New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-08-31

late. The principle which Judge Robinson sets
forth that the size of the fee should be gov
eIned by the value of the service rendered,
and not by the size of the estate or amount III
question, ought not to need enunciation from
the Bench but il has novel sound, after al,
and may be looked upon by some as start
ling revelation. If it is, it is wholesome
one Judge Robinson has done something to
check a growing form of extravaganza.
The Russian flag still floats above the Bal
kans Suleiman admits that there is a lull IN
the conflict. He holds positions on three sizes
of the Russian Notifications, but the ROAD
to Gabrova--on the north side OF the
mountain - is still open, enabling the
Russians to receive reinforcements, ana hold
communication with the great army, when as a
wedge IN Central Bulgaria, separates the Otto
man forces While more fortunate than the
Snartans. the Russians hold their 1hermopy-
.la. the presence of Prince Charles with
% 900 Roumanians on Turkish soil, at point
on the Isker, about twenty-five miles above Nix
opols. promises them decided advantages in
the impending conflict at Plevna. From the
spot where the ROumanians have crossed a
road leads along the right bank Of the lsker
and strikes near Ayize, in the rear of Pley-
ma the great road by Orchanie to So
phia, which is now Osman Pasha's line
of communication. 1t Is obvious thas
Prince Charles's troops are intended to adj
vance along this road, while the Russians at
tack them in overwhelming force IN 'front.'
Should the Scrvians also cooperate III time,
Osman Pasha may Gnd it imperative to aban-
don Plevna and retreat on Sophia. mat
movement may he the beginning of the end
The Controllers annual statement of the
finances of the city takes hopeful view OF
the great debt which weighs so heavily upon
the taxpayers. He finds, in view OF the pres
ent greatness and the certain growth OF the
city, no cause for alarm at the magnitude OF the
debt, and believes that the return OF general
prosperity will tighten the load. While tax
PAYERS may not be much encouraged by the
Controllers showing of the increase III the
value Of the city's docks and reservoirs and
aQueducts, they may experience slight rellet
in hearing that this years taxes will he lit
tie tower than last years thus making some
change at least for the better. The Con-
troller shows also the impracticabity OF the
pSoposal TO fund the bonds of the city at a
lower rate of interest.
The mystery of defalcaton usually ends
with its disclosure. When the clerk or trustee
or guardian is found to he thief, there are
score Of people to remember ugly incidents
in his life and recall habits and associates that
had brought suspicion upon him. But the
theft committed by Christian {. Schmidt, for
it was single theft ard not series of
dcfalcatiOns. seems, on the theory OF ms
employers, to have been, not the out
growth of folly or dissipation, but an
act of worldly prudence. Schmidt was in re-
cept of salary larger than the earnings OF
the average professional man, and he is not
charged with prohigate habits. He was afraid
the difficulties of his house would deprive HIM
of the savings he had invested in It's stock and
therefore make off with an equal amount OF
its funds in tangible coin This at least is the
theory of his supcriors, and it seems to fit this
peculiar case. 1t was a cool confidential clerk
that walked into crime and away from wife
and child with this deliberate stride.
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