The Provisional Order, 1650

This order was promulgated by the Dutch Parliament in response to the Remonstrance of New Netherland. Clause 17 of the order mandated that a municipal government be established in New Amsterdam, to consist of a Schout, two Burgomasters and five Schepens. These officials were to be elected by the citizens in the manner usual “in this City of Amsterdam,” and were also to constitute the City’s court of justice. Despite this mandate, the form of municipal government implemented by Director-General Stuyvesant on February 2, 1653, reserved to the Director-General the right to appoint the municipal officials. Stuyvesant also designated the New Netherland Fiscael to act as the Schout of the City of New Amsterdam, thereby depriving the city of a separate law enforcement official.

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