He Blocks Spring Valley Water

The taxpayer is now feeling the effects of universal suffrage and the American vote; and Whereas; the fraudulent system which the politicians have engendered cannot give the taxpayer his pro-rata of the spoils.
NOW THEREFORE, We Norton I, Deo Gratias, do hereby prohibit the Water Commissioners from signing the Spring Valley Water bill under penalty of decapitation until a sounder system shall have been adopted.
Given under our hand and seal.

1872.