New-York tribune., 1877-01-05

newing the attempt in another season. 1t was
pointed out in these columns shortly after the
return of the expedition that the scurvy had
made the return necessary, and that tlat dls-
case was caused by the want of lmc-julee
A similar conclusion is gradually forcing itself
on the British mind There was plenty OF
lime juice on board ship, but it was not used
on the siedging expeditions. 1t still looks rs
if somebody blundered.
Gov. Rice announces the substantial compile
ton of the Troy and Greenfield Railroad ana
the Hoosac Tunnel. Like all Massachusetts
work, it is thoroughly done. Statistics Will
soon begin to show how much of the com
merce that should come to this city VIII
travel off through that hole in the mountains.
Boston enterprise may be trusted to look out
for its own interest and not to suffer by freight
determinations.
Senator Wright's argument in behalf of his
hill establishing a court to deal with disputed
Presidential questions is well worth attention,
but il is not easy to see that 1t heips the OIL
itself very greatly. Those who were unwilling
to refer the present dispute to the Supreme
Court for fear of partisan decision, would DE
far less likely to submit it to tribunal COM
posed of the Chief-Justice of that court and
half dozen District or Circuit Judges,
these latter being often distinctively partisan
appointees. Those who took higher ground,
and held that even by our lOftiest tribunal
decision would be too great stain upon the
court, would be likely to hold that decision
by Senator Wright's court would be too great
a strain upon the people. After all they Will
feel safest with their own delegates. However
strictly party lines may be drawn, verdict
by a large body of intelligent representatives
would probably command more general re-
spect than that of small number OF judges
not of the highest rank.
THE TRIBUNE has had occasion before now
to say what it thought of Mr. Conkling attitude
as a Senator in terms the reverse OF compli-
mentary; but for his present course 1t can
have no words hut those of commentator.
All through the trying times of the last two
months, when the burning impulse OF every
man was to speak, he has preserved a dlgnl-
fed silence worthy OF q Senator, and Judge
i'm the greatest case an American court has ever
had to try. This silence he broke yesterday IN
presenting the petition of the New-lork mer-
chants for an honest and peaceable adjustment
of the controversy, but did so only to add to
their appeal the weight OF his own earnest
plea that partisan feeling may be put aside
and both parties address themselves IN pa
triotic spirit to "the only duty which remains"
which is "to find the honest and true result,
to declare it, bow to it, and stand by It," his
is the golden rule of this crisis, and Mr.. Conklng
IN avowing himself ready 10 respect both its
letter and its spirit, whatever the issue may
be, commands the undivided respect OF the
people of the great State which he represents.
The character of the French political leaders
was brought into bold relief by the recent
crisis. According to our Paris letter the
Republicans began the strife, which continued
until NJ. Dufaure resigned, when grave state
of uncertainty ensucd. N. Gambetta, the
Republican leader, was throughout discreet and
temperate. He disliNes NJ. Simon, but made
no fruitless efforts to keep him out of power.
This will render it possible for him to act with
the new Premier without loss OF personal
dignity. The Due dAudffret Pasquier and
Minister WaddngtOn showed noble dlsln-
terestedness which may lead to the former
being President and the latter Premier should
the Republic endure NJ. Simon, who speaks
even better than he writes, was at once
polite and resolute, avowing that he remains
profoundly Republican as well as profoundly
conservative. He took care also to affirm that
to the victors belong the spOlls, assuming OF
course that the public interests necesSitate
official changes. President MacMahOn had the
most difficult part to play. He showed an
utter disregard for constitutional practice III
declaring that he would never consent to part
with his War Minister, but he displayed a
generous spirit in disavOwing all resentment
against NJ. Simon for the sharp criticisms he
had passed on him in the National Assembly.
The settlement, by which NJ. Simon became
Premier and the Minister of War cOntlnuednn
Office, was as satisfactory as could have been
devised.
While Gov. Hayes's message deals entirely
with State matters leaving the discussion OF
national politics TO the Democratic Governors,
it has a far wider interest. 1t not only shows
the hand of a clear-headed man of business, but
some of its recommendations, especially those
in relation to the deplorable increase in
municipal Indebtedness, and the folly of dis
turbing local governments by political con-
tests on any but local issues, are per-
tinent to the people of every State.
Perhaps the recommendation of greatest gem
eral interest is that IN favor of holding the