New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-06-23

at by the Court OF Appeals in the Police case
They hold the act to be constitutional and its pro.
visions valid. What particular disposition they
may have made Of the various bubbles and sophia
tries by which that piece Of legislation was assailed
We do not know, and it is of comparatively little
consequence. The resistance made to the act, the
unprecedented and most unwarrantable and illegal
course Iesorted to for ObstructiDg Us execution,
and the legal proceedings get on foot otest its cou-
sttutionality, did not originate in any conviction
on the part Of anybody that the Legislature had
exceeded its powers, that the Constitutional rights
of the city or of anybody else had been Hvaded nor
even-except on the part of very small number of
interested parties-in any strong sentiment of dis
like TO the law. 1t was from beginning 10 end
mere political movement, or rather On insurrec-
tionary movement, set on foot, not i'y any party
possessed of any standDgin the city and recognized
as representing the sentiments and idees Of any
section of the respectable inhabitants but merely
BY that gang OF bullies gamblers and lewless grog
shop Keepers who, undsr the leadership of Mayor
Wood, have aspired TO possess Themselves OF the
political administration OF the City, and ultimately
OF the State, with view, principally, TO prevent
any legislative interference with their business of
plumber aid fraud.
We call it an insurrs9tionary move sSebt-a rebel
lion against the Authority of the Sata and such in
fact it WAS, whatever attempt might have beeu'
made to glOss it sy supplementary appeal t0'
the legal tribunals. Mayor Wood, IS magistrate
sworn 10 sabmit to the Constitution and to enforce
the laws even If hs had believed u his conscience
we suppose be has conScienee-that the Police
act was unconstitutional had yes but one alterna-
tive: either to carry the Law into execution or
to resign his Office. As 3 private citizen,
he might haze resisted the execution OF the
sct SO far AZ 10 have put himself into position
70 bring the question of its so0stitutionality before
the judicial Tribunals. As a magistrate, he had no
such right, and his application Of the powers, pat
ronste and influence Of bis Office Of Mayo to defeat
and obstIuct a law regularly enacted by the Legis
laure and upon which 40 tribunal had yetcast any
doubts, was gross act not only of mlsbehayior IN
Office fully justifyipg his immediate removal, but an
act Of open rebellion against the State, for which
we trust he will speedily be brought to cOndgn
punishment.
Never certainly was an example more needed.
Such is the pass 10 which things have come IN this
city, that large class of persons in it, and those
| most needing the restraint Of law, have come to
be of Mayor Woods opinion that no laws are con-
stitu.ional as to them which do not meet their
personal appreciation, and that they are safe and
will be supported by the political party to which
they give their votes not only in eyading and dis.
regarding those laws but in resisting them by force
| " 4 -. Al -N,n e. ct
resisting the law not merely al individual but as
magistrate, and Of seeking to involve the whole
city along with BIN in the support, disgrace and
expense of his illegal proceedings. We trus
means Will be found to teach him and Others that
however be may evade the punishment of crimes
ommitted in his character as an individual the SAINT
mpunity is not to be expected when, not conten
with outragiDg the law in his own person, he at
cmpts to make whole city the partners OF hi
| guilt