138 DUTCH AND ENGLISH ON THE HUDSON

form of government late in practice," appointed a
mayor, aldermen, and a sheriff to rule New York,
and directed the new officials to swear allegiance
to the Duke He continued the commercial rights
of the freeman who represented the burghers of the
Dutch period, and he also introduced trial by jury,
which placated the dwellers at New York and
along the Hudson.

On Long Island and in Westchester where New
Englanders had settled, Nicolls proceeded with
greater vigor. This section together with Staten
Island was erected into the district of Yorkshire,
where "the Duke's Laws" were proclaimed and
the machinery of English county government was
put in operation. With its three ridings, its courts
of sessions, and its court of assizes, Yorkshire
soon had an unmistakable English character
even though Dutch inhabitants were numerous in
western Long Island and in Staten Island. The
Duke's Laws were compiled mainly from the laws
of the New England colonies, though they de-
parted in many particulars from New England
traditions. In the Dutch towns schouts and
schepens gave place to overseers and constables.
The characteristic form of town government in
the province was that in which freeholders elected