Sentimientos de la Nación

"Sentimientos de la Nación" ("Feelings of the Nation"; occasionally rendered as "Sentiments of the Nation") was a document presented by José María Morelos y Pavón, leader of the insurgents in the Mexican War of Independence, to the National Constituent Congress in Chilpancingo (modern-day Guerrero) on 14 September 1813.

The document set out, in 23 points, Morelos's vision of the future nation of Mexico.

#"America is free and independent of Spain and all other nations, governments, or monarchies."
#The Catholic faith is the sole religion, and no others will be tolerated.
#Ministers of religion to survive on tithes and first fruits, with the people owing only devotion and offerings.
#Dogma as established by Church hierarchy: Pope, bishops, and priests.
#Sovereignty emanates from the people and is placed in a Supreme National American Congress, made up of representatives from the provinces in equal numbers.
#Division of powers into appropriate executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
#Representatives to serve rotating four year terms.
#Adequate remuneration for representatives, not exceeding 8000 pesos.
#Jobs to be reserved for Americans only.
#No foreigners to be admitted, unless they are artisans capable of sharing their skills and free of all suspicion.
#Liberal government to replace tyranny, with the expulsion of the Spaniards.
#Laws should promote patriotism and industry, moderate opulence and idleness, and improve the lot and the education of the poor.
#Laws should apply to all, with no privileges.
#Laws to be drafted and discussed by as many wise men as possible.
#An end to slavery and discrimination based on castes.
#Some of the nation's ports to be open to friendly foreign ships, subject to a 10% levy.
#Homes and property to be inviolable.
#Torture shall not be permitted.
#12 December to be dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, and celebrated.
#Foreign troops should not enter the country and, if they do so to render assistance, may not approach the seat of government.
#No expeditions beyond the nation's borders to be permitted, particularly overseas expeditions; expeditions in the interior to spread the faith are allowed.
#An end to the payment of tributes; a tax of 5% or similar light amount to be levied.
#16 September to be consecrated as the anniversary of Independence.

ee also

*Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America

References

* [http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/~w3his/D-1813-Morelos.Sentiments.pdf Sentiments of the Nation, or Points Outlined by Morelos for the Constitution]
* [http://usuarios.lycos.es/Aime/senacion.html Sentimientos de la Nación: José María Morelos y Pavón, 14 September 1813]

External links

* [http://www.biblioteca.tv/artman2/publish/1813_112/Sentimientos_de_la_naci_n_de_Jos_Mar_a_Morelos_145.shtml Sentimientos de la nación, de José María Morelos. Chilpancingo, 14 de septiembre de 1813]