Northwest Ordinance of 1787
459
Article the third. Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary
to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the
means of education shall forever be encouraged. The utmost good faith
shall always be observed towards the Indians; their lands and property
shall never be taken from them without their consent; and, in their property, rights, and liberty, they never shall be invaded or disturbed, unless
in just and lawful wars authorized by Congress; but laws founded in justice and humanity shall from time to time be made for preventing wrongs
being done to them, and for preserving peace and friendship with them.
Article the fourth. The said territory, and the States which may be
formed therein, shall forever remain a part of this Confederacy of the
United States of America, subject to the Articles of Confederation, and to
such alterations therein as shall be constitutionally made; and to all the
Acts and ordinances of the United States in Congress assembled, conformable thereto. The inhabitants and settlers in the said territory, shall
be subject to pay a part of the federal debts contracted or to be contracted,
and a proportional part of the expenses of government, to be appointed
on them by Congress according to the same common rule and measure
by which apportionments thereof shall be made on the other States; and
the taxes for paying their proportion shall be laid and levied by the authority and direction of the legislatures of the district or districts, or new
States, as in the original States, within the time agreed upon by the United
States in Congress assembled. The legislatures of those districts or new
States shall never interfere with the primary disposal of the soil by the
United States in Congress as ͕