8 ESSENTIALS OF VETERINARY LAW 
The courts only may give an authoritative inter- 
pretation of the laws in their application. 
This division of powers is far more important 
than is generally recognized. It is the chief de- 
fense against oppression and tyranny. If the 
legislature were permitted to interpret their own 
laws they might easily make that a crime which 
when committed was really no crime. If the ex- 
ecutive were permitted with impunity to make 
laws as he pleased, and to interpret laws enacted 
according to his own will, he could easily prove 
himself a dangerous tyrant. If the majority of 
the voters be permitted to do as they please in the 
making and enforcing of the laws, we should find 
the worst form of tyranny—that of the mob, such 
as brought horror, death, and ruin upon so many 
innocent victims under the old Paris Commune. 
Every attempt at such unconstitutional union of 
powers in one person, or in one governmental 
body, is a move towards the state of affairs most 
perfectly represented by the Paris Commune. It 
may do no harm for a governor to attempt to force 
through certain legislation, further than it is a 
usurpation of authority, and it tends to break 
down the barrier. Congress, or a state legislature 
may attempt to force the President, or the gov- 
ernor, to certain executive action against his 
jadgment, by withholding appropriations until he 
does as the legislative body demands, but such 
action is a violation of constitutional provisions 
which should be observed. It is the duty of the 
executive to enforce the laws as enacted. That is 
a different matter. What the law directs he should 
do. If he be given discretion, he must use his 
