1September 1993 2 3 The 1837 Rebellion: 4 William Lyon Mackenzie's Proclamation to the People 5 of Upper Canada 6 7 ....edited by Marijan Salopek 8 9 =========================== 10 11 We have planted the Standard of Liberty in Canada, for the 12 attainment of the following objects: 13 Perpetual Peace, founded on a government of equal rights to 14 all, secured by a written constitution, sanctioned by yourselves 15 in a convention to be called as early as circumstances will 16 permit. 17 Civil and Religious Liberty, in its fullest extent, that in 18 all laws made, or to be made, every person to be bound alike.... 19 The Abolition of Hereditary Honors, of the laws of Entail 20 and Primogeniture, and of hosts of pensioners who devour our 21 substance. 22 A Legislature, composed of a Senate and Assembly chosen by 23 the people. 24 An Executive, to be composed of a Governor and other 25 officers elected by the public voice. 26 A Judiciary, to be chosen by the Governor and Senate, and 27 composed of the most learned, honorable, and trustworthy, of our 28 citizens. The laws to be rendered cheap and expeditious. 29 A Free Trial by Jury -- Sheriffs chosen by you, and not to 30 hold office, as now, at the pleasure of our tyrants. The freedom 31 of the press. Alas for it, now! The free presses in the Canadas 32 are trampled down by the hand of arbitrary power. 33 The Vote by Ballot -- free and peaceful township elections. 34 The people to elect their Court of Request Commissioners and 35 Justices of the Peace -- and also their Militia Officers, in all 36 cases whatsoever. 37 Freedom of Trade -- every man to be allowed to buy at the 38 cheapest market, and sell at the dearest. 39 No man to be compelled to give military service, unless it 40 be his choice. 41 Ample funds to be reserved from the vast natural resources 42 of our country to secure the blessings of education to every 43 citizen. 44 A frugal and economical Government, in order that the people 45 may be prosperous and free from difficulty. 46 An end forever to the wearisome prayers, supplications, and 47 mockeries attendant upon our connection with the lordlings of the 48 Colonial Office, Downing Street, London. 49 The opening of the St. Lawrence to the trade of the world, 50 so that the largest ships might pass up to Lake Superior, and the 51 distribution of the wild lands of the country to the industry, 52 capital, skill, and enterprise of worthy men of all nations. 53 54 Source: Lindsay, Charles. . Vol. I. Toronto: 1862, pp. 364-65.