New-York tribune., 1877-09-29

taken OHence at Single phrase Ill tlc Iicsi-
dents Atlanta speech, may see what an unwar-
ranted construction has been placed upon an
innocent remark.
Commissioner Campbell issues warning to
the public of the necessity for strict economy
in the use of Croton water. The drought OF
last year, "the severest known for half CEN
"tury," was not so severe as the drought OF this
year, and for three months no water has run
over the Croton dam into the Hudson River. 1t
is not necessary to multiply words in support of
this appeal. Ii is to the interest of every citi-
zen to heed it.
The difficulty of modifying trade usages has
been demonstrated by the failure of the Inter
national Cotton Conference to induce the
Spinners' Association to accept the radical
changes 1t proposed at its last session. DIS
couraged by this defeat, the conference appears
to have lost heart, and adjourned without do
ing anything The work of reform III cotton
selling is doubtless in its first stage, and must
wait until the ample discussion the subject
has received bears fruit
Our civil war, it appears, has been carefully
studied by General Skobeleff. one of the few
Russian commanders who have won bnl-
liant reputation in the Bulgarian campaign. In
the last general assault on Plevna, he applied
our tactics to advantage, and, seconded by the
bravery Of his men, won the formidable
redoubt on the Lovtcla or Lovatz road. Had
he been supported, he might, ais explained in
the account elsewhere, have spread disaster in
the Turkish ranks. AS it was, he had the
misfortune to see nearly 5000 of his brave
men slaughtered in disastrous conflict.
Minnesota echoes Massachusetts, and Mary
land. The Republicans of that State approve
President Hayes's course toward the South
with really patriotic fervor, and declare that
his efforts to redeem his pledges and those of
his party for reform of the Civil Service,
"deserve the cordial support Of the Republi
"can party, and commend themselves to the
"best sentiment of the country at large" The
chance that New York State will stand alone
in a refusal to approve the Presidents course
seems to be improving. Even Pennsylvania,
where a sullen Cameron is chief, was far more
gracious. Unless all signs fail, it will not be
many days before the Rochester politicians see
their mistake.
Plevna continues to be the great barrier to
the progress of the Russian arms. It's capture
has become as essential to final success as was
the fall of Richmond to the overthrow of the
Confederacy. On the Jantra the Russians are
firmly entrenched, and are out of peril
since Mehemet Ali deemed it expedient to re-
treat southwark. In the Shipka Pass. Gen.
Radetzky holds strong position, although the
appearance of snow adds to the discOmfOrts Of his
mountain bivOuac Until, however, the Oper-
atiOns before Plevna assume a more promising
aspect, the advantages elsewhere will be neu-
tralized by the menacing attitude of Osman
Pasha at that stronghold.
Prompt action has been taken by the Pres
ident, in view of the recent fire in the Patent
Office, to prevent such another calamity from
Detailing any of the other public buildings in
Washington. A commission has been ap-
pointed to examine the buildings, and report
what can he done, without the aid Of Congress,
to render them more secure against fire, and
also what Congress must do to make the pre-
cautions complete The character OF the com
mission is such as to make q thorough report
a certainty. The work which follows should
be thorough. also, for fire in a Government
Office usually does damage which can never be
repaired.
Two things especially worthy of note are
brought out in the letter of our correspondent
from Wilkesbarre. First, that the miner lives
in much greater comfort than the wOrkingman
of the cities, having plenty of houseroom and
garden-patch, and being furnished with coal
by his employer. Second, that, while the num-
Der of men crowded together into tins region
is too great for the work there is to do, there
seems to be no disposition among them to re-
heve the pressure by leaving for other parts.
Each man waits for the other to move first.
These two facts would seem to show that, if
the number of miners can be reduced in some
way to its proper level, so that all can have
steady employment the advantages which they
enjoy, in at least the particulars mentioned,
will serve to lessen the complaints of miners
wrongs
There are symptoms to-day of great popu-
lar uprising. Every hour the indignation of
the voters of New-York at the Rochester pro-
ceedings becomes more marked. Every mail
brings fresh evidences of the deep resentment
with which the stupendOus folly and un
paralleled iusolence of Mr.. COnklng have
filled the nation. 1t is not only the State of
New-York which is reused to anger; the
whole Union joins in the chorus of denuncia-
ton The timid apologies and mild approvals
limited here and there by admirers of the
Senator or enemies of the President, are so few
and inconsiderable that we may say there is
virtually not a dissenting voice. There has
been no such demonstration of political agree
ment since the exciting days of the war. There
has been no occasion, since the safety of the
Union was at stake when the people repudia-
ted so emphatically the authority of partsans