New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-06-29
4 JOKE or A REPTBLIC,

1t ought to make us feel more comfortable 10
compare our ways and manners, now and then,
with those of less civilized peoples. When we
observe their childshness and stupidity III
directing the machinery of government, for in
stance, our own enlightenmentandC Christianity
sit more easily upon us. We shrug our sh0ul-
ders in them, and hold up our heads, as in we'll
fitting garments. Now there is an absurd little
Swiss Canton yclept Url-for example-a Re
public, one of the oldest and most historic OF
those wee patches of nations that go to make
I'D that part of Europe. The other day the
Uriites wanted to elect Observation-Disclosures
President, in short. Certain circumstances
("that hole of the future" as they call 1t.
which is piercing its way through st. Gothard,
and which is to "let IN a horde of Italian and
"Suabian immigrants to ruin their morals and
"their business'O rendered the office likely to
be a difficult one to fill this year, and demanded
exceptional integrity and ability in the recip-
lent.
Tho fathers of the country met together
to choose the ruler who was to conduct them
through this dangerous strait. Their solem-
nifty and gloom are ludicrous enough, when
we consider that we, VITA the destiny OF
millions concerned in our choice, assemble to
pick out President as we might the leader
of raree show, with tricks and yells and
Kisses, settling the point at times by the ar
gument of telling joke or the sudden pre-
sentation of split rail of wood. Herr Arnold
being pointed out by certain grave speakers
as the man best fitted for the post, declined
in few simple but strong words. lie did
not hold himself worthy or capable OF the
Office. 81 Will not accept it, and in this
"you will find me firm" The people
received this childish declaration with
the simplicity and faith of children. Evil
IDENTIFY even the politicians in Uri mean
usually just what they say Herr Lusser,
ce-President of the Republic, was then
nominated. Lusser does not appear to have
calculated the salary Or weighed it against his
present wages for a moment, or to have fore
seen his chances of making corners in the
least. Indeed, so ignorant of these plainest
clements of national finance do all these sages
appear that we might suspect the whole ven
cradle lot of softening of the brain. Herr
Lusser averred that he had served the Canton
for thirty years, and felt that he had done his
duty. He "coud not get through the day now
"withOut nap and it is clearly no time now
for the patriot chief of Uri to be mapping. He too
refused the post. Herr Epp, who, like our
own Chief Magistrate, had already held Office
for two terms, protested that he did not de-
sire reelection. "There will be plenty of
stakes by and by" he said. 81 am not the
man to wish to fulfill the functions of Lam
damman under these conditions" In no
case would he accept them, being heartily
tired of the obloquy and abuse heaped on
him. If l drink quiet glass of wine with
"a friend" said he, 81 find myself made into
ga picture in caricature. have no relish
for that sort of thing, and wish to 60 back
"to private life, and share my glass, when
Choose, with friend without observation
To this pathetic appeal no refusal was
offered. A man with too numerous
friends, and too fond of his glass
Gin UrD was evidently held to
be more in place in private life than in the
rulers chair, and Herr Epp was accordingly
quietly suffered to return thither. After fur
ther grave deliberation these old men settled
upon Herr Lusser rs the best and wisest of
their number, and he was accordingly chosen
Landamman, and the helm of the good State
Uri placed in his hands to steer it through the
breakers ahead in this coming Summer. He
took it with evident reluctance.n Why any
man should hesitate in taking any office what
ever which can bring him a certain weekly
income is more than any properly trained
American can comprehend.
"YOur confidence" he said to the gray old
men about him, touches my very heart, and
| will do my very best for you, with Gods
"help. These are evil times for him who is
the protector of the widows and orphans Of
the CantOn.n After enumerating the diff
culties before them. he winds up in the fol-
lowing unstatesmanlike exOrdium: GAS for
me, am but weak mortal, but I will do
"my best, and now only bcg yQW prayers and