The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-05-12
DOU BL f SH E E 7
New York, Wednesday, May IL, 1854.
knportont Decision of the Court OF Appeals
The Canal Inv and Lettings Declared
UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

UnconstitutIonaI.
The Court of Appeals, of this State, have just
exhibited specimen of independence, moral elo-
walton, and fidelity to their oaths and to Me con-
stitution, without parallel in the recent history
Of Now York or of the country. Yesterday, as we
learn by our Geographic news from Albany, they
declared the Canal law to be unconstitutional
that law on which were based the recent corrupt
lettings and bargains, to the extent Of nine millions
which have recently disgraced al parties and all
factions at Albany.
This important decision sweeps the Whole Of that
INDUSTRIOUS corruption into infamy and contempt, at
one blow. The great work Of charging and finish
ing the canals must be begun afrosh on legal and
constitutional basis. The measure, as conceived and
carried out, corrupt, Illegal, unconstitutional,
and vicious, from its inception The plan
eciyed by the Seward wings, and the contracts
,eid out to them exclusively, in secret conclave,
before attempt made to introduce it
TO the Legislature. These leaders believed that
they could carry their selfish schemes, by their
swn exclusive power. The elections of 1850 and
le5I were, however. close that the Seward clique,
who had projected the corrupt and illegal scheme,
could not execute it without calling in the aid Of
sach portions of the democrats as could be bought
Up by receiving contracts. Both factions of the
aemocracy-barnburner and hunkcrs-offered them
selves SAFE; asked only n mill
lon ,yb;lo thu bornburners demanded thraa n, IL
lions, az their portion of the spoils. The bargain
was made with the bunker, who happened to be
the cheapest rascas in the market; and with their
aid, an unconstitutional law, creating fictitious
debt Of nine millions, passed, and to certain
extent carried into partial execution. This illegal
and corrup, project intended founder the name
of charging the canals-strengthcn and extend the
influence, for several years of the Seward party in
this State, by controlling the vast disbursement of
nine millions of dollars contrary to law. In the
very last resort-in the last ditchthe bold, daring,
ard incorruptiblc Court Of Appeals have stepped
into the arena, and put honest veto OF their
shameful proceedings.
The effect of this just decision will be great and
potent on the political morality of the State. The
enlargement Of the canals must now bcbegun afresh
according to the obvious requirements of the consti
tuition and not in obedience to the secret plans of
corrupt clique. If the present Governor, in the
emergency, should call the Legislature together,
they must pass law creating a State debt
in an open and honest shape, and submit that
Law fer approval to the people of the whole
state. This IS the right road. All the con-
tTaets lettings bargains, bu ing and selling, under
the late enactment, are swept into oblivion and
shame This great decision viii wake up the people
Of New York, from the bottom of their pockets and
depth Of their principles. An excitement viii follow
G. no common order. The corrupt politicians Of all
the factions viii, no doubt, pour out their on
the Court Of Appeals but the people, who pay for
all win soon find out who are the most honest inter
prefer of the State constitution. The Court Of Ap-
peals hive covered themselves with glory.