New-York tribune., 1874-10-24
doubtless excite sympathy which 1t can
scarcely deserve.

scarcely deserve.
A dispatch from Boston states that the
Custom house of that city is to be reorgan-
lied. 1t also mentions that the plan for th's
change was devised by Collector Simmons anu
two Treasury agents. to be carried lhto cAo-
cution by the Collector. The circumstance
that ait is not the purpose OF the reorgahiza-
ton to secure removals." under such auspices
does not seem surprising.
BOSTON correspondent outlines the polit-
ical situation in Massachusetts, and describes
the hopes and fears of the candidates and
their supporters. The distinctive feature or
this years campaign appears to be that the
Republican party has lost its great leaders,
while tendency to bolt is thinning its ranks
But the opposition is scarcely more fortunate
in it's nominees and is not certain OF carrying
any of the Congress Districts.
Gen. Miles contradicts the dispatches that
told of disaster to his troops. The campaign
il drawing to close, and is successful. The
Indians have been severely punished whenever
tbey showed fight, and our troops closing in
upon them gradually from all sides have COM
few that will break through the corral Will
give little trouble hereafter. The plan OF the
campaign and its execution reflect credit on
our army.
Whatever may be the merits OF the case,
there is something very suggestive OF the
whirigig of time and its revenges IN the suit
against Howe and Hummel criminal lawyers,
to have them debarred from practice. The
private and personal affairs and history OF
one of the defendants are dragged into court
after the edifying manner OF criminal suits'
and both sides throw pitch at each other with
great heartiness. The sensations OF party TO
such case must be quite different from those
that have been experienced as counsel.
A proclamation is just issued under which
the Election Commissioners in every county OF
South Carolina are to be changed and the
new ones are to be, in each county, Repub-
lican, an Independent Republican, and Con-
seryatiye. If this measure is carried out faith
fully, it will 60 far to secure an honest elec-
ton in that State. The friends OF good gov
ernment have to thank Gov Moses for this
proclamation; and it is a long while since
they have had occasion to give thanks in that
quarter.
DIR. Lyon Playfair, in his address before
the British Social Science Congress, asserted,
with a convincing reference to statistics that
neither in Scotland nor in England have the re-
suits of the sanitary measures been distinct and
satisfactory. If any one of even approximate
ability were to make similar examination in
this country, even more startling results
would probably be obtained with less labor.
Under such circumstances Dr. Playfair's re-
marks on the processes of publication should
be carefully studied.
A great deal of interest attaches to the trial
at Mobile of Col. WetmOre and other citizens
of Sumter County. The suit is brought on
the deposition of United States Marshal Hester
that the accused had cOnspired to injure his
person; but in opening the case it appears
that subpenas were issued fortnight before
the date of the alleged Offense. IT the outrage
trials bring forth such revelations as this, and
the curious recognition of Hester by ex-
Admiral Semmes, not even the abundant
arrests in Alabama may justify Senator
Spencer's prediction and "give us the State"
Due credit should be given to Postmaster
General Jewell for good management of the
stamped envelope contract from first to last.
He was quick in -perceiving the "straw bids"
among the offers. When it became probable
that the successful bidders would be behind
hand in filling their contract, he brought
strenuous pressure to bear upon them which
had very hurrying effect. Finally, to cover
all contingencies it appears by dispatch to-
day that he has an arrangement with the
former contractor by which deficiencies can
be, in case of need, supplied. The POst-Ofice
Department bids fair to become a model of
Government service.
The crisis is approaching in the Episcopal
Convention. The report of the Committee on
Canons is presented, and made the special
order for Monday at noon. 1t recommends
new canon against ritualistic practices, speci-
fying the use of incense, presenting the cru
cifx, and the elevation and alteration Of the
elements. On the other side memorial is
presented bearing many names Of note, such
as John A. Dix and j. j. AstOr, Objecting to
the passage of any canon on ritualism. chiefly
on the ground that it would be a backward
step toward ecclesiastical dogma and con-
straint. POstpOning this subject till Monday
has at least the merit of not distracting the
Sabbath thoughts of the delegates with high
debate.
The English accountants who made trip