New-York tribune., 1873-05-10

There might have been an investigation into
| the alleged use of money to influence leglsla-
ton on the Usury bill, in Albany, If each side
| had not accused the other. Two Assemblymen,
at least, were eager to have an inquiry pushed !;
but one speaker was sure that the bribery mad
been on the side of the friends of thelbilL and
the other was equally positive that money had
been used to defeat it. Is not this little
| farcicalH Of course, after such charge and
counter-charge, the Assembly was glad to hear
no more about an investigation.
Although the bill relating to assessments for
local purposes in this city has been most vio-
lently assailed in the Assembly, there still
remains an utter disagreement as TO Its real
merits. Speaker Cornell has so far modified
his original indictment as to say that MI
Hustled "was doubtless deceived" as to the
real character of the bill when he became its
defender. But Mr.. Hustled denies the soft i'm
peachment; he still believes the bill good
| one but he is willing that it shall now pass
the Assembly on its merits. That is just how
| it did not pass the other day.
Former revelations of crime on the part Of
the cashier, and negligence on that OF the other
officers of the Atlantic Bank have prepared
the public for the further statement OF care
lessness, almost amounting to crimlnalty
which we publish this morning. Not only is
the cashier confessed thief but it is found
that at least three OF his associates III the
management are large debtors 10 the bank,
with worthless securities only representing the
money they have drawn out Naturally, this
state of things depresses the depositOrs, some
! of whom threaten litigation, while others, more
discreet, are contemplating a compromise
The lecture of Prof. Agassiz, which we give
TODAY, contains the exceedingly interesting
details of modern discovery respecting bees
What we have learned, however, wonderful as
it is. does but lift us to the horizon of
wider circle of ignorance. The metaphysical
difficulties which have always hedged in the
subject of instinct as compared with reason
still remain. To them is added the physio-
logical puzzle that the insects which exhibit
this marvellous instinct have neither such
brairs nor nervous systems as those which
constitute a necessary part OF the vital
machinery of intelligence among the higher
animals.
letter 1TOIU 1IOis vi L iihNS'"H'
N. j., makes an important suggestion respect
ing the -MercuIlal planet computations.
Prof. Kirkwood's last letter gave series OF
| dates of observations from which he deduced
the existence of another planet nearer the
sun than the one which his first letter an
! nonncpd. Prof Alexander shows that If the
second set of observations be referred to the
same planet as the first, supposing only that
il ia seen in different nodes, its synodical pc
Rod will fall within one hour Of the previous
calculations. We must admit that the coinci-
dence is striking, but can scarcely suppose
| that its consideration has been overlooked by
so accomplished mathematician as Prof.
| KirkwOOd.
| One of the greatest of that English school
of philosophy which has so broadened the
horizons of human thought In modern days
has lust sunk to his rest at AvignOn. Few
thinkers have more powerfully impressed
the mind of their age than John
Stuart Mill. Like all men of robust and
original genius he excited violent par
tisanship and equally violent opposition.
But the world came long ago to agree in
admiration of his learning, his enormous
intellectual vigor, his stern and incorruptible
devotion to what he regarded the best inter-
ests of humanity. His success in practical
political life was less marked than in other
spheres of effort; but even there, as in the
wider field of philosophy, his loss will be
deeply felt and deplored.
The Legislature is warned that the proposed
amendment to the Charter conceals q scheme
to inhict heavy burdens upon the people of
this city without benefit One clause of
it is substantially revival of street paving
frauds organized under Tweed and to be
carried out by the successor in the Depart
ment of Public Works whom he dictated, and
whose term of service the Legislature un-
wisely prolonged in the Charter. This clause
gives Mr.. Van Mort the power to tear up the
wooden pavements upon which New-York has
wasted many millions, and relay our streets
with stone at q wasteful cost Of many millions
more. Against the passage OF such an act the
public officials whom New-York most trusts
have already protested and the people are as
positive in their condemnation of this or any
other act which gives Mr.. Van Mort any addi-
tiOnal powers.
Mayor Havemeyers nominations continue 10
illustrate his determination TO administer the
municipal government honestly and with zeal
The second senes, made yesterday, comprises
the names of Messrs. William Laimbeer, James
Rowen. and Myer Stern as Commissioners OF
Charities and Correction. Gen. Joseph Dick
inaon. Marvin Il. Clark. Patrick DAILY. Alex