n to all words that are susceptible of it--would
compel us to give the words this meaning, instead of a meaning merely
correlative with slavery, even if we had no other ground than the rule
alone, for so doing. But we have other grounds. For instance:--Several
of these constitutions have themselves explicitly given to the words
this meaning. While not one of them have given them a meaning
correlative with slaves, inasmuch as none of them purport either to
establish, authorize, or even to know of the existence of slavery.

The constitution of Georgia (adopted in 1777) evidently uses the word
"free" in this sense, in the following article:

"Art. 11. No person shall be entitled to more than one vote, which
shall be given in the county where such person resides, except as
before excepted; _nor shall any person who holds any title of
nobility, be entitled to a vote, or be capable of serving as a
representative, or hold any post of honor, profit, or trust, in this
State, while such person claims his title of nobility; but if the
person shall give up such distinction_, in the manner as may be
directed by any future legislature, _then, and in such case_, he
shall be entitled to a _vote, and represent_, as before directed, and
enjoy all the other benefits of a FREE citizen."

The constitution of North Carolina, (adopted in 1776), used the word in
a similar sense, as follows:

"40. That every _foreigner_, who comes to settle in this State,
having first taken an oath of allegiance to the same, may purchase,
or by other just means acquire, hold, and transfer land, or other
real estate, _and after one year's residence_ be deemed a FREE
citizen."

This constitution also repeatedly uses the word "freeman;" meaning
thereby "a free citizen," as thus defined.

The constitution of Pennsylvania, (adopted in 1776,) uses the word in
the same sense:

"Sec. 42. Every _foreigner_, of good character, who comes to settle
in this State, having first taken an oath or affirmation of
allegiance to the same, may purchase, or by other just means acquire,
hold and transfer land or other real estate; _and after one year's
residence, shall be deemed a_ FREE _denizen thereof_, and entitled to
all the rights of a natural born subject of this state, except that
he shall not be capable of being elected a representative until after
two year's residence."

The constitution of New Yo