DO ESTABLISH THIS CON- 

 STITUTION : — 



ARTICLE I. 



DECLARATION OF RIGHTS. 



Sec. 1. All men are by nature free and indepen- 

 dent, and have certain inalienable rights, among 

 which are those of enjoying and defending life and 

 liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, 

 and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness. 



Sec. 2. All political power is inherent in the peo- 

 ple. Government is instituted for the protection, se- 

 curity, and benefit of the people ; and they have the 

 right to alter or reform the same, whenever the pub- 

 lic good may require it. 



