Lobbying for Power, but at What Cost?

In the sweltering heat of April 28th, 1874, the New York courts witnessed a peculiar trial that would expose the dark underbelly of legislative lobbying. James L. Smith, a journalist from the New York Courier, had been seeking $18 for advertising sheriff’s notices in his newspaper. However, Comptroller Greeu refused to pay, citing a lack of authority. This led Judge Low of the Court of Common Pleas to issue an alternative writ of mandamus, ordering Greeu to explain why the sum should not be paid.