New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-04-16
MAYOR WOOD AND THE LIQUOR Law
m THE PEOPLE OF NEW YORK.


MAYORS OFFICE, N. Aprn 10, 1855.
The Legislature of this State having passed IA act
entitled IAN Ac. for the Supp 'ession Of Intenper.
:" ar CO. Pau ,erisD and Crime, known as tue Poaio-
tory Liquor Law, and my position win reference
10 its enforcement, IN this City far that daty may
csvolve upon my Office should be declared a. 40 early
day, to leave no dOub as 10 It's character, hereby
present for public consideration, the principles which
control my conduct public officer alike apphcs-
Die to matters of great or small iaport
That tie people govern-not in their primary ca
pscity but through representatives, freely and fairly
chosen-is the theory Of American government. Tne
people are the source of political power rney make
the laws; and the great safeguard OF American
liberty is general compliance AS the etatltes thus
created for the better protection OF lie aud properly,
and the pursuit of happiness but tbs reflection OF
the popuar will for the time being. so are they bind
ing upon the body poticthe minority as we'll as the
msority-sho are alike parties TO the compact she
obligations of WI ch il is dshouoraoe to disregard
Ard though these clements Of selfgovern nent pre-
sent the dstpgui.b hing features between aul
the Governments Of Euro stul our less has been
owing more TO acquiesepce in ms Will OF the nDouy
than in The character Of the Government itself
Other Republics have failed even when fouoded
mon our forms auo Constitution, because of the
resistance of the vsnquished contestants for rule by
rebellion against the laws and the executive power
nnnoiuted 10 enforce them. We understand Repub-
Hcauism differently and hence have no such strdgge
The generally -pervading common school educational
system-the rigid principle OF bedience Justified into
the child by the parent, aud the scholar by the
eeacber-the enlarged human prOgtes leading on
ward to the expansion of the heart aud Intellect, all
founded upon enlightened, unproscfipuve, relig-
ious sentiment, furnish the platform upon which
American liberty stands, aud from watch ,lanity,
rave forcble resistance TO the laws ever
it.
Its not con.en led hst min )rit.as have not gfiev.
ances and that their grievances must ranaln unre-
dressed Their rights are fully protected Inc same
fundamental Law thst biuds ms 'fItes to submit,
points out clearly the road relief agsins, illeg al
or improper exeIcFe Of authority upon thu part OF the
majoiity. Even wheneser fanariclsm rfes 'he hour
and covers the country with is baoeiul influence 10
the exclusion Of reason Gno justice publ 0piou gill
room correct the error aud store the calm ssuse OF
mature conservative judgment. What il ibs Lave
maker proves recreant, aud betrays the constituent
he was chosen 10 repi esent The wrong uhict-i il,
not remediable, thou n ii may be proper chis ie-
mont fer negligent or corrupt use Of the ira0chs-
Time repsirs all the Of legislation. It, evils
public opinion and the dechons Of tue courts. RI
dress and relief can thus always be ob'aiued. The
legal tribunals and the ballot box are never approached
in vain for the maintenance of good OF hs oser-
throw Of bad cause. Taese are the only c)netI-
tional resorts all others are treason rebellion.
Another marked characteristic of the American
people is the universal sub mission to the iovernula
forms restricting the powers ard duties Of tne three
IA viz T. aafiv
the Juccial, and the Executive. The fra cal only
make the laws, the second can only eIp'und tben,
and the third has no discretion but 20 see them faith
fully executed. 1t my province to act age.t for
the people in one Of these departments /
Executive officer. aid in the execution Of the avs,
and have sworn to do so to the beet of my sb:ly"
With no part or responsibility. ia tner creation, So
far as State legislation is concerned, have rs o2-
ton but compliance, as an instrument, 10 their
enforcement, and to require compliance IA ,ihers,
as far as have the ability. IL i. my du', 70 ex-
act obedience, and yours to obey The OIL ,or Of
the law Is not accountable for the m,kinz Of zoe
law he Is bound 10 execute it, pursuant 10 Lis "a
Of Office, though the responsibility Of the peop,e
as the source Of all political power, canno, Ne
go easily denied. As Mayor l have ends,yored
to fulfil this duty. Though sometimes psiuial yet i.
has been performed diligently AID impss;illy hope
to continue without relaxation. Toe act relain, 10
the prohibition OF the liquor traffic snd consumption
is now law, holding the same position % sny other
law, and until decided Invalid by the Courts, or
amended or repealed by the Legislature, sA05 con
maId the same obedience. So far as it, eIcc.','n
depends upon NE, have no discretion bat 10 eAer-
else all my power to enforce It 1t is ssssryN r
me to express opinion in regard to eg.slai,n Of
this character, or Of this law; for whasver that
opinion may be, cannot without dishoror sh-nk
from faithful discharge Of the trust conh4, wts.-
ever shall be the personal consequences TO myself
now call upon the friends OF Law and ordos 10 I'D N
tbs performance Of this obligation and in sutainrs
the laws principle upon which rests the Horner'
stons Of all our national prosperity snd gre tueS.