162

LIFE OF COLONEL MACERONI.

“ The magistrates shall be elected by the people, that is,the heads of every family, solemnly assembled and by secretvote by ballot. These Magistrates shall be competent todecide all questions regarding the trade and art of silk, as alsoall minor correctional cases, without appeal. They shallwatch over the observance of all the laws and statutes.They shall be called Elders ( Seniori); their office shallendure one year.

“ The citizens of San Leucio , in case of major interests or ofgrave offences, shall be subjected to the action of the author-ities and the common laws of the kingdom. Any citizen ofSan Leucio who shall be arrested as guilty of any majoroffence, shall be privately divested of the habit of the colony ;and until he has been fully acquitted, he cannot resume theprivileges and benefits of the colony.

“ On Sundays, after having sanctified the day, and presentedthe work of the week, those who are apt to the use of arms,shall devote themselves to shooting and military exercises.Your first duty is towards your country : with your labour,and if need be, with your blood, you should honour anddefend her.

“ These laws I give unto you, citizens and colonists of SanLeucio . Observe them and be happy.

(Signed) “Ferdinand.”

“ Happy,” indeed, those people proved. Two hundredand fourteen persons were the first established -in 1805,were they only eight hundred and twenty three. Much carewas taken to prevent unfit interlopers. Great was thepleasure inspired at Naples upon the publication of theabove document. Not from the direct social or politicalimportance in but because though not at Naples only, but thephilanthropists of other countries hailed its appearance asindicative of the development of good principles in the