New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-10-04


by the Railroad Clearing House and other
agencies the scheme adopted was perhaps the
only one which could long have escaped de-
lection.
Captain Eads's views on the MISSISSIPPI
levecs ought to be known already to the
Commissioner of Agriculture who might have
saved himself the trouble of writing two let
tiers to the DISTINGUISHED engineer, by reading
his pamphlet on the subject, published about
two wears ago. In Captain Eadss opinion,
levees are only temporary makeshift, because
the higher they are buill, the higher VIII the
river raise its bed. He thinks that the true
system is to shorten the course of the stream
by cutting through the bends, and holds that
this will not only prevent overilows, but VIII
drain millions of acres of swamp lands.
A sentence in one of our Albany dispatches
touches the marrow of the whole controversy
which is distractng the Democratic Conyen-
ton. 1t is simply struggle between rival
"factions whose differences DO not touch a
"snge question of public policy. but only
"affect selfish and personal interests, for the
"control of the convention and of the party"
Not word is said about principles. Indeed II
is only too apparent that the truculent chle1S
of the rival factions who hurl epithetS at each
other and the noisy followers who cheer them
on, have none to speak Of There will
platform. of course but nobody is troubling
himself as to what it is to contain
The spirit of Tammany Democracy was pref
ty lively and difusiye yesterday, but 1t con-
densed itself into one comprehensive eXhiOl-
ton when Mr. Kelly and Mr. Shater took the
floor together to contest the seat. SIT down.
''you big-headed loafer!" shouted somebody IN
the hall whereup0n Mr.. Kelly and Mr.. Shaier
looked at each other. in doubt which ought to
subside. In the course of to-day the question
will be promptly settled, and the biG-headed
loafers will begin work. Meanwhile, there
has been ever so much fun, for those
who like such discussions; and what with the
convention at Albany and the Count Joannes
at Tammany Hall, it must be confessed that
the third Of October was an ediiying day.
From General Sheridln's dispatch, it appears
that the prospect of capturing the hostile
Nez PercGs has grown so faint as to be almost
invisible. They were "strucb again on the
23d of September this time by force OF
citizens. under Major llgcs and they evidently
struck back with their customary vlgor, Tor
they repealed their assailants, and pursued
their lcisurcly march stopping to destroy
supply train that got in their way, AMI to XIII
two men who tried 10 defend It. Chief Joseph
continues to wear all the laurcls that have
been gathered in the campaign. He has shown
n remarkable degree of military skill, repeat
edly out-manmuvring the professional soldiers
la fnr xva have
been irving TO close in upon him. fighting
when forced to with eXtraO binary bravery,
carving his wounded with him in his retreat
and holding his little band ready at all times
10 turn and deliver a blow at his pursucrs.
Not one Of the numerous generals, colonies
and CAPTAINS who are cam aigning against this
untutored savage, can compare with him III
genius for partisan warfare.
Death took two distinguished victims yes
terday from ranks that stand far apart. Both
had been sufferers from tedious and in
curaNle disease, and the last summons,
in both cases, had been long expected.
In the removal Of the Archbishop of
Baltimore, the Catholics Of the United States
sustain a severe loss. man Of extensive cul-
ture and literary aptitude, he nevertheless
served his church far more effectively by the
charm of his personal character and presence,
than hy his pen. He was the staunchest and
most unc0mpromising Of believers, but he
was not by natural inclination a polem-
ic. He was widely known and beloved
outside the pale of his own denomina-
ton. fascinating all whom he approached
hy his gentle disposition, his frankness,
I'D Lis eosv and ppuiol manner He had
the advantages of hereditary culture. ex
tcnsive travel, lifetime of familiar
intercourse with the best society, and
singularly winning countenance. All who
ever met him will long remember Archbishop
Bayey as the type of Il generous, simple, and
elegant Christian gentleman. His people VIII
furthermore cherish the recollection OF his
charities, and Of the thousand little acts OF
courtesy and kindness Of which he seemed to
have an inveterate habit. 1t is a long
way from an archbishop to primd
donna. and yet Of Mile. 1Ietens and Of DIR.
Bayley the journalist is called upon to speak
i'm about the same strain. The great singer,
no less than the prclate, honOred her profession.
and leaves .he record of a work well done, and
an amabe private life. We have spoken else
where Of her position in the world of art and
the chief incidents of her distinguished career.
II is a satisfaction to those who have admired
her in the glare of Theatre glory, to know that
beneath the robes of the tragedy queen beat
a generous and noble heart
The fight OF the Democratic factions ragged
furiously at Albany yesterday. No decisive
result was reached, but the "old ticket men
,-.ro xvnratad IN the first encounter. They