So ancient and honorable is that system and doctrine of State right;', upon the continued preservation of which in their integrity depends the existence of the American Union.

The source of power in the " States Provincial " of Holland was in the constituencies of the deputies to them who were the Municipal Councils of the towns and cities, and the College of Nobles, by which the deputies were elected. To them was each deputy responsible, and under their instructions alone he acted.

Holland was an aggregate of independent towns and cities each administering its own taxation, finances, and domestic affairs, and making its own ordinances. Its inhabitants were not on an equality. To entitle a man to every municipal franchise, he must have acquired the greater or lesser burger-right -- hiu yer recht" -- either by inheriting it, by marriage, or by purchase. In the latter case a larger sum was re- ()uired for the great burger right and a smaller sum for the lesser. In either case, however, the amount was not very large. Only a year's previous residence was necessary for any foreigner to obtain it. The privileges it conferred were, freedom of trade, exemption from tolls, special privileges and preferences in the conduct of lawsuits, and an exclusive eligibility of election to municipal office. The |)rivileges of the two classes of burghers varied only in degree. The city and town governments consisted of a Board of Burgomasters and Schepens, and a Schout, that is a Board of magistrates and aldermen, and a sheriff who was also a prosecuting officer.