Oppression

An act of cruelty, severity, unlawful exaction, domination, or use of excessive authority.'

Compare Extortion. ■ R. S. §§ 650, 652. 'R. S.,§ 651; United States v. Harris, 106 U. S. 629 (1882). ' Hannauer v. Woodruff, 10 Wall. 483 (1870); Silliman V. Hudson River Bridge Co., 1 Black, 582 (1861).

See generally Durant v. Essex Company, 7 Wall. 110 (1868). < Weeth ■(/. New Eng. Mortgage Co., 106 U. S. 605 (1882), cases. * California Natural Stone Paving Co. v. Molitor, 113 U. S. 609 (1885). ' Williamsport Bank v. Knapp, 119 U. S. 360 (1886), cases; Jewell ij. Knight, 123 id. 432-33 (1887), cases. To make an act oppressive on the part of an^oflicer under Rev. St., § 3169, subdivision 1, it must be done willfully, "under color of law," and "without legal authority." '