Emperor's note: It shall be the policy of this regime to post all official decrees, etc. to the Steem blockchain in addition to the nation's official website at norton13.us. The purpose of this policy is to maintain a visible and verifiable public record, and to do so retroactively. Therefore, I give you the Inaugural Proclamation and Miscellaneous Decrees Thereunto Pertaining, originally promulgated on April 1, 2013.
Inaugural Proclamation and Miscellaneous Decrees Thereunto Pertaining
To All Who Shall See These Presents, Greetings.
Know ye that at the peremptory request and desire of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I, The Reverend Doctor Thomas L. Knapp, formerly of Missouri, and now of Florida, declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these United States, effective April 1, 2013.
In order to resolve and clarify the situation vis a vis prior pretenders to the succession, e.g. various claims to be Norton II, in the simplest manner possible, I hereby assume the imperial name Norton XIII and declare all prior claims to the imperial throne null, void, invalid or expired. Future succession issues will be dealt with in forthcoming decrees.
The existing government of the United States is hereby dissolved and its officers, legislators, appointees, employees, etc. given until April 20th, 2013 to conclude that institution's affairs, settle its debts (which shall in no respect adhere to the new regime), and turn over any remaining assets and title to any putative properties to myself or to the emergent imperial apparatus.
I shall rule by decree, exercising plenary authority in all legislative, executive and judicial matters, from April 1, 2013 until such time as I appoint such officials and create or recognize such institutions as I may require to assist me in administration of the nation's affairs.
The capital of these United States, previously residing in the city of San Francisco and the state of California under Norton I, is hereby relocated, effective April 1, 2013, to the Kanapaha region of the state of Florida, so as to geographically correspond to the person of the Emperor. The capital, including but not limited to the Emperor's official residence, administrative offices and surroundings shall henceforth be known as The Court of Kanapaha.
Given under my hand this 1st day of April in the year 2013 CE,
NORTON XIII
by the Grace of God Emperor of These United States