History of the State of New York, Vol. I (1609-1691)
We sincerely wish we were already through this administration, for it hath been fSonbear8*'h'Md heavy upon us, and we are conscious of our feeble power; we will, nevertheless, make a beginning, and as we have already treated of the public property, ecclesiastical and civil, we shall examine into the administration of justice and the rendering of judgment between man and man, and demonstrate, as with a finger, in the first place, the manner of the Director and Council. As regards the Director, his manner in court has been, from his first arrival unto this time, to browbeat, dispute ^ with and harass one of the two parties not as beseemeth ' ; SUiyvesanl acts the a Jo' iudge, but like a zealous advocate. This has caused great " discontent advocaie and not the judge m tJio
every where, and has gone so far and had such an effect on some, that many '='""'•
dare not bring any suits before the court, if they do not stand well, or passably so, with the Director ; for, whom he opposeth hath both sun and moon against him. In addition to the fact that he hath himself appointed and obliged so many Councillors, some of whom also are well disposed, so that he can constrain the others by plurality of votes, he likewise frequently submits his opinion in writing, and that so fully and so amply that it takes up some side, and then ||i';,^J't^^^°J,y'"^'J,'X!
his word is: "Gentlemen, this is my opinion; if any one have aught to object dicwo" or auvice. to it, let him express it." If any one, then, on the instant, offer objection, which