* * * * *

"We, therefore the representatives of the United States of
America, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the
Supreme Judge of the World for the rectitude of our
intentions do, in the name, and by the authority of the good
people of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That
these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, Free and
Independent States; that they are absolved from all
allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political
connection between them and the State of Great Britain is,
and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as Free and
Independent States, they have full power to levy war,
conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and
to do all other acts and things which Independent States may
of right do. And, for the support of this Declaration, with a
firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we
mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our
sacred honor."

The Continental Congress. Declaration of Independence of
July 4, 1776.

THE ADOPTION OF THE AMERICAN SYSTEM BY THE AMERICAN
UNION IN ITS CONSTITUTION, AS APPLYING TO ITS EXTERNAL
JUSTICIARY RELATIONS

"We, the people of the United States, in order to form a
more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic
tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the