THE ORDINANCE OF 1787.
[Extract from the History of the United States of America,
by Timothy Pitkin, Vol. 2, Page 214]
In consequence of cessions the United States became pos-
sessed of all the lands northwest of the Ohio, and the estab-
lishment of a government for the inhabitants already settled,
as well as others who might remove these, became necessary.
(The Colonial Congress, then in session at New York.)
This Congress, therefore, in July, 1787, established an Ordi-
nance for the government of this territory.
This Ordinance is the basis of the governments established
by Congress in all the territories of the United States, and
may be considered an anomaly in American legislation. The
whole territory was under one district, subject to be divided
into two, at the pleasure of Congress.
With respect to the mode of governing the settlers in this
territory or colony, the ordinance provided that until the
number of free male inhabitants of full age in the district
should amount to five thousand, the legislative, executive and
judicial power should be vested in a governor and three
judges, who, together with a secretary, were to be appointed
by Congress. The governor was to remain in office three
years and the judges during good behavior. The governor,
with the judges were empowered to adopt and publish such
laws of the original states, criminal and civil, as might be
necessary, and best suited to the circumstances of the district,
and report them to Congress; such laws to be in force until
disapproved by that body. The governor was empowered to
divide the district into counties or townships and to appoint
all civil officers. As soon as the free, male inhabitants of full
age and should amount to five thousand, a general assembly
was to be constituted, to consist of the governor, a legislative
council, and house of representatives. The representatives to
be chosen from the counties or townships, one for every five
