23. From the Rules of the Virginia Company in London
Peter Force's Historical Tracts, III (Washington, 1844), No. 6.
These rules, one hundred thirty-two in number, and bulky enough to fill fifty pages of this volume, were adopted by the London Company shortly after it came under Liberal control, in June, 1619. For the history of the struggle in the Company, cf. a brief statement in American History and Government, § 27.
XV.—At the great and generall Court, commonly called the Quarter Court, in Easter Terme, all offices of this Company (excepting the Counseil) shall be void: And the Court shall proceede to an election of new Officers, in manner following.
XVII.—After the choise of a Treasuror, a Deputie shall be chosen; then the Auditors, and Comitties; and lastly the Secretarie, Bookekeeper, Husband, and Bedle.
XVIII.—At the choise of each Officer, the persons nominated for the election, shall withdraw themselves till the party chosen be publiquely so pronounced. And generally no man shall be present in the Court whilst himselfe or his matter passeth the judgement of the Court.
XX.—It is for weighty reasons thought very expedient, that no man continue in the place of Treasurer or Deputie, above three yeares at once.
XXI.—For the avoiding of divers inconveniences, It is thought fit that all elections of principall Officers in or for[12] Virginia as also of the Treasurer and Deputie here, be performed by a Ballating box, as in some other Companies.
XXVI.—He [the Treasurer] is to propound and put all things to the question which the Court requires, under paine of being immediately put from his Office, if he refuse. In which case the Deputie shall doo it, under the like paine. And if he refuse, then any of the Council there present.