Chapter L: Section I

_Be it enacted by the free citizens of Oregon Territory_, That the said Territory, for the purposes of temporary government, be divided into not less than three, nor more than five, districts; subject to be extended to a greater number when an increase of population shall require.

For the purpose of fixing the principles of civil and religious liberty as the basis of all laws and constitutions of government that may hereafter be adopted, _Be it enacted_, That the following articles be considered articles of compact among the free citizens of this Territory.

ARTICLE 1. No person demeaning himself in a peaceable or orderly manner shall ever be molested on account of his mode of worship or religious sentiments.

ART. 2. The inhabitants of said Territory shall always be entitled to the benefit of the writ of _habeas corpus_ and trial by jury, of a proportionate representation in the Legislature, and of judicial proceeding according to the course of common law. All persons shall be bailable, unless for capital offenses, where the proof shall be evident, or the presumption great. All fines shall be moderate, and no cruel or unnatural punishments inflicted. No man shall be deprived of his liberty but by the judgment of his peers, or the law of the land; and should the public exigences make it necessary, for the common preservation, to take any person's property, or to demand his particular services, full compensation shall be made for the same. And in the just preservation of rights and property, it is understood and declared that no law ought ever to be made, or have force in said Territory, that shall in any manner whatever interfere with, or affect, private contracts, or engagements _bona fide_ made and without fraud previously formed.

ART. 3. Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, _schools_ and the means of education _shall forever be encouraged_.

ART. 4. The utmost good faith shall always be observed toward the Indians, their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent, and in their property, rights, and liberty, they shall never be invaded or disturbed, unless in just and lawful wars, authorised by the representatives of the people. But laws, founded in justice and humanity, shall, from time to time, be made, for preventing injustice being done to them, and for preserving peace and friendship.

ART. 5. There shall be _neither slavery nor involuntary servitude_ in said Territory, otherwise than for the punishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.