The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-06-15

The Unite States Senate aud the Reciprocity |
Treaty. |
We learn from Washington that tn re is q !
probability the Fishing and Reciprocity Trea-
ty - recently signed by Mr.. Marcy and Lord |
Elgin, may not slip through the Senate as east
" OF a. speedily as is anticipates. The condi- |
ton that after the Senate of the United States
shall have acted up2n it, the Colonial Parlia- !
ments will have the right to interpose . veto II
they see fit, is certainly derogatory not only to
the position Of the Senate but also to the peo-
pie Of this country. We have nothing to do
with TIE Colonial governments of Great Britain:
we can make no treaties with the dependencies
of any crown, nor can we have any cognizance
even Of their existence, except as portion of
the government to which they belong. AS
equals the United States may treat with Eng
land. AS q nation, how can we negotiate trea-
ties with the mere colonies of that country
But we are called upon, by the treaty just
signed, to go even further than this. The
United States Senate is to submit its actions to
the approval or otherwise of the petty colonial
governments of Canada, Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick and Newfoundland.
We have never expressed any particularly
high opinion of the diplomatic qualifications of
Governor Marcy. We are, however, free to
acknowledge that he has displayed very con-
siderable as well as very minute information
on the subject Of old Clothes and this liberality
proves that we are not in any way disposed to
do the Secretary of State an injustice. But, as
regards the treaty with Lord Elgin, we think
he has not only been outwitted, but that he has
allowed provision to be inserted degrading to
the Senate, and which that body will promptly
resent if it has spark of its former seltrespect
left. The course of the Chairman of the Commit
tee on Foreign Relations will be observed
in this connection with good deal of interest
and we have no doubt Mr.. Mason will fully
vindicatc what is due to the dignity Of the
body Of which he is an important member, by
fling the treaty quietly away till the action of
the English government and of the colonies has
been determined upon
Mr.. Hincks, we understand, whilst in Wash
ington, had frequent interviews with Mr..
Seward, who is a sort of dry nurse to the
treaty, as he regards it as great step towards
the ultimate annexation of the Canadas. Mr..
Seward, however, as Mr.. Hincks may find, will
not materially assist the measure by his en-
dorsement. Southern Senators will probably
have something to say when the matter comes
up, and will require more satisfactory reason
for the exclusion of the article of sugar from
the list than has yet been offered. There are
variety of beauties about this so-called reci-
procity treaty which we will discuss at our,
leisure. There is plenty of time.
"
THE FIRE MARsHAI.-We mentioned short
time since the plan suggested for establishing
the Office Of Fire Marshal, whose duty would be
to attend all fires and make thorough investi-
cations into their origin. The arrangements
have now been completed, and Mr.. Alfred F..
Baker, having been selected for this duty by
the Police Judicial authorities, under whose
power and directions he acts, is now insttuting
the requisite inquiry into the causes of the
numerous fires Of the Metropolis. All are to
receive his attention, aud faithful record is TO
be kept for inspection.
To carry out this excellent arrangement,
Mayor Wcstervelt has issued general order to
The CAPTAINS of Police in the civ. directino
-
mand to render every facility to the Fire Mar
shal in the prosecution Of the necessary invcst.
CATION. The fonuVing is copy of the official
order -
GENERAL ORDER.
OFFICE OF THE CmEF PorIcE, !
NEW York, Juno 10, 1884.
sir-Alfred f. Baker, having been appointed Fire Mar
shall for estigating the origin of fires you will direct
the members OF your command oil occasions to
allow him free ingrcss and egress to the fire.
ford him every facility in the prosecution of his investi
CATION. BY order of
JACOB A. WESTERvEIT, Mayor
GEORGE W. ATSEII. Chief of Police.
The Fire Marshaps Office is at the Halls OF Justice
Centre street.
This new plan has been much talked about.
We have always seen the nee essity of such an
officer, yet no one appeared ready to take hold
of the matter, and incendiaries inc reased to
frightful extent. Now Mr.. Baker has come
boldly to the work, and from his capacity for
the task and his untring perseverance, we
have every reason TO believe he will show the
public that he is worthy of their confidence.