New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-12-07

ANYTHING that tends tn bring it about
All sorts OF clews ending in nothing have
been followed in accordance with various
theories Of Tweed's escape. Our local col
umns bristle with accounts OF the activity OF
the searchers. But nowhere does the bulky
form of the departed " statesman loom
in tho distance, nor has anybody been
successful in recognizing his well-kno"n
features, though $4,000 gold spectacles are
ready to assist the fortunate eyes. Meanwhile
there are other lesser criminals at large Inc
counterfeiters who dug their way out through
the floor of the Brooklyn Jail did not have
quite the facilities for escape that were pro-
vidcd by the LudlOw-st. authorities, but the
management was equally successful.
Judge johnson having given his decision
that the act under which postage on printed
matter was doubled is constitutional, there
is no hope IN that quarter of relief from Its
oppression. But though it may have been con-
stitutional, not even its supporters claim that
it was wise indeed, it is now claimed to have
been a blunder Of accident rather than Of de-
sign. Congress will do well to hasten the
measures of relief suggested by the Postmas-
ter-Genoral, which include not only return
to the former rates Oh printed matter, but also
some simple provisions to enable its recipient
TO learn who sent the package and what it is
intended to contain. The latter feature VIII
be o check on the post office clerks who handle
such matter.
Asa rule, the correspondents of the State
Department get themselves if not the country
Al. .tn Ii
the past year our representatives abroad sent
fewer letters than usual, and these disclose no
notable indiscretions. Minister Gushing pro-
vides ali interesting historical review OF the
sentiments Of Spanish soyerclgns toward this
country during the past century not until our
influence in the Antilles was feared did
any change appear i'll the expressions OF
friendship. In the correspondence respect
ing the Captain-Generafs decree order
ing the execution as pirates OF persons
found on vessels in Spanish waters bearing and
to the Cuban insurgents, the State Depart
mcnt took a position justified alike by hui
mainly and our national honor. There is
curious though brief chapter on the marriages
of Americans in Paris, which includes sharp
rebuke for those of our countryinen land
women) who persist in intriding their family
affairs on the office Of the legation.
In tho additional extracts from the report of
the War Department which We publish this
morning, there are some gratifying facts pre-
sented. The service has been conducted with
greater economy than before, and the result is
a saving of more than a million dollars. An
improvement in the system of paying the
soldiers has led to tbreelOd the number OF
reenlistments as compared with the previous
wear, and diminution Of the desertiOns 10y
nearly one-haf. The question between the com
parative merits of the old mileage system and
the new mode of paying actual expenses, is
revived again in the report, the Secretary of
War fayOring the former plan. The prepare
ton Of the records of the war has so far adj
vanced that consultation Of the files of the
other Departments has become necessary to
completeness. and the theory is now pro-
pounded that il a mistake is made either way
il is better that this work should include too
much than too lttle-a view of the case which
can best be considered when it is stated how
much the too muchn will add to the labor
and expense involved.